Two days give Tiruvannamalai its full shape: the temple and the Girivalam on the first, the Ramana hill and the architecture on the second. Checked 02 October 2026.
Day 1 — darshan and the circuit
| Time | Plan | Basis |
|---|---|---|
| 6:00 AM | Darshan (Ushakala puja window, reported) | Reported |
| 10:00 AM | Raja Gopuram + 1000-pillar hall | Reported |
| 12:15 PM | Annadanam lunch (temple/ashram) | Reported |
| Evening | Girivalam start (pournami-aligned if possible) — 14 km into the night | Reported |
Day 2 — the hill
| Time | Plan | Basis |
|---|---|---|
| 7:00 AM | Skandashram climb (~30–45 min, reported) | Unconfirmed hours |
| 9:00 AM | Virupaksha cave; descend | Practical |
| 11:00 AM | Ramana Ashram samadhi hall; Narayana Seva lunch | Reported |
| Afternoon | Seshadri Ashram / town lanes; depart | Practical |
Adjustments
- One day: darshan → Girivalam (night). The hill waits.
- Deepam week (24 Nov 2026): everything yields to the beacon — the festival guide.
- Elders: vehicle-Girivalam practice exists (unofficial); the hill climb is optional by design.
Frequently asked questions
Is 2 days enough?
Yes — the girivalam night is the divider between the days.
Start the girivalam when?
The pournami evening; it runs into the next day.