TSRTC Arunachalam Giri Pradakshina Tour Package

 Embark on a divine pilgrimage to the holy town of Tiruvannamalai, home to the sacred Arunachaleswarar Temple and the famous Giri Pradakshina (circumambulation of the holy hill). To make this spiritual journey easy and comfortable, TSRTC (Telangana State Road Transport Corporation) offers a dedicated tour package for devotees.

This package is designed to ensure a hassle-free pilgrimage, with well-planned travel, convenient timings, and an enriching spiritual experience.  

What is Arunachalam Giri Pradakshina?

Giri Pradakshina is the sacred practice of walking around the Arunachala Hill—a powerful spiritual site believed to represent Lord Shiva in the form of Agni (Fire).

•  Location: Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu

•  Total Distance: 14 km around the holy hill

•  Significance: Devotees believe that completing the pradakshina, especially on Pournami (Full Moon Day), brings spiritual blessings, inner peace, and fulfillment of wishes.

Thousands of pilgrims participate every month, making this one of the most revered spiritual walks in South India.

 

TSRTC Arunachalam Giri Pradakshina Tour Package Highlights

TSRTC has introduced special pilgrimage tour packages to Tiruvannamalai for devotees from Telangana. Here’s what’s included:

 Package Inclusions:

•  To & fro AC/Non-AC bus travel

•  Darshan arrangements at Arunachaleswarar Temple

•  Drop and pickup at designated points in Tiruvannamalai

•  Giri Pradakshina guidance for pilgrims

•  Safe, comfortable, and well-managed pilgrimage

 Duration:

• Typically 2 Days / 1 Night package (depending on departure location)

 Departure Points (Telangana):

• Hyderabad (MGBS / Jubilee Bus Station)

• Nalgonda

• Nizamabad

• Karimnagar

• Warangal

(Exact locations and schedules may vary as per TSRTC announcements.) 

Best Time to Book

The most auspicious time to participate in Giri Pradakshina is on:

•  Pournami (Full Moon Day) every month

•  Maha Shivaratri (February/March)

•  Karthika Masam

Since seats get booked fast, it’s recommended to reserve tickets in advance, especially for Pournami dates.

About Arunachaleswarar Temple

At the heart of Tiruvannamalai lies the Arunachaleswarar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva as Arunachaleswara.

•  One of the Pancha Bhoota Sthalams, representing the element of Fire (Agni)

•  Temple timings: 5:00 AM – 12:30 PM & 3:30 PM – 9:30 PM

•  Highlights: Majestic gopurams, spiritual ambience, Girivalam path, and sacred tanks

Devotees usually complete the Giri Pradakshina barefoot at night under the full moon and visit the temple early morning for darshan. 

Route & Travel Information

Distance from Hyderabad to Tiruvannamalai: approx. 600 km
 Travel Time: 10–12 hours by TSRTC bus

 Suggested Itinerary (Sample):

•  Day 1: Evening departure from Hyderabad

•  Day 2: Early morning arrival at Tiruvannamalai → Giri Pradakshina → Temple Darshan → Rest & return journey in the evening

•  Day 3: Arrival back in Hyderabad

(Itinerary may vary based on tour type and schedule.) 

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. 

Travel Tips for Pilgrims

•  Wear comfortable walking shoes or go barefoot if participating in Girivalam.

•  Carry a water bottle, light snacks, and basic medicines.

•  Dress modestly and respectfully.

•  If visiting during Pournami, expect large crowds — stay with your group.

•  Keep ID and TSRTC booking details handy.

Nearby Attractions to Explore

If you have time, you can also visit:

•  Virupaksha Cave & Skandashramam: Sacred meditation caves on the hill.

•  Ramana Ashram: Renowned spiritual center dedicated to Ramana Maharshi.

•  Parvathamalai: A trekking and pilgrimage destination nearby.

•  Sathanur Dam: A scenic picnic spot on the Pennaiyar River.

Booking Information

 Tickets: Available online on the official TSRTC website
 Price: Varies depending on AC/Non-AC buses and package type.
 Contact: TSRTC call centers or local bus depots for updated schedules.

👉 Advance booking is strongly recommended, especially on full moon days. 

Conclusion: A Soulful Journey to Arunachalam

The Arunachalam Giri Pradakshina TSRTC Tour Package offers a seamless and sacred travel experience for devotees seeking spiritual blessings at Tiruvannamalai. With comfortable travel, well-planned schedules, and the divine energy of Arunachala Hill, this pilgrimage leaves every soul enriched and peaceful.

Whether you are a first-time pilgrim or a regular visitor, this sacred journey will help you connect deeply with Lord Shiva and experience the powerful vibrations of Arunachalam.

Book your TSRTC Giri Pradakshina package early and be part of a divine tradition that has blessed millions for centuries.