Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
shrined. A limited amount of free accommodation (donations accepted; maximum three
days) is available: write at least a month ahead (email is acceptable).
Sri Seshadri Swamigal Ashram
( 236999;
www.tiruvarunaimahan.org
;
Chengam Rd)
Dedicated to a contemporary and helper of Sri
Ramana. It has meditation platforms and some accommodation. It is located in the south-
west of town near the famous Sri Ramana Ashram.
ASHRAM
Other Ashrams
Side by side 7km west of town, just off the Krishnagiri road, are two ashrams that are
places for retreat rather than permanent communities, both with good Arunachala views
and personable young staff accustomed to foreigners.
Sri Anantha Niketan
( 9444862276;
gopi.chitra@yahoo.com
;
Periya Paliyapattu Village; by donations)
has tree-shaded grounds, homey rooms
and daily chanting in an attractive meditation hall.
Singing Heart Ashram
( 9443969220;
www.cosmicairport.com
; Periya Paliyapattu Village; per person per day incl meals from ?450; Oct-Mar)
sits on
a spacious, open site with simple rooms. You can join organised meditation retreats, or
just participate in morning meditation, help with running the place and 'relax in the en-
ergy field'.
ASHRAMS
Sleeping & Eating
Many visitors prefer to stay in the less hectic Chengam Rd area, but there are also some
typical temple-town options near the Arunachaleshwar Temple. During Karthikai Deepam
(November/December) prices at some places multiply several times.
Hill View Residency
( 9442712441;
www.hillviewresidency.com
; 120 Seshatri Mada St; r from ?400, with AC from ?750)
Extremely
good value, Hill View has large, clean, cool, marble-floored rooms round two small
garden patios, up a lane off Chengam Rd. Upstairs under a big palm roof,
Tasty Café
(dishes
?50-130;
HOTEL
$
)
does well-prepared Indian and Western food.
7am-10pm;
Arunachala Ramana Home
( 236120;
www.arunachalaramanahome.co.in
;
70 Ramana Nagar; s/d ?400/600, with AC r ?1000; )
Basic,
clean and friendly, this popular place is down a lane off Chengam Rd. It has a rooftop res-
taurant.
HOTEL
$
