Tiruvannamalai

Tiruvannamalai is just about 200 kms from Bangalore. It is the easiest of destinations to go to. If you are anywhere on the Hosur road or on the road leading to Hosur road, there is a bus every few minutes to Tiruvannamalai - more than some of Bangalores internal services. The buses also look pretty similar - if you are looking to travel in plush comfort to this place, forget it. 

But then Tiruvannamalai is not your average tourist destination - it is more spiritual than anything else. It is home to three famous things (more if you know the place better). Arunachala hill, the Tiruvannamalai temple and Ramanasramam - pretty much in chronological order. 

While you are there, do not forget the 14 km circumambulation of the abovementioned hill.

As a destination it is pretty spartan. The town is laid back, the ashram even more so and the sprinkling of foreigners of different nationalities makes it look like a mini Pondicherry. The place can get pretty crowded during the season which is around December timeframes - Karthigai. 

Yes, but if you have not heard nor interested in any of the above three highlights and really are looking for yet another place to eat paneer butter masala, do the town a favour and skip the place.