Personalized Guided Tours and other Services
All guided tours are arranged individually according to each group and individuals needs. Contact Saran to schedule your personalized tour.
Possible Tours
Hikes to Caves and other sites on Arunachala:
To the top of Arunachala , Skandashram, Seven Springs , Turtle Cave
Virupaksha Area 1:
Guhai Namsivaya, Banyan Tree Cave, Parrot Temple, Mango Tree Cave .
Virupaksha Area 2:
Ram Dass Cave, Shiva Cave, Parvati Cave.
Om Amma / Papaji's Cave (inner path) , Kattu Shiva Cave (inner path).
Trips to sites related to Ramana:
Tirukoilur Sites:
This was the first place that Ramana stopped (when he got off the train) on his way to Tiruvannamalai. Many beautiful temples in this area.
It’s about a 30 minute drive, will require car hire or your own motor bike.
Gurumurtum Temple & Tank , Pachiamann Koil, Pavala Kundru.
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 takes about 4 hours, though the 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 be aware of the monkeys, whose opossible thumbs are perfectly designed to grab food right from you hand (or out of your backpack)!
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 (ritual done to receive blessings and offer prayers) done for you if you'd like.
Tours of other Ashrams, Temples, Caves and Sacred Sites also Available
Saran can personalize your tour to fit you. Any place you would like to go, he can bring you, helping you to feel at ease and comfortable in unfamiliar surroundings. Would you like to visit the Yogi Ramsurat Kumar Ashram? No problem. How about the new temple for Shirdi Saibaba? Saran knows the way. There are also around 20 caves on and around Arunachala that many people don't know about. Whatever your need, Saran most likely can help.
Accomodation, Vehicle Rental and Travel Arrangements Saran can also help to make your trip to Tiruvannamalai easy and worry-free by arranging accommodation in one of many guesthouses, apartments or luxury hotels. Need transportation once you get here? Saran can help. Just let him know what you need (ie. motorbike, tvs, bicycle, autorickshaw, taxi). He can arrange transport from the Chennai or Bangalore airports, or from the train or bus station. Saran know the appropriate prices for the various services in India and will help to get you a fair deal.