Budget-Friendly Itinerary From Vijayawada to Rameshwaram Via Madurai, Arunachalam, and Vellore

Day 1: Exploration Begins

Vijayawada, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Minerva Coffee Shop

Start your day with a hearty breakfast of south Indian delicacies like Idli and Vada, paired with filter coffee.
Located centrally, take an auto-rickshaw to the coffee shop.
INR 150, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Kanaka Durga Temple

Admire the stunning architecture and beautiful views of the Krishna River at this revered temple.
Walking distance from the coffee shop; it's a pleasant morning stroll.
Free, 1.5 hours

11:30AM

Explore Undavalli Caves

Discover these ancient rock-cut caves featuring impressive sculptures and intricate carvings.
Take a local bus to the caves; it's a short 30-minute ride.
INR 20, 2 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Sri Satyam Restaurant

Enjoy a delicious thali meal showcasing the flavors of Andhra Pradesh.
Catch a bus back to Vijayawada city center.
INR 200, 1 hour

3:30PM

Visit Prakasham Barrage

Strategically placed over the Krishna River, it's a great spot for scenic views and local photography.
An easy auto-rickshaw ride from the restaurant, about 15 minutes.
Free, 1 hour

5:00PM

Travel to Madurai

Take an overnight bus to Madurai, known for its temples and vibrant culture.
Buses regularly depart from Vijayawada bus terminal.
INR 600, 6 hours
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Day 2: Cultural Dive

Madurai, India

11:00PM

Arrive in Madurai

Check into a budget hotel or guesthouse and freshen up after your travel.
Public transport or auto-rickshaw from the bus station.
INR 500, 1 hour

8:00AM

Breakfast at Sri Ram Mess

Savor a traditional South Indian breakfast of Pongal and Sambar.
Nearby the hotel, an easy walk.
INR 100, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Meenakshi Amman Temple

Explore this stunning temple complex, famous for its intricate carvings and rich history.
Short auto-rickshaw ride to the temple.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Nattukotta Mess

Indulge in a flavorful South Indian meal with chicken curry and rice.
Located within walking distance from the temple.
INR 200, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit Gandhi Museum

Learn about Gandhi’s life and his connection to Madurai through informative exhibits.
Catch a local bus to the museum.
INR 50, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Explore the Flower Market

Wander through the vibrant flower market and witness the local life and culture of Madurai.
Take a local auto-rickshaw to the market.
Free, 1 hour

4:30PM

Travel to Arunachalam

Catch a bus for Arunachalam, the birthplace of Ramana Maharshi.
Buses frequently depart from Madurai bus station.
INR 150, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Hotel Arunachala

Relish simple vegetarian dishes like dosa and sambar in the peaceful town.
Short walk from the bus station.
INR 100, 1 hour

8:30PM

Night at Arunachalam

Check into a budget lodge and rest for the night.
Many options are available near the ashram.
INR 400, 1 hour
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Day 3: Spiritual Retreat

Arunachalam, India

7:00AM

Breakfast at Local Eatery

Start your day with a wholesome breakfast of upma and tea at a nearby restaurant.
Walking within the town.
INR 80, 1 hour

8:30AM

Visit Ramana Maharshi Ashram

Immerse yourself in tranquility at this renowned spiritual retreat.
Walk to the ashram which is just a few minutes away.
Free, 2 hours

10:30AM

Explore Skandashramam

Take a spiritual walk to Skandashramam for meditation and scenic views.
A guided trek from the ashram lasts about an hour.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Hotel Ayyankulam

Enjoy a simple yet delicious meal of curd rice and vegetable curry.
Back to the town via the same trek route.
INR 120, 1 hour

2:30PM

Travel to Vellore

Catch a local bus to Vellore since it’s the next spiritual stop on your budget journey.
Buses run frequently from Arunachalam bus station.
INR 200, 2.5 hours

5:00PM

Visit Vellore Fort

Discover the historical architecture and rich legacy of the fort.
Short auto-rickshaw ride from Vellore bus station.
Free, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Hotel Saravana Bhavan

End the day with a delicious vegetarian dinner featuring thali and dosa.
Easily accessible by local transport.
INR 200, 1 hour

8:30PM

Overnight Stay in Vellore

Check into an economical hotel or guesthouse for a restful night.
Multiple budget options near Vellore Fort.
INR 500, 1 hour
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Day 4: Final Destination

Rameshwaram, India

7:00AM

Breakfast at Local Diner

Fuel up with a breakfast of idli, vada, and sambar at a nearby diner.
Accessible on foot from your hotel.
INR 100, 1 hour

8:30AM

Travel to Rameshwaram

Board a bus from Vellore bus station to Rameshwaram for your final destination.
Buses run regularly; check the schedule ahead.
INR 400, 6 hours

2:30PM

Lunch at Woodlands Restaurant

Savor a rich lunch featuring South Indian seafood dishes and classic rice meals.
Near the bus station in Rameshwaram.
INR 200, 1 hour

4:00PM

Visit Ramanathaswamy Temple

Explore the revered temple that is known for its exquisite architecture and sacred waters.
Just a short walk from the restaurant.
Free, 1.5 hours

5:30PM

Relax at Dhanushkodi Beach

Enjoy a leisurely stroll on the stunning beach, known for its serene beauty.
Catch a local taxi or jeep to reach the beach.
INR 300, 2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at The Vegetarian

End your trip with a delightful dinner featuring a variety of vegetarian dishes.
Before you return to your hotel.
INR 200, 1 hour

9:00PM

Stay Overnight in Rameshwaram

Check into a budget-friendly hotel to enjoy the coastal ambiance.
Various economical options available near the temple.
INR 500, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability