Tiruvannamalai is a small ancient town in Tamil Nadu, about 85 kms away from Vellore. Named after the holy mountain "Tiruvannan Malai", this unassuming town is flanked by Mt. Arunachala. Thiruvannamalai has long been associated with many yogis and sadhus and more recently the 20th century guru Ramana Maharshi and it is an important Shaivite town.

The town has great relirious significance. Four Brahmotsavams are celebrated here every year, the most famous of which is the one celebrated during the Tamil month of Karthigai (November/December). The ten day event culminates on the day of Karthigai Deepam. On that evening, a huge lamp is lit in a cauldron with three tons of ghee at the top of the Annamalai hill

Every full moon night, tens of thousands of pilgrims worship Shiva by circumambulating the Arunachala hill barefoot. The circumambulation covers a distance of about 14 km

The main sights of tourist interest are:
Arunachaleshwar Temple: This is one of the largest temples in India spread over 10 hectares. There is a 1000 pillar mandapa on the right side of the temple and a large tank on the left and four large gopurams.

Mt Arunachala: Thousands of pilgrims circumambulate the hill to worship Shiva during auspicious days. You can climb onto the top of this hill to get some fabulous views of the Arunachaleshwar Temple. You can also visit the Virupaksha and Skandasramam caves where Guru Ramana Maharishi mediated for over two decades.  

Sri Ramana Ashrama: This peaceful ashram about 2 kms from Tiruvannamalai is set amidst lush greenery. His ashram attracts devotees of Guru Ramana Maharishi  

Getting there:
Regular buses are available from Chennai, Vellore and Puducherry.