Day trip to Tiruvannamalai Temple and Sri Ramana Ashram from Pondicherry

8 hours (approximately)
Pickup offered
Offered in: English

On this day excursion from Pondicherry, visit the largest Shiva temple in the world. The temple is situated in the town of Thiruvannamalai, about 60 miles from Pondicherry. After a tour of the temple, visit the nearby Ashram (monastery) of the Saint and Philosopher, Sri Ramana Maharshi, who lived here until his death in 1950.

Highlights
• Drive through the South Indian countryside 
• Visit to Arunachaleswarar Temple, the largest Shiva temple in the world
• Visit to Sri Ramana Maharshi Ashram

What's Included

02 bottles of mineral water per person
Local English speaking guide
Transport by private air-conditioned vehicle
Hotel pick-up and drop-off
Food or drinks, unless specified
Gratuities

Meeting and pickup

Pickup points
You can choose a pickup location at checkout (multiple pickup locations are available).
Pickup details:

We may pick up travelers from city center hotels / fixed point wiithin city limits. In case pick up is outside central points extra cost shall applicable subject to distance applicable.

OR
Meeting point

We will pick up traveler from their hotels / fixed point within city center.

End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Itinerary

Duration: 8 hours (approximately)
  • 1

    You will be picked up from your hotel in the morning for the two-hour drive to the town of Thiruvannamalai, situated 60 miles away from Pondicherry. Visit the 9th century Arunachaleswarar temple that is dedicated to the Hindu God Shiva. Besides being the largest temple in the world dedicated to Shiva, the temple also has the distinction of having a 216 feet high tower, the second tallest temple tower in the world. The temple complex is spread over an area of 25 acres and has several pillared halls, including a hall with a thousand pillars.

    1 hour Admission ticket free
  • 2

    Next visit the Ashram of Sri Ramana Maharshi which is situated at the foot of the Arunachala hills, outside the town. You can also visit the cave on the Arunagiri slope, where the saint is said to have meditated. Amongst the early visitors to the Ashram were the British writers Paul Brunton in 1931 and Somerset Maugham in 1938. The latter used Sri Ramana Maharshi as the model for the character of Shri Ganesha in his novel, The Razor’s Edge. After the Ashram visit, enjoy lunch (own expense) at a local restaurant. After lunch you will be driven back to Pondicherry and dropped off at your hotel.

    2 hours Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • Not recommended for pregnant women and people with back problems.
Supplied by SITA World Tours

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Tags

Day Trips
Full-day Tours
Bus Tours
Private Sightseeing Tours
Cultural Tours
Historical Tours
Car Tours
DSA non-compliant
Zombie
Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

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

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