Tiruvannamalai Resources for Westerners

India can be noisy and confusing. But we have found Tiruvannamalai an easy place to live – with a little help. I wanted to list some of the resources that have been especially useful to us. These include people, rickshaws and taxis, restaurants and stores.

I also included notes about doctors and hospitals, housing, and travel on buses and trains.

Tiruvannamalai Retail District - Car Street

Our approach is to find people who are reliable and we can trust. Then to use them as our aides for life in an around Tiruvannamalai.

Autorickshaws and Taxis

The rickshaw driver is our main helper locally in working with the local people and places. We have also found the driver as translator as very important. As long as the driver knows his way around, where to buy what Westerners want, and has good English, then interacting with the local Tamil-speaking people is much easier. You want a driver you can trust to be your ally.  Occasionally we have needed to be rescued from some serious problem. You want a driver who can rescue you when needed.

We use Rajan  (091)9442415221, and think he is one of the best.
email: king_rajanan@hotmail.com

Rajan

The taxi driver is our main helper for easy travel within driving distance. They usually are your initial way to get into and out of Tiruvannamalai from the Chennai Airport, and then to nearby places like Pondicherry, Mamalapuram, Chennai and  Bangalore. A good taxi driver has fair English, good driving skills, knowledge of the roads and areas, and does  not drink alcohol. A very good driver will be able to handle whatever problems that may come up during your trip, and in India problems often occur.

Before coming into town you should set up an airport pickup so a driver will be waiting for you when you arrive.

We use Valen – Call or email Rajan, above, or call Valen at (091) 9842630700

Valan

Restaurants

Usha’s - Western food and Indian Fusion, near Ramanasramam
Hotel Ramakrishna – Tamil, Veg – Good breakfasts (especially after walking the inner  path)
Trishul – Tasty food – Tamil and Chinese Veg and Non-Veg. You can get beer with meals in one of the bar rooms
Cafe Ram – Indian Veg, inexpensive, near Ramanasramam
Sathya’s Cafe on Perumpakkam Road – Veg, inexpensive, gathering place near Mooji’s satsang

Food stores

Ramana Supermarket, across from Ramanasramam
More, on the way to vegetable market
Vegetable Market, near big temple

Internet Cafes and other help for Westerners

Varuna Internet Cafe, near Ramanasramam
Shanti’s Internet Cafe, near Ramanasramam

Local Shopping

Household items:
Poombukar Shopping Centre and Super Market, on Car Street
Sarees & Cloth
Bharani, on Car Street
Poompukar Shabna, on Car Street
Designs, on Car Street
Salwar Kamiz, aka “Punjabis”
City Garments

Men’s and Woman’s Tailor

Swiss Tailor

Mountain Guides

Guides can take you to see the places shown on this blog. Often they will know the stories associated with the place. They may know stories that have not been written down. A good guide is concerned about your well being and enjoyment of the trip.

Saran – 9944638811, www.mountainsaran.com

Saran

Jagan – 9380621891

Jagan

Lodging and Housing

In addition to rooms at Ramanasramam, there is much other housing available, with more being built. This includes many guest houses, hotels, and even other ashrams that offer housing to spiritual seekers. For long term visitors there are houses and apartments for rent in and near Tiruvannamalai. Prices range from rs 100 – 4000 per night, with most places being less than rs 1000.

Most years places can be  found even in the busy season (roughly December through February), but the selection may be less and costs higher.

If you plan to stay at Ramanasramam, you must make arrangements before you get here. Here is a link to their booking page.

Medical and Dental Care

Good routine care is available in Tiruvannamalai for most routine medical and dental issues. For more serious ones, some of the best facilities in the world are nearby in Chennai, Pondicherry,  Velore, and Bangalore.

Buses and Trains

India has an extensive network on inexpensive buses and trains. This kind of travel is not for the faint of heart, though. It may be phyciscally harder, hot, crowded, etc. You may get to unfamiliar  places where there is little English spoken.

That said, it can be an inexpensive adventure, recommended only for experienced and able travelers.