Leave early from Chennai by car or train to reach Tirupati mid-late morning (approx 3–4h by car). Good to start early to check in and rest before temple visits.
A scenic waterfall with a temple at the base of Tirumala hills; pleasant short visit and good introduction to the region. Open roughly 6:00am–8:00pm, check seasonal access.
Early-morning drive or use the queue-management service for darshan; regular darshan is free but requires queue/time-slot planning or online booking during busy season. Temple hours vary; darshan begins pre-dawn.
Drive ~45–60 minutes to Sri Kalahasti, known for Vayu Linga and beautiful temple architecture; temple normally open 6:00am–8:00pm — good for a quieter temple experience.
Explore Catherine waterfall viewpoint, viewpoint at Simhamadugu and short forest walks — pleasant vistas and cool air; best visited between 8:00am–5:30pm.
One of the largest Shiva temples in South India with impressive gopurams and rich rituals; open typically 5:00am–12:30pm and 4:00pm–9:00pm, so afternoon/evening darshan and aarti are excellent times to visit.
Walk part of the 14 km circumambulation path around Arunachala to feel the devotional atmosphere; many do the full 14 km at night starting after sunset (plan tomorrow if doing full girivalam).
Start pre-dawn for a calmer, cooler 14 km walk around Arunachala; many devotees do the full circuit — plan water and footwear. Early morning is quieter and spiritually charged.
Quiet ashram where Ramana Maharshi lived — a must-see for seekers; open roughly 6:30am–12:00pm and 3:00pm–6:00pm; allow time to sit, read and see the samadhi.
If you’re fit, a moderate trek to small caves and hermitages on the Arunachala slopes offers solitude and views; take water and check local guidance for safety.
Arrive in Chennai; transfer to home, airport or railway station as needed. If you have extra time, Marina Beach and Kapaleeshwarar Temple are convenient Chennai options.