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Day 1: Tirupati
From Mumbai, Tirupati is a 2-hour 30-minute flight away
Visit the Sri Venkateswara Swamy Vaari Temple, one of the most popular pilgrimage sites in India. The temple is open from 4:00 AM to 9:00 PM daily. You can expect a long queue to enter the temple, so be sure to arrive early. In the afternoon, head to the nearby Talakona Waterfall for a refreshing dip. Finally, in the evening, visit the Kalyana Venkateswara Swamy Temple for a peaceful evening of prayer.
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Day 2: Vellore Mahalakshmi
Drive from Tirupati to Vellore Mahalakshmi. It takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes (104 km).
In the morning, visit the Golden Temple, also known as Sripuram. The temple is open from 4:00 AM to 9:00 PM daily. Next, visit the Jalakandeswarar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva and known for its intricate carvings and sculptures. Finally, in the evening, take a stroll along the Vellore Fort, built by the Vijayanagar empire in the 16th century.
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Day 3: Chennai Marina Beach
Drive from Vellore Mahalakshmi to Chennai. It takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes (140 km).
In the morning, visit the Kapaleeshwarar Temple, a famous Shiva temple known for its Dravidian architecture. Then, head to the Government Museum, which is home to a wide collection of art and artifacts. Finally, visit the Marina Beach, one of the longest urban beaches in the world. Take a stroll along the shore, watch the sunset, and enjoy some street food.
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Day 4: Srikalahasti
Drive from Chennai to Srikalahasti. It takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes (120 km).
In the morning, visit the Srikalahasteeswara Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva and one of the most famous temples in South India. The temple is open from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM daily. In the afternoon, head to the Sri Subrahmanya Swamy Temple, dedicated to Lord Muruga. Finally, in the evening, visit the Bhakta Kannappa Temple, dedicated to a devotee of Lord Shiva.
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Day 5: Kolhapur
Drive from Srikalahasti to Kolhapur. It takes about 13 hours (650 km).
In the morning, visit the Mahalaxmi Temple, a Hindu temple dedicated to the goddess Mahalaxmi. The temple is open from 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily. In the afternoon, head to the Rankala Lake, a popular picnic spot. Finally, in the evening, visit the New Palace, a 19th-century palace built in the Indo-Saracenic style.
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Day 6: Mumbai
Drive from Kolhapur to Mumbai. It takes about 7 hours and 30 minutes (375 km).
In the morning, visit the Gateway of India, a famous monument built during the British Raj. Next, head to the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and historic railway station. In the afternoon, visit the Elephanta Caves, a network of sculpted caves on Elephanta Island. Finally, in the evening, visit the Marine Drive, a scenic promenade along the coast.
If you have extra time, consider visiting the Tirumala Venkateswara Temple in Tirupati or taking a day trip to Mahabalipuram from Chennai. To maximize your fun, try to plan your visit during a festival or event, such as the Brahmotsavam festival in Tirupati or the Pongal festival in Chennai.