Spiritual Sojourn: Chennai to Tiruvannamalai Temple & Ashram Tour

Chennai , India

Spiritual Sojourn: Chennai to Tiruvannamalai Temple & Ashram Tour

Active

8h - 10h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Embark on a soul-stirring journey with the "Spiritual Sojourn: Chennai to Tiruvannamalai Temple & Ashram Tour," commencing at 6:00 AM from Chennai. Traverse to Tiruvannamalai in a private car, arriving at the revered Arunachaleswarar Temple by 10:00 AM. Immerse yourself in the spiritual ambiance, exploring the ornate carvings and witnessing daily rituals. After a serene lunch break, venture to the Sri Ramana Ashram at 1:30 PM, dedicated to the teachings of sage Ramana Maharshi. Delve into the philosophy of self-inquiry and spirituality. Explore Skandashramam, associated with Ramana Maharshi, enjoying panoramic views. Return to Tiruvannamalai town, where you can leisurely explore local markets and engage with the culture. Depart for Chennai at 5:00 PM, reflecting on the day's spiritual and cultural encounters, and concluding your journey by 9:00 PM in Chennai.

Available options

Car, Guide, Entrance & Lunch

Includes: Private Car with Driver + Private Guides + Entrance & activities charges mentioned in the itinerary & Lunch.
<br/>Pickup included

Car Only

Includes: Private Car with Driver.
<br/>Pickup included

Car & Guide

Includes: Private Car with Driver + Private Guides.
<br/>Pickup included

Car, Guide & Entrance

Includes: Private Car with Driver + Private Guides + Entrance & activities charges mentioned in the itinerary.
<br/>Pickup included

What's included

English speaking local guide, if option selected.

Entrance fees to monuments, if option selected.

Private AC car/van for pick up and drop off from/to your hotel.

Lunch, if option selected.

Government Taxes.

Bottled water in the car.

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1 Pass by

6:00 AM - Depart from Chennai: Start your day early and depart from Chennai in a private car with a knowledgeable driver. Get ready for a day filled with spiritual exploration and cultural experiences.

10:00 AM - Arrival at Arunachaleswarar Temple: Arrive at Tiruvannamalai and head straight to the Arunachaleswarar Temple, one of the most revered Shiva temples in South India. Marvel at the grand architecture, intricate sculptures, and vibrant rituals that take place at the temple. Learn about the history, mythology, and spiritual significance of the temple from your guide.

Stop 3

10:00 AM - 12:00 PM - Explore Arunachaleswarar Temple: Spend a couple of hours exploring the temple complex, immersing yourself in the spiritual atmosphere, and witnessing the daily rituals and prayers of the devotees. Admire the ornate carvings, sculptures, and gopurams (temple towers) that adorn the temple premises.

12:00 PM - 1:30 PM - Lunch break.

1:30 PM - 3:00 PM - Visit Ramana Maharshi Ashram: Drive to Ramana Maharshi Ashram, a serene spiritual retreat dedicated to the teachings of the renowned sage Ramana Maharshi. Explore the ashram and learn about the life, teachings, and spiritual practices of Ramana Maharshi, a revered saint and philosopher who advocated self-inquiry as a path to self-realization.

3:30 PM - 4:30 PM - Visit Skandashramam: Drive to Skandashramam, another cave on the sacred Arunachala hill associated with the renowned sage Ramana Maharshi. Trek up the hill and visit the cave where Ramana Maharshi is said to have spent several years in deep meditation. Enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding natural beauty and experience the serenity of the place.

4:30 PM - 5:00 PM - Explore Tiruvannamalai Town: Drive back to Tiruvannamalai town and spend some leisure time exploring the local markets. Discover unique handicrafts, textiles, and souvenirs that reflect the rich cultural heritage of the region. Interact with the locals and immerse yourself in the local culture and way of life.

Stop 8 Pass by

5:00 PM - Departure: Start your return journey back to Chennai, which is approximately 200 kilometers and takes around 4 hours to reach. Reflect on the spiritual and cultural experiences of the day as you travel back to Chennai.

9:00 PM - Arrival in Chennai

What's not included

Camera charges at monuments.

Gratuities and optional activities.

Anything not mentioned in the inclusions.

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Specialized infant seats are available

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

About Chennai

Chennai, the capital of Tamil Nadu, is a vibrant coastal city known for its rich history, cultural heritage, and bustling streets. It's a melting pot of tradition and modernity, offering everything from ancient temples to modern IT hubs.

Top Attractions

Marina Beach

Marina Beach is one of the longest urban beaches in the world, stretching over 13 km along the Bay of Bengal.

Beach 1-2 hours Free

Fort St. George

This historic fort was the first English fortress in India and is now a museum showcasing the city's colonial past.

Historical 1-2 hours INR 50

Kapaleeshwarar Temple

This ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is a stunning example of Dravidian architecture and a major pilgrimage site.

Religious 1-2 hours Free

Government Museum

One of the oldest museums in India, it houses a vast collection of artifacts, including bronze sculptures, paintings, and historical artifacts.

Museum 2-3 hours INR 25

Breezy Beach

A quieter alternative to Marina Beach, Breezy Beach is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike.

Beach 2-3 hours Free

Must-Try Local Dishes

Dosa

A thin, crispy crepe made from fermented rice and lentil batter, often served with sambar and chutney.

Breakfast/Lunch Vegetarian

Idli

Soft, steamed rice cakes made from fermented batter, typically served with sambar and chutney.

Breakfast Vegetarian

Filter Coffee

A strong, aromatic coffee made using a traditional filter, often served with milk and sugar.

Drink Non-vegetarian

Chettinad Chicken

A spicy, flavorful chicken dish from the Chettinad region, known for its unique blend of spices.

Lunch/Dinner Non-vegetarian

Popular Activities

Scuba diving Snorkeling Surfing Beach visits Spa treatments Yoga Temple visits Music and dance performances

Best Time to Visit

November to February

This is the best time to visit Chennai as the weather is pleasant and ideal for sightseeing.

25°C to 35°C 77°F to 95°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Tamil
Widely spoken: English, Hindi
English: Widely spoken

Currency

Indian Rupee (INR)

Time Zone

GMT+5:30

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Exercise caution

Chennai is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime and scams can occur, especially in crowded areas. Exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings.

Important Precautions:

• Use licensed taxis or app-based services like Ola and Uber.
• Be cautious when using ATMs, especially at night.
• Avoid carrying large amounts of cash.

Getting there

By air

Chennai International Airport • 20 km from city center

By train

Chennai Central, Chennai Egmore

By bus

Koyambedu, CMBT

Getting around

Public transport

The Chennai Metro is a modern, efficient, and air-conditioned system that covers major parts of the city.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Ola, Uber

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Mylapore T. Nagar Besant Nagar

Day trips

Mahabalipuram

60 km from Chennai • Half day to full day

A UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its ancient temples, rock-cut caves, and sculptures.

Kanchipuram

75 km from Chennai • Full day

A historic city known for its ancient temples, silk sarees, and religious significance.

Pondicherry

160 km from Chennai • Overnight

A former French colony with a unique blend of French and Indian cultures, known for its beaches, architecture, and spiritual centers.

Festivals

Pongal • January Chennai Music Season • December-January Chennai Film Festival • December

Pro tips

Visit the city's temples and historical sites early in the morning to avoid the heat and crowds.
Try the local street food, but be cautious and choose vendors with high turnover to ensure freshness.
Use app-based services like Ola and Uber for convenient and reliable transportation.
Explore the city's vibrant street art and mural scene, with numerous murals and art installations throughout the city.
Visit the city's beaches, such as Marina Beach and Breezy Beach, for a relaxing break from the bustling city life.