- From Chennai
- 200 km · ~4 h
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Best months
- Nov–Feb
- Altitude
- Not published
- Distance
- Varies
- Time on trail
- 2–3 hours to the caves
About Arunachala Hill
The hill above Tiruvannamalai is a pilgrimage site, and the main walks are the paths to Skandashram and Virupaksha cave and the 14 km Girivalam circuit around the base. Climbing to the very top is restricted by the Forest Department, so check what is currently allowed before you plan a summit.
- Skandashram and Virupaksha cave
- Girivalam circuit on a full-moon night
- Views over the temple town
Permit & rules
- Permit needed?
- No trek permit reported
- Authority
- Tamil Nadu Forest Department
- How to book
- The paths to the caves are open; summit access is restricted.
- Fee
- No trek fee reported for the cave paths; confirm locally.
- Guide
- Not required
- Night trek
- Not allowed
- Note
- Rules on summit access change; ask at the foot of the hill.
Best time to visit
Go
Nov–Feb
Avoid
Hot afternoons; crowded Karthigai Deepam and full-moon days
Wildlife, clothing and what to carry
Wildlife
- Macaques
- Peafowl and common hill birds
What to wear
- Modest, light clothing
- Sandals you can remove easily at the caves
What to carry
- Water
- Torch for the cave
- A hat
Itinerary
- 1Reach before sunrise.
- 2Walk up to Skandashram and Virupaksha cave.
- 3Come down by mid-morning and visit the temple.
Fuel for a car round trip from Chennai is roughly ₹2,289 at current prices, split across passengers.
Operators & costs compared
Listed starting prices per person. They change by batch, so confirm inclusions with the operator. Tamil Nadu has fewer commercial operators than Karnataka; where none is verified we show the official route and a do-it-yourself estimate.
Do it yourself
Rough estimate: fuel share or bus fare, food.
~₹1,200
No operator listing found for this trek. It is usually done as a self-drive outing or through a local club.
Tips
- Avoid peak pilgrimage days if you want quiet.
- Keep your belongings secure around the monkeys.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a permit for Arunachala Hill?
No formal trek permit is reported. The paths to the caves are open; summit access is restricted. No trek fee reported for the cave paths; confirm locally.
How far is Arunachala Hill from Chennai?
About 200 km by road (roughly 4 hours); sources quote slightly different distances.
What is the best time to visit Arunachala Hill?
Nov–Feb. Avoid: Hot afternoons; crowded Karthigai Deepam and full-moon days.
How difficult is Arunachala Hill?
Easy. 2–3 hours to the caves.
More Tamil Nadu hikes
Reviewed 2026-11-05. Distances, trail lengths and rules differ between sources; confirm with the forest range or your operator before you go.