Ultimate 7-Day South India Family Road Trip from Nanded: Temples, Hill Stations & Heritage

Day 1: Nanded to Hyderabad

Nanded to Hyderabad, India on April 20, 2025

7:30AM

Start from Nanded

Begin your road trip early morning, making sure your car is fully fuelled and packed for the journey to Hyderabad.
Petrol approx. INR 1200, 4h

11:30AM

Breakfast at Hotel Shadab, Hyderabad

Enjoy authentic Hyderabadi breakfast with options like kheema and paratha, ideally located near Charminar.
INR 300, 1h

1:00PM

Visit Birla Mandir, Hyderabad

A beautiful white marble temple dedicated to Lord Venkateswara, offering panoramic views of the city.
Free, 1h30m

3:00PM

Check-in at Lemon Tree Hotel, Hyderabad

Comfortable 3-star accommodation with family-friendly amenities and affordable rates.
INR 3500/night, N/A

7:00PM

Dinner at Paradise Restaurant

Famous for its Hyderabadi Biryani, a must-try local delicacy in a family-friendly environment.
INR 600, 1h

Day 2: Hyderabad Sightseeing

Hyderabad, India on April 21, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Buffet breakfast included with your stay serving continental and Indian options.
Included, 1h

9:30AM

Visit Chilkur Balaji Temple

Known as the 'Visa Balaji Temple', a spiritual site dedicated to Lord Venkateswara located on the outskirts of Hyderabad.
Free, 2h

12:00PM

Lunch at Hotel Shah Ghouse

Enjoy famous Hyderabadi haleem and other local dishes, popular among locals and tourists.
INR 500, 1h

2:00PM

Tour Golconda Fort

Explore the historical fort renowned for its fortification, acoustics, and royal history.
INR 100/person, 2h30m

5:00PM

Return to hotel and rest

Relax with the family after a day full of sightseeing.
N/A, N/A

7:30PM

Dinner at Ohri’s Jiva Imperia

Upscale restaurant offering diverse Indian cuisine in a vibrant setting.
INR 800, 1h30m

Day 3: Hyderabad to Chennai

Hyderabad to Chennai, India on April 22, 2025

6:00AM

Early Start towards Chennai

Given the distance, start early to cover major part of drive. Approximate distance 625 km around 10-11 hours drive with breaks.
Petrol approx. INR 2500, Tolls INR 300, 11h

8:00AM

Breakfast en route, local dhabas

Enjoy a simple South Indian breakfast like idli and dosa at a highway rest stop.
INR 200, 30m

5:00PM

Check-in at The Raintree Hotel, Chennai

Comfortable and centrally located hotel with family friendly facilities.
INR 4000/night, N/A

7:00PM

Dinner at Saravana Bhavan

Enjoy authentic vegetarian South Indian cuisine, especially famous for dosas and thalis.
INR 500, 1h

Day 4: Chennai Temples & Museum

Chennai, India on April 23, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Start your day with a hearty continental and Indian breakfast buffet in the hotel.
Included, 1h

9:30AM

Visit Kapaleeshwarar Temple

A vibrant Dravidian-style temple dedicated to Lord Shiva with stunning gopurams and colourful architecture.
Free, 1h30m

11:30AM

Visit San Thome Basilica

A historic Christian pilgrimage site, significant for its Gothic architecture and connection with St. Thomas.
Free, 1h

1:00PM

Lunch at Buhari Hotel

Try the famous Chennai-style biryani along with other Mughlai dishes in this iconic restaurant.
INR 600, 1h

3:00PM

Visit Fort St. George and Museum

Explore the first English fortress in India showcasing colonial history and artefacts.
INR 50, 2h

6:00PM

Return to hotel

Relax and refresh after a full day of cultural exploration.
N/A, N/A

7:30PM

Dinner at Anjappar Chettinad Restaurant

Taste delicious Chettinad cuisine known for its spicy and aromatic flavour profile.
INR 700, 1h

Day 5: Chennai to Ooty (Hill Station)

Chennai to Ooty, Tamil Nadu, India on April 24, 2025

6:00AM

Drive to Ooty

Start early to cover approximately 550km in around 10-11 hours, enjoy scenic route towards the Nilgiris with breaks.
Petrol approx. INR 2300, Tolls INR 250, 11h

8:00AM

Breakfast en route

Stopover at a highway dhaba for south Indian breakfast items like idli, vada and filter coffee.
INR 250, 30m

5:00PM

Check-in at Taj Savoy Hotel, Ooty

Heritage colonial hotel with great views and comfort for families, perfect to relax after a long drive.
INR 5000/night, N/A

7:00PM

Dinner at Earl’s Secret

Fine dining serving continental and Indian cuisines in a lovely colonial ambiance within the hotel premises.
INR 1000, 1h30m

Day 6: Explore Ooty

Ooty, Tamil Nadu, India on April 25, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a rich breakfast buffet with fresh local produce and options for all.
Included, 1h

9:30AM

Visit Ooty Botanical Gardens

Stroll through this lush garden, home to a variety of unique plants and a great place for kids to enjoy nature.
INR 30, 2h

12:00PM

Lunch at Shinkows Chinese Restaurant

Famous for authentic Chinese cuisine, a refreshing change and loved by families visiting Ooty.
INR 700, 1h

2:00PM

Visit Doddabetta Peak

The highest point in Nilgiris offering breathtaking panoramic views, ideal for photography and easy trekking.
INR 20, 2h

5:00PM

Return to hotel and relax

Spend leisurely time at the hotel garden or local market.
N/A, N/A

7:30PM

Dinner at Hyde Park Restaurant

A cosy spot offering a mix of Indian and continental dishes popular among tourists.
INR 600, 1h

Day 7: Ooty to Hampi Historical Site

Ooty to Hampi, Karnataka, India on April 26, 2025

6:00AM

Long drive from Ooty to Hampi

An extensive drive of approximately 435 km which will take about 9-10 hours, starting early to maximize daylight.
Petrol approx. INR 1800, Tolls INR 200, 10h

8:00AM

Breakfast en route

Quick stop for traditional South Indian breakfast at a clean, recommended highway restaurant.
INR 200, 30m

4:00PM

Check-in at Heritage Resort Hampi

Comfortable resort located near the UNESCO heritage site, perfect for family stays.
INR 3500/night, N/A

6:00PM

Relax and early dinner at the resort

Enjoy home-style Karnataka cuisine at the resort’s restaurant after the long drive.
INR 500, 1h

Day 8: Explore Hampi Temples & Ruins

Hampi, Karnataka, India on April 27, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at resort

Start early with breakfast included in your stay to prepare for a day of exploration.
Included, 1h

8:30AM

Visit Virupaksha Temple

One of the oldest functioning temples dedicated to Lord Shiva with amazing Vijayanagara architecture.
Free, 1h30m

10:30AM

Explore Vittala Temple Complex

Famous for its stone chariot and musical pillars, this iconic site is a highlight of Hampi's heritage.
INR 40, 3h

2:00PM

Lunch at Mango Tree Restaurant

Enjoy local Karnataka specialties with stunning views of Tungabhadra River.
INR 700, 1h

3:30PM

Visit Elephant Stables and Queen’s Bath

Historical royal structures showcasing Vijayanagara empire’s grandeur.
INR 40, 1h30m

6:00PM

Return to resort and relax

Rest after a full cultural immersion day with family.
N/A, N/A

7:30PM

Dinner at resort

Comfortable family dinner with options for kids and adults.
INR 500, 1h

Day 9: Return to Nanded

Hampi to Nanded, India on April 28, 2025

7:00AM

Start return drive to Nanded

Early departure for the long journey back covering approximately 660 km around 12 hours, with breaks.
Petrol approx. INR 2700, Tolls INR 350, 12h

9:00AM

Breakfast en route

Stop at a reliable highway restaurant for breakfast and coffee.
INR 200, 30m

7:00PM

Arrival in Nanded

End of your enriching South India family road trip with fond memories and spiritual experiences.
N/A, N/A