The short answer
Skandashram and Virupaksha Cave: what visitors should know first
Go if you can manage a steady uphill walk and want to see where Ramana lived. Start early, carry water and plan for about an hour or more round trip each. Skip if it is very hot or you have knee trouble.
History and context
The story behind Skandashram and Virupaksha Cave
Ramana Maharshi arrived at Tiruvannamalai on 1 September 1896. From February 1899 he lived on the slopes of Arunachala, mainly in Virupaksha Cave, for about 17 years, using Mango Tree Cave in the summers. In 1916 he moved to Skandashram, where his mother and younger brother joined him, and he lived there until the end of 1922.
Useful facts
Skandashram and Virupaksha Cave facts at a glance
- Location
- Southeastern slope of Arunachala
- Experience type
- Hill walk to two caves
- Known for
- Ramana Maharshi's early years
- Virupaksha
- Lived there from 1899, about 17 years
- Skandashram
- Lived there from 1916 to 1922
- Visitor note
- Steady climb; monkeys; go early
Why it matters
Why Skandashram and Virupaksha Cave is worth your time
These are the sites where Ramana Maharshi spent his first decades in Tiruvannamalai. He arrived in 1896, and from February 1899 lived mainly at Virupaksha Cave. In 1916 he moved to Skandashram, where his mother and brother joined him, and he stayed until the end of 1922 before moving to the foot of the hill.
For people who have read his teachings, being in these small, bare spaces makes the story concrete. For others, it is a good short mountain walk with a clear purpose and a view over the town.
Highlights
What not to miss
- 01
Virupaksha Cave
A small cave where Ramana Maharshi lived for about 17 years.
- 02
Skandashram
A larger dwelling higher up, where his mother and brother joined him.
- 03
The view
Looking over the town and the temple from the hillside.
Plan your visit
How to experience it
Start behind Sri Ramanasramam and follow the marked path up the slope. The route is steep in places, and the first stretch passes houses before turning to open hillside. Start early to avoid the heat, carry water and keep belongings secure from monkeys. A walking stick helps.
Virupaksha Cave is the lower of the two, where Ramana Maharshi lived from 1899 for about 17 years. Skandashram is a larger, simple dwelling a little further up, where he lived from 1916 until the end of 1922 with his mother and younger brother. Both are quiet, plain spaces for sitting. Respect the silence and remove shoes.
You can look over the town and the temple from the slope. Return the same way, resting as needed. If you have only one morning, doing this before breakfast and visiting the ashram afterwards works well.
Plan with confidence
Small decisions that make the visit easier.
- Start early and carry water
- Keep belongings secure from monkeys
- Do not go up after dark
- Confirm opening and access locally
- Wear sturdy footwear
Know before you go
Timing, access and comfort
- Area
- On the southeastern slope of Arunachala, above Sri Ramanasramam
- Time needed
- 1.5 to 3 hours depending on pace
- Best time
- Early morning in the cooler months
- Walking level
- Demanding
- Senior comfort
- The path is marked and partly stepped, but steady and exposed with little shade and few places to sit. Monkeys are common. Older travellers should consider going only part of the way or skipping it.
- Tickets and access
- There is no ticket for the lower trails, though opening hours and access rules are reported inconsistently, so confirm locally. The trail to the summit is sometimes closed around Deepam, but the caves normally remain accessible.
Best for
Plan it with
Plan the practical part
Hotels near Skandashram and Virupaksha Cave
Staying close keeps journeys short — useful for early starts and for anyone who tires quickly.
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Travelling with parents?
The path is marked and partly stepped, but steady and exposed with little shade and few places to sit. Monkeys are common. Older travellers should consider going only part of the way or skipping it.
Raahzo can arrange an arrival or day companion who handles tickets, queues and pacing, and keeps the family updated.
See concierge supportFAQs
How long does it take?
Allow about an hour and a half to three hours round trip, depending on pace and stops.
Is it safe to go alone?
Sources advise against going alone, especially for women, and against going up after dark.
Are the caves always open?
The summit trail is sometimes closed near Deepam, but the caves are normally accessible; check locally.
Sources and further reading
Timings, fees and access rules change. Recheck with the official source before you travel.
