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The most popular activity in Tiruvannamalai is "Girivalam", which is walking barefoot around the Tiruvannamalai hill. Legend has it that the mountain itself is an incarnation of Lord Shiva, and walking around brings good fortunes. There are 8 lingams one in each direction 360 holy tanks, mandapas and ashrams around the Arunachala hill. Every month on full moon day, scores of people travel to the town for "girivalam". Girivalam is also common on the first day of every Tamil month. Usually, Girivalam starts and ends in front of the Arunachaleswara temple. The Girivalam path is about 13 km (~8 miles) long and has well-maintained concrete/tar roads with pedestrian platforms. One can also do it by cycle, two-wheeler/three wheeler. By foot it takes about 3-5 hours, by bicycle it takes 60-90 minutes. Bicycles are available for renting at nominal rate of ₹10 per trip, auto rickshaws (three wheeler) charge up to ₹150 for a trip. The path is well lit at night and is equipped with sanitation facilities. On regular days, people also go around the mountain on vehicles. On full moon days and during the 10-15 days of Karthigai Deepam festival, however, vehicular traffic is blocked. Best time to walk around the mountain is early morning and in the evening after daylight. At least 10 lakh (1 million) people do girivalam on full moon days.