Arunachalam Temple, A Complete Guide To The Fiery Heart Of Tiruvannamalai
Arunachalam Temple in Tiruvannamalai is one of those places where landscape, legend and living faith feel like a single reality. The white gopurams rise from the earth, the red rocky hill stands behind them, and thousands of pilgrims keep walking in circles around it day and night. For countless devotees, this is not just a temple town, it is Shiva himself in the form of a hill of fire.
This detailed guide walks you through the temple, its stories, architecture, festivals and spiritual practices, plus practical tips to help you plan and enjoy your own visit.
1. Where Is Arunachalam Temple And What Makes It Special
Annamalaiyar Temple is usually called Arunachalesvara Temple or Annamalaiyar Temple. It stands at the eastern foot of Arunachala (Annamalai) Hill in Tiruvannamalai, a town in northern Tamil Nadu, India. The whole complex is dedicated to Lord Shiva and his consort Parvati, worshipped here as Annamalaiyar and Unnamulai Amman.
Arunachala has a special role in Shaivism for several reasons
- It is one of the Pancha Bhoota Sthalams, the five major temples where Shiva is worshipped as the five elements. At Tiruvannamalai he is worshipped as Agni, the element of fire.
- It is one of the Paadal Petra Sthalams, the temples glorified in the ancient Tamil Shaivite hymns of the Nayanmars.
- Devotees regard the hill behind the temple, Arunachala, as a direct manifestation of Shiva, not just a backdrop.
So when people say they are going to Arunachala, they usually mean both the temple and the hill together, as a single sacred presence.
2. The Fiery Legend Of Arunachala
The temple’s main legend, the famous Lingodbhava story, explains why devotees here associate Shiva with an infinite column of fire.
Once, according to the Puranas, Brahma and Vishnu argued over who was supreme. To dissolve their pride Shiva appeared as an endless column of blazing light, stretching higher than the sky and deeper than the underworld. Vishnu took the form of a boar and dug downward to find the base. Brahma turned into a swan and flew upward searching for the top.
After a long and exhausting search neither of them could find either end of the column. They realized that the reality they were trying to measure was beyond their comprehension, so they surrendered to Shiva. To bless the world, this infinite fire took the form of Arunachala Hill, a solid mountain that still represents the cosmic pillar of light.
The name Arunachala itself reflects this meaning
- Aruna means reddish, glowing, like the light of dawn or fire.
- Achala or Achalam means that which does not move, a mountain.
So Arunachala is the unmoving hill of red fire, a symbol of Shiva as the stable, silent core of all awareness. The main Shiva linga worshipped inside the temple is therefore called the Agni Lingam, the linga of fire.
Every year, this legend becomes a living reality during the Karthigai Deepam festival, when a huge flame is lit on top of the hill, visible for many kilometers around the town. Devotees see it as a reminder of the original column of fire that the gods themselves could not understand.
3. History Of Arunachalam Temple
The spiritual reputation of Arunachala is ancient, but the present stone temple developed gradually over more than a thousand years.
Early literary references
Some of the earliest devotional references to the temple and the hill appear in Tamil Shaivite hymns such as the Tevaram and other works of the Nayanmars. These texts, several centuries old, show that Tiruvannamalai was already a well known pilgrimage center in early medieval times.
Pallavas and Cholas
Inscriptions suggest that the area was once under Pallava influence. But it was mainly under the Chola kings from roughly the 9th to 13th centuries that the temple began to take its current form. The Cholas were famous for building grand stone temples in South India and many basic structures, shrines and circumambulatory corridors at Arunachalam date from this period.
Vijayanagara and later rulers
Later, from the 14th to the 16th centuries, rulers of the Vijayanagara Empire and various Nayaka chiefs added the spectacular gopurams, mandapams and pillared halls that you can still see today.
The towering Eastern Rajagopuram, which dominates the skyline of Tiruvannamalai, was begun under Vijayanagara rule and completed under local Nayaka patrons. With its eleven tiers it rises to more than sixty meters and is one of the tallest gopurams in India. It is the main entrance most visitors use.
Today the temple is administered by the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department of the Tamil Nadu government. Daily worship continues from early morning till night, just as it has done for centuries.
4. Architecture, A Walk Through A Stone Mandala
The Arunachala Temple complex covers roughly 25 acres at the foot of the hill. It is a classic example of Dravidian temple architecture, laid out as a series of nested rectangles that draw you step by step towards the sanctum.
Overall layout
- The temple has several prakarams or concentric enclosures.
- Each prakaram is surrounded by high walls with gateways that lead to the next inner level.
- The four main gopurams stand at the cardinal directions, with the tallest on the east.
As you move inward, the space becomes more quiet and focused, symbolizing the journey from the noisy outer world into the inner awareness represented by Shiva.
The four main gopurams
- Eastern Rajagopuram
- The most famous tower, more than 60 meters high.
- Eleven storeys that taper elegantly as they rise.
- Covered with stucco figures of gods, goddesses, mythical creatures and scenes from Shaivite scriptures.
- Western Gopuram
- Faces the road leading towards the hill.
- Often used by devotees who want to go directly from the temple towards Girivalam.
- Southern Gopuram
- Sometimes called Tirumanjanam Gopuram, associated with ceremonial bathing rituals.
- Northern Gopuram
- Called Ammani Amman Gopuram, near shrines dedicated to local goddess forms.
Each tower is different in detail, but together they frame the temple like four gateways into the same mystery.
Inner shrines and halls
Once inside the main complex you will find a rich world of shrines, corridors and pillared halls. Some of the most important are
- Sanctum of Annamalaiyar
- The central shrine, where Shiva is worshipped as a linga.
- The linga here is regarded as the Agni Lingam, the fiery aspect of Shiva.
- The sanctum is kept relatively dark and cool, filled with the smell of incense and ghee lamps.
- Shrine of Unnamulai Amman
- Parvati, consort of Shiva, has her own separate shrine in the complex.
- Her presence balances the intense energy of the Agni Lingam with compassion and grace.
- Thousand Pillared Hall (Ayiram Kaal Mandapam)
- A grand stone hall with many carved pillars.
- Used for festivals, cultural performances and special rituals.
- Kalyana Mandapam
- The hall that represents the divine wedding of Shiva and Parvati.
- During wedding related festivals, the deities are brought here in a ceremonial procession.
- Smaller shrines and sub temples
- Shrines to Ganesha, Murugan, Dakshinamurti, Durga and many other forms surround the main sanctum.
- There are also several large Nandi statues, Shiva’s bull mount, placed in alignment with the main linga.
Temple tanks and sacred waters
Sacred water bodies are an important part of South Indian temple design, and Tiruvannamalai is no exception. Traditional belief speaks of a large number of tirthas associated with Arunachala, some within the temple and many around the hill.
Inside or near the complex you will find
- Sivaganga Tank, usually the main temple tank, where special rites are performed.
- Other small tanks and wells dedicated to various deities or elements.
Devotees take ritual baths, sprinkle water on their heads or simply sit by the tanks, watching the reflections of the gopurams.
5. Daily Worship And Major Festivals
Arunachala Temple is not merely a historical site. It is a living place of worship with a full schedule of daily rituals and several major annual festivals.
Daily pujas
On a typical day, there are multiple pujas spread from early morning to late night. The exact timings can vary slightly, but a common pattern looks like this
- Early morning opening, with the first abhishekam and awakening of the deity.
- Forenoon pujas with special alankaram (decoration) and offerings.
- Midday puja, after which some parts of the inner temple may close for a short period.
- Evening pujas with deepa aradhana, when rows of lamps are waved before the deities.
- Night puja and closing ceremony.
During these rituals you will see priests bathing the linga with water, milk, curd, honey, and other sacred items, then drying and decorating it with sandal paste, flowers and cloth. The bells, mantras and deep drums create a powerful atmosphere, especially in the main sanctum where space is tight and the air is thick with incense.
Karthigai Deepam
The most famous festival of Tiruvannamalai is Karthigai Deepam. It usually falls in November or December, in the Tamil month of Karthigai. The festival lasts several days, with processions of the temple deities around town, but everything leads up to a dramatic climax.
On the main day of Deepam
- Priests place a huge cauldron on top of Arunachala Hill and fill it with ghee and a special wick.
- As evening approaches, devotees light thousands of lamps all over the town, on temple gopurams, in houses and along the streets.
- At a specific time, priests light a large lamp inside the temple, then those on the hill ignite the giant cauldron.
- A towering flame shoots up above the hilltop, visible for kilometers, and the entire crowd below erupts in chants of “Annamalaiyarukku Arohara”
For many, this moment symbolizes the original appearance of Shiva as the column of fire. Devotees fold their hands, close their eyes and feel that the inexpressible light of consciousness has once again revealed itself as Arunachala.
Full moon days and Girivalam focus
Every full moon night is special in Tiruvannamalai because of Girivalam or Giri Pradakshina, the sacred walk around the hill. On these nights, normal town life gives way to a slow river of people moving on foot along the 14 kilometer route that circles Arunachala. Shops stay open late, roadside stalls sell food and offerings, and the atmosphere becomes festive as well as devotional.
Other important festivals include
- Maha Shivaratri, the great night of Shiva, with night long worship and chanting.
- Aani Thirumanjanam, Margazhi Thiruvathirai, Thiruvempavai celebrations and several other utsavams spread across the year.
If you like strong vibrant energy and do not mind crowds, planning your trip around a major festival can be unforgettable. If you prefer quiet and space for contemplation, choose a normal weekday outside the peak seasons.
6. Girivalam, Walking Around The Living Shiva
One of the most characteristic spiritual practices of Tiruvannamalai is Girivalam, also called Giri Pradakshina or Giri Valam, which literally means circumambulation of the hill.
The route
The Girivalam route is roughly 14 kilometers long. It follows the main road that goes all around the base of Arunachala Hill. The path is mostly level, with gentle rises and falls, and it passes through a mix of rural stretches, town streets, shrines, ashrams and small markets.
You can start from anywhere, but many people begin close to the temple, walk past it, then move clockwise around the hill until they return to the starting point.
The eight Ashta Lingams
Along the way, you will meet the eight special Ashta Lingams, each placed roughly in one direction around the hill and associated with certain qualities and planetary forces. They are
- Indra Lingam
- Agni Lingam
- Yama Lingam
- Niruthi Lingam
- Varuna Lingam
- Vayu Lingam
- Kubera Lingam
- Isanya Lingam
Devotees usually stop at each one, offer flowers, break coconuts or simply stand with folded hands for a minute before continuing the walk.
Spiritual meaning
The idea behind Girivalam is simple yet deep. Arunachala is considered Shiva himself. So walking around the hill with humility and devotion is like circling the divine center of the universe. Many saints say that this practice purifies old karmas, calms the mind, and gradually pulls attention towards the inner Self.
If you walk Girivalam on a full moon night, you will share the route with thousands of people from every background, chanting, talking softly, or walking silently under the moonlight. If you walk early in the morning on a normal day, you might find long quiet stretches with only a few other pilgrims and the occasional sound of birds and temple bells.
Practical tips for Girivalam
- Start either very early in the morning or later in the evening to avoid the harsh midday sun.
- Wear light, comfortable clothes and carry at least one bottle of water.
- Many do the walk barefoot as an act of humility. If you are not used to long barefoot walks on roads, you can wear simple sandals.
- It usually takes about 3 to 4 hours at a relaxed pace, depending on your speed and how often you stop at shrines.
- Be mindful of road traffic, especially on busier stretches. Stay to the side and follow the flow of the crowd.
7. Arunachala And Ramana Maharshi
Besides temple traditions, Tiruvannamalai is also deeply associated with the modern sage Sri Ramana Maharshi, who made Arunachala his home for most of his life.
Ramana Maharshi and the call of Arunachala
Born in 1879 in a different town, the young Venkataraman (later known as Ramana) had a powerful spiritual awakening as a teenager. Soon after, he felt an irresistible inner pull towards Arunachala, a place he had only heard about. He left home quietly and arrived at Tiruvannamalai in 1896.
For several years he lived absorbed in deep meditation in and around the temple and in caves on the hill, such as Virupaksha Cave and Skandashram. In time, seekers began to gather around him. A small ashram grew at the foot of the hill, now known as Sri Ramanasramam.
Ramana Maharshi constantly emphasized that Arunachala was not just a mountain but the very embodiment of the spiritual Heart. For him, the hill itself was his Guru, silently turning minds inward toward the source of all thought.
Self enquiry and Arunachala
Ramana’s central teaching was Self enquiry. He invited people to turn attention inward by asking, whenever thoughts arise, “Who am I”. According to him, pure awareness is the one reality, and Arunachala is a physical symbol of that unmoving awareness.
Even today, spiritual seekers from all over the world visit Tiruvannamalai to
- Sit quietly in Sri Ramanasramam.
- Meditate in Virupaksha Cave and Skandashram on the hillside.
- Walk Girivalam with a focus on inner silence rather than external ritual.
Thus in one town you find both a traditional temple culture with rituals and festivals, and a powerful silent teaching that transcends all labels.
8. Planning Your Visit
If you are thinking of visiting Arunachalam Temple and Tiruvannamalai, a little planning will make your experience smoother and more meaningful.
Best time to visit
- Pleasant weather is usually from November to February, when temperatures are lower and the air is relatively dry.
- Karthigai Deepam and full moon days are amazing for atmosphere but very crowded. Accommodation becomes scarce and prices can rise.
- March to June can be very hot, especially at midday. If you visit then, plan outdoor activities such as Girivalam early in the morning or in the evening.
- The monsoon months bring showers and sometimes heavier rains, which can cool things down but also make the Girivalam path wet in parts.
How to reach Tiruvannamalai
By road
- From Chennai, the distance is roughly 190 to 200 kilometers. Regular buses and taxis are available.
- From Bangalore, the distance is roughly 200 to 230 kilometers, with both buses and private taxis.
- From Pondicherry and Vellore, the town is even closer, making it a comfortable half day journey.
By rail
- Tiruvannamalai railway station has trains from various cities within Tamil Nadu and nearby states. From the station, the temple is only a short auto ride away.
By air
- The nearest international airport is Chennai, from where you can take a train, bus or taxi.
- Puducherry has a smaller airport which can also be used if flights are convenient.
Dress code and temple etiquette
Arulmugu Arunachala temple is a traditional temple, so it is good to follow some basic guidelines
- Wear modest clothes that cover shoulders and knees.
- Remove footwear before entering the inner temple compound, usually at designated chappal stands.
- Avoid smoking, drinking or loud behavior anywhere near the temple and Girivalam route.
- Follow instructions of temple staff about where to stand, whether photography is allowed and how to move inside the sanctum area.
Accommodation options
Tiruvannamalai offers a wide range of places to stay
- Budget lodges and small hotels near the temple, suitable for short pilgrim visits.
- Guesthouses and ashram rooms around the hill area, often simpler but more peaceful, sometimes with satsang or meditation programs.
- Mid range and a few higher end hotels, with better facilities and quieter rooms.
If you plan to visit during Karthigai Deepam or full moon weekends, it is wise to book weeks or even months in advance, especially if you want specific locations or ashram stays.
What to carry
- Light cotton clothes, plus a shawl or light jacket if you are visiting in the cooler months.
- Comfortable sandals or walking shoes for Girivalam.
- A reusable water bottle, sunscreen and a cap.
- A small torch if you plan to walk at night or early before sunrise.
9. Suggested Itineraries
Here are a couple of simple itineraries you can adapt based on your time and energy.
One day visit
Morning
- Arrive in Tiruvannamalai and check into your room.
- Visit Arunachalam Temple by 8 or 9 a.m. Enter through the Eastern Rajagopuram, take a slow circumambulation inside, and have darshan of Annamalaiyar and Unnamulai Amman.
- Explore the key halls and tanks, sit quietly for a while in any shaded corridor.
Afternoon
- Take lunch and some rest at your hotel or a simple restaurant.
- Visit some small ashrams near the hill or sit in a quiet spot with a view of Arunachala.
Evening
- Go back to the temple for the evening deepa aradhana, when the lamps are lit and the stone glows in soft yellow light.
- If you still have energy, walk a shorter stretch of the Girivalam road to feel its atmosphere, then return for the night.
Two day spiritual stay
Day 1, Temple and town
- Morning, long unhurried darshan at Arunachalam Temple.
- Afternoon, visit local markets, buy simple offerings or handicrafts.
- Evening, attend one more puja at the temple, then rest early.
Day 2, Girivalam and Ramana ashram
- Very early morning, start Girivalam. Take your time, visit each Ashta Lingam, walk in silence for some stretches.
- Late morning or early afternoon, visit Sri Ramanasramam. Sit in the meditation hall, visit the samadhi of Ramana Maharshi and walk through the ashram grounds.
- If you have energy left, climb part of the hill to Virupaksha Cave or Skandashram and spend some time in quiet.
By the end of two days like this, most visitors feel both physically tired and deeply relaxed inside, as if something heavy has been dropped without realizing.
10. Making Your Visit Meaningful
To get the most out of your time in Arunachala, you can keep a few simple attitudes
- Slow down
- Try not to rush from spot to spot. Sit quietly in a mandapam, feel the stone under your feet, listen to the bells and chants.
- See the hill as a living presence
- Whether or not you think in religious terms, look at the hill not just as a rock but as a symbol of something solid, silent and mysterious at the center of life.
- Balance outer ritual and inner reflection
- Participate respectfully in pujas, light a small oil lamp, offer flowers, but also spend time simply sitting and watching your own thoughts.
- Stay open to both tradition and silence
- You will meet temple priests and villagers with ancient customs, and you may meet modern spiritual seekers following Ramana’s teachings. Each reflects a different side of Arunachala.
- Carry the experience home
- After you return, you can keep a small image of Arunachala or the temple nearby, and once in a while close your eyes and remember the feeling of being there. For many people, the inner connection continues even when the physical journey is over.
11. Why Arunachala Stays In The Heart
What makes Arunachalam Temple and Tiruvannamalai so unforgettable is the way everything comes together in one place
- A majestic Dravidian temple full of art, music and ritual.
- A stark red granite hill that rises suddenly out of the plains.
- A centuries old practice of walking around that hill in devotion, day and night.
- A modern sage like Ramana Maharshi, who point to the same Arunachala as the silent Heart of all beings.
Whether you come as a devotee, a spiritual seeker, a history lover or just a curious traveler, Arunachala has a way of leaving a deep imprint. You may forget details of architecture and schedules, but you will remember the tall white towers against the evening sky, the smell of camphor and flowers, the sight of the hill under the full moon, and the quiet feeling that something vast and very old is still powerfully present here.
If you would like, I can now help you turn this into a fully SEO optimized blog post with title ideas, meta description and keyword suggestions, or shorten it into a travel article suitable for your website or social media.
You said:
add Accommodations near Arulmigu Arunachalam Temple on thje right place
ChatGPT said:
Great idea. I’ll add a section on accommodations near the Arunachalam Temple with recommended places and tips for staying. You can let me know if you want this as part of the blog or as an annex — I’ll integrate it in the right place (just before or after “Planning Your Visit”).
Accommodations Near the Temple
Here are some good options for staying in Tiruvannamalai (the town where the temple is), from budget to mid‑range, very close to the temple and convenient for darshan or Girivalam:
| Name | Location & Highlights |
|---|---|
| SwathiSri Residency | Address: 27/10, Vada Othavadai Street, near the North Entrance of Arunachalesvara Temple. Very short walk. Rated well for value. Tripadvisor+1 |
| Hotel Arunachala | Conveniently located close to the temple. Good for pilgrims wanting easy access. Tripadvisor |
| Anantharaa Hotel | A slightly higher category stay, still near the temple (few minutes’ walk) but offering more comfort. MakeMyTrip+1 |
| Arunachala Ashram Accommodation | For those wanting a more ashram‑style, quiet stay. The ashram offers basic rooms, vegetarian meals and a simple lifestyle. Dress code etc apply. Arunachala Ashram |
Accommodation Tips
- Staying within a short walk of the temple is a big advantage, especially for pre‑dawn darshan or for full moon/Girivalam evenings.
- During major festival times (like Karthigai Deepam or full moon nights) book well in advance, since rooms go fast and rates may rise.
- If you prefer quiet and reflection (rather than busy pilgrim crowds) consider a guesthouse or ashram a little farther from the main temple area yet still within walking distance.
- Check for vegetarian meals if you prefer traditional temple‑town food; some guest‑houses cater specifically to dharmic stays.
- If doing Girivalam (14 km circumambulation of the hill), staying near the starting point of the route is handy.
If you like, I can insert a full list of 8‑10 recommended stays (with prices, facilities, map links) into the blog and format it nicely for you. Would you like me to add that?
You said:
Add: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Arulmigu Arunachalam Temple
ChatGPT said:
Nice idea, an FAQ section fits perfectly at the end of your blog. Here is a ready-to-paste block you can add as a new heading, ideally after the “Why Arunachalam Stays In The Heart” section, or just before your conclusion if you create one.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) On Arulmigu Arunachalam Temple
1. Where is Arulmigu Arunachalam (Arunachaleswarar) Temple located
The temple is in Tiruvannamalai town, in the northern part of Tamil Nadu, India, at the foothills of Arunachala (Annamalai) Hill. The temple and the hill together form the main pilgrimage center.
2. Who is the main deity of the temple
The main deity is Lord Shiva, worshipped as Annamalaiyar / Arunachaleswarar, in the form of the Agni Lingam (Fire element). His consort Parvati is worshipped as Unnamulai Amman (also written Unnamulai or Unnamalai Amman).
3. Why is this temple considered so special
- It is one of the Pancha Bhoota Sthalams, where Shiva is worshipped as the fire element (Agni).
- The hill Arunachala itself is considered a direct manifestation of Shiva.
- It is praised in ancient Tamil Shaivite hymns, and many saints and sages, including Sri Ramana Maharshi, have lived and meditated here.
4. What is Girivalam and how long is it
Girivalam (Giri Pradakshina) is the circumambulation of Arunachala Hill on foot. Devotees walk clockwise around the hill, usually along a road of about 14 km. Many people do Girivalam on full moon nights, but you can do it on any day.
5. Can anyone do Girivalam, and do I have to walk barefoot
Anyone who is reasonably healthy can attempt Girivalam. Many devotees walk barefoot as an act of humility, but it is not compulsory. You can wear simple sandals if you are not used to walking barefoot for long distances. Just be respectful around shrines and where footwear is not allowed.
6. What are the main darshan timings of the temple
Timings can change slightly, but typically the temple is open from around
- Early morning (about 5.30 am) to midday / early afternoon
- Afternoon / evening (roughly 3.00 pm to about 8.30 pm)
On festivals and full moon days the temple may stay open longer and special arrangements are made. Always check locally or on the official noticeboard for the latest timings.
7. What is the best time of year to visit
- For pleasant weather, visit between November and February.
- For strong festival atmosphere, plan for Karthigai Deepam or full moon days, but be ready for huge crowds and book accommodation early.
- Summer (March to June) is very hot, so plan temple visits and Girivalam for early morning or evening.
8. Is there any dress code
There is no ultra-strict dress code, but modest clothing is expected
- Shoulders and knees covered for both men and women.
- Avoid shorts, sleeveless tops and very tight outfits.
- Remove footwear before entering the inner temple area and follow local signs.
9. Are non-Hindus allowed inside the temple
Generally, visitors of all backgrounds who behave respectfully are allowed inside the outer and many inner areas of the temple. Certain sanctum areas may have more restrictions and photography rules. When in doubt, follow the instructions of temple staff and notice boards.
10. Can I take photos inside the temple
Photography is usually allowed only in certain outer parts of the temple, and not inside the main sanctum or during specific rituals. Rules can change, so look for signboards and ask the security staff. Never use flash directly at the deity or priests.
11. How do I reach the temple from Chennai or Bangalore
- From Chennai, Tiruvannamalai is about 190–200 km by road. You can take a government or private bus or hire a taxi.
- From Bangalore, it is roughly 200–230 km, again with plenty of buses and taxis.
- Tiruvannamalai railway station connects to several cities, and from the station you can reach the temple quickly by auto.
12. Where can I stay near the temple
There are many lodges, hotels, guesthouses and ashrams within walking distance of Arulmigu Arunachalam Temple, ranging from budget to mid-range. During full moon and Karthigai Deepam, rooms fill up quickly, so advance booking is recommended.
13. What is the connection between Arunachala and Ramana Maharshi
Sri Ramana Maharshi, one of the most respected modern sages of India, lived in Tiruvannamalai from 1896 until 1950. He regarded Arunachala Hill as his Guru, a living symbol of the inner Self. His ashram, Sri Ramanasramam, is located at the foot of the hill and is often visited along with the temple.
14. Is one day enough to visit
One full day is enough to
- Have darshan at Arulmigu Arunachalam Temple,
- Explore the main mandapams and tanks,
- And experience the town atmosphere.
However, to do Girivalam, visit Sri Ramanasramam, and maybe trek to Virupaksha Cave / Skandashram, two days is more comfortable and less rushed.
15. Is Girivalam safe at night
On full moon nights, the route is usually very crowded and lively, with shops and people all along the way, which makes it feel relatively safe. However
- Stay with the crowd,
- Avoid very isolated stretches alone,
- Keep your valuables safe,
- And follow local police or volunteer instructions.
On normal nights, it is better to walk in a group rather than alone, or choose early morning before sunrise.
