How to Reach Tiruvannamalai from Bangalore – Complete Travel Guide for Pilgrims

Detailed guide on how to reach Tiruvannamalai from Bangalore by bus, train, or car. Distance, routes, travel time, tips & pilgrim planning.

A Journey Every Pilgrim Should Plan Well

For devotees travelling from Bengaluru to Tiruvannamalai, the journey itself feels like the first step of surrender to Arunachala. Unlike major temple cities, Tiruvannamalai is not located on a large railway junction or airport corridor. Because of this, proper travel planning is essential, especially for those visiting for darshan, Girivalam, or festivals like Karthigai Deepam.

This guide explains how to reach Tiruvannamalai from Bangalore using accurate, ground-verified details, written from the perspective of regular pilgrims who have travelled this route many times.

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Snapshot / Quick Facts

Item	Details
Distance	~195–205 km (route dependent)
Average Travel Time	5.5 – 6.5 hours
Fastest Possible Time	~4.5 hours (early morning by car)
Best Mode Overall	Bus or Car
Worst Mode	Air (no nearby airport)
Best Arrival Time	4:30 AM – 6:00 AM

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Understanding Tiruvannamalai’s Location (Why Planning Matters)

Tiruvannamalai lies away from major transport hubs. The final 60–70 km involves state highways and rural roads, which are slower than national highways. This is why two journeys of the same distance can feel very different in travel time.

For pilgrims visiting Sri Arunachaleswarar Temple, arriving relaxed and on time is important for darshan and Girivalam.

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Option 1: Bangalore to Tiruvannamalai by Road (Car / Taxi)

Distance & Travel Time

• Distance: ~200 km
• Early morning travel: 4.5–5 hours
• Daytime/weekend travel: 5.5–6.5 hours

Best & Most Reliable Route (Recommended)

Bengaluru → Hosur → Krishnagiri → Uthangarai → Chengam → Tiruvannamalai

Why this route is preferred:

• Smooth NH-44 highway till Krishnagiri
• Less town traffic compared to Vellore route
• Regularly used by TNSTC and SETC buses
• Reliable even during festival seasons

Alternative Route (Situational)

Bengaluru → Vellore → Polur → Tiruvannamalai

Use this route only if:

• There are diversions on the Krishnagiri–Chengam stretch
• You plan to visit Vellore

⚠️ This route usually takes longer due to town traffic.

Parking Reality (Important for Pilgrims)

• Parking near the temple is restricted on Pournami and festival days
• Police may divert vehicles outside the town
• Best practice: park near your lodge or ashram and walk or use autos

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Option 2: Bangalore to Tiruvannamalai by Bus (Most Preferred by Pilgrims)

Many experienced pilgrims prefer buses because they reduce stress and avoid parking issues.

Bus Operators

• TNSTC – Most frequent services
• SETC – Reserved long-distance buses
• KSRTC – Limited services

Boarding Points in Bangalore

• Kempegowda Bus Stand (Majestic)
• Satellite Bus Stand (Mysore Road)
• Limited services from Silk Board / Electronic City

Travel Time

• 5.5 – 7 hours depending on stops

Drop Point

• Tiruvannamalai New Bus Stand
• About 1.5 km from temple
• Autos and town buses available

Best Pilgrim Strategy

Overnight bus (9:30 PM – 11:30 PM)
→ Reach Tiruvannamalai between 4:30 AM and 6:00 AM

Ideal for:

• Early darshan
• Morning Girivalam
• Avoiding heat and crowds

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Option 3: Bangalore to Tiruvannamalai by Train (Limited but Possible)

Important Reality

Direct trains from Bangalore to Tiruvannamalai are very few and not daily.

Most Reliable Train Route

Bengaluru → Katpadi Junction → Tiruvannamalai

Segment	Details
Bengaluru → Katpadi	Many express trains daily
Katpadi → Tiruvannamalai	Passenger train or frequent buses (2–2.5 hrs)

Nearest Useful Stations

Station	Distance
Tiruvannamalai	In town (limited services)
Katpadi	~85 km
Villupuram	~105 km

⚠️ During festivals, do not rely on tight train-to-bus connections.

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Option 4: By Air – Not Recommended

Tiruvannamalai does not have an airport.

Nearest airports:

• Bengaluru
• Chennai (still 4–5 hours by road)

Air travel adds cost and time without benefit.

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Best Time to Travel from Bangalore

Recommended

• Depart Bangalore before 6:00 AM
• Or travel by overnight bus

Avoid

• Bangalore evening peak traffic (5:30–9 PM)
• Entering Tiruvannamalai after sunset on Pournami
• Midday summer travel (April–June)

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Festival-Specific Travel Advice

Pournami (Full Moon)

• Very heavy pedestrian movement
• Vehicles diverted from inner roads
• Best arrival: before 4 PM or after 1 AM

Karthigai Deepam

• Arrive at least one day early
• Same-day travel from Bangalore is risky
• Bus tickets sell out quickly

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Common Mistakes Pilgrims Make

• Assuming Tiruvannamalai is like Tirupati
• Driving directly to temple streets on festival days
• Not booking return travel
• Reaching dehydrated for Girivalam

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FAQs – Quick Answers

Is Tiruvannamalai a good weekend trip from Bangalore?
Yes. Friday night to Sunday night works well.

Best travel mode for senior citizens?
SETC bus or private taxi.

Is night travel safe?
Yes. Routes are commonly used by pilgrims.

Is the temple walkable from bus stand?
Yes, but autos are convenient with luggage.

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Let the Journey Prepare You for Arunachala

Understanding how to reach Tiruvannamalai from Bangalore with clarity removes unnecessary stress from your pilgrimage. When travel is planned well, your mind is free to focus on darshan, Girivalam, and inner stillness.

Arrive early, travel light, and allow the journey itself to become part of your surrender to Arunachala.