Start with darshan at Prasanthi Nilayam — the main ashram of Sri Sathya Sai Baba; it is a peaceful morning spiritual experience and excellent for quiet meditation and viewing the ashram grounds. Check: main mandir generally open early (approximately 4:30–11:00 and 16:00–20:00).
Breakfast at a local cafe or the ashram canteen — choose idli/dosa or a South Indian tiffin with filter coffee to fuel the day. Most eateries open from 7:00–9:30am.
Visit the 16th‑century Lepakshi temple known for its hanging pillar, giant Nandi sculpture and rich Vijayanagara frescoes — a highlight for architecture and photography. Temple hours typically 6:00–21:00; allow time to walk the complex and climb to viewpoints.
Enjoy a Rayalaseema thali or local Andhra meals at a reliable highway or village restaurant — spicy local flavours and hearty rice dishes are recommended. Most restaurants open midday and offer quick service.
Drive to and visit Kadiri temple complex, famed for its large temple dedicated to Lord Lakshmi Narasimha; good for history and devotional darshan. Temple timings typically 6:00–21:00, expect short queues outside festival hours.
Check into a local hotel in Kadiri or Anantapur; have an early dinner featuring local Andhra curry or biryani. Hotels/restaurants are normally open through the evening; rest for an early start tomorrow.
Leave early to reach Mahanandi in cool hours; travel times vary by starting point — plan for 1–3 hours drive depending where you stayed. Roads are rural but scenic.
Visit the hill‑fringed Mahanandi temple group and the series of freshwater tanks; it’s famous for its carved temple and cool natural pools — temple usually open 6:00–18:00. Great for photography and a tranquil stroll by the tanks.
Drive to Yaganti to see the cave Shiva temple, the reclining Nandi and the unusual stone that is said to grow; the temple normally opens from 6:00–18:00 and offers unique mythology and rock‑cut architecture.
Stop for a filling lunch in Nandyal town — try regional rice and curry combos or vegetable meals; good place to rest before the afternoon drive to Srisailam.
Drive up to Srisailam for darshan at one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, Mallikarjuna (open reliably around 6:00–20:30 though peak times have longer queues); allow extra time for security, parking and darshan lines. The temple complex and surrounding Nallamala scenery are major attractions.
If time and energy permit, visit Jogulamba Devi (Alampur) en route back or as an evening stop; the deity and nearby Navabrahma temples are important pilgrimage and heritage sites — temple hours are generous (early morning to evening) but confirm local closing times.
Stay overnight at a guesthouse or lodge near Srisailam/Alampur; have a relaxed dinner and prepare for the Day 3 Kadapa/Gandikota route. Food service normally available in lodges.
Early drive to Gandikota to visit the spectacular gorge on the Pennar river and the historic fort — best in morning light for photos; the site is open during daylight hours (no formal gate hours but visit in daylight).
Walk the fort ruins, view the canyon from several vantage points and visit the local mosque and temples inside the fort; it’s a mix of history and natural beauty, allow time for climbing and photo stops.
Drive to Ontimitta and visit the Kalyana Venkateswara Swamy temple, noted for its serene setting and devotional atmosphere — temple timings usually 6:00–21:00 and it’s a calm mid‑day visit.
Have lunch in Kadapa city — try local specialities (Rayalaseema chicken curry or veg thali) and rest before afternoon visits. Kadapa has a range of eateries from simple to mid‑range hotels.
Visit the principal old masjid (Jama Masjid or local historic mosques) and walk nearby bazaars to see Kadapa’s local life; prayer times and access are generally flexible but be respectful of worshippers.
Drive toward Ahobilam (outer or lower Ahobilam) to see Narasimha shrines and the hilly temple group — sites typically open from early morning until evening but inner shrines may close earlier; if distances are long consider visiting only lower Ahobilam or nearby shrines today.
Finish with Srirangapuram (temple village) for a calm final darshan or temple stroll — check local closing times (many village temples close by 20:00). This is a good end point before returning to Kadapa or your onward destination.
Return to your base (Kadapa or onward) or catch evening travel connections. Use this time to rest after three full days; taxis/trains/buses can be arranged from Kadapa.