4-Day Family Friendly Itinerary for Panchabhootha Lingas, Hill Stations and Beaches in May 2023

  1. Day 1: Chennai to Srikalahasti
    2 hours 15 minutes (109 km) from Chennai

    Srikalahasti is a temple town located on the banks of the Swarnamukhi river and is home to the Sri Kalahasteeswara Temple, one of the Panchabhootha Lingas representing the Wind element. The temple's architecture is a mix of Chola and Vijayanagara styles. Witness the temple's beauty during the early morning pooja. After visiting the temple, head to the Talakona Waterfalls, which is located in the Sri Venkateswara National Park. Enjoy the scenic beauty of the falls, trek around the area and then leave for Tirupati.

  2. Day 2: Tirupati to Vellore
    2 hours 15 minutes (110 km) from Tirupati

    Start your day with a visit to the Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Tirumala, dedicated to Lord Venkateswara. The temple is also known as the "Temple of Seven Hills" and is one of the most visited places of worship in the world. It's also the richest temple in the world. After visiting the temple, leave for Vellore and visit the Golden Temple (Sripuram), a spiritual park that covers an area of 100 acres and is made with more than 1.5 tonnes of pure gold. It's a sight to behold. At night, visit the Vellore Fort, which was built by the Vijayanagara kings.

  3. Day 3: Vellore to Pondicherry
    3 hours 30 minutes (170 km) from Vellore

    Leave for Pondicherry, a former French colony. Start your day by visiting the Sri Manakula Vinayagar Temple, dedicated to Lord Ganesha. The temple is known for its beautiful architecture and is one of the most visited temples in Pondicherry. Then, head to the Promenade Beach, a popular tourist destination in Pondicherry. You can relax, walk along the beach and enjoy the sea breeze. Afterward, visit the Aurobindo Ashram, founded by Sri Aurobindo and the Mother in the early 20th century. The ashram promotes yoga and meditation and has a peaceful atmosphere.

  4. Day 4: Mahabalipuram to Chennai
    1 hour 20 minutes (58 km) from Mahabalipuram

    Leave for Mahabalipuram, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Start your day by visiting the Shore Temple, which is located on the shore of the Bay of Bengal. The temple is a beautiful example of Dravidian architecture and is dedicated to Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu. After visiting the temple, head to Pancha Rathas, a group of five monolithic pyramidal structures named after the Pandavas. The structures are carved out of a single piece of stone and are a great example of Indian rock-cut architecture. At last, visit the MGM Dizzee World, an amusement park in Chennai. The park has more than 60 rides and attractions.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Srikalahasti Sri Kalahasteeswara Temple (1-2 hours, free)
  • Talakona Waterfalls (2-3 hours, INR 50 per person)
  • Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple (2-3 hours, free)
  • Golden Temple (Sripuram) (1-2 hours, free)
  • Vellore Fort (1-2 hours, INR 10 per person)
  • Sri Manakula Vinayagar Temple (1-2 hours, free)
  • Promenade Beach (2-3 hours, free)
  • Aurobindo Ashram (1-2 hours, free)
  • Shore Temple (1-2 hours, INR 40 per person)
  • Pancha Rathas (1-2 hours, INR 40 per person)
  • MGM Dizzee World (4-5 hours, INR 699 per person)
  • Total Estimated Costs: INR 839 per person
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