Two days in Tiruvannamalai
Two days is the most comfortable length for a first visit: temple darshan and Girivalam on day one, the ashrams and the caves on the hill on day two, and a second, quieter darshan before you leave. This is a suggestion to adapt.
Day 1: temple and Girivalam
| Time | Plan |
|---|---|
| Afternoon | Arrive and check in, near the temple or on the Girivalam road. See where to stay |
| 4:30 PM | Darshan at Arunachaleswarar Temple. Enter by the east Rajagopuram |
| 6:30 PM | Early dinner (tiffin) near the temple |
| 7:30 PM | Start Girivalam from the east gopuram, clockwise with the hill on your right. See the route and 8 Lingams |
| About 11:30 PM | Finish back at the temple (time varies; use the calculator) |
Day 2: Ramana sites and a quiet darshan
| Time | Plan |
|---|---|
| 5:30 AM | Optional dawn darshan, the quietest time of the day |
| 8:00 AM | Breakfast |
| 9:00 AM | Sri Ramanasramam: the Old Hall and the samadhi shrines. See the ashram guide |
| 10:00 AM | Footpath to Skandashram and Virupaksha Cave |
| 12:30 PM | Lunch near Chengam Road |
| 2:00 PM | Seshadri Swamigal Ashram next door; then depart, or visit Adi Annamalai on the way out of town if you’re heading west |
Variations
- Pournami weekend: keep Girivalam for the night within the tithi, and move darshan to the early morning.
- Arriving from Bengaluru: you come in on the western side, close to the ashrams, so consider swapping the days. See Bangalore to Tiruvannamalai.
- With children or elders: walk part of the route and take an auto back. See Girivalam with children and elderly family members.
Sources & references
- Arulmigu Arunachaleswarar Temple – official websiteHindu Religious & Charitable Endowments Dept., Govt. of Tamil NaduOfficial temple source (HR&CE) · checked27 September 2026
- Full Moon Day (Girivalam)Tiruvannamalai District AdministrationGovernment of Tamil Nadu · checked27 September 2026
- Visiting Sri RamanasramamSri RamanasramamInstitution · checked27 September 2026
Please verify important timings and festival dates with official sources before travelling.
This is an independent informational guide, not the official temple website. For darshan tickets, sevas and donations, use the official HR&CE temple website.
Continue exploring Arunachala
One dayOne day in Tiruvannamalai: dawn darshan, Sri Ramanasramam, Skandashram and Virupaksha Cave, Adi Annamalai, and an evening Girivalam option.
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.
Girivalam guideComplete Girivalam guide: what it is, the 14 km route around Arunachala, the 8 Lingams, how long it takes, Pournami timing, safety, and a walking-time calculator.
Where to stayWhere to stay in Tiruvannamalai: the best areas for darshan, Girivalam and the ashrams, ashram rooms, and booking tips for Pournami and Deepam.