Hyderabad to Tiruvannamalai

In the third week of August, I have planned to visit Sri Ramana Ashram in Tiruvannamalai. I have booked a room in the ashram itself for three days.
Travelling: By bus from Hyderabad to Vellore (12 hours) and from there I was informed that there would be plenty of buses to Tiruvannamalai. Up to this point, I have the plan.
I need a few more details, which i am sure, our India Mike users will be able to help me.
• Travelling to vellore from Hyderabad, is this the best option? Did anyone take a different path?
• From the Tiruvannamalai bus stop, how far is the ashram?
• In general, in August, how is the weather in Tiruvannamalai?
Thanks in advance,
Streetcat

I would definitely consider a train personally. Reach Katpadi Junction from Hyderabad and take a bus or taxi from there to Tiruvannamalai. Bus Stand to Ramanashram would be around 3 kms, easily done in a auto. Weather would be warm.

referring to the previous reply, a taxi from katpadi will set you back around 1500 rupee, that's what i paid last december..
not sure about buses from there. In case you take a taxi you can of course ask the driver to take you to the ashram.

If you take a bus, an auto from the bus station to the ashram is about 40-50 rupee.

@bvsprasanna, openair Thanks for the info.
I have checked for the trains from Hyd to Katpadi Junction. There is only one train available which departs at 12 noon. unfortunately, this timing in not convenient for me to start and beside, it reaches the junction at 2 in the morning.
To my knowledge, the best options is to travel to Vellore and from there take a bus.

IF there is any other option which you are aware, i would appreciate if you can share with me.

Check out Train No. 16734 from Kacheguda to Katpadi.. Departs at 1755 and arrives at 0830

@bvsprasanna Thanks for the info.
Unfortunately, this train only runs on Wednesday

I would suggest :
Option 1: Hyderbad to Bangalore by train.
Bangalore to T.V.Malai by bus 4 hrs.
Option 2: Hyderabad to Tirupathi by train.
Tirupati to TV malai by Pamani Express at 11: a.m.

Option 3: Hyderabad (12:00p.m.) to Katpadi (3:00 a.m.) by Sabari Exp (Daily) and then by bus to TV malai

@Streetcat,

If you dont mind travelling in Volvo A/C bus for 14 Hours, you can try out Kesineni Travels. They run a bus from Hyderabad straight to Tiruvanamalai.

If any one is surprised by this, I am stunned to see they run a Volvo A/c bus from Hyderabad all the way upto Trivandrum ( 21 Hours Travel)

Velu

VRL runs direct bus Volvo from bangalore to Ahmedabad (26 hrs journey)...

Huh . That's Really a News Kash.. Very Interesting and I think Volvo B7R is changing Travel Scene in india a lot.

Yup... There are also Volvo buses fro Hyderabad to Coimbatore and Madurai. I was coming to suggest a Volvo from Hyderabad to Krishnagiri and proceed further. Now, a direct bus to Thiruvannamalai is news.

Thanks guys for all your help!
I am booking the Volvo ticket, as suggested by the pmvelu. Will be reaching Thiruvannamalai on 19th Aug i.e. on this coming Sunday.
It is going to be a dream come true event for me, as I have been longing to go to the Ashram for a long time.
Once again, Thanks guys for all your help!:

Have a pleasant journey and a wonderful time in the Ashram, streetcat!

Thanks Jaf