How long does Girivalam take?

The quick answer

Pace	Speed	Walking time (14 km)	With about 45 min of stops
Slow	3 km/h	4 h 40 min	about 5 h 25 min
Normal	4 km/h	3 h 30 min	about 4 h 15 min
Brisk	5 km/h	2 h 50 min	about 3 h 35 min

The 14 km figure is the district administration’s. The speeds are typical walking paces, not measurements of the route.

Estimate your own time

Girivalam time calculator

Approximate walking estimate

Walking pace

Slow · 3 km/hElderly walkers, barefoot on hot roads, young children Normal · 4 km/hMost adult pilgrims with short stops Brisk · 5 km/hFit walkers who keep moving Custom km/h

Distance (km) Time at shrines and rest stops None About 20 min About 45 min About 1 h 30 min About 2 h 30 min (all lingams, long stops) Start time

Walking time 3 h 30 min With stops 4 h 15 min Likely finish 10:15 PM

This is a rough guide, not a promise. Pournami crowds can double the time. The standard route is about 14 km (Tiruvannamalai District Administration).

What changes the time

• Crowds. On Pournami and festival nights the road is packed, and walking can slow to a shuffle in places. Add an hour or more.
• Stops. Praying at all eight lingams, visiting Adi Annamalai and resting at tea stalls adds up quickly. Some pilgrims spend two hours or more at shrines.
• Barefoot walking. Most people walk more slowly barefoot, especially on warm tarmac.
• Heat. From March to June, daytime heat forces frequent rests. Walk after sunset or before 9 AM.
• Age and fitness. See Girivalam with children and elderly family members for shorter options.

Planning around a Pournami window

Girivalam on the full moon is traditionally done while the Pournami tithi lasts. Check the start and end times on the Pournami calendar. Then pick a start time that leaves plenty of margin for crowds before the tithi ends.