Tiruvannamalai itineraries

Choose a plan

• One dayOne day in Tiruvannamalai: dawn darshan, Sri Ramanasramam, Skandashram and Virupaksha Cave, Adi Annamalai, and an evening Girivalam option.
• Two daysA two-day Tiruvannamalai itinerary: darshan, Girivalam on the first evening, Sri Ramanasramam and the Arunachala caves on day two, with a Pournami variation.
• Three daysA three-day Tiruvannamalai itinerary: darshan and Girivalam, the Ramana sites on Arunachala, and a day trip to Sathanur Dam, Parvathamalai, Gingee Fort or Padaivedu.

Plans for particular visits

First-time Girivalam

Arrive in the afternoon, check in near the temple or on the Girivalam road, and take evening darshan before about 7:30 PM. Walk Girivalam after dinner, ideally within a Pournami window. Sleep in, then visit Sri Ramanasramam the next morning. Read first-time Girivalam.

Pournami visit

Book your room early and arrive the day before if the tithi starts early. Take darshan at opening on the day, rest through the heat, and start Girivalam after sunset within the tithi. Expect crowds everywhere. See Pournami and night Girivalam.

Karthigai Deepam visit

Arrive at least a day early. Watch the Maha Deepam at dusk from your chosen spot, then walk Girivalam over the next day or two while the flame burns. See Karthigai Deepam 2026.

Family visit

Choose the cool months or early mornings, stay on or near the Girivalam route, and plan a partial walk with an auto back. Add Sathanur Dam’s parks as a relaxed half-day. See Girivalam with children and elderly family members and day trips.

Focused pilgrimage

Spend two or three days between darshan at opening, Girivalam in the early morning, and quiet time at Sri Ramanasramam, Virupaksha Cave and Skandashram. Apply early if you want to stay at the ashram.