Tirupati, Arunachalam, Pondicherry, Tanjavuru, Rameswaram, Madurai 7-Day Itinerary - August 2023

1. Day 1: Tirupati
   2 hours (87.4 miles) from Chennai

   In the morning, visit the famous Tirupati Balaji Temple, one of the most visited pilgrimage sites in India. In the afternoon, explore the beautiful Chandragiri Fort. In the evening, take a stroll around the peaceful Swami Pushkarini Lake.

   • Tirupati Balaji Temple: Estimated cost: Free, Estimated time: 2-3 hours
   • Chandragiri Fort: Estimated cost: INR 20, Estimated time: 1-2 hours
2. Day 2: Arunachalam
   3 hours (94.2 miles) from Tirupati

   Start your day with a hike to Arunachala Hill, a sacred spot for devotees of Lord Shiva. In the afternoon, visit the serene Arunachaleswarar Temple. In the evening, take a refreshing walk around the beautiful Annamalaiyar Temple.

   • Arunachala Hill Hike: Estimated cost: Free, Estimated time: 2-3 hours
   • Arunachaleswarar Temple: Estimated cost: Free, Estimated time: 1-2 hours
3. Day 3: Pondicherry
   2 hours (98.2 miles) from Arunachalam

   Explore the French Quarter in the morning, with its charming colonial architecture. In the afternoon, relax at the beautiful Promenade Beach. In the evening, visit the famous Sri Aurobindo Ashram.

   • French Quarter: Estimated cost: Free, Estimated time: 2-3 hours
   • Promenade Beach: Estimated cost: Free, Estimated time: 1-2 hours
   • Sri Aurobindo Ashram: Estimated cost: Free, Estimated time: 1-2 hours
4. Day 4: Tanjavuru
   3 hours (111.9 miles) from Pondicherry

   Start your day by visiting the magnificent Brihadeeswarar Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the afternoon, explore the colorful Tanjore Palace. In the evening, enjoy a performance of classical music or dance at the Sangeetha Mahal.

   • Brihadeeswarar Temple: Estimated cost: INR 250, Estimated time: 2-3 hours
   • Tanjore Palace: Estimated cost: INR 50, Estimated time: 1-2 hours
   • Sangeetha Mahal: Estimated cost: INR 200, Estimated time: 2-3 hours
5. Day 5: Rameswaram
   4 hours (161.4 miles) from Tanjavuru

   In the morning, visit the iconic Ramanathaswamy Temple, one of the twelve Jyotirlinga shrines of Lord Shiva. In the afternoon, explore the Pamban Bridge and take a walk along the beautiful Dhanushkodi Beach. In the evening, watch the mesmerizing sunset at Agnitheertham.

   • Ramanathaswamy Temple: Estimated cost: Free, Estimated time: 2-3 hours
   • Pamban Bridge: Estimated cost: Free, Estimated time: 1-2 hours
   • Dhanushkodi Beach: Estimated cost: Free, Estimated time: 1-2 hours
   • Agnitheertham: Estimated cost: Free, Estimated time: 1-2 hours
6. Day 6: Madurai
   4 hours (168.2 miles) from Rameswaram

   Start your day with a visit to the majestic Meenakshi Amman Temple, a significant Hindu temple dedicated to Goddess Parvati. In the afternoon, explore the historic Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace. In the evening, witness the lively evening ceremony at Meenakshi Amman Temple.

   • Meenakshi Amman Temple: Estimated cost: Free, Estimated time: 2-3 hours
   • Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace: Estimated cost: INR 50, Estimated time: 1-2 hours

Recommendations

Are there any other local attractions, events, or experiences I should also consider? How about day trips? Any good ideas on how to get the most for my money and have a lot of fun?

While visiting Tirupati, don't miss the nearby Talakona Waterfalls and Sri Venkateswara National Park. For a day trip from Pondicherry, consider visiting the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Mahabalipuram. To make the most of your trip, book your accommodations and flights in advance at https://booking.tp.st/VhZsadPo.