Stop for a hearty South-Indian breakfast (idli/dosa/uttapam) at a reliable highway tiffin shop or café near the Hyderabad–Anantapur route; good fuel/food stops open from ~7:00am.
Visit the 16th‑century Lepakshi Veerabhadra temple, famed for its hanging (levitating) pillar, exquisite Vijayanagara frescoes and the huge monolithic Nandi; visually striking and easy to explore. Temple generally open 6:00am–8:00pm — check entry times locally.
Visit Sri Sathya Sai Baba’s ashram — tranquil gardens, the main mandir and evening arti are highlights; ashram visiting hours are generally early morning and evening (approx 5:00am–9:00pm) — darshan is free but dress modestly.
Eat at a well-known local vegetarian restaurant near the ashram (many eateries serve thali/meals and open by 11:00am); filling south-Indian meal to fuel the afternoon.
Choose a popular local place (many pure-veg hotels near the ashram) for a calm dinner; try a South Indian thali or simple pulao/rasam dishes. Confirm kitchen hours — most serve until 9:00–10:00pm.
Explore the Gandikota Fort and the dramatic gorge on the Pennar River (often called the ‘Grand Canyon of India’) — best seen in the morning light; the site is open sunrise–sunset.
Explore Belum Caves — the longest cave system open to the public in India with large chambers, stalactites and stalagmites; guided walks typically take 1–2 hours; the site closes at ~5:00pm so plan arrival accordingly.
Lunch at a recommended local restaurant in the Nandyal/Belum area — Andhra meals and roadside specialties are filling after the cave visit (many eateries open midday).
Drive to Yaganti (ancient temple site known for its cave and the Suryanarayana / Uma Maheswara shrine); most temples are open until early evening — plan a 30–45 minute visit.
Head into the Nallamala foothills toward Ahobilam for an overnight stay; this stretch can be on smaller roads so allow extra travel time — arrive and check into a guesthouse or dharmashala.
Visit the Lower and (if fit) the Upper Ahobilam shrines — the upper complex requires steep steps/short treks; temples usually open from early morning until evening (approx 5:00am–6:00pm). Allow 2–3 hours for walking and darshan.
Long drive to Mantralayam (Raghavendra Swamy Mutt) — aim to reach by early afternoon for darshan; roads vary but this is the most efficient link to include Mantralayam before heading to Kurnool.
Visit the famous Raghavendra Mutt on the banks of the Tungabhadra; darshan times start early morning and continue through the day — many pilgrims avail annadanam (free meals) and the ambiance is devotional.
Drive to Kurnool (brief visit) to see highlights like Konda Reddy Fort or a quick market stop; this is a short city break before the return to Hyderabad.
Arrive back in Hyderabad and stop for a late dinner at a reliable city restaurant or home — end of the 3-day loop. If you reach earlier, adjust dinner timing accordingly.