Pilgrims across Telangana seeking to perform the sacred Giri Pradakshina (circumambulation) of the holy Arunachala Hill in Tamil Nadu now have a smooth and comfortable travel option—thanks to the Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TSRTC). They offer special super-luxury bus services to support devotees during major spiritual events like Karthika Masam and Guru Purnima. Let’s explore how you can book these trips, what’s included, and the route details.
1. What Is Arunachala Giri Pradakshina?
Giri Pradakshina, also known as Girivalam, is the revered practice of walking barefoot around Arunachala Hill in Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu—a hill revered as a manifestation of Lord Shiva. The path spans about 14 km and is dotted with eight small shrines (Ashta Lingams), making it a spiritually powerful pilgrimage.
2. TSRTC's Special Pilgrimage Services
A. For Guru Purnima (July)
A super-luxury bus departs from MGBS, Hyderabad early on July 2.
It stops for darshan at Kanipakam’s Sri Vinayaka Temple, reaching Arunachala by night.
After Giri Pradakshina on July 3, it stops at Vellore’s Golden Temple, returning to Hyderabad by July 4 morning.
Package cost: ₹2,600 per person.
B. For Karthika Masam (November–December)
Buses leave from multiple locations—MGBS, BHEL, ECIL, and select districts across Telangana.
They arrive at Arunachala about 4 hours before Giri Pradakshina.
Route includes en-route visits to Kanipakam Temple (AP) and possibly Sri Puram Golden Temple (Vellore).
Ticket prices range ₹3,690–₹3,890.
3. Route & Booking Details
| From Locations | Departure Details | Return Itinerary |
|---|---|---|
| Hyderabad, MGBS, ECIL, BHEL, Karimnagar, etc. | Buses depart 1–2 days before Giri Pradakshina | Post-circumambulation travel via Vellore back to origin |
Booking & Contact Channels:
TSRTC official website or counters.
MGBS, JBS, Dilsukhnagar reservation booths.
Helpline contact numbers: available in official announcements.
Limited seats available—book early due to high demand.
4. Why Choose TSRTC’s Service?
Travel comfortably on super-luxury buses.
Hassle-free pilgrimage planning, with darshan and spiritual stops.
Safe, reliable, and affordable—courtesy of a government-backed transport service.
Reinforces Telangana’s devotion to facilitating spiritual journeys.
