4-Day Budget-Friendly Trip from Hyderabad to Arunachalam Temple, Palani, and Madurai

Day 1: Travel & Temple Visit

Hyderabad to Arunachalam Temple, Tamil Nadu on April 17, 2025

6:00AM

Hyderabad to Chennai Flight

Board an early morning budget flight from Hyderabad to Chennai, approx. 1 hour 30 minutes flight time.
INR4000, 1.5 hours

8:30AM

Drive from Chennai Airport to Arunachalam Temple

Travel by car or taxi from Chennai Airport to Arunachalam Temple, approximately 2 hours 30 minutes (140 km).
INR1500, 2.5 hours

11:00AM

Breakfast at Local Dhabas near Arunachalam Temple

Enjoy a budget-friendly South Indian breakfast with idlis, dosas, and filter coffee at a good local place nearby, open from 7 AM.
INR150, 45 minutes

12:00PM

Visit Arunachalam Temple

Explore this historic and serene temple known for its spiritual significance and scenic surroundings. The temple is open from 6 AM to 8 PM.
Free, 2 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at a Local South Indian Restaurant

Taste authentic Tamil Nadu cuisine such as sambar, rasam, vada, and thali in a cost-effective restaurant near the temple.
INR300, 1 hour

3:30PM

Relax and explore the temple surroundings

Take a leisurely walk in the nearby nature or small shops for souvenirs and local handicrafts.
Free, 1 hour

5:00PM

Drive to accommodation near Arunachalam Temple

Check-in to a budget hotel or guest house nearby for an overnight stay to rest for the next day's journey.
INR800, 30 minutes

7:30PM

Dinner at Hotel or Local Eatery

Enjoy local dinner options including dosa, rice dishes and fresh vegetables at the accommodation or nearby eatery open till 9 PM.
INR250, 1 hour

Day 2: Arunachalam to Palani

Arunachalam Temple to Palani, Tamil Nadu on April 18, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Start the day with a traditional South Indian breakfast like idli, chutney, and tea at your hotel.
INR150, 45 minutes

8:00AM

Drive from Arunachalam Temple to Palani

Travel approximately 100 km by car to Palani, famous for the Palani Murugan Temple; journey takes around 2.5 to 3 hours.
INR1500, 3 hours

11:00AM

Check-in and Freshen Up

Check-in to a budget hotel in Palani and rest for a while.
INR800, 30 minutes

12:00PM

Lunch at Local Restaurant

Enjoy a traditional Tamil Nadu meal featuring a set thali or rice-based dishes with flavorful accompaniments.
INR300, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit Palani Murugan Temple

Travel up to the famous hill temple by foot or cable car (recommended cable car for ease and scenic views; open 6 AM to 8 PM).
Cable car cost INR70 one way, 3 hours

4:30PM

Explore Palani town

Walk around the temple town markets and explore local snacks and handicrafts.
Free, 1 hour

6:30PM

Dinner at Hotel or Local Eatery

Have a light dinner such as dosas, uthappams or rice meals at your hotel or a recommended local diner.
INR250, 1 hour

Day 3: Palani to Madurai

Palani to Madurai, Tamil Nadu on April 19, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a wholesome South Indian breakfast to fuel the day.
INR150, 45 minutes

8:00AM

Drive from Palani to Madurai

Travel approx. 105 km by road to Madurai, which will take about 3 hours by car.
INR1500, 3 hours

11:00AM

Check-in at Budget Hotel in Madurai

Settle into a cost-effective hotel in the city for your stay and freshen up.
INR1000, 30 minutes

12:00PM

Lunch at Murugan Idli Shop

Famous for authentic soft idlis and chutneys, this is a must-visit eatery open till evening.
INR200, 45 minutes

1:00PM

Visit Meenakshi Amman Temple

Explore this iconic temple, a cornerstone of Dravidian architecture. Open 6 AM to 12 PM and 4 PM to 9 PM. Spend the afternoon here.
Free, 3 hours

4:30PM

Stroll through Madurai Market

Experience the bustling local markets offering spices, textiles, and souvenirs.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Amma Mess

Enjoy a filling, value-for-money traditional Tamil meal with rice, sambar, and vegetable curry.
INR250, 1 hour

Day 4: Return to Hyderabad

Madurai to Hyderabad on April 20, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Have a quick, traditional South Indian breakfast before travel.
INR150, 30 minutes

8:00AM

Transfer to Madurai Airport

Reach Madurai airport by taxi, approximately 30 minutes from the city center.
INR500, 30 minutes

10:00AM

Flight from Madurai to Hyderabad

Take a mid-morning budget flight back to Hyderabad, approximately 1 hour 30 minutes flight time.
INR4000, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Arrival at Hyderabad Airport

End of trip at Hyderabad Airport.
Free, N/A