Vellore is the nearest big city to Tiruvannamalai and the main gateway for travellers from Bangalore, Tirupati and northern Tamil Nadu. It is also home to the CMC hospital, so many visitors combine a Vellore trip with darshan at Arunachala. This guide covers the Vellore to Tiruvannamalai route by bus, train and car, with distance, time and fares.
Vellore to Tiruvannamalai: Quick Facts
| Mode | Distance | Time | Approx. Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bus (TNSTC) | About 85 km | 2 to 2.5 hours | Rs 70 to Rs 120 |
| Car / taxi | About 85 km | 1.75 to 2 hours | Rs 1,800 to Rs 2,800 one way |
| Train (from Katpadi) | About 90 km | 2 to 2.5 hours | Rs 30 to Rs 200 |
By Bus
Buses are the easiest way. Government TNSTC buses leave the Vellore new bus stand for Tiruvannamalai very frequently from early morning until late night, many continuing to Villupuram, Puducherry or Tirukoilur. Most run via Kannamangalam and Polur. On Pournami and Karthigai Deepam, special buses are added, and the Vellore bus stand gets very crowded in the afternoon; start early. Check dates in our Girivalam dates 2026 calendar.
By Train
Tiruvannamalai lies on the Katpadi to Villupuram railway line. From Katpadi Junction (Vellore’s main station, about 7 km from the city centre), a handful of passenger, MEMU and express trains run to Tiruvannamalai daily. Trains are cheap and comfortable, but less frequent than buses, so check current timings on the Indian Railways or NTES app before you go.
By Car or Taxi
Drive south from Vellore towards Polur and continue to Tiruvannamalai. The road is a busy two-lane highway through villages and farmland, with views of the Javadhu hills. Allow extra time for town traffic in Polur. On Deepam days, private vehicles are diverted to parking on the outskirts of Tiruvannamalai.
Places Worth a Stop on the Way
- Vellore Fort and Jalakandeswarar Temple: a moated 16th-century fort with a richly carved Shiva temple.
- Sripuram Golden Temple: the gold-covered Sri Lakshmi Narayani Temple on the southern edge of Vellore.
- Padavedu: the Renugambal Amman Temple, a short detour from Polur. See our guide to temples near Tiruvannamalai.
Tips for CMC Patients and Families
- Tiruvannamalai is an easy, low-cost day trip between hospital appointments.
- Weekday mornings are the least crowded at the temple; avoid Pournami if mobility is limited.
- Autos can take elderly visitors around the Girivalam path instead of walking.
- Carry medicines and a copy of prescriptions.
A Simple Day Trip from Vellore
- 6:00 AM: bus from Vellore.
- 8:30 AM: breakfast near the temple, then darshan (timings).
- 11:00 AM: Sri Ramanasramam and Seshadri Swamigal Ashram.
- 1:00 PM: lunch and rest.
- 4:00 PM: auto Girivalam or Skandashram.
- 7:00 PM: bus back to Vellore.
For a longer stay, see our 2-day itinerary and hotels guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Tiruvannamalai from Vellore?
About 85 km by road, roughly 2 hours by car or bus.
How frequent are buses from Vellore to Tiruvannamalai?
Very frequent: TNSTC buses leave the Vellore new bus stand every few minutes through most of the day.
Is there a train from Vellore to Tiruvannamalai?
Yes, from Katpadi Junction on the Katpadi to Villupuram line. Trains are fewer than buses, so check timings in advance.
Can I do Tiruvannamalai as a day trip from Vellore?
Yes, easily. Leave early in the morning and return in the evening.
