Why travellers keep returning to Tiruvannamalai: Actress Manjima Mohan shares thoughts

Mention the name Tiruvannamalai, and it conjures up more than just images of ancient temples and spiritual landmarks in our minds. For those who have visited this Tamil Nadu town famous for Annamalaiyar Temple, Mount Arunachalam, Virupaksha cave and more, it also represents a deeply personal experience. Have you ever wondered why people find themselves continuously drawn back to this sacred destination? South Indian actress Manjima Mohan recently took to Instagram to capture this exact sentiment, sharing her thoughts on the town's quiet charm.

'Tiruvannamalai has a way of quietly reshaping your world,' Manjima wrote in her post. 'Every visit brings a new perspective and a new lesson. And that quiet shift changes everything,' she says. Far from being just another pilgrimage site, Tiruvannamalai serves as a peaceful sanctuary where one can shed life's heavy burdens and return home recharged with a profound sense of positive energy.

The sacred fire of Arunachaleswarar Temple
The journey begins in the heart of the town at the majestic Arunachaleswarar Temple. Representing 'Agni' (fire), one of the five elements (Pancha Bhoota Sthalam), this monumental temple complex dates back to the ninth century. Its breathtaking architecture and towering structures never fail to leave travellers in awe. The Rajagopuram here stands as one of the tallest temple towers in India. Stepping inside the temple grounds, the external noise of the world immediately fades away, replaced by an enveloping, calm energy. The town’s grandest celebration is the Karthigai Deepam festival, held during the Tamil month of Karthigai (November/December), when a massive, sacred beacon is lit atop the Arunachala hill, drawing hundreds of thousands of devotees and travellers from across the globe.

Girivalam: The 14-kilometre journey of self-realisation
The true essence of Tiruvannamalai is experienced during 'Girivalam'—the practice of walking around the sacred Arunachala hill. Believers revere the mountain itself as a manifestation of Lord Shiva. Walking the 14-kilometre circular path barefoot is incredibly revitalising, with most travellers choosing to do so on full-moon nights. Along the path, walkers encounter eight distinct lingams, each corresponding to a different direction, including the Indra Lingam, Agni Lingam, and Yama Lingam. The route is thoughtfully punctuated with resting points, small tea stalls, and community halls (annadana mandapams) offering free food and water. As the hours-long walk comes to an end, many speak of a profound release of stress, ego, and fatigue, leaving them with an unmatched sense of inner peace.

Sri Ramana Ashram and the mystical mountain caves
Beyond the temple and the circumambulation path lies the serene Sri Ramana Ashram, nestled at the foot of the Arunachala hill. The world-renowned spiritual sage, Ramana Maharshi, spent most of his life here. Sitting quietly in the ashram's meditation hall, time seems to stand still, attracting spiritual seekers and international travellers alike in search of quiet introspection. Behind the ashram, a peaceful trekking trail winds up the mountain towards the historic Virupaksha Cave and Skandashram, where the Maharshi spent years in deep meditation. Hiking through the lush green pathway not only refreshes the body but also rewards walkers with a spectacular, panoramic view of the temple and the bustling town below.

Best time to visit and how to plan your trip
As summer temperatures can be intense, the ideal time to plan a trip to Tiruvannamalai is between October and March, when the weather remains pleasant and cool. The town is highly accessible by train and road. While there are direct train connections from various parts of South India, visitors can also take a train to Katpadi (Vellore), Villupuram, or Salem, and easily board a direct bus or taxi from there. Excellent highway networks and frequent bus services connect the town to major hubs like Bengaluru and Chennai. For accommodation, Tiruvannamalai offers an array of budget-friendly, exceptionally clean hotels and peaceful ashram stays, as well as opportunities to savour authentic, delicious Tamil vegetarian food at very reasonable prices.