On the foothills of the Annamalai Hills nestles the picturesque city of Thiruvannamalai, alluring travellers with its quaint charm and divine feel. A cultural, spiritual and economic hub, Thiruvannamalai is one of the cities to be featured in Lonely Planet. The earliest recorded references of the city date back to the 9th century from Chola inscriptions. 

Much of the history of Thiruvannamalai revolves around the Annamalaiyar Temple, the most notable landmark in the region, which is quite synonymous with the city itself. The area was under the dominion of Chola kings for over 4 centuries. During the reign of the Hoysala Kings, Thiruvannamalai served as the capital of their kingdom. The region was a place of great interest and importance to various dynasties including the Sangama, Saluva, Tuluva, Vijayanagara empire and the Nawab of Carnatic. By the early 19th century, Thiruvannamalai fell under the rule of the British. 

The long and impactful reign of these prominent dynasties is what shaped the city of Thiruvannamalai that we see today. The impressive mark that they left behind can be seen and experienced everywhere in the destination. From temples to places of cultural importance and monuments, Thiruvannamalai reflects an unusual old-age charm that will embrace any visitor with warmth. Being a temple town, festivals are an important part of the social and cultural fabric of Thiruvannamalai; these are for sure splendid demonstrations of the rich legacy and heritage of the region. 

As a fast-growing commercial city, Thiruvannamalai seamlessly integrates its past with the present and puts forward efforts to make the future glowing.