Thiruvannamalai is a pilgrimage town and municipality in Thiruvannamalai district in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is the headquarters of the Thiruvannamalai district. Thiruvannamalai is home to the Annamalaiyar Temple located at the foot of the Annamalai hill and amongst one of the great Shiva Temples of Tamilnadu. Thiruvannamalai has long been associated with many yogis and siddhars,and more recently the 20th century guru Ramana Maharshi.

Attractions:

Arunachala temple: Thetemple dedicated to Lord Shiva was built between the 16th and the 17th centuries by the kings of the Vijayanagara empire. The temple is famous for its massive gopurams.The 11 tiered East Rajagopuram towers to a height of 217 feet, while the fortified walls pierced with 4 gopura entrances offer a formidable look to this vast temple complex . The Pei Gopuram, Tirumanjana Gopuram and Ammanaiammal gopuram are the other three. The 1000 pillared hall and the temple tank were built by Krishna Deva Rayarar of Vijayanagar. Each of the prakarams has a huge Nandi and several towers such as the Vallala Maharaja Gopuram and Kili Gopuram

Girivalam Path around annamalai hill:Girivalam (also called Giri Valam) is an spiritual custom observed from many centuries by people in south India. During Girivalam people circumambulate the Arunachala hill (also called Annamalai) and worship 8 siva lingams placed around the arunachala hill.

Seshadri Swamigal Ashram:Seshadri swamigal was born in Kancheepuram on 1870 and moved to Tiruvannamalai 1889. He was mastered in all the sacred text of Tamil and Sanskrit. He was known for his spiritual eminence and for his spiritual aspiration to reunion with god through prayer, chanting and meditation (austerities) .

Ramana Maharshi Ashram:RamanaRamana Maharshi (Maha or great, Rishi or Enlightened Being) was the awe inspiring sage who's presence graced the renowned sacred Arunachala hill during much of the 20th century.