If you have an extra day in Tiruvannamalai, venturing just 30-40 kilometers outside the town offers completely different and exciting experiences. Here are the two most popular nearby attractions.
1. Parvathamalai Trekking (The Hill of Shiva)
Located about 30 km from Tiruvannamalai near Kadaladi village, Parvathamalai is known as one of the most thrilling and spiritual treks in South India. The hill is part of the Jawadhu Hills range.
The Trek Details
- Difficulty: Very Hard. This is not a casual walk.
- The Path: The trek is roughly 5.5 km one way. The final stretch requires climbing nearly vertical rock faces using iron rods, chains, and crowbars embedded into the rock.
- The Temple: At the summit (around 4,500 feet), there is an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Mallikarjunaswamy and Goddess Bhramarambika. Unique to this temple, devotees are allowed to perform pooja (rituals) to the Lingam themselves.
- Best Time: Start very early in the morning (around 4 AM) or trek at night during a full moon. Avoid the monsoon season as the iron steps become extremely slippery and dangerous.
2. Sathanur Dam
If you prefer a relaxing family outing instead of a grueling trek, Sathanur Dam is the perfect destination. Located 30 km from Tiruvannamalai across the Thenpennai River, it is a massive and scenic reservoir.
Things to Do at Sathanur Dam
- Parks & Gardens: The dam features beautifully maintained parks with statues and fountains, making it a great picnic spot.
- Crocodile Farm: One of the major highlights is a large crocodile conservation park located within the dam premises.
- Boating: When water levels are sufficient, boating facilities are sometimes available.
Both destinations can be reached by taking a local bus from the Tiruvannamalai main bus stand or by hiring an auto-rickshaw/taxi for a round trip.