Places To Visit Near Tiruvannamalai: Hidden Gems And Scenic Spots

A scenic view of tranquil landscapes near Tiruvannamalai, surrounded by hills and greenery.

If someone is seeking peace from their hectic life or is in pursuit of some spiritual practices, then calm places to visit near Tiruvannamalai can be taken into consideration. Be it the divine Arunachala Hill or the peaceful Virupaksha cave, every place has a different ambience for meditation and contemplation. Owing to their green beauty and plain old spirituality, such places are an ideal escape for anybody who wants to escape from their busy, regular lives and instead connect with the peace of Mother Nature.

Top Places To Visit Near Tiruvannamalai

Some of the most amazing places to visit near Tiruvannamalai include:

1. Arunachala Hill

An image of Arunachala Hill, which is one of the best places to visit near Tiruvannamalai.

Photo: Vyacheslav Argenberg / Wikimedia Commons

Located roughly 8 kilometres from Tiruvannamalai, Arunachala Hill is a holy place, loved by all the spiritual seekers. Also known as the ‘Mountain of the Spirit’, it is a favourite place among tourists and meditation practitioners. That is why everything is so quiet and calm here, suitable for long walks or just sitting in a peaceful corner. Numerous temples can be found on the hill, including the popular Arunachaleswarar temple. The views from the hill during sunrise and sunset are simply magnificent, without doubt proving the presence of nature as well as a divinity within this serene place.

Distance From Tiruvannamalai: 8 km
Entry Fee: Free
Best Time To Visit: October to March

2. Virupaksha Cave

An image of Virupaksha Cave’s entrance, one of the best places to visit near Tiruvannamalai.

Photo: Vasukrishnan57 / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Virupaksha Cave, located nearly three kilometres away from Tiruvannamalai, is a perfect place to rest one’s mind for anyone looking for some silence. This historical cave was used by the Tami sage Ramana Maharshi to meditate unperturbed for long durations. The deep cool inside is very conducive for meditation and prayers. Set against the backdrop of sloping hills, where only the sounds of nature can be heard, this location is a perfect resort for those who wish to delve deeper into the mysteries of life.

Distance From Tiruvannamalai: 3 km
Entry Fee: Free
Best Time To Visit: October to March

3. Skandasramam

An image of Skandasramam, one of the stunning places to visit near Tiruvannamalai.

Photo: RAJUKHAN SR RAJESH / Wikimedia Commons

Skandasramam, a little over 4 kilometres separated from Tiruvannamalai, is another retreat affiliated with Ramana Maharshi. This quiet ashram, located on the hilly terrain of Arunachala Hill, has spectacular views and ambience. One can either sit and meditate amidst nature or go for a commencement of spiritual discourse. With a peaceful surrounding filled with a mix of sandalwood and fresh air, Skandashramam comes out as one of the ultimate locations for those who crave inner peace, spiritual elevation and aromatic surroundings.

Distance From Tiruvannamalai: 4 km
Entry Fee: Free
Best Time To Visit: October to March

4. Sri Ramana Ashram

An image of the Sri Ramana Ashram, one of the best places to visit near Tiruvannamalai.

Photo: Ms Sarah Welch / Wikimedia Commons

Sri Ramana Ashram, a spiritual institution established by Ramana Maharshi, is located about two kilometres from Tiruvannamalai. The ashram offers a calm harbour for meditation as well as self-inquiry. Members can participate in daily prayers, visit the splendid gardens, or sit quietly in corners, encouraging a warm ambience for peace and contemplation, making it one of the great attractions near Tiruvannamalai. For those looking for more places to see near Tiruvannamalai, Sri Ramana Ashram offers a glimpse of local culture.

Distance From Tiruvannamalai: 2 km
Entry Fee: Free
Best Time To Visit: October to March

5. Adivaram

A picture of Adivaram that is a serene place for meditation and reflection.

Photo: Mathankumar / Wikimedia Commons

Adivaram is an enchanting place that is about 7 KM from Tiruvannamalai and is situated at the base of Arunachala Hill, ideal for meditation. The place provides the healing touch of nature and helps with a lot of yoga and quiet time. The tourists can stroll in the green vegetation and contemplate in the corners, which helps the visitors in several ways. Adivaram achieves this serene setting, making it an attractive place for people who want to savour the beauty of nature as well as go within for self-discovery.

Distance From Tiruvannamalai: 7 km
Entry Fee: Free
Best Time To Visit: October to March

6. Vettavalam

A picture of Vettavalam, one of the most peaceful places to visit near Tiruvannamalai.

Photo: raguleo / Wikimedia Commons

Located at a distance of nearly 14 kilometres from Tiruvannamalai, it is a village named Vettavalam, which can be described as a calm settlement amidst greeneries and a settled environment. It is a perfect place for strolling and visiting temples in the surroundings, giving a respite to fatigue from city life. This village is one of those tourist attractions near Tiruvannamalai where you can spend time seeing temples and walking around the village, which comes as a relief from the buzz of the city.

Distance From Tiruvannamalai: 14 km
Entry Fee: Free
Best Time To Visit: October to March

7. Kilimanoor

An image of Kilimanoor, one of the best places to visit near Tiruvannamalai.

Photo: Fotokannan / Wikimedia Commons

Located at a distance of about 15 km from Tiruvannamalai, Kilimanoor is a perfect destination to unwind and meditate in the pristine countryside, making it one of the best places to visit near Tiruvannamalai. Travellers can walk about the lush green fields and absorb the culture, savouring the charm of village life. The gentle surroundings are well suited for meditation, yoga, and more so, solitude. Kilimanoor is also scenic and quiet and serves as a breath of fresh air for any person who wants to escape the pollution of the cities and seek inner peace.

Distance From Tiruvannamalai: 15 km
Entry Fee: Free
Best Time To Visit: October to March

8. Kanchipuram

An image of the historic temple architecture in Kanchipuram, a peaceful town.

Photo: Jmadhu / Wikimedia Commons

Kanchipuram lies approximately 70 kilometres from the city of Tiruvannamalai and is famous for its old temples and peaceful environment. Commonly known as the “City of a Thousand Temples,” it has wonderful artistic architecture and peaceful surroundings, bringing in lots of spiritual tourism. One can sit in the peaceful interiors of the temple and practise some form of meditation while exploring the culture. The spiritual atmosphere coupled with the tranquillity Kanchipuram provides makes it a perfect place for all those in search of peace and want to reflect.

Distance From Tiruvannamalai: 70 km
Entry Fee: Free
Best Time To Visit: October to March

9. Kottaiyur

An image of the heritage Kottaiyur, making it one of the best attractions near Tiruvannamalai.

Photo: GunaMgs / Wikimedia Commons

Located around 20 kilometres from Tiruvannamalai, Kottaiyur is a quaint little village where breathing nature comes easy, making it one of the charming places to visit near Tiruvannamalai. The best part is that it is a calm place, perfect for long walks or meditative practices on the periphery of hoards of people. While the several magnificent landscapes give way to recreation, the inhabitants of the region remain a fascinating subject for study. Kottaiyur is a suitable destination for people who want to indulge themselves and rest in a quiet place away from the noise.

Distance From Tiruvannamalai: 20 km
Entry Fee: Free
Best Time To Visit: October to March

10. Chengam

An image of the scenic Chengam featuring the rolling hills and lush greenery.

Photo: Iamkarunanidhi / Wikimedia Commons

Chengam, a small town situated approximately 30 km away from Tiruvannamalai, is an ideal place for those who wish to relax and explore. One can easily take long, meditative walks in the hilly terrain and comfortable green countryside. The locals have temples that tourists can visit and experience the local countryside, which is very peaceful indeed. Therefore, it is a good place for people in search of silence. The legacy of Chengam’s environmental pleasantness is not only its geographical location in the lap of nature but also its atmosphere that encourages one to relax in the centre of nature.

Distance From Tiruvannamalai: 30 km
Entry Fee: Free
Best Time To Visit: October to March

In conclusion, the places to visit near Tiruvannamalai have several ways of allowing one to relax and peacefully meditate. Be it wandering in the pious hills, sightseeing in the historical temples, or just lazing around, every single place is filled with a soothing environment conducive to inner silence. Hence, by exploring these calm places, you can also refresh your mind and soul, making this trip not merely as a holiday but as a personal growth and introspection adventure. Plan your next holiday with TripXL to enjoy the magic of these stunning places.

Cover Photo: Vyacheslav Argenberg / Wikimedia Commons

Frequently Asked Questions

One can engage in structured ’silent’ meditations, nature therapy sessions, and sound healing workshops, among other activities, at some of the ashrams and retreats.
Several places have particular customs, such as chanting prayers in the morning or performing aarti in the evening. Observing and partaking in these traditions respectfully is rewarding and allows an understanding of the spiritual values of the region.
Many ashrams also accept helpers in-house who can help with some social work, such as cooking food or serving people.
It is appropriate to perform mindfulness practices, such as writing a diary or doing meditations, before the vacation.
Calm areas are very helpful as they help in relieving stress and mood and even promote healing within an individual.

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