Bangalore to Kumbakonam: A Cultural and Spiritual South Indian Journey

Day 1: Travel and Arrival

Bangalore to Kumbakonam, India on April 20, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Airlines Hotel, Bangalore

Start your day with a typical South Indian breakfast at Airlines Hotel, famous for their idlis and filter coffee. Opens from 6:30am to 10:30am.
INR150, 1h0m

8:00am

Travel from Bangalore to Kumbakonam

Board a train or take a taxi for the 350 km journey to Kumbakonam; train averages 7-8 hours, taxi or bus 7-9 hours depending on traffic. Book tickets in advance for convenience.
INR600 - INR1500, 7h30m

3:30pm

Check-in and Rest at hotel in Kumbakonam

Settle into a centrally located hotel such as the Hotel New Modern or similar for comfort and easy access to temples.
INR1500 per night, 1h0m

5:00pm

Evening visit to the Airavatesvara Temple

Explore this UNESCO World Heritage site, famous for its Chola-era architecture and intricate stone carvings. It closes at 6:30pm, so arrive early.
INR50, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Sree Annapoorna Restaurant

Enjoy authentic South Indian vegetarian cuisine including dosas, thalis, and sweets. Open till 10pm.
INR300, 1h0m
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Day 2: Temple Exploration

Kumbakonam, India on April 21, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a filling breakfast with idli, vada, and fresh filter coffee served at the hotel.
Included in stay, 0h45m

8:00am

Visit Sarangapani Temple

Spend the morning at this ancient temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, renowned for its impressive Dravidian architecture and intricate sculptures.
Free entry, 1h30m

10:00am

Visit Kumbeswarar Temple

Discover this major Shiva temple with its beautiful gopurams and historic significance as an important pilgrimage site.
Free entry, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at A2B (Adyar Ananda Bhavan)

Relish traditional Tamil vegetarian dishes in a clean and well-known chain restaurant.
INR350, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Adi Kumbeswarar Temple

Explore this important Shiva temple, notable for its magnificent sculptures and religious importance, open until 6pm.
Free entry, 1h0m

4:00pm

Shopping at Kumbakonam Market

Browse through local shops for famous Kumbakonam brass items, local sweets like jigarthanda, and traditional handicrafts.
Variable, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Hotel Saravana Bhavan

Enjoy a sumptuous South Indian dinner at this popular restaurant known for its dosas and thalis, open until 10pm.
INR400, 1h0m
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Nearby Heritage and Return

Kumbakonam to Bangalore, India on April 22, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Have an early breakfast to prepare for a half-day excursion.
Included in stay, 0h45m

8:00am

Visit Gangaikonda Cholapuram

Take a short trip (approximately 15 km) to this spectacular UNESCO World Heritage temple complex built by the Chola dynasty, open 6am-6pm.
INR50, 2h30m

11:00am

Return to Kumbakonam and prepare for departure

Freshen up and check out from the hotel before heading back to Bangalore.
Free, 1h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at local restaurant in Kumbakonam

Enjoy a quick traditional South Indian rice meal with sambar and rasam before the journey.
INR250, 1h0m

1:00pm

Travel from Kumbakonam to Bangalore

Start your journey back to Bangalore, by train or road, ensuring a comfortable return after a memorable trip.
INR600 - INR1500, 7h30m
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