Places to Visit Near Thiruvannamalai

Sathanur Dam, a stunning engineering marvel, is located at a distance of 30 kilometres from the city of Thiruvannamalai in Tamil Nadu. This breathtaking structure has been built over River Thenpennai (River Pennaiyar) flowing through the Chennakesava Hills in Thandarampet Taluk. The reservoir is called the Sathanur Reservoir and is considered as one of the major dams in the state. The structure consists of pleasant parks, a fish grotto and a huge crocodile farm that attracts nature enthusiasts and tourists from all over the world.

Distance from Thiruvannamalai: 28 km

Known as the "Troy of the East" by the British, Gingee Fort is located in Villupuram District of Tamil Nadu, 160 kilometres from the state capital, Chennai and near the Union Territory of Puducherry. Locals have given the fort some notable names such as Senji, Chenji, Jinji or Senchi Fort. The majestic fort has three different hilltop citadels and a massive boundary of thick walls and cliffs. Owing to its enormous structure the fort is fortified to the extent that Shivaji, the Maratha king, named it as the "most impregnable fortress in India." Visiting the fort makes one learn the reason for why it has been called by such influential names.

Distance from Thiruvannamalai: 40 km

On the outskirts of the town, lies this beautiful temple complex which has four Jain temples, 3 Jain caves. It also houses a 16 feet tall statue of Mahavira erected in 12th century AD and is the tallest Jain statue in India.

Distance from Thiruvannamalai: 48 km

Known For : Sri Venkateswara Temple Akasaganga Teertham Silathoranam

Situated in the Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh, Tirupati is known for Venkateshwara Temple,  one of the most popular pilgrimage centres in the country. Known as Balaji and Govinda, Tirupati is one of the oldest cities of India and finds mention in plenty of ancient Vedas and Puranas. Tirumala is the home to seven peaks of Tirumala Hills. Spread over an area of 26 kilometres and visited by nearly 50,000 pilgrims every day, the temple is also commonly referred to as the Temple of Seven Hills.

Distance from Thiruvannamalai: 190 km

Best Time: September to March

40 Tirupati Attractions

Known For : Shore Temple Mahabalipuram Beach Five Rathas

Famous for its intricately carved temples and rock-cut caves, Mamallapuram or Mahabalipuram as it is famously known, is a historically important and well-loved tourist location situated on the Coromandel Coast along the Bay of Bengal, in the state of Tamil Nadu. Once the abode of the famous demon king Mahabali, Mahabalipuram was later renamed Mamallapuram. The serenity, the alluring atmosphere and the impressive setting with many beautiful white sandy beaches dotted with casuarina trees are all reasons as to why one would want to visit this wonderful town.

Distance from Thiruvannamalai: 151 km

Best Time: November to February

23 Mahabalipuram Attractions

Known For : Paradise Beach, Pondicherry Aurobindo Ashram Auroville

Pondicherry, officially known as Puducherry, and commonly referred to as just Pondy, is one of the seven Union Territories of India. This former French colony is a perfect amalgamation of the traditional Indian sensibilities and French architecture, making it a dreamy escape that offers the best of both worlds. The streets of the French Quarter of Pondicherry, also known as White Town, are dotted with charming mustard-yellow colonial structures with bougainvillaea laden walls.

Distance from Thiruvannamalai: 110 km

Best Time: October to March

48 Pondicherry Attractions

Known For : Brihadeeswara Temple Saraswathi Mahal Library Shiva Ganga Garden

Also known as Tanjore or the city of temples, Thanjavur has a lot of cultural value and is known for its famous Tanjore paintings, antiques and handicrafts, textiles and saris , its Carnatic music and musical instruments and of course the temples. Thanjavur enjoys a rich historical heritage and holds a very important position in the moulding of ancient as well modern south Indian civilization. Being of religious importance, this place is a must for all pilgrims.

Distance from Thiruvannamalai: 219 km

Best Time: October to March

15 Thanjevur Attractions

Known For : Hogenakkal Falls Mettur Dam Melagiri Hills

Hogenakkal is a waterfall located in Dharmapuri district of Tamil Nadu where the Kaveri river splits into multiple streams of waterfalls. Located at a distance of 180 km from Bangalore, Hogenakkal has water throughout the year. The carbonite rocks, the coracle (basket boat) rides, freshwater fish, oil massages by locals make it a perfect one day trip or a weekend getaway from Bangalore.

Distance from Thiruvannamalai: 159 km

Best Time: October to March

9 Hogenakkal Attractions

Known For : Adi Kumbeshwara Temple Nageswaran Temple Shopping in Kumbakonam

Sandwiched between two great rivers of southern India, Cauvery and Arsala, Kumbakonam is a gorgeous temple town in the heart of the Thanjavur district of Tamil Nadu.The town is a place for the lovers of history and those seeking to understand India's cultural roots and Hinduism. The town is also known for its grand festival called Mahamaham festival which is celebrated every twelve years at the Mahamaham Tank.

Distance from Thiruvannamalai: 169 km

Best Time: November to February

25 Kumbakonam Attractions

Known For : Kamakshi Amman Temple Varadharaja Perumal Temple Devarajaswami Temple

Widely known for its beautiful 'Kanchipuram sarees' and also referred to as the 'golden city of a thousand temples', Kanchipuram in Tamil Nadu is a popular tourist attraction. Kanchipuram or Kanchi attracts a lot of tourists from all over the world who are interested in Hinduism or just want to enjoy the marvel of South Indian architecture and grandeur. It is particularly known for being a culture and philosophical hub.

Distance from Thiruvannamalai: 118 km

Best Time: October to May

16 Kanchipuram Attractions

Known For : Pichavaram Mangrove Forests Shopping in Chidambaram The Nataraja Temple

A beautiful temple town in the Cuddalore District of Tamil Nadu, Chidamabaram is famous for housing the marvellous Lord Nataraja Temple and the famed chariot festival. Situated 250 kms away from the city of Chennai, Chidambaram has been a place of architectural glory and religious importance since antiquity. It has been ruled by several dynasties over time namely Cholas, Pandyas, Vijayanagar rulers, Marathas and the British.

Distance from Thiruvannamalai: 151 km

Best Time: October to January

10 Chidambram Attractions

A treasure trove of ancient Dravidian temples, Tiruchirappalli is also known as Trichy, is one of the largest cities in Tamil Nadu. Commonly known as Trichy, it lies 320 kilometres away from the state capital of Chennai. Located on the banks of Cauvery River, this city is an effortless blend of old and new. The oldest living city of Tamil Nadu, Tiruchirappalli has a history dating back to the 3rd century BC. The historic site of Rockfort is the main highlight of this region. Packed with cave temples, it is the most beautiful example of temple architecture.

Distance from Thiruvannamalai: 204 km

Known For : Vellore Fort Jalakandeswarar Temple St. John's Church

An ancient city in the northeastern part of Tamil Nadu, Vellore is located on the banks of river Palar Vellore. Nicknamed ‘The Fort City’ due to the marvellous Vellore Fort which sits at the heart of Vellore city, it is an ideal place to glimpse Tamil Nadu's rich cultural heritage through its temples. Contributing for 37% of the country's total leather export, Vellore is primarily known for two premier institutions, Christain Medical College and Vellore Institute of Technology. Apart from this, the city is known for the Ratnagiri Temple and Roman Catholic Diocese.

Distance from Thiruvannamalai: 84 km

Best Time: October - March

17 Vellore Attractions

Salem may be the fifth largest city in Tamil Nadu in terms of its area but is largest when it comes to breathtaking natural beauty and tranquil holy shrines. There are several famous Hindu temples – Kottai Mariamman Temple, Sugavaneshwarar Temple, International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), to name a few. The city also houses several noteworthy mosques and churches. Salem is located 340 km away from the capital, Chennai.

Distance from Thiruvannamalai: 168 km

Best Time: September to October

10 Salem Attractions