Arunachalam Temple or Arunachaleswarar Temple is one of the most sacred shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva. Located in Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu, it is one of the Pancha Bhoota Tirthas that symbolize the element of fire. For devotees from Hyderabad, the pilgrimage to Arunachalam is not only spiritual but also scenic.
In this guide, you will find every detail about the distance from Hyderabad to Arunachalam Temple, travel options, best route, timings, fare and travel tips.
Distance from Hyderabad to Arunachalam Temple
| Mode of Travel | Approximate Distance | Estimated Time |
|---|---|---|
| By Road | 686 – 770 km | 12 – 14 hours |
| By Air (to Chennai) | 578 km (air) | 1h 45m (flight) + 4-5h (road) |
| By Train (via Katpadi) | ~750 km (incl. road) | 15 – 16 hours |
| By Bus ~720 km | ~720 km | 13 – 14 hours |
Route List from Hyderabad to Arunachalam by Road
Best Route is via NH44 and NH40 with good roads and South India’s countryside views.
Route Map:
Hyderabad → Kurnool → Kadapa → Chittoor → Tiruvannamalai
- Total Distance: ~720 km
- Driving Time: 12 – 14 hours
- Fuel Cost: Approx. ₹5,000 to ₹7,000 (car round trip)
- Toll Charges: ₹500 – ₹800 (depending on vehicle)
Hyderabad to Tiruvannamalai Bus Services
Government and private bus companies operate services from Hyderabad to Tiruvannamalai.
Important Details:
- Travel Time: 13 to 14 hours
- Ticket Cost: ₹1,000 to ₹3,200 (depending on bus category: Non-AC, AC Sleeper, Volvo)
Popular Boarding Points in Hyderabad:
- Kukatpally
- BHEL
- Ameerpet
- Miyapur
- Lakdi ka Pul
Booking Platforms: TSRTC, Redbus, MakeMyTrip
Train Travel from Hyderabad to Arunachalam
No direct train to Tiruvannamalai, however, you can go by train to Katpadi Junction or Vellore and then by road (taxi or bus) to Tiruvannamalai (approx. 80 km).
Recommended Trains:
- KCG MRDW Express (12789) – Tuesdays and Fridays from Kacheguda
- Sabari Express (17230) – Regular from Secunderabad
Travel Time: 13 – 15 hours (including road)
Ticket Price: ₹420 – ₹1,200 based on the class (Sleeper, 3AC, 2AC)
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Air Travel from Hyderabad to Arunachalam Temple
No direct flight to Tiruvannamalai. The ideal air trip is via Chennai or Bengaluru.
Option 1: Hyderabad → Chennai → Tiruvannamalai
- Flight: ~1h 15m
- Taxi/Bus from Chennai: 4 – 5 hours (~200 km)
- Flight price: ₹3,800 to ₹7,500
Option 2: Hyderabad → Bengaluru → Tiruvannamalai
- Flight: ~1h 20m
- Taxi/Bus from Bengaluru: 4 – 6 hours (~250 km)
Brief about Arunachalam Temple (Arunachaleswarar Temple)
- Location: Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu
- Deity: Lord Shiva (as Arunachaleswarar)
- Element Represented: Fire (Agni)
- Significance: One of the Pancha Bhoota Sthalams
- Special Festival: Karthigai Deepam – a 10-day festival drawing lakhs of devotees
Best Time to Visit
| Season | Description |
|---|---|
| October to March | Pleasant weather, best suited for walking around the hill (Girivalam) |
| Karthigai Deepam (Nov-Dec) | The most spiritual period to visit, with a gigantic flame lit on the top of the hill |
| Avoid Summer | Extremely hot and arid (April–June) |
Travel Tips
· Girivalam Path: A 14-km sacred circumambulation around Arunachala Hill; best done on full moon nights
- Footwear: Not permitted inside temple grounds
- Accommodation: Book ahead during festivals; budget guesthouses to luxury hotels available
- Local Food: South Indian food, dosas, idlis, and temple prasadam
- Dress Code: Modest traditional clothing advisable
Local Sites of Interest in Tiruvannamalai
| Attraction | Description |
|---|---|
| Skandashram | Peaceful and quiet ashram of Ramana Maharshi |
| Virupaksha Cave | Cave where Ramana Maharshi sat in meditation |
| Seshadri Swamigal Ashram | Well-known spiritual hub |
| Yogi Ramsuratkumar Ashram | Spiritual retreat for meditation |
Conclusion
The trip from Hyderabad to Arunachalam Temple is not merely one of distance but a spiritual journey. Driving, flying, taking a train or bus, the means are yours to choose, but arriving in Tiruvannamalai brings about an intense connection with Lord Shiva in his fiery incarnation.
Plan your visit well, think about your budget, comfort, and time, and get ready for a soul-rejuvenating pilgrimage to one of India’s holiest spiritual places.
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