What Is Chennai To Arunachalam Temple Distance? What Are The Modes Of Transport?
Chennai, the capital of Tamil Nadu, has been gaining all the attention with the news of the Chennai Airport expansion surfacing everywhere. The T3 Terminal of the Chennai Airport is going to get expanded by June 2026.
The expansion, being executed as a part of the Phase-II development of the airport and at an expense of INR 2500 crores, will now increase the capacity of the airport. The airport with the expanded terminal will be able to host 35 million visitors annually.
However, this time, our destination is the Arunachalam Temple in Thiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu. One of the Pancha Bhoota Sthalas, this temple of Lord Shiva, is an important place for spiritual tourism in India. It is especially revered by the Shaivites.
Located at a distance of 200 km from Chennai, this temple is famous for the ritual of Girivalam or Giri Pradakshina. I have already shared detailed guides on the Hyderabad to Arunachalam Temple distance and the Tirupati to Arunachalam Temple distance.
In this Dream and Travel Guide, I will discuss the Chennai to Arunachalam temple distance and the best modes of transportation.
Key Points:
What Is The Chennai To Arunachalam Temple Distance?
The Chennai to Arunachalam temple distance is around 197 km by road according to Google Maps. You can travel the distance by road, by air, or by train.
The time to travel the distance will depend on the mode of transport you choose.
| Traveling Chennai To Arunachalam Temple Distance | Time Needed |
|---|---|
| By Bus | 5 to 6 Hours |
| By Car | 4 to 5 Hours |
| By Train | Around 4 Hours |
| By Air (Via Puducherry Airport) | 4.5 Hours |
Moreover, if you are traveling by air, you have to take a flight to the Puducherry Airport and then make a 2-hour journey by road via Kalapet, Tindivanam, and Malaiyanur.
How To Travel The Chennai To Arunachalam Temple Distance? Know The Modes Of Transportation
As you can see, the fastest way to reach Arunachalam Temple from Chennai is by train. However, the most comfortable mode of transport is, of course, to take a car.
Nevertheless, here are the details of Chennai to Arunachalam Temple trains, buses, flights, and cars.
1. Travel From Chennai To Arunachalam Temple By Bus
The Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (TNSTC) operates multiple buses from Chennai to Thiruvannamalai. All the buses depart from Chennai Madhavaram stop, and they run through Melmaruvathur and Gingee.
You can book A/C, Non A/C, Deluxe, and Super Deluxe buses for your journey. Here are the details of the Chennai to Arunachalam Temple bus timings and ticket prices.
| Departure from Chennai Madhavaram Temple | Arrival at Thiruvannamalai | Ticket Price (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| 4 AM | 9 AM | 180 |
| 5 AM | 10 AM | 180 |
| 5:30 AM | 10:30 AM | 180 |
| 6:00 AM | 11 AM | 180 |
| 7:30 AM | 12:30 PM | 180 |
| 8 AM | 1 PM | 180 |
| 8:30 AM | 1:30 PM | 214 |
| 9 AM | 2 PM | 214 |
| 10:00 AM | 3:00 PM | 214 |
| 10:30 AM | 3:30 PM | 214 |
| 11 AM | 4 PM | 214 |
| 11:20 | 4:20 PM | 180 |
| 12:00 | 5 PM | 214 |
| 1 PM | 6 PM | 180 |
| 1:30 PM | 6:30 PM | 214 |
| 2:20 PM | 8:05 PM | 180 |
| 2:30 PM | 7:30 PM | 214 |
| 3:00 PM | 8 PM | 180 |
| 4:00 PM | 9:00 PM | 214 |
| 4:30 PM | 9:30 PM | 180 |
| 5 PM | 10 PM | 214 |
| 5:30 PM | 10:30 PM | 180 |
| 6 PM | 11 PM | 180 |
| 7 PM | 12 AM | 180 |
| 8 PM | 1 AM | 180 |
| 9 PM | 2 AM | 180 |
| 9:30 PM | 2:30 AM | 180 |
| 10 PM | 3 AM | 180 |
For online reservations, you can contact the toll-free numbers 08066006572/9513948001. For support, you can contact 7305068045.
2. Travel From Chennai To Arunachalam Temple By Train
The Thiruvannamalai Railway Station, located at a distance of 4.2 km away, is the nearest railway station to Arunachalam Temple. Here are the train details from Chennai to Thiruvannamalai Railway Station.
The trains depart from the Perambur station. You can reach Perambur by taking a train from the MGR Chennai Central or by traveling a distance of 18 km by road and reaching within 20 minutes.
Check out the table for train timings, availability, and train ticket prices. (Source: IRCTC).
Trains from Perambur to Tiruvannamalai
| Train Name | Departure | Arrival | Available On | Ticket Price (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KGP VM SF EXP | 2:05 PM | 5:26 PM | Friday | SL: 200 3A: 560 2A: 765 |
| PRR TEN SF EXP | 2:05 PM | 5:26 PM | Tuesday and Saturday | SL: 200 3A: 560 2A: 765 |
3. Travel Fron Chennai To Aruanchalam Temple By Car
If you want to visit the important attractions between Chennai and Arunachalam Temple and enjoy a slow journey, you can take a car or a cab.
The prices will be around INR 2500-3000 for a one-way journey. Book an Uber InterCity car or book a taxi using the CabBazar app on your smartphone.
4. Travel From Chennai To Aruanchalam Temple By Air
Traveling from Chennai to Arunachalam by air is not a feasible option unless you have some other commitments in Pondicherry. The Pondicherry (PNY) Airport is the nearest to the temple.
The airport is located at a distance of around 113 km, and from there, you have to make a journey by road for 2 hours.
So, if you take a flight from the Chennai Airport to the Pondicherry Airport, it will take around 2 hours and 30 minutes, and from there, the journey by road or train will be another 2 hours. So, the overall travel time will be at least 4.5 hours.
What Are The Places To Visit Between Chennai And Arunachalam Temple?
There are many places of attraction between Chennai and the Arunachalam Temple if you travel by car.
1. Kanchipuram
The City of a Thousand Temples, Kanchipuram, is famous for religious and spiritual places such as Kailasanathar Temple and Ekambareswarar Temple.
Furthermore, you must shop for some Kanchipuram silk sarees or textiles.
2. Mahabalipuram
Once a port city during the Pallava Dynasty reign, Mahabalipuram is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore its unique landmarks such as the Pancha Rathas and the Shore Temple.
3. Gingee Fort
Dubbed as the “Troy of the East,” Gingee Fort is another UNESCO World Heritage Site you will come across on the way to Arunachalam Temple from Chennai.
Occupied by many dynasties, the fort stands as an example of impregnable strategic design and architecture.
4. Sri Aurobindo Ashram
Suppose you want to further soak in the spiritual experience you gathered at the Arunachalam Temple. In that case, you can take a longer detour to Pondicherry, where the Sri Aurobindo Ashram is located.
Since 1926, it has been functioning as a prominent hub for Inner Yoga.
5. Vellore Golden Temple
The Vellore Golden Temple inside the Thirupuram spiritual park is famous for its glamorous gold covering. The temple has a unique star-shaped structure, and it worships Goddess Laxmi, or the Goddess of Wealth.
Chennai To Arunachalam Temple Distance: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the frequently asked questions and answers about the Chennai to Arunachalam Temple distance.
October to March is the best time to visit the Arunachalam Temple. Pleasant weather conditions make it the ideal time for Giri Pradakshina,
Furthermore, major festivals of the temple, such as the Maha Karthigai Deepam and Mahashivratri, take place during these months
General Darshan at the revered Arunachalam Temple is free. However, the fees for a Special Darshan are INR 50, and for Fast Track Darshan, the fees are INR 100.
Moreover, there are provisions for Silver, VIP, Gold, Platinum, and Diamond Darshan tickets available at INR 500, 200, 1000, 2000, and 5000, respectively.
While a day trip from Chennai to Arunachalam Temple is possible, it is good to plan a 2-3 3-day trip. The Giri Pradakshina of 14 km is a strenuous exercise, and it demands a good amount of rest.
Furthermore, during your stay, you will be able to explore other places such as the Ramana Maharshi Ashram or Sri Aurobindo Ashram for deeper spiritual reflection. Moreover, you will be able to enjoy the local cuisine and culture during this short trip.
