Epic 8-Day Family Road Trip: South India's Spiritual and Natural Wonders

Day 1: Srisailam Exploration

Srisailam, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Haritha Food Court

Start your day with a hearty breakfast of South Indian delicacies like idli and sambar.
Walk from your hotel to the food court only a few minutes away.
INR200, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Mallikarjun Jyotirlinga Temple

Explore the ancient Mallikarjun temple, a significant pilgrimage site for many.
Drive 15 minutes to the temple.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Kshatriya Restaurant

Savour local cuisine with dishes like biryani and masala dosa.
Drive 10 minutes back toward town.
INR600, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit Srisailam Dam

Take scenic photos and enjoy the beautiful views of the dam and the surrounding hills.
It's a 30-minute drive to the dam.
Free, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Explore Phaladhara-Panchdhara

Enjoy the tranquil surroundings and take a short trek to the scenic waterfalls.
Drive 15 minutes from the dam.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Coffee Day

Relax with a coffee and pastries while enjoying the sunset.
Drive back towards the town centre, approximately 20 minutes.
INR400, 1 hour
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Day 2: Sacred Tirupati

Tirupati, India

7:00AM

Breakfast at Srikanya Hotel

Enjoy traditional Tamil breakfast dishes like upma and pongal.
Drive 3 hours to Tirupati via the smooth NH44.
INR300, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit Tirumala Venkateswara Temple

Experience the spiritual atmosphere at one of the richest temples, dedicated to Lord Venkateswara.
Located at the top of the hill, requires a short drive.
Free, 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Aahaars

Relish Thali meals that are wholesome and filling.
Drive back down to Tirupati town.
INR500, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore Sri Venkateswara National Park

Take a stroll or a short hike in this beautiful park that’s home to various flora and fauna.
Drive 30 minutes into the park.
Free, 2 hours

4:30PM

Visit Chandragiri Fort

Uncover the rich history of this fort with its stunning architecture and views.
15-minute drive from the park.
INR300, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Udupi Restaurant

Savour North Indian and South Indian delicacies in a family-friendly environment.
Drive back to Tirupati town.
INR600, 1 hour
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Day 3: Cultural Day in Madurai

Madurai, India

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel Heritage

Start the day with delicious dosas and vadas, perfect for the whole family.
Drive 4 hours to Madurai via NH38.
INR300, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit Meenakshi Temple

Marvel at the stunning architecture and the vibrant culture surrounding this historic temple.
Temple is located in the city centre.
Free, 2 hours

11:30AM

Explore Thirumalai Nayakar Mahal

Visit this palace known for its grandeur and a bit of history.
Short drive of 10 minutes.
INR100, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Surya Restaurant

Enjoy a mix of North and South Indian dishes that please all tastes.
20-minute drive.
INR500, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit Gandhi Museum

Learn about the life of Mahatma Gandhi in an informative and engaging manner.
Drive 15 minutes to the museum.
INR20, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Madurai Konar Mess

Indulge in a traditional Madurai meal, famous for its biryani and kebabs.
Drive back to the city centre.
INR500, 1 hour
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Day 4: Rameshwaram and Dhanushkodi Adventure

Rameshwaram, India

6:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel Seashore

Enjoy a beachfront breakfast with fresh seafood and idlis.
Drive approximately 3 hours to Rameshwaram.
INR400, 1 hour

8:30AM

Visit Ramanathaswamy Temple

Explore the magnificent temple famous for its long corridors built with beautiful architecture.
Located near the town centre.
Free, 1.5 hours

10:30AM

Explore Dhanushkodi

Drive to the ghost town of Dhanushkodi, where the beach meets history.
30-minute drive to Dhanushkodi.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Ramshyam Restaurant

Try delicious local seafood and rice dishes in this casual spot.
Backtrack to Rameshwaram town.
INR500, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit Ram Setu

Impress the family with the story of Ram Setu, the mythical bridge.
Short drive from the restaurant.
Free, 1 hour

5:00PM

Dinner at Hotel Guruvayurappan

End the day with a wholesome dinner of rice and curry in a family-friendly setting.
Drive back to the town centre.
INR600, 1 hour
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Day 5: Kanyakumari Wonders

Kanyakumari, India

6:30AM

Breakfast at Hotel Sea View

Start your day with an extensive buffet breakfast overlooking the ocean.
Drive 2 hours to Kanyakumari.
INR300, 1 hour

8:30AM

Visit Vivekananda Rock Memorial

Catch early morning light at this iconic spot where Swami Vivekananda meditated.
Ferry from the mainland is available.
INR150, 1.5 hours

10:30AM

Explore Kanyakumari Beach

Stroll on the beach and enjoy local snacks from beach vendors.
Drive back to the beach area.
Free, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Hotel Guru Restaurant

Experience local delicacies like fish curry on your lunch plate.
Close to the beach, a short walk.
INR500, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit Kanyakumari Temple

Worship at the sacred temple dedicated to Goddess Kanyakumari.
A short distance from the restaurant.
Free, 1 hour

3:00PM

Watch the Sunset at Sunset Point

Capture breathtaking views as the sun sinks beneath the horizon.
20-minute drive close to the beach area again.
Free, 2 hours

5:15PM

Dinner at Sea View Restaurant

Enjoy dinner with stunning views of the ocean.
Return towards Kanyakumari centre.
INR600, 1 hour
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Day 6: Thiruvananthapuram Ventures

Thiruvananthapuram, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Spice Route

Enjoy South Indian breakfast staples like appam and stew.
Drive 1 hour to Thiruvananthapuram.
INR300, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple

Visiting this iconic temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu is a must for every visitor.
Located in the city, short drive.
Free, 1.5 hours

10:30AM

Explore the Napier Museum

Discover a wonderful collection of art and antiques from across the region.
Short drive from the temple.
INR20, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Cherries

Indulge in a mix of Indian and continental dishes.
Short distance from the museum.
INR500, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit Jatayu Earth's Center

Experience the world’s largest bird sculpture and take part in adventure activities.
Drive 40 minutes from the restaurant.
INR600, 2.5 hours

4:00PM

Dinner at The Rajdhani Restaurant

A wonderful spot offering vegetarian thali meals for a complete family experience.
Drive back to city centre.
INR600, 1 hour
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Day 7: Nature Retreat in Kerala

Alleppey & Munnar, India

7:00AM

Breakfast with a Houseboat Experience

Start your day while gently floating on the backwaters, trying out traditional Kerala breakfast.
Pre-arranged houseboat stay.
INR1200, 1 hour

9:00AM

Explore Alleppey Backwaters

Cruise through the picturesque backwaters, watching local life unfold.
Continue your houseboat journey.
INR2000, 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch on the Houseboat

Enjoy the freshly prepared Kerala cuisine served on board.
Limited to your dining area of the houseboat.
Included, 1 hour

2:00PM

Drive to Thekkady

Leave for Thekkady and enjoy scenic views during the drive.
Drive approximately 4 hours through scenic routes.
Not applicable, 4 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Spice Village

Dine on local delicacies prepared with fresh spices in a charming setting.
Located in Thekkady.
INR600, 1 hour
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Day 8: Ooty and Beyond

Ooty, Bandipur, Mysore, Hampi, Kolhapur

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel Lake view

Enjoy a delicious breakfast while taking in the views of Ooty lake.
Drive to Ooty in approximately 30 minutes.
INR400, 1 hour

9:00AM

Ooty Botanical Gardens

Explore the tranquil and beautiful gardens filled with diverse flora.
Short drive from your hotel.
INR30, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Coonoor Visit

Take a short train ride to enjoy enchanting views of tea plantations.
Short drive to the station, then train.
INR200, 4 hours (round trip)

3:00PM

Lunch at Hometown Cafe

Enjoy a formal lunch served with local dishes and snacks.
Return to Ooty town.
INR500, 1 hour

4:30PM

Bandipur Tiger Reserve

Discover wildlife and scenic beauty during the safari at Bandipur.
Drive 1.5 hours from Ooty.
INR500, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Mysore Palace area

Wrap up your adventure with a royal meal amidst historical surroundings.
Drive 1 hour to Mysore.
INR800, 1 hour
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