How to Reach Tiruvannamalai

How to Reach Tiruvannamalai

Tiruvannamalai is an important pilgrimage town in Tamil Nadu, known for the Arunachaleswarar (Annamalaiyar) Temple and the sacred Annamalai Hill. Pilgrims visit from all parts of India, so the town is well connected by road, rail and nearby airports.

This page explains in simple language how to reach Tiruvannamalai from major cities, which route is easier, and what to expect when you arrive.

Where Tiruvannamalai Is Located

Tiruvannamalai is in northern Tamil Nadu, roughly:

  • About 180–200 km from Chennai

  • Around 200–220 km from Bangalore

  • Around 100–110 km from Pondicherry

  • Around 85–100 km from Vellore

It sits on the route that connects many pilgrimage and heritage towns in Tamil Nadu, so buses and trains are frequent.

Reaching Tiruvannamalai by Train

Train Connectivity

Tiruvannamalai has its own railway station: Tiruvannamalai (TNM).
It lies on the Villupuram – Katpadi railway line and connects with many important junctions.

From this line you can get connectivity to:

  • Chennai (via Villupuram / Katpadi)

  • Villupuram

  • Vellore / Katpadi

  • Madurai and southern districts (via Villupuram)

  • Tirupati / Bangalore (with change at Katpadi or Vellore)

Using Trains as a Pilgrim

  • Trains are a comfortable option during hot months and festival seasons.

  • For major festivals like Karthigai Deepam and Shivaratri, trains may be crowded. Booking early is advisable.

  • From Tiruvannamalai Railway Station, the temple area is about 2–3 km away. Autos and share-autos are easily available outside.

Reaching Tiruvannamalai by Bus

Government and Private Buses

Tiruvannamalai has a busy bus stand with frequent buses from:

  • Chennai

  • Pondicherry

  • Vellore

  • Salem

  • Villupuram

  • Bangalore / Hosur

  • Nearby towns like Polur, Gingee, Arani, etc.

Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (TNSTC) and private operators run ordinary, express and semi-sleeper buses.

From Chennai

  • Distance: around 180–200 km

  • Route usually via Chengalpattu – Tindivanam – Gingee – Tiruvannamalai

  • Travel time: around 4.5 to 5.5 hours, depending on traffic

From Bangalore

  • Distance: around 200–220 km

  • Routes generally via Hosur – Krishnagiri – Tirupattur – Chengam – Tiruvannamalai, or via Krishnagiri – Vellore – Polur

  • Travel time: around 5 to 6 hours

From Pondicherry

  • Distance: about 100–110 km

  • Travel time: around 2.5 to 3 hours

  • Buses usually go via Tindivanam – Gingee – Tiruvannamalai

From Vellore

  • Distance: about 85–100 km

  • Travel time: around 2 to 2.5 hours

Bus Stand to Temple

The Tiruvannamalai central bus stand is about 1.5–2 km from the temple.
You can take:

  • Auto rickshaw

  • Share auto

  • Local town bus (when available)

Autos are the quickest option, especially with luggage or elders.

Reaching Tiruvannamalai by Car / Taxi

From Chennai by Car

  • Common route: Chennai – Chengalpattu – Tindivanam – Gingee – Tiruvannamalai

  • Roads are mostly good, with some narrow stretches near small towns

  • Travel time: roughly 4.5–5 hours under normal traffic

From Bangalore by Car

  • Suggested route: Bangalore – Hosur – Krishnagiri – Tirupattur – Chengam – Tiruvannamalai

  • Good highway stretch till Krishnagiri, then state highways

  • Travel time: roughly 5–6 hours

From Pondicherry or Cuddalore

  • Short drive via Tindivanam – Gingee – Tiruvannamalai

  • Scenic rural roads with moderate traffic

Car Travel Tips for Pilgrims

  • Start early in the morning to avoid heat and traffic near towns.

  • During Karthigai Deepam, Pournami and Shivaratri, some roads near the temple will be blocked for vehicles; follow police instructions.

  • Parking is limited near temple streets; you may need to park a little away and walk.

Nearest Airports to Tiruvannamalai

Tiruvannamalai does not have its own airport. The nearest major airports are:

Chennai International Airport (MAA)

  • Distance: about 180–200 km

  • Suitable for domestic and international pilgrims

  • From Chennai, you can continue by train, bus or taxi

Kempegowda International Airport, Bangalore (BLR)

  • Distance: around 230–250 km (including city travel)

  • From airport → reach Bangalore city → take bus or train towards Tiruvannamalai

Pondicherry Airport (Limited Connectivity)

  • Smaller airport with limited flights

  • Around 100–110 km from Tiruvannamalai

  • From Pondicherry, road travel is required

For most pilgrims, Chennai is the most practical airport.

Local Transport Inside Tiruvannamalai

Autos and Share-Autos

  • Easily available at railway station, bus stand and main junctions

  • Reasonable for short trips between temple, bus stand, railway station and hotels

  • During festival days, share-autos are often the fastest option when roads are partially closed.

Taxis and Cabs

  • Local taxi operators are available for:

    • Outstation trips

    • Pickup from nearby towns

    • Airport or railway station drop (with prior booking)

Walking

  • Many hotels, lodges and ashrams are within walking distance of the temple

  • Pilgrims often prefer walking around the temple streets, especially in the morning and evening

Reaching the Temple from Within the Town

Once you enter Tiruvannamalai:

  • Ask for “Annamalaiyar Kovil” or “Arunachaleswarar Temple” – everyone knows the route

  • Temple has multiple gopuram entrances; most pilgrims use the East Gopuram side

  • During major festivals, some streets become one-way for pilgrims only

Using Google Maps with the temple pinned is a simple way to avoid confusion.

Travel Tips for Pilgrims

For First-Time Visitors

  • Avoid arriving very late at night unless your accommodation is pre-booked

  • Keep temple address and your hotel address written down

  • Carry basic medicines, especially if doing Girivalam

During Peak Festivals (Deepam, Pournami, Shivaratri)

  • Reach Tiruvannamalai at least one day earlier

  • Use public transport when possible; parking can be difficult

  • Expect road diversions and longer travel times

  • Keep water, snacks and a small torch if walking during the night

For Families and Senior Citizens

  • Prefer train or comfortable bus instead of long car drives in peak summer

  • Choose stays close to the temple or with easy auto access

  • Avoid mid-day travel during hot months, especially with elders and children

Reaching Tiruvannamalai is straightforward once you know your options.
You can come by train, bus, car or from nearby airports, and then use simple local transport to reach the Arunachaleswarar Temple.

With a little planning—especially around festival days—your journey to this sacred hill town can be smooth, safe and filled with devotion from the very beginning.