Ramana Maharshi Ashram, Tiruvannamalai: Visit by Cab from Tirupati

About Sri Ramanasramam

Sri Ramanasramam is a spiritual centre on the southern side of Arunachala hill at Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu. It grew around the sage Ramana Maharshi (Bhagavan Sri Ramana), who lived here for decades and taught the path of self-enquiry, asking the question "Who am I?". Visitors from India and abroad come to sit in the meditation hall, visit the samadhi and spend time in silence.

For travellers looking for a calm contrast to the busy Arunachaleswarar Temple, the ashram is a good half-day stop. A Ramana Maharshi Ashram Tiruvannamalai visit pairs naturally with our Tirupati to Tiruvannamalai taxi trip.

Virupaksha Cave and Skandasramam

Ramana Maharshi lived in two places on the hill before settling at the ashram. Virupaksha Cave, shaped like the sacred Om symbol and holding the samadhi of the sage Virupaksha, was his home from 1899 to 1916. Skandasramam, a small shaded hermitage higher up, was his residence from 1916 to 1922 and overlooks the big temple. The ashram maintains both as historical places for visitors.

Both are reached on foot by a trail from the road near the ashram. The climb is short but uneven and sunny, with monkeys along the way, so avoid carrying food and wear sturdy footwear if you prefer not to go barefoot. Hill-site timings are not published on an official page that we could verify; third-party sources suggest daytime visits, so confirm locally.

What to see and do

Inside the ashram you will find the samadhi shrine of Bhagavan, the old hall where he received visitors, a library, a book depot and a dining hall. There is also a shrine to his mother, and peacocks and other animals roam the grounds. Silence and respectful behaviour are expected in the halls.

Some visitors sit for meditation for an hour or two, others join the evening chanting. If you only have a few hours, a typical order is the ashram first, then the caves, and then the Arunachaleswarar Temple in the afternoon. The ashram is also a convenient starting point for part of the Girivalam route; see our Girivalam page.

How the Tirupati to Tiruvannamalai cab trip works

The road distance from Tirupati is roughly 190 to 200 km and takes around four hours. We provide only the vehicle and a driver. Any room booking at the ashram guest facilities, or entry formalities, are arranged by you with the ashram directly.

For a one-day trip, leave Tirupati by about 4 am, reach Tiruvannamalai in the morning and plan the ashram and caves before noon. Return in the afternoon. If you want a slower retreat-style visit, ask for a two-day plan and book your stay yourself. See our Tirumala and Tiruvannamalai two-day package for how a longer trip can be arranged.

Practical tips

Cover shoulders and knees, wear simple clothing and leave footwear at the stall near the entrance. Phones should be silent. Photography rules may apply in some halls; ask at the office or confirm on arrival.

The ashram has published timings for the meditation hall, shrine area and book stall, but the figures in different documents have not always matched. Please check with the ashram office or website the day before you go.

Carry water, sunscreen and a cap for the hill climb. If you have knee problems or small children, keep to the ashram grounds and skip the caves.

Sample plan

1. 4:00 amLeave TirupatiEarly start for a morning arrival.
2. 8:30 amSri RamanasramamMeditation hall, samadhi, library and grounds.
3. 10:30 amVirupaksha Cave and SkandasramamShort hill walk; go before the day heats up.
4. 12:30 pmLunchVegetarian meals are available in town.
5. 2:30 pmOptional: Arunachaleswarar TemplePilgrim handles entry and any tickets directly.
6. 4:00 pmReturn to TirupatiArrive late evening.

Taxi cost by vehicle

Frequently asked questions

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