Family Road Trip Exploring South India's Temples, Hill Stations & Heritage from Nanded

Day 1: Depart and Hyderabad temples

Nanded to Hyderabad, India on April 20, 2025

7:30am

Departure from Nanded

Start early from Nanded by car to cover approximately 300 km to Hyderabad. This route is mostly highway and should take around 6-7 hours with stops.
INR2500 approx for petrol, 7h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Amrutha Vegetarian Restaurant, Hyderabad

Enjoy traditional South Indian vegetarian dishes like idli, dosa, and sambar at this popular restaurant known for hygienic food and quick service.
INR400 per person, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit Birla Mandir, Hyderabad

A stunning marble temple dedicated to Lord Venkateshwara with beautiful views of the city. Open from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm and 3:00 pm to 8:00 pm.
Free entry, 1h30m

4:30pm

Visit Chilkur Balaji Temple

Also known as Visa Balaji Temple, this ancient temple is a must-visit for Hindu pilgrims. Open all day, free entry.
Free entry, 1h0m

6:30pm

Check-in at Lemon Tree Hotel, Hyderabad

A family-friendly hotel with comfortable rooms and good amenities located centrally.
INR3500/night, Overnight

8:00pm

Dinner at Chutneys

Known for a wide variety of vegetarian South Indian dishes including different chutneys and dosas.
INR500 per person, 1h0m
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Day 2: Srisailam pilgrimage

Hyderabad to Srisailam, India on April 21, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a hearty vegetarian breakfast buffet that includes options like upma, pongal, and fresh fruit.
Included in hotel stay, 1h0m

8:00am

Drive to Srisailam

Travel approximately 213 km south to the spiritual town of Srisailam, home to the famous Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga temple.
INR1800 approx petrol + tolls INR300, 5h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Srisailam Village Restaurant

Enjoy traditional Andhra Pradesh vegetarian thali with fresh, local produce.
INR350 per person, 1h0m

3:00pm

Visit Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga Temple

This ancient and sacred temple is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas dedicated to Lord Shiva. Open till 6:00 pm, excellent spiritual experience.
Free entry, 2h0m

6:30pm

Check-in at Haritha Hotel Srisailam

Moderate accommodation with basic amenities and clean rooms near the temple complex.
INR2500/night, Overnight

8:00pm

Dinner at hotel vegetarian restaurant

Pure vegetarian dishes including dal, rice, and seasonal vegetables served fresh.
INR300 per person, 1h0m
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Day 3: Tirupati spirituality

Srisailam to Tirupati, India on April 22, 2025

6:30am

Early drive to Tirupati

Start a 4-5 hour drive of approximately 165 km to Tirupati, a major Hindu pilgrimage site.
INR1600 petrol + toll INR250, 5h0m

11:30am

Check-in at Fortune Select Grand Ridge, Tirupati

Comfortable hotel with easy access to Tirupati temples, vegetarian options in-house.
INR4000/night, Rest of day

12:30pm

Lunch at Sri Lakshmi Bhavan

Popular for authentic South Indian vegetarian meals and thalis, convenient for pilgrims.
INR400 per person, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Sri Venkateswara Temple

One of the most sacred and visited temples in India, dedicated to Lord Venkateshwara. Open till evening approx 8:00 pm.
Free entry, darshan queue may have charges for special access, 3h0m

5:30pm

Explore nearby temples - Govindaraja Swamy and Kapileswara

Visit these serene temples close to main temple offering rich architecture and spiritual tranquility.
Free entry, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at hotel

Enjoy wholesome vegetarian dinner with local Andhra cuisine specialties.
INR400 per person, 1h0m
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Day 4: Chennai culture & temples

Tirupati to Chennai, India on April 23, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Early vegetarian breakfast with South Indian delicacies to energize for the day.
Included in hotel stay, 1h0m

8:00am

Drive to Chennai

Travel approximately 135 km east on highway to the bustling city of Chennai.
INR1200 petrol + INR300 tolls, 3h0m

11:30am

Check-in at The Residency Towers, Chennai

Comfortable family hotel located centrally with vegetarian dining options.
INR4500/night, Rest of day

12:30pm

Lunch at Sangeetha Veg Restaurant

Famous vegetarian chain serving classic Tamil Nadu meals with great ambiance.
INR400 per person, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Kapaleeshwarar Temple

A beautiful Dravidian architecture temple in Mylapore dedicated to Lord Shiva. Open till 7:00 pm.
Free entry, 1h30m

4:00pm

Marina Beach stroll

Relax at one of the world's longest urban beaches, ideal for family outings and light snacks.
Free, 1h30m

6:00pm

Visit Parthasarathy Temple

Historic temple dedicated to Lord Krishna located near Marina Beach, open till 7:30 pm.
Free entry, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Shree Mithai, Chennai

Provides excellent vegetarian South Indian and North Indian dishes, known for sweets and snacks too.
INR500 per person, 1h0m
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Day 5: Mahabalipuram history & temples

Chennai to Mahabalipuram, India on April 24, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy vegetarian offerings including fresh fruit juices and cereals.
Included in hotel stay, 1h0m

8:30am

Drive to Mahabalipuram

A short 60 km drive south to the UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its rock-cut temples.
INR500 petrol + INR100 toll, 1h30m

10:00am

Visit Shore Temple and Pancha Rathas

Explore these iconic 7th-century Pallava monuments by the sea, open 8:00 am to 6:00 pm.
INR40 per adult entry, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Moonrakers Restaurant

Vegetarian-friendly menu featuring local Tamil cuisine and sea views.
INR500 per person, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Mahabalipuram Archaeological Museum

Learn about the site's rich history and sculptures, open till 5:00 pm.
INR20 per person, 1h0m

3:30pm

Relax at Mahabalipuram Beach

Spend peaceful time by the sea for a family-friendly beach experience.
Free, 1h30m

5:30pm

Drive to Ooty

Begin the approximately 280 km drive to the hill station of Ooty, may take around 6 hours, arriving late evening.
INR2500 petrol + INR350 toll, 6h0m

11:30pm

Check-in at Sterling Ooty Fern Hill

Comfortable hill station hotel with good vegetarian meals, suitable for families.
INR4000/night, Overnight
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Day 6: Ooty sightseeing

Ooty, India on April 25, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy local hill station vegetarian breakfast options including fresh fruits and dosa.
Included in hotel stay, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Botanical Gardens

Explore beautiful gardens with rare plants and flowers, open 8:30 am to 5:30 pm.
INR30 per adult, 1h30m

11:30am

Ooty Lake boating

Enjoy pedal boat rides at the scenic lake surrounded by hills, open till dusk.
INR150 per person, 1h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Shinkows Chinese Restaurant (vegetarian options available)

Famous for excellent vegetarian Chinese and Indian fusion dishes.
INR500 per person, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit Doddabetta Peak

The highest peak in Nilgiris offering panoramic views. Open all day, small entry fee applies.
INR20 per person, 2h0m

5:00pm

Relax and shop local markets

Browse local crafts and tea shops in Ooty town in the late afternoon.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Earl’s Secret

Offers rich vegetarian options with hill station ambience and a cosy atmosphere.
INR600 per person, 1h0m
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Day 7: Mysore heritage day

Ooty to Mysore, India on April 26, 2025

7:00am

Early breakfast at hotel

Set off with light vegetarian meal to prepare for the journey of around 125 km to Mysore.
Included, 1h0m

8:00am

Drive to Mysore

Travel through scenic Nilgiri and Western Ghats hills to Mysore, estimated 3.5 to 4 hours drive.
INR1100 petrol + tolls INR200, 4h0m

12:00pm

Check-in at Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel, Mysore

Luxury accommodation centrally located with excellent vegetarian dining facilities.
INR4500/night, Rest of day

12:30pm

Lunch at Gandhi’s Vegetarian Restaurant

Well-known for pure vegetarian South Indian meals, clean and family friendly.
INR400 per person, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Mysore Palace

Iconic grand palace with exquisite architecture and rich history, open 10:00 am to 5:30 pm.
INR70 per adult, 2h0m

4:30pm

Visit Chamundi Hill and Temple

Hilltop temple dedicated to Goddess Chamundeshwari with magnificent views of the city, open till evening.
Free entry, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Hotel RRR

Tasty vegetarian Andhra specialties and thali meals in a casual setting.
INR400 per person, 1h0m
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Day 8: Return to Nanded

Mysore to Nanded, India on April 27, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Fill up on a nourishing vegetarian breakfast before the long drive home.
Included in hotel stay, 1h0m

8:30am

Depart for Nanded

Drive approximately 770 km back to Nanded, which will take about 13-14 hours with breaks.
INR6000 petrol + tolls INR600, 14h0m

1:00pm

Lunch stop at a highway vegetarian dhaba

Enjoy simple but tasty vegetarian north Indian food for a quick break.
INR300 per person, 1h0m

8:00pm

Arrival at Nanded

Rest after a rewarding trip exploring South India's temples, hills and heritage sites.
No cost, End
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