Welcome to MountainSaran Tours

Let us show you the mystical and enchanting sides of Arunachala mountain and the Tiruvannamalai region.

Mountainsaran Tours is dedicated to giving the best personalized guided tours of Arunachala mountain and it's various paths and caves, as well as all of its surrounding sacred sites.

All guided tours are arranged individually according each group or individuals needs. Contact us and let us know what dates and times you prefer for your tour.

Possible Tours

Climbing Arunachala:

You may want to go all the way to the top of the mountain, or you may want to go just as far as half mountain cave or the Seven Springs. Choose whatever suites you. Early morning is best as the sunrise is exquisite and the temperature still cool enough to be comfortable. The trip to the top of the mountain and back down takes about 4 hours, though the length of time depends on how many stops are made and how long you want to stay at the top, where the view is breathtaking in all directions. NOTE: you will probably want to bring some snacks...but just be aware of the monkeys, whose opossible thumbs were made perfectly for grabbing food right out of your hands!

Walking the Inner Path:

This is a must when you come to Tiruvannamalai. With quiet, lush landscapes and excellent views of the mountain at all angles, it is really a treat to take this walk. You feel the power and Silence of Arunachala as you follow this route around the base of the mountain, which extends for about 7 miles. This trip generally takes 3-4 hours without stops.

Walking Pradakshina Road:

Though this route is basically safe and easy to do alone, you may want a guide to show you the many, many temples and sacred spots along the way. Do you want to pray to Vishnu, Hanuman or Ganesh? Let Saran help you and show you how it's done in India. This walk is incredibly popular on the full moon...millions come to Tiru each month to do this walk, believing the benefits and blessings from Shiva are at the highest then.

Visiting Arunachala Temple:

Saran can guide you through this LARGE temple. It extends over 24 acres and is the second largest in India. Saran has much knowledge of the temple and the stories that go with it. Also, he can help get a puja done for you if you'd like.

We can also help to make your trip to Tiruvannamalai easy and worry-free by arranging accomodation in a large range of guesthouses, apartments and luxury hotels. Need transportation once you get here? We can help. Just let us know what you need (ie. motorbike, tvs, bicycle, autorickshaw, taxi). We can arrange transport from the Chennai or Bangalore airports, from the trainstation or busstation.

Other Possible Tours:

Saran can customize your tour to fit you. Would you like to visit the Yogi Ramsurat Kumar Ashram? How about Sri Seshadri Ashram? Have you seen the new Shirdi Saibaba Temple along Pradakshina Road? How about the many caves around Arunachala that few people know about? Saran knows them well. Just ask Saran to show you any of the many ashrams, temples, caves and other sites in and around Tiruvannamalai. Accommodation, Taxi/ Autorickshaw Services, and Bike Rentals Saran can also help to make your trip to Tiruvannamalai easy and worry-free by arranging accommodation in either a guesthouse, apartment/house or luxury hotel. Need transportation once you get here? Saran can help. Just let him know what you need (ie. motorbike, tvs, bicycle, autorickshaw, taxi). Saran can also arrange transport from the Chennai and Bangalore airports, or from the train or bus station.

Why Choose Saran as your guide?

When you come to Tiruvannamalai you will not want to miss having a personal tour to the top of Arunachala, around the Inner Path and the Temple from a guide who has a lifelong intimate understanding of this blessed spot. Saran knows Arunachala well, through dedicated service to his Guru (Ayya) who meditated for 16 years at the top of Arunachala mountain. He knows the history, the land and the spirit of Arunachala.

It can also be difficult to find a guide that speaks more than a few words of English, which you will soon learn to appreciate once you experience this place. Saran is always willing to work with you to make the best possible tour: starting early to catch the sunrise at half mountain cave, staying out late into the night to guide you through the mayhem that happens each full moon as millions visit Tiruvannamalai to get a blessing from Shiva by doing pradakshina (walking) around the mountain.

Mountainsaran Tours also offers help with finding accomodation, motorbike/tvs rental, and taxi and rickshaw services. Do you need a taxi from Chennai upon you arrival to India? Just let Saran know how he can help you. He knows the appropriate prices and can help get you a fair deal.