8-Day Family Fun Itinerary: Exploring Southern Temples of India

Day 1: Hyderabad to Arunachalam

Hyderabad, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Fisherman's Wharf

Start your day with a scrumptious breakfast at this renowned restaurant known for its vibrant ambience and delectable dishes.
After breakfast, take a taxi to the airport.
INR 800, 1.5 hours

10:00AM

Flight to Tirupati

Catch your flight to Tirupati to kickstart your adventure into Southern India.
On arrival, hire a taxi to Arunachalam.
INR 3500, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Hotel Saravana Bhavan

Enjoy a traditional South Indian lunch featuring idli and sambar at this popular eatery.
Walking distance from the hotel.
INR 600, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Arunachalam Temple

Experience divine tranquility at the serene Arunachalam Temple, known for its stunning architecture.
Short drive from the restaurant.
Free, 2 hours

4:30PM

Evening Snack at Radha's Dosa Corner

Enjoy some crispy dosas and chai before your evening exploration.
Just a short walk from the temple.
INR 300, 1 hour

5:30PM

Visit Arunachala Hill

Hike around the sacred Arunachala Hill to engage with nature and spirituality.
Follow local paths; a guide is advisable.
Free, 2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at the Hotel

Return to your hotel for a relaxing dinner after a fulfilling day.
Back to the hotel.
INR 700, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Explore Thanjavur

Thanjavur, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at your Hotel

Start your day with a wholesome breakfast at your accommodation.
Walk down to the dining area.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Thanjavur

Depart for Thanjavur, home to the famous Brihadeeswarar Temple.
Hire a taxi for the trip.
INR 1500, 1.5 hours

10:30AM

Visit Brihadeeswarar Temple

Explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site, marveling at its grand architecture.
Located in the city, easy to find.
INR 50, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Ananda Bhavan

Enjoy an authentic South Indian feast at this beloved local restaurant.
Close proximity to the temple.
INR 500, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Thanjavur Palace & Art Gallery

Discover the rich history and art of the region at the historic Thanjavur Palace.
Short drive or a pleasant walk from the restaurant.
INR 100, 2 hours

4:30PM

Snack Break at Kovilpatti Venkateshwara Kadai

Savour some yummy, crunchy murukku or an evening snack here.
Walking from the palace.
INR 200, 30 minutes

6:00PM

Head Back to Arunachalam

Return to Arunachalam for the night.
Taxi back to the hotel.
INR 1500, 1.5 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at the Hotel

Enjoy dinner at your hotel, winding down after a busy day.
Back to the hotel.
INR 700, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Srirangam Sacred Sites

Srirangam, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at the Hotel

Have a leisurely breakfast before heading out for the day.
Enjoy the hotel cuisine.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Srirangam

Take a taxi to Srirangam to visit the famous Ranganathaswamy Temple.
Hire a taxi for a short trip.
INR 800, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit Ranganathaswamy Temple

Marvel at the grandeur of one of the largest temple complexes in India.
Centrally located in Srirangam.
Free, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at The Courtallam

Dig into a delicious variety of vegetarian South Indian dishes.
Just a short stroll from the temple.
INR 600, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit the Tiruvalanjuli & Akhilandeswari Temple

Explore lesser-known shrines rich with architectural beauty.
Short commute from the restaurant.
Free, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Snack at Divine Dosa

Treat your family to crispy dosas and chutneys in a casual setting.
Walking distance from the last temple.
INR 250, 45 minutes

6:00PM

Evening Boat Ride on Kaveri River

Enjoy a peaceful boat ride as the sun sets, offering beautiful views.
Access from Srirangam banks.
INR 300, 1 hour

7:30PM

Dinner at Aasai Namma Ooru

Cap off the day with a delightful dinner serving local specialities.
Back to the restaurant via taxi.
INR 700, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Cultural Wonders of Madurai

Madurai, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at the Hotel

Indulge in a traditional South Indian breakfast to energise your day.
Conveniently at your accommodation.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Madurai

Head to Madurai, the city with rich cultural heritage and temples.
Hire a taxi for the journey.
INR 1200, 1.5 hours

10:30AM

Visit Meenakshi Amman Temple

Explore this iconic temple renowned for its intricate sculptures and vibrant gopurams.
Located in the bustling centre of Madurai.
Free, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Churchill’s

Choose from their exquisite menu, featuring Continental and Indian cuisines.
Walkable distance from the temple.
INR 800, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore the Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace

Take in the stunning architecture and evocative history of the palace.
A quick drive from the lunch spot.
INR 100, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Snack at Murugan Idli Shop

Savour the famed idlis dunked in chutney and sambar as an afternoon treat.
Nearby the palace.
INR 250, 30 minutes

5:00PM

Visit Gandhi Museum

Learn about Mahatma Gandhi’s life and struggles at this informative museum.
Easily reachable by taxi.
INR 30, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at the banana leaf restaurant

Dinner served on banana leaves - a unique tasting experience of authentic South Indian cuisine.
Taxi back to a recommended restaurant.
INR 600, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Jambukeswar Adventure

Jambukeswar, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at the Hotel

Fuel up with a hearty breakfast before heading for a day of exploration.
At your hotel.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Jambukeswar

Drive to the beautiful Jambukeswar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Taxi ride to the temple.
INR 800, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit Jambukeswar Temple

Discover the temple’s unique architecture and the sacred water source beneath it.
Directly accessible from the parking area.
Free, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Hotel Temple City

Grab delectable local dishes at this family-friendly restaurant.
Short drive from the temple.
INR 600, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit the Jambukeswar Forest

Go for a short nature walk in the nearby forest and enjoy the tranquility.
Close to the temple.
Free, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Snack at the Local Vendor

Try the delicious local snacks sold at the food stand outside the temple before heading back.
Outside the temple.
INR 200, 30 minutes

5:00PM

Return to Madurai

Head back to your hotel in Madurai to freshen up.
Taxi back to Madurai.
INR 800, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Kumar Mess

Enjoy a special meal featuring local favourites served with warmth and kindness.
Short taxi ride from your hotel.
INR 600, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Chidambaram Discovery

Chidambaram, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at the Hotel

Prepare for another adventurous day with a strong breakfast.
In-house dining.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Chidambaram

Drive to the historic town of Chidambaram, famous for the Nataraja Temple.
Hiring a taxi again.
INR 1200, 3 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Vithal’s Restaurant

Enjoy traditional Tamil meals prepared with fresh local ingredients.
Near the temple.
INR 600, 1 hour

1:00PM

Visit Nataraja Temple

Explore the intricacies of this temple dedicated to Lord Shiva as the Cosmic Dancer.
Central location in Chidambaram.
Free, 2 hours

3:00PM

Visit Panchayat Kings Palace

Witness the grandeur of the ancient palace, showcasing a fascinating history.
Short distance from the temple.
INR 100, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Snack at the local market

Take a break at the market and savour local treats like banana chips.
Walking in the market area.
INR 150, 30 minutes

6:00PM

Return to Madurai

Head back to Madurai for the evening.
Hire a taxi to take you back.
INR 1200, 3 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Hotel Saravana Bhavan

Enjoy your last dinner in Madurai with delightful vegetarian dishes.
Taxi back to your dinner spot.
INR 700, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Eternal Ekambareswar

Ekambareswar, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at the Hotel

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before you check-out.
In-house dining.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Ekambareswar

Drive to Kanchipuram, where the Ekambareswar Temple is located.
Hire a taxi for the journey.
INR 1200, 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Adyar Ananda Bhavan

Feast on a variety of vegetarian dishes in this eminent restaurant chain.
Just around the temple area.
INR 600, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Ekambareswar Temple

Explore one of the largest temples in India dedicated to Shiva, with stunning architecture.
Directly reachable from the restaurant.
Free, 2 hours

4:30PM

Snack at local tea stall

Try out the traditional South Indian tea and snacks at a nearby stall.
Stroll over to the stall.
INR 150, 30 minutes

5:30PM

Explore surroundings

Wander around the temple complex and enjoy the serene environment.
Walk around the temple grounds.
Free, 1 hour

6:30PM

Return to Chennai

Take a taxi to Chennai for your return journey.
Hire a taxi for the trip.
INR 1200, 2 hours

8:30PM

Dinner at Hotel Saravana Bhavan in Chennai

Savor your final dinner featuring a grand South Indian buffet to conclude your trip.
Taxi to the restaurant.
INR 700, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 8: Departure from Chennai

Chennai, India

7:00AM

Breakfast at the Hotel

Enjoy a final breakfast at your hotel.
At your accommodation.
Included, 1 hour

8:00AM

Chennai Airport Transfer

Head to the airport for your departure back home.
Ensure you have arranged taxis to the airport.
INR 500, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability