5-Day South Indian Temple Trail: Arunachalam to Kanchi

Day 1: Arunachalam Exploration

Arunachalam, India

7:30AM

Breakfast at Hotel Saravana Bhavan

Start your day with a traditional South Indian breakfast featuring idli and sambar.
Located just a 5-minute walk from your accommodation.
INR 150, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit Arunachaleswarar Temple

Immerse yourself in the divine atmosphere at one of the largest temples dedicated to Lord Shiva.
A short 10-minute drive from the breakfast spot.
Free, 2 hours

11:30AM

Explore Thiruvannamalai

Stroll through the picturesque town, absorbing local culture and sights.
Walking tour around the temple area.
Free, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Aakash Restaurant

Enjoy a hearty meal with south Indian thali.
A 15-minute drive from the temple.
INR 300, 1 hour

2:30PM

Trekking on the Arunachala Hill

Embark on a refreshing trek around this sacred hill known for its breathtaking views.
Starting point is a 5-minute drive from the restaurant.
Free, 3 hours

5:30PM

Visit the Ramana Maharshi Ashram

Experience serenity at this ashram devoted to the renowned sage.
A 10-minute drive from the hill trek.
Free, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Hotel Vasantha Bhavan

Dine on delicious paneer butter masala with naan.
Located just 10 minutes from the ashram.
INR 400, 1 hour
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Day 2: Journey to Vellore

Vellore, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel Vasantha Bhavan

Enjoy a classic South Indian breakfast of dosas and chutney.
At the same hotel as dinner last night.
INR 150, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive to Vellore

Travel to Vellore to explore its rich historical landmarks.
Car journey takes around 3 hours.
INR 500 (for fuel), 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Kumar's Restaurant

Savor authentic Chettinad cuisine for lunch, such as chicken biryani.
Located near Vellore Fort, around 15 minutes from arrival.
INR 350, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore Vellore Fort

Visit the historic fort known for its massive fortifications and rich history.
Just a 5-minute drive from the restaurant.
INR 50, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Visit Sripuram Golden Temple

Witness the stunning architecture of this spiritual landmark covered in gold.
A 20-minute drive from Vellore Fort.
Free, 2 hours

5:30PM

Return to Hotel

Head back for some rest and relaxation.
Returning via car for about 30 minutes.
Free, 30 minutes

7:00PM

Dinner at Hotel Saravana Bhavan

Indulge in a delicious meal of rasam and lemon rice.
A 10-minute walk from the hotel.
INR 300, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Madurai and the Meenakshi Temple

Madurai, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel Saravana Bhavan

Start the day with a filling breakfast of upma and coconut chutney.
At the same restaurant as dinner last night.
INR 150, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive to Madurai

Set off on your 3.5-hour road trip to the famous city of Madurai.
Driving down through picturesque landscapes.
INR 500 (for fuel), 3.5 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at The Modern Restaurant

Enjoy a traditional Madurai meal of parotta and mutton curry.
Located 10 minutes from the arrival point.
INR 350, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Meenakshi Amman Temple

Marvel at the magnificent architecture and rich history of this temple.
A 5-minute drive from the restaurant.
Free, 2 hours

4:00PM

Explore the Thirumalai Nayak Palace

Discover the grandeur of this 17th-century palace with stunning carvings.
Approximately 10 minutes away from the temple.
INR 50, 1.5 hours

5:30PM

Evening stroll at Gandhi Memorial Museum

Relax in the peaceful surroundings of this museum dedicated to Gandhi.
Just 10 minutes from the palace.
Free, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Murugan Idli Shop

Enjoy a comforting South Indian meal featuring various types of idlis.
A 15-minute drive from the museum.
INR 250, 1 hour
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Day 4: Rameshwaram Adventure

Rameshwaram, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Murugan Idli Shop

Start your day with a filling breakfast of idlis and vadas.
At the same restaurant as dinner last night.
INR 150, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive to Rameshwaram

Journey to Rameshwaram, famed for its beaches and temples, takes about 3 hours.
A scenic coastal drive.
INR 500 (for fuel), 3 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Woodlands Restaurant

Indulge in a seafood meal, perfect for the coastal setting.
Located just 10 minutes after arrival.
INR 400, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit the Ramanathaswamy Temple

Experience the religious significance and the beautiful architecture of the temple.
A short drive away from the restaurant.
Free, 2 hours

3:30PM

Explore Dhanushkodi

Visit the ghost town of Dhanushkodi for its eerie charm and scenic beauty.
A 30-minute drive from the temple.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Return to Rameshwaram

Head back to your accommodation for relaxation.
Additional 30-minute travel time.
Free, 30 minutes

7:00PM

Dinner at Hotel Tamil Nadu

Enjoy a simple yet delightful dinner featuring vegetarian dishes.
Just 10 minutes from where you're staying.
INR 300, 1 hour
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Day 5: Cultural Legacy of Kanchi and Srirangam

Kanchi & Srirangam, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel Tamil Nadu

Delight in a classic breakfast of pongal and chutney.
At the same hotel as dinner last night.
INR 150, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive to Kanchi

Embark on a scenic 5-hour journey to Kanchi, known for its temples.
Using NH 44 for the best route.
INR 600 (for fuel), 5 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Saravana Bhavan, Kanchi

Enjoy signature dishes like filter coffee and idli here.
Located immediately after arrival in Kanchi.
INR 300, 1 hour

3:30PM

Visit Kanchi Kamakshi Temple

Discover this famous temple dedicated to Goddess Kamakshi with stunning architecture.
Walking distance from the restaurant.
Free, 1 hour

4:30PM

Drive to Srirangam

Make your way to Srirangam, home to the illustrious Ranganathaswamy Temple.
30-minute drive from Kanchi.
Free, 30 minutes

5:00PM

Explore Ranganathaswamy Temple

Honor the ancient traditions while marveling at this grand temple structure.
Navigating through the town to the temple.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Hotel Ranga Residency

End your cultural journey with a delicious South Indian dinner featuring biryani.
Located within walking distance from the temple.
INR 400, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability