Skandasramam — Attraction in Tamil Nadu

Visiting Skandasramam in the Arunachala Hills was a great and a memorable experience. The trek from Ramana Ashram to Skandasramam is 1.4 kms. On a flat road, we could cover this distance in around 20 minutes. But on hills, it takes about an hour. They allow trekking only between 8:15 am and 4:00 pm.

We chose to wear slippers, not knowing how hot it will get or how sharp the rocks and stones could be. It was a hot day, but there were many, many trees on either side of the path and was very breezy and cool. Thanks to all those wonderful beings who planted these trees on those hills, inviting birds back again and adding flora and fauna. The climb isn't steep at all and is very gradual. The stones are more like pebbles and are well-suited to climb bare-foot.

You will find some vendors selling lemon juice, mozambie (sweet lime) juice. Bottled water is also available, but please make sure that you dispose the bottles in the bins provided. Please make effort to keep the place clean and environment-friendly.

A word of caution. There are a lot of monkeys all through your trek and it is better that you don't carry any bags at all. Definitely no food items, except water. The monkeys can get very inquisitive and are always curious to see what you carry in your bags. I am told that they might even snatch your phones away from you. I saw a few pilgrims carry a stick so as to threaten the monkeys, but you may not need it, if you aren't carrying anything.

Skandasramam where Bhagwan Ramana Maharishi stayed for quite a few years is a quiet, serene place. This is the place where he liberated his mother just by a single, gentle touch. Please remain silent, both on the inside as well as outside, while you are in this divine place. You can sit here quietly and meditate as much as you want.

A scenic view of the Arunachala temple can be had from here. You can see all the nine gopurams of the temple. Absolutely breath-taking. But don't go overboard and risk your life with selfies.

We started the trek at 8:30 am and reached Skandasramam by 9:30 am. I saw many children and even elders walk without much of a difficulty. Strongly recommended for people of all ages, to be and feel one with nature.

Some people chose to climb down the hills as soon as the visit to Skandasramam was over. It should probably take around 40 minutes or so to get down and reach Ramana Ashram.

But we chose to climb down the hills to Virupaksha cave which is about 15-minutes from Skandasramam. Once again, very scenic and beautiful, but the trek is a bit more difficult than the one to Skandasramam. Spend some quiet time at the Virupaksha cave where Ramana Maharishi spent a few years in silence, meditating.

From Virupaksha cave, you can climb up and be back to Skandasramam from where you can trek down to Ramana Ashram. Some devotees chose to climb down to the Arunachala temple from Virupaksha cave. Looks like that trek is a bit easier and also you can reach the temple in a much shorter period. We had our cars parked near Ramana Ashram and so we decided to climb from Virupaksha cave to Skandasramam and climb down from Skandasramam to Ramana Ashram.

You will find a lot of people doing the trekking. Even if you don't find people around, there is nothing to panic. It is perfectly a safe place. May the great Maharishi be with you as you do the trekking. God...

Skandashramam, a cave temple nestled on Arunachala Hill in Tiruvannamalai, offers a serene and spiritually charged experience for visitors. It is a place of profound significance, having served as a hermitage for Sri Ramana Maharshi and his mother for several years. The climb to the ashram, while steep, rewards visitors with breathtaking views and a palpable sense of peace. The ashram itself is a relatively small complex, consisting of a few rooms where Sri Ramana Maharshi and his mother resided and meditated. One room is dedicated to Sri Ramana's mother, while another serves as a meditation hall. Visitors often report feeling a strong connection to Sri Ramana's presence and a sense of tranquility while meditating in these spaces. The atmosphere is one of quiet contemplation, with a focus on spiritual practice and self-discovery. The climb to Skandashramam can be challenging, especially for those with mobility issues. However, the journey is well worth it for the spiritual upliftment and the stunning panoramic views of Tiruvannamalai. The ashram is a place to connect with the divine, experience the legacy of a great sage, and find solace in the natural beauty of the surroundings. It's a must-visit for those seeking a deeper spiritual experience in...

This is an important place to visit at least once after Ramanasramam. Many people can be seen meditating throughout the area. I didn't notice any drinking water or toilet facilities here, and in a place like this, it's best not to expect them—so be prepared.

I wouldn’t recommend trekking here for elderly people or those with knee pain, back pain, or asthma. While the trek may feel manageable while doing it, the strain could show up the next day. The trail is about 1.5 km long and can take around an hour, depending on individual capacity. Along the way, you'll find vendors selling lemon soda, buttermilk, and stone-crafted idols.

There are two routes to reach here—one from Ramanasramam and a shortcut nearby Annamalai temple. The shortcut has a steep incline with uneven rocks, making it more challenging. Even though the longer route from Ramanasramam takes more time, I would recommend it as the safer and more comfortable option.

This isn’t a place you can visit every time you come to Thiruvannamalai, so make the most of it. Like in Ramanasramam, there are people holding silence boards, maintaining the peaceful atmosphere. However, the area has a high number of monkeys, and they might disturb your meditation if you're...