Tiruvannamalai: Temples, Pilgrimage Practices and the Javadhu Hills

Tiruvannamalai brings together several travel interests: the Shiva temple at the foot of the Annamalai Hills, a rich pilgrimage tradition and the landscape of the Javadhu Hills. Sathanur Dam and Sri Ramanasramam also offer their own points of interest. When looking for a holiday rental, it helps to first consider which of these aspects of the region will shape your trip.

Temple and Pilgrimage Traditions

Annamalaiyar Temple stands in the town of Thiruvannamalai and is dedicated to Shiva. Its 216.5-foot gopuram—the temple tower—is described as the third-tallest gopuram in the world. Its height and location at the foot of the Annamalai Hills make the temple a prominent landmark for anyone interested in religious architecture and local traditions.

Girivalam adds its own rhythm: on full-moon days and festival days, pilgrims follow the 14-kilometre road around Arunachala. Karthigai Brahmotsavam is celebrated over ten days. During Maha Deepam, a fire is lit at around 6 p.m. on the full-moon day; it can be seen from many kilometres away around the mountain. If you would like to plan your trip around these festival days, check the relevant date before making your plans.

A Different Focus: Sri Ramanasramam

At Sri Ramanasramam in Tiruvannamalai, the focus is on Bhagavan’s silent teaching; a visit is considered spiritually beneficial. Distances to well-known places can also help with orientation: the ashram is about three kilometres from Tiruvannamalai railway station and bus stations, and two kilometres southwest of the main temple and city centre.

Sathanur Dam and the Javadhu Hills

Sathanur Dam was built on the Thenpennai, also known as the Pennaiyar, in Thandarampet taluk of Tiruvannamalai district. Visitor facilities include a large crocodile farm, a fish grotto and parks. This gives the dam a different focus from temples and pilgrimage traditions: the visitor areas listed here take centre stage.

The Javadhu Hills are part of the Eastern Ghats and cover 260 square kilometres. Thinai, Samai and Varagu millets, as well as Seetha fruit and jackfruit, are grown in the mountain region. These agricultural products are part of the Hills’ local character; they offer another perspective for anyone interested in the landscape and life in the region.

Polur is listed as the nearest railway station and bus stop for travel to the Javadhu Hills. Polur is about 40 kilometres from Tiruvannamalai. Check this transport information again before your trip. A major festival is held each Thai month at Arulmigu Vedapurishvar Temple in Cheyyar; here too, it is advisable to check the event date before making specific plans.

Choose the Right Focus for Your Stay

Temples and full-moon rituals, a visit to the ashram, the facilities at Sathanur Dam or the Javadhu Hills can lead to different travel plans.

Discover more destinations: Tiruvannāmalai, Arani, Vellore, Krishnagiri, Kanchipuram, Madurai, Ramanathapuram and Sivaganga.

See the overview of the wider region: Tamil Nadu.