Family-Friendly Low Budget Itinerary: Tirupati, Vijayawada, Srisailam

Saturday, October 28, 2023: Tirupati

Morning: Begin your spiritual journey by visiting the famous Sri Venkateswara Temple in Tirupati. This ancient temple is dedicated to Lord Venkateswara and attracts millions of devotees every year. Experience the divine atmosphere and seek blessings.

Afternoon: Enjoy a vegetarian meal at one of Tirupati's pure veg restaurants, such as Bhimas or Sri Mahalakshmi Sweets.

Evening: Take a relaxing walk at Chandragiri Fort, where you can admire the breathtaking sunset views over the city. This historical site offers a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of Andhra Pradesh.

• Sri Venkateswara Temple: Free entry, approx. 2-3 hours
• Pure Veg Restaurant: Budget-friendly, approx. 1-2 hours
• Chandragiri Fort: Entry fee, approx. 1-2 hours

Sunday, October 29, 2023: Tirupati to Vijayawada

Morning: Depart from Tirupati and travel to Vijayawada, a journey of approximately 4 hours. Enjoy the scenic views along the way.

Afternoon: Explore Kanaka Durga Temple, one of the most revered temples in Vijayawada. Take part in the divine rituals and witness the grandeur of the deity.

Evening: Take a stroll along Prakasam Barrage, a beautiful bridge over the Krishna River. Enjoy the picturesque sunset and soak in the tranquility.

• Kanaka Durga Temple: Free entry, approx. 2-3 hours
• Prakasam Barrage: Free entry, approx. 1-2 hours

Monday, October 30, 2023: Vijayawada

Morning: Start your day by visiting Undavalli Caves, a unique architectural marvel carved out of solid rock. Explore the intricate sculptures and ancient paintings.

Afternoon: Indulge in a delicious vegetarian meal at Rasoie Restaurant, known for its authentic Andhra cuisine.

Evening: Explore Bhavani Island, a delightful retreat on the Krishna River. Enjoy boating, water sports, and a serene environment amidst lush greenery.

• Undavalli Caves: Entry fee, approx. 2-3 hours
• Rasoie Restaurant: Budget-friendly, approx. 1-2 hours
• Bhavani Island: Entry fee, approx. 2-3 hours

Tuesday, October 31, 2023: Vijayawada to Srisailam

Morning: Travel from Vijayawada to Srisailam, a journey of approximately 4-5 hours. Enjoy the scenic drive through the Nallamala Forest.

Afternoon: Visit Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple in Srisailam, one of the twelve Jyotirlinga temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. Seek the blessings of the divine deities.

Evening: Take a serene boat ride in Srisailam Dam, witnessing the enchanting beauty of the surroundings and the Krishna River.

• Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple: Free entry, approx. 2-3 hours
• Srisailam Dam: Entry fee, approx. 1-2 hours

Restaurants

• For breakfast, try Hotel Supreme, a popular local restaurant known for its delicious south Indian breakfast dishes. The average cost for a meal is about 150 INR per person.
• For lunch, head to Hotel Haritha, a vegetarian restaurant offering a variety of traditional Andhra thali meals. The average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
• For dinner, dine at Hotel Rajdoot, a well-known restaurant serving a range of North Indian and Chinese dishes. The average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.

Wednesday, November 1, 2023: Srisailam

Morning: Explore the Nagarjuna Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary, home to diverse flora and fauna. Enjoy nature trails and observe animals in their natural habitat.

Afternoon: Relish a traditional Andhra thali at Srisaila Haritha Hotel, offering pure vegetarian cuisine.

Evening: Visit the Akka Mahadevi Caves, located near the Srisailam Dam. These ancient caves hold historical significance and offer a peaceful ambiance.

• Nagarjuna Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary: Entry fee, approx. 3-4 hours
• Srisaila Haritha Hotel: Budget-friendly, approx. 1-2 hours
• Akka Mahadevi Caves: Free entry, approx. 1-2 hours

Restaurants

• For breakfast, head to Hotel Haritha Srisailam Restaurant, conveniently located near the Akka Mahadevi Caves. Enjoy a delicious South Indian breakfast with idli, dosa, and filter coffee. The average cost for a meal is about ₹100 per person.
• For lunch, try Maithreya Family Restaurant, a popular choice among locals. Indulge in a variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes including biryani, curries, and desserts. The average cost for a meal is about ₹200 per person.
• For dinner, visit Sri Kanaka Durga Restaurant, known for its authentic Andhra cuisine. Relish dishes like gongura chicken, pulihora, and biryani. The average cost for a meal is about ₹300 per person.

Thursday, November 2, 2023: Srisailam to Tirupati

Morning: Depart from Srisailam and travel back to Tirupati, a journey of approximately 4-5 hours.

Afternoon: Visit ISKCON Tirupati, a spiritual center dedicated to Lord Krishna. Experience the devotional atmosphere and enjoy a vegetarian lunch at the Govindas restaurant inside the temple complex.

Evening: Witness the mesmerizing evening rituals and aarti at Kapila Theertham, a sacred waterfall located near Tirupati. Seek blessings and immerse yourself in the serene environment.

• ISKCON Tirupati: Free entry, approx. 2-3 hours
• Govindas Restaurant: Budget-friendly, approx. 1-2 hours
• Kapila Theertham: Free entry, approx. 1-2 hours

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

While exploring Tirupati, make sure to visit Sri Padmavathi Ammavari Temple, dedicated to Goddess Padmavathi. This temple is less crowded compared to Sri Venkateswara Temple and offers a serene atmosphere for worshipping.

In Vijayawada, don't miss experiencing the exciting world of science and technology at Birla Science Museum. It's a great place for families, especially children, to learn and have fun.

In Srisailam, consider adding a visit to Shikaresvara Temple, a hidden gem tucked away in the hills. This ancient temple showcases beautiful architecture and offers stunning views of the surroundings.

For booking hotels and flights, you can check this link for the best deals and prices.