Distance from hotel: 10 meters
Annamalayar Temple
Annamalaiyar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is considered as one of the temples associated with the Agni or Fire element of the Pancha Bhoota Stalas or the five elements. There are numerous halls and shrines within the entire temple.The Eastern Gopuram ( Tower) is one of the tallest temple tower and it stands 66 metres tall. There is a thousand pillared hall that is extended in the temple complex.
Lord Shiva is also known as Annamalaiyar or Arunachaleswarar. His idol is referred to as Agni Lingam and Goddess Parvati is referred to as Unnamalai Amman. It is here that many Sages and Maharishis have attained salvation in the past and it is here that one should come to experience the moment of peace.
Ramana Ashram
Distance from hotel: 1 km
Ramana Ashrama is located in the foothills of Arunachala Hillsand is famous for having served as home to the modern sage and Advaita Vedanta philosopher, Ramana Maharshi who attained samadhi in 1950. The Samadhi shrine of Maharshi Ramana attracts devotees from all over the world who are in interested in Vedanta and those curious to know about Indian Spirituality.
The Sage Maharshi Ramana was regarded as an outstanding enlightened being and his charismatic personality and his teachings were respected and renowned all across the globe. This is perhaps why the Ramana Ashram still continues to be a favourite tourist attraction for Global Spiritual Seekers
Skandashramam
Distance from hotel: 2 km
Close to the Arunachaleshwar temple and the Ramana Ashram, this is one of the caves where the saint Ramana spent his period of stay in Thiruvannamalai.
In order to reach this destination, one needs to trek a long way. The view from the top is definitely worth it.
Virupaksha Cave
Distance from hotel: 2 km
This unique cave ashram in Thiruvannamalai is in the shape of the Hindu symbol ‘Om’. The cave is situated atop a small peak in the Arunachala Hill, nearly 200 feet below the Skandasram cave.
There are several sacred springs on the slope of the hill. The caves seem to be named after the renowned 13th-century saint named Virupaksha Deva, who is said to have spent most of his life here. This is also where his samadhi is, his ashes are preserved here and worshipped every day.
Seshadri Swamigal Ashram
Distance from hotel: 2 km
Located near Ramana Aashram, this aashram has a history of its own! Mahan Sri Seshadri Swamigal was a 20th century saint who had displayed majestic powers.
The devotees believe that he had carried out many miracles and has the power to bless the devotees who offer worship at this ashram. There is beautiful garden in the premise of the ashram. A perfect place to medidate and unwind. The ashram offers accommodation facilities too.
Mamara Guhai
Distance from hotel: 1 km
Literally translated, Mamara Guhai means the ‘Tree Caves’. This is a religious spot in the hilly terrain of Thiruvannamalai. It is believed that this is the cave where the mystic saint Sri Ramana Maharishi carried out penances and meditation for six years.
There are shrines dedicated to Lord Shiv, Goddess Annapoorna and Rajeshwari along with Lingams of local Siddha Gurus. These caves are surrounded by the beauty of the hills and the view is breathtaking.
Sathanur Dam
Distance from hotel: 30 km
Sathanur Dam, a stunning engineering marvel, is located at a distance of 30 kilometres from the city of Thiruvannamalai. This structure has been built over River Thenpennai (River Pennaiyar) flowing through the Chennakesava Hills. The dam was built to benefit the agricultural produce in Thiruvannamalai. The reservoir is called the Sathanur Reservoir and is considered as one of the major dams in the state. The site is strikingly beautiful during the monsoons as the river gushes with clear waters.
The structure consists of pleasant parks, a fish grotto and a huge crocodile farm, Childrens park and a small Zoo that attracts nature enthusiasts and tourists from all over the world.
Gingee Fort
Distance from hotel: 35 km
Constructed mostly in the 16th century by the Vijayanagara Empire, the fort was later captured by the Marathas following the rule of Mughals, French and British on it. The fort was then sadly abandoned in the 19th century. The majestic fort has three different hilltop citadels and a massive boundary of thick walls and cliffs. The fort is a result of some genius minds. As you reach the fort, you realise that it has been located at the most strategic location which made it difficult for the enemies to enter its premise.
The remnants of the Gingee fort and their dramatic beauty form a peaceful setting making it a very worthwhile spot to visit.
Tiruamalai
Distance from hotel: 41 km
On the outskirts of the town, lies this beautiful temple complex which has four Jain temples, 3 Jain caves. It also houses a 16 feet tall statue of Mahavira erected in 12th century AD and is the tallest Jain statue in India.
Parvathamalai
Distance from hotel: 30 km
Navira hills, presently called as Parvathamalai is present in the foothill of Javadi hills. Abidagujambal – Maligarjunar temple is locaed in the hill top. The temple is a boon for mountain treckkers with natural scenaries and gentle breeze. This hill is known as Thenkailayam and workshipped by many saints.
Javadhu Hills
Distance from hotel: 30 km
Javadhu hill is a part of eastern ghats ,the malayee triblas live at a great number in this hills. More than 200 hamlet villages are present here. Evidences of New stone age people are also found. Tombstones from Pallava period to Nayaka period can be seen here. The Kovilur Shivan temple built at Chola dynasty is of historic importance. The people cultivates millets, honey, pepper and fruits. Beema falls, boat house park, Kovilur Siva temple, Vainu bappu Observatory, Amirthi Zoo are the important tourist spots.