A 6-Day Family-Friendly Itinerary through Srisailam, Mahanandi, Badami, and Pattadakal

Thursday, October 19: Srisailam

Start your trip by exploring the town of Srisailam, known for its ancient temples and natural beauty. In the morning, visit the Srisailam Dam, a popular tourist spot offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Spend the afternoon exploring the Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. As the evening approaches, take a leisurely stroll along the Nagarjuna Sagar-Srisailam Sanctuary, spotting wildlife in their natural habitat.

• Srisailam Dam: Estimated cost N/A, Time spent 2-3 hours
• Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple: Estimated cost N/A, Time spent 2-3 hours
• Nagarjuna Sagar-Srisailam Sanctuary: Estimated cost N/A, Time spent 1-2 hours

Restaurants

• Start your morning with a delicious South Indian breakfast at Sree Saravana Bhavan. They serve piping hot idlis and crispy dosas that will leave you wanting more. Average cost for a meal is about INR 100 per person.
• For lunch, head to Sai Priya Family Restaurant where you can enjoy a variety of tasty vegetarian thalis. Their unlimited thali meals offer a wide range of traditional Andhra dishes. Average cost for a meal is about INR 200 per person.
• Indulge in a flavorsome dinner at Hotel Srinivasa where you can savor authentic Andhra-style biryanis and kebabs. The restaurant also offers a range of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes to choose from. Average cost for a meal is about INR 300 per person.

Friday, October 20: Mahanandi

Start your day by visiting the beautiful town of Mahanandi, famous for its ancient temples and serene atmosphere. Begin your morning by exploring the Mahanandiswara Swamy Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva. In the afternoon, spend some time at the Mahanandi Thermal Power Plant, learning about the region's energy production. In the evening, take a peaceful walk around the Mahanandi Lake, surrounded by lush greenery.

• Mahanandiswara Swamy Temple: Estimated cost N/A, Time spent 2-3 hours
• Mahanandi Thermal Power Plant: Estimated cost N/A, Time spent 1-2 hours
• Mahanandi Lake: Estimated cost N/A, Time spent 1-2 hours

Saturday, October 21: Badami

Embark on a journey to Badami, a historic town renowned for its cave temples and rock-cut architecture. Start your morning by visiting the Cave Temples, carved out of sandstone cliffs during the 6th and 8th centuries. Explore the Badami Fort, which offers panoramic views of the town and the surrounding countryside. In the evening, wander through the vibrant bazaars of Badami, where you can shop for local handicrafts and souvenirs.

• Badami Cave Temples: Estimated cost N/A, Time spent 2-3 hours
• Badami Fort: Estimated cost N/A, Time spent 1-2 hours
• Exploring the Bazaars: Estimated cost N/A, Time spent 1-2 hours

Sunday, October 22: Pattadakal

Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Pattadakal, known for its ancient temples and architectural grandeur. Begin your morning by visiting the Virupaksha Temple, an exemplary piece of Chalukyan architecture. Discover the intricately carved sculptures at the other temples like Mallikarjuna, Sangameshwara, and Papanatha. In the afternoon, take a leisurely stroll through the peaceful Pampa Sarovar, a sacred lake associated with various Hindu legends.

• Virupaksha Temple: Estimated cost N/A, Time spent 2-3 hours
• Other Temples in Pattadakal: Estimated cost N/A, Time spent 2-3 hours
• Pampa Sarovar: Estimated cost N/A, Time spent 1-2 hours

Monday, October 23: Leisure Day in Pattadakal

Take a day to relax and enjoy the beauty of Pattadakal at your own pace. You can visit nearby attractions like Aihole, another ancient temple complex, and explore its remarkable architecture. Alternatively, spend the day indulging in local cuisine, shopping for handicrafts, or simply soaking in the serene ambiance of Pattadakal.

• Aihole: Estimated cost N/A, Time spent 3-4 hours
• Local Cuisine and Shopping: Estimated cost N/A, Time spent as desired

Tuesday, October 24: Return

Prepare for your departure from Pattadakal and make your way back home with cherished memories of your family-friendly trip through Srisailam, Mahanandi, Badami, and Pattadakal.

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

While exploring these destinations, don't miss the opportunity to visit the beautiful Belum Caves located near Srisailam. These underground caves offer a unique and thrilling experience for the whole family. Additionally, make sure to try the local delicacies like the famous Badami Peda in Badami and the traditional Andhra specialities in Pattadakal.

Check out Kayak to compare hotel and flight prices for your trip.