"I visited Tiruvannamalai and I was very fortunate to have Saran as my guide. We were there for the Shivaratri and we did not know what to expect from this amazing holy Lord Shiva Festival. Saran took us on this unforgettable adventure climbing the Arunachala holy mountain and spending the night there at the top. We participated on an poojah during the night at Lord Shiva's Footprint and it was a blissful special moment.
If you are looking for a journey of spiritual guidance and insights, overcoming your limits and take a journey within your deeper self, that's the guy you should contact. Saran, despite his young age, is very wise and very patient with all the questions about Indian culture and religion and knows the area like the palm of his hand.
You have to experience Arunachala to understand the true holiness and magic of the place. This is not a tour for people looking for comfort and luxury or anything like it...You must have an open mind and an open heart.
"From the moment I contacted Saran via email I was presented with the very deep respect he has for Arunachala, its grace and its history. He helped me from the very beginning, arranging a taxi from Chennai to Tiruvannamalai for our arrival. I was so happy to finally meet him in person when we arrived. He is a genuine, friendly, happy and helpful guide with an intuition and sensibility that is warm and welcoming."
"From the moment I contacted Saran via email I was presented with the very deep respect he has for Arunachala, its grace and its history. He helped me from the very beginning, arranging a taxi from Chennai to Tiruvannamalai for our arrival. I was so happy to finally meet him in person when we arrived. He is a genuine, friendly, happy and helpful guide with an intuition and sensibility that is warm and welcoming.
"I recently returned from my first trip of sacred sites in southeast India, which included several days with Saran as our group guide. It was a fantastic experience, largely due to the knowledge and expertise of Saran and his open and respectful way of sharing Indian culture and customs. Saran has a unique story of growing up on Arunchala and explains the sacred mountain and deities as only a local can. He taught us everything from how to cook pongel rice to understanding temple ceremonies. I've traveled extensively to other countries and had many guides -- Saran tops the list. He isn't just sharing facts and details -- Aranchala is his sacred path. If you are seeking an extraordinary time in India, I recommend Saran."
"Searching for a transformative, holy, inspiring journey? Walk with Saran from Mountain Saran Tours. He and his wife Jehan will take care of you like family. Saran grew up on the Mountain and learned all about its spiritual wonders from his guru who meditated on the Mountain for 17 years. Saran expertly and with great energy and light led my friends and me on a sacred, meditative walk around the inner path of the Mountain, to several sacred caves for deep meditation, and on a transformative hike to the top where Saran and other devotees performed a puja at the feet of God. We were on top of the world! Truly unforgettable! One day, I will return and I hope that Saran will guide me again."
"I cannot say enough about Saran. His kindness, enthusiasm, grace, leadership, professionalism, and generosity of spirit know no bounds. I just returned from my first trip to India and I'm already planning my next!! We will definitely hire Saran again to be our guide.
Our hikes around and to the summit of Arunachala were breathtaking. As were the trips to several area temples and ashrams. This is not just a "tour" it is a spiritual adventure. Our group was beyond grateful to Saran for all he shared with us during our time near Arunachala. Saran made a first trip to India feel like we had travelled there many times before. What a gift!! Vanakkam, and thank you—so much thanks!"
"Namaste All, Saran is an exceptional guide to The Holy Hill. I recommend him highly. His knowledge is based on an entire life spent on and around the Hill. On my last three trips to India I spent lots of time with Saran on Arunachala and in many of the temples in Tiru and the surrounding area.
I could feel his great love for Arunachala Siva whenever we were on the Hill or even spoke of it from a distance. Maybe it's because he was born on the slopes of Arunachala? Maybe it's because of his several thousand daily trips (literally) as a boy to the top of Arunachala to take fresh milk to his Guru who lived there for 16 years? His spirit shines brightly. I think you will be most pleased with his services."
"I feel it a great blessing that I met Saran on my first trip to India. On my first trip we went on many adventures, including Pondicherry, Madurai, Kanyakumari, Turniveli and into the Pothigai mountains. Saran is a wonderful person, very kind, always punctual and has an unmatched knowledge and love for Arunachala. His tours take you to places that not many people get to go to. On my second visit i was in Tiru for Deepam, Saran brought me up the mountain for the lighting of the fire and I also got to stay there with the yogis that look after the fire for 10days after it is lit, it was a breathtaking and magical experience, something i cherish now that I am back in the western world. I can not recommend Saran's tours enough! Om Arunachala."
"Did this tour solo with Saran on New Year's Day. What an amazingly blessed and auspicious experience this was. Saran was professional to boot - communicated impeccably in organising the tour, was punctual in starting and finishing, considerate and was a very warm soulful and generous person. If you are after something more than a just tour up the mountain you cannot go wrong with Saran. Even though I had visited Thiruvanamalai before, this tour opened me up to the heart and soul of the place and I wish I had come across this earlier. Five stars from me."
"We (a family of 3) visited Tiruvannamalai from Pune in the month of May, 2014 (the off-season time of the year) and contacted Saran Tours to arrange a taxi from Chennai airport to Tiru (and later from Tiru to Pondy). We also subsequently did the giripradakshina along the inner path around Arunachala with Saran. Towards the end of the pradakshina, he took us to a small restaurant where we had a declicious traditional breakfast. He is a very knowledgeable, friendly and personable guide with a deep knowlledge of the mountain, and we consider ourselves fortunate to have found him to take us around. Hopefully we'll be able to make trips to Arunachala and use his services again."
"Saran accompanied us through the Girivalam (walking around the Arunachala Hill) and up to Viripaksha Cave (where Ramana resided for many years before). Saran's insight into the 8 lingams surrounding the hill was amazing. As we went to each temple surrounding each Lingam, we asked Saran many questions on the origin and significance of each Lingam. Saran was also very thorough in giving details when we went up the hill.
When I go there again, I will get Saran's help for a tour through the forest across the hill. He will remain a genuine friend."
"Calling this adventure with Saran and the Sacred Shiva Mountain of Arunachala a tour is a bit misleading: "A Lifetime Experience" would be more accurate! The mountain 'calls' you when the time is right and Saran is basically a piece of the mountain in human form. If your are fortunate enough to find yourself on Arunachala with this lovely man, then you must have done something right somewhere along the road of life.
If you are looking for tigers and elephants and want to see the Taj Mahal, this is not the place for you. If you want a genuine and honest experience of the ancient Shiva energy in a natural setting, well it just doesn't get any better than this!"
"Mountain Saran Tours arranged my entire trip - 2.5 weeks in Southern India. Our tour began in Chennai. At the airport, we were picked up and taken to Sripuram, near Vellore. We spent several days at the Ashram there - participating in pujas, meeting Shakti Amma, walking the Star Path and beholding the biggest Golden Temple in the world - we practiced yoga, and took in the scents, colors and flavors of India. It was very meditative and relaxing at Sripuram. From there, we traveled to Tiruvannamalai. There we spent time at the sacred Mountain of Arunchala, we meditated in the powerful caves Maharishi Ramana called home. Saran told us about Ramana and the temple in Tiruvannamalai. He was invaluably informative.
"The last time I visited Arunachala in Tiruvannamalai, a group of friends wanted to join me. I knew that I could arrange for my own visit, but had no idea how to book rooms and meals and make arrangements to see the different sites in the area. I found Mountain Saran Tours online and based on recommendations at the website, went with him.
Wish I'd found him in my solo travels. The mountain, Arunachala, came alive with the history and spiritual significance that Saran shared about this sacred place. Wear comfortable shoes and expect a workout if you plan to climb to the top. It's not for the faint or out of shape. We spent some time in meditation at Skandashram and Virupakasha Caves on the way up the mountain. Powerful. What a wonderful experience to take in the view from the top and to soak in the atmosphere of the place. At our request, Saran also performed a pooja for us when we reached the top.
We also visited the 1300 year old Arunachaleshar Temple and learned its history. Some of us walked the 14 kilometers around the mountain and others rode around on an ox cart, which Saran arranged. Prayers are said to be amplified for those who walk around the mountain on the full moon.
In addition, we visited Maharshi Ramana ashram and learned about this saint. We took a bus to Sripuram Peedam, about a two hour drive north of Tiruvannamalai, where we stayed three nights at the guest house, SriNarayani Peedam. It was my first experience there and I believe we all felt we could have stayed much longer. Next trip, we will. It is a beautifully cared-for site and home of the largest golden temple in the world. Shakti Amma performs Abishekam pooja there daily and we were privileged to attend and to receive theerthum from Shakti Amma. Heart changing experience. Saran took us around the campus and showed us the many humanitarian projects at this site. Lastly, we traveled to Pondicherry and Auroville, which were great for shopping, Western food, and time near the Bay of Bengal. Very worth seeing, especially the Matramandir at Oroville. Saran booked ahead for that because there is a two or three day lead to get into the Matramandir. Very well worth it. Whether with a group or not, when I return to Tamil Nadu, I will have Saran guide. We learned so much more about what we were seeing, making the entire experience so much richer."
"I bring groups every year to South India, and always use Saran's services when I come. Saran speaks excellent English, is very patient and deeply knowledgeable in giving tours at the mountain Arunachala, as well as tours in surrounding areas like Pondicherry and Auroville.
MountainSaran Tours prices are very affordable, and you can tell that the details have been attended to with care. Saran is great for shorter day tours, and also with 1-2 week group tours. The experience with him is unique. It is hard to find a tour company that gives such a feeling of true care and makes you feel like it is not a tour company at all, but a good friend. In fact, you probably will make a life-long friend in Saran.
My trek up to Arunachala Mountain on 20 Feb 2015 is a trip I will cherish forever. My travel partner, Saran from www.mountainsarantours.com, was a Godsend. Literally! I could not have done the climb by myself - he kept me motivated all through and provided the physical and emotional support needed to muster up the will-power to make it to the top. Right at the outset when my heart dived just 5 minutes into the climb, Saran helped me believe that I could do it. He kept a keen eye on me throughout, advising me on breathing tips, how to make sure I maintain my balance while climbing down and how to keep myself strong in mind. The most beautiful part of the journey was the puja ceremony he performed at the mountain top. For me, the journey was a pilgrimage and the puja was the perfect way to connect with divinity having reached the peak.