What Is The Chittoor To Arunachalam Temple Distance? Know How To Travel The Distance
Arunachalam Temple, Annamalaiyar Temple, or Arunachaleswara Temple is the place to worship Lord Shiva, who here symbolizes the element of fire. So, the Shiva Lingam here is also known as the Agni Lingam.
Chittoor in Andhra Pradesh is a popular base for pilgrims visiting the Arunachalam Temple in Tiruvannamalai. In fact, people traveling from Kanipakam or other parts of Andhra Pradesh take the train to Tiruvannamalai from Chittoor.
However, the Chittoor to Arunachalam Temple distance of over 120 km can also be traveled by road and air.
In this Dream and Travel Guide, I will discuss the modes of transportation, the route options, important travel tips, and everything else you need to know for a holy journey from Chittoor to Arunachalam Temple.
Table of Contents
Arunachalam Temple: A Holy Pilgrimage For The Shaivites
Arunachalam Temple, one of the most famous temples in South India, has historical and spiritual significance. The temple stands as a proud example of the architectural excellence of the early Chola Kingdom in the 9th Century AD.
However, the temple today stands in the place where Lord Shiva appeared as a column of light to end the ego and falsehood of Lord Brahma, and in a broader sense, of the entire living world.
Moreover, the temple located at the base of the Arunachala Hill is known for its Girivalam or Giri Pradakshina ritual. It is said that taking a round or Pradakshina of the hill ends all mortal sins and helps us achieve emancipation.
A significant place for spiritual tourism in India, the Arunachalam Temple is well-connected to many major cities of South India. Furthermore, Tiruvannamalai, the nearest railway station to the Arunachalam Temple, receives trains from various cities directly or via connecting routes.
Devotees also travel from Hyderabad to the Arunachalam Temple or Chennai to Arunachalam Temple by road and air.
Popular Routes To Arunachalam Temple And Their Distance
Have a look at the table below to know the distance between major cities in South India and Aruanchalam Temple.
What Is The Chittoor To Arunachalam Temple Distance?
The distance between Chittoor and the Arunachalam Temple is around 123 km. The travel time will be approximately 3-5 hours, depending on the mode of transport you have chosen.
| Mode of Transport | Estimated Time |
|---|---|
| By Train | Around 3 to 5 Hours |
| By Car/Taxi | Approximately 3 Hours |
| By Bus | Around 5 Hours |
How To Travel From Chittoor To Aruanchalam Temple?
You can go for a day trip from Chittoor to Arunachalam Temple, considering the travel time will be around 3 to 5 hours.
The fastest mode of transport, however, will be taking a taxi or a car.
1. How To Travel From Chittoor To Arunachalam Temple By Train?
Have a look at the table below to find out the details about how to travel from Chittoor to Arunachalam Temple by train. (Source: IRCTC). These trains stop at Tiruvannamalai Station, the nearest railway station to the Arunachalam Temple (4 km.)
You have to travel these 4 km by local autos or taxis.
| Train | Departure | Arrival | Available | Fare (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PAMANI EXPRESS (17407) | 12:55 PM | 3:43 PM | Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday | 2S: 75 SL: 150 3A: 515 |
| HYB CAPE SPL (07230) | 8:42 AM | 12:40 PM | Thursday | SL: 390 3A: 1060 2A: 1455 1A: 1520 |
| NS TNM SPL (07219) | 12:40 AM | 4:55 AM | Thursday | SL: 390 3A: 1060 2A: 1455 |
| KCG MDU SPL (07191) | 10:45 AM | 1:40 PM | Tuesday | SL: 390 3A: 1060 2A: 1455 1A: 1520 |
2. How To Travel From Chittoor To Arunachalam Temple By Car/Taxi?
The journey from Chittoor to Arunachalam Temple by road passes through the Chittoor Kanipakam Road and NH 77. NH 77 is directly connected to Tiruvannamalai, and the road condition is pretty good.
However, you must get the fuel for your car at Chittoor or Vellore, as petrol pumps may not be frequent after that.
Also, if you don’t have a car and you want to book a cab or taxi, the charges will be close to INR 4000 for a round trip.
3. How To Travel From Chittoor To Arunachalam Temple By Bus?
The Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation operates a bus from Chittoor to Tiruvannamalai. The bus departs from Chittor at 5:30 PM and reaches Tiruvannamalai at 9:15 PM. The ticket price is INR 140.
You can also check out the options on redBus for more comfortable or sleeper options. The ticket prices on redBus will be around INR 500-6000 based on the type of bus and package you choose.
Travel Tips And Best Practices For Arunachalam Temple (Best Occasion To Visit)
The best time to visit the Arunachalam Temple is from October to December. The temple especially gets lakhs of visitors for the Kartigai Deepam Festival in November and December.
Furthermore, Gurupurnima, Maha Shivratri, and Arudra Darshan are some special occasions to visit the temple. Arudra Darshan worships the Nataraja form of Lord Shiva, and it takes place in December/January.
On the other hand, Chitra Pournami, which worships Lord Chitragupta in April and May, and Pradosham (the 13th day of a lunar cycle) every month, are considered auspicious days to visit the temple.
Keep These Things In Mind When Visiting The Arunachalam Temple
The temple remains open to visitors from 5:30 AM to 8:30 PM. General Darshan is free. However, you can also choose Special to Diamond Darshan services, ranging from INR 50 to 5000.
Furthermore, you can be a part of the special pujas and Abhisekams at the temple, and you can book all the services online at https://annamalaiyar.hrce.tn.gov.in/.
Moreover, if you want to stay at Tiruvannamalai for a night or two and want a spiritual ambiance, you must book a room at Sri Ramanasramam. You can call +91 4175 236624 for booking a room.
Sample Itinerary For A Day Trip From Chittoor To Arunachalam Temple
If you start early in the morning, you can complete a day trip from Chittoor to Arunachalam Temple and back.
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 5 AM | Journey Starts |
| 8:30 AM | Arriving at Arunachalam Temple |
| 8:30-11 AM | Temple Visit and Prayer |
| 11 AM to 2 PM | Girivalam |
| 2 PM | Lunch |
| 3 PM | A Visit to Sri Ramanasramam |
| 4 PM | Returning to Chittoor |
Chittoor To Arunachalam Temple Distance: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the frequently asked questions and answers about the Chittoor to Aruanchalam Temple distance.
The route from Chittoor to Tiruvannamalai is decent. However, the stretch between Krishnagiri and Tiruvannamalai often has heavy traffic due to poor road conditions and ongoing construction work.
Furthermore, toilet and food stop facilities are limited along the route.
As mentioned, there are not many fuel stations or toilets on the route from Chittoor to Aruanchalam Temple, and that can be a problem if you are traveling with elderly members.
Also, it is better to get the fuel for your car at Chittoor or Vellore.
Yes, the Arunchalam Temple is accessible for elderly and differently-abled pilgrims. The temple now has a different waiting/seating zone for these visitors, and there are facilities for free escorted visits for them. However, they will need to produce a valid ID card.
Furthermore, the temple has wheelchair facilities, and you can contact Thiru. K. Vijyakumar (Kavalar) for the service. You can contact him at 8939102914.
Moreover, the temple has two battery cars for the ease of movement in the premises.
The best time to visit the Arunachalam Temple is in the early morning or late afternoon. The temple remains open from 5:30 AM to 8:30 PM.
However, for a safe and comfortable Girivalam experience, 6-7 AM or 4-5 PM are the ideal timings. You have to walk barefoot, and the Girivalam route is close to 14 km.
Yes, there is a parking lot near the temple. However, on Pournami, Full Moon days, and weekends, the temple gets many visitors.
So, the parking lot may be overcrowded. So, reach early to find a convenient parking space.
