Introducing Thiruvannamalai
Best time to visit : October to March
Resting atop the Annamalai Hill, this is one of the most sacred pilgrim spot of Hindus in Tamil Nadu. Blessed by Hindu deities and surrounded by impressive temples exhibiting the architectural beauty of the city, Thiruvannamalai attracts pilgrims from across the world. The holy town presents a dramatic fusion of both natural and architectural beauty. The scared city of Thiruvannamalai is the place in South India where people of different culture and background live in harmony. For those seeking tranquillity, while resting on the lap of nature; Thiruvannamalai is a great place to be at.
Facts
Leaning on the lap of the beautiful Annamalai Hill, Thiruvannamalai is a renowned holy town in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. The city has about 100 temples. The renowned Arunachala temple in the town is one of the five Panchabhoota (five elements wind, water, fire, earth and space) Stalams. Tamil is the official language of the city. The city is named after the main god of the Annamalaiyar Temple, Annamalaiyar. The Annamalai Hill is characterized to be a reflection of God Siva. Thiruvannamalai houses one of the world’s largest temples of Lord Shiva and his wife Goddess Parvati. The world renowned Karthigai Deepam festival is celebrated here. For more and interesting tourist information, explore the travel guide below.
Being a pilgrimage destination, it is natural to expect pure vegetarian food in Thiruvannamalai. Hotel Ananda near the main bus stand and Satvam at Sparsa Resort are the famous vegetarian restaurants here. Idli, dosa and sambhar are the common breakfast and snack item you will find here. For westerns, a new hangout spot is recently opened – Om Café at Perumpakkam Road. Soup, green curry, Mexican plate and pizza are some of the dishes served here.
Jewellery made from semi-precious stones, ancient musical instruments, decorative artwork and traditional paintings are some of the best memento options you can buy from here. Roshan Shopping Mall on Big Street near Gandhi Statue is the city’s first shopping space where you can buy anything and everything under one roof. Buy a city guide map to locate the different shopping venues in the city.
Nearby Places:
- Sathanur (about 27 km.) – Holds the best tourist attraction of Thiruvannamalai – the Sathanur Dam. Also has a mini zoo surrounding the dam that even houses a crocodile farm.
- Padaveedu (about 35 km.) – Renowned as the village of temples. Padaveedu also has a grand palace of the Chola Empire, Sambuvarayars.
- Javadu Hills (about 103 km.) – Famous for its adjoining sightseeing places like the Beema Falls, Komutteri Lake, Amirthi Forest, Glass House and others.
- Tirukkovilur (about 35 km.) – Famous for housing ancient temples, about 200 years old. The Veerataneshwara Temple to the east and the Ulagalantha Perumal Temple to the west are the ancient temples here.
- Gingee Fort (about 37 km.) – Recognized as the temple town. It is a 700 old ancient fort, famous for its impressive Islamic style architecture and Nayak styles of building.
- Melmalayanur (about 39 km.) – House of Angalaparameshwari. Has a famous temple Melmalayanur temple, where devotees come to seek Parameshwari’s blessings.