Comprehensive South India Temple and Cultural Round Trip: Tirupathi to Rameshwaram

Day 1: Tirupathi Temples

Tirupathi, India on April 22, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at Sri Krishna Vaibhav

Enjoy traditional South Indian breakfast including idli, dosa, and filter coffee at this well-known local eatery.
INR150, 1h0m

8:30AM

Visit Sri Venkateswara Temple

Explore the famous hill temple dedicated to Lord Venkateswara, an iconic pilgrimage site. The temple opens early at 3:00AM and is best visited early to avoid crowds.
Free, 3h0m

12:00PM

Lunch at The Modern Restaurant

Taste vegetarian Andhra specialities including spicy mirchi bajji and pulihora in a comfortable setting.
INR300, 1h0m

1:30PM

Explore Kapilatheertham Waterfalls

A short drive from the temple, this peaceful waterfall site offers nature trails and a serene atmosphere to relax.
Free, 2h0m

4:00PM

Evening stroll and shopping in Tirupathi local market

Discover local handicrafts, religious souvenirs, and traditional silk sarees at the bustling market.
Varies, 1h30m

7:00PM

Dinner at A2B - Adyar Ananda Bhavan

Enjoy an extensive South Indian thali for dinner, featuring a range of flavours from Andhra cuisine.
INR350, 1h0m

Day 2: Thiruvanamalai Spirituality

Thiruvanamalai, India on April 23, 2025

7:00AM

Travel from Tirupathi to Thiruvanamalai

Early morning drive (approx 4 hours) heading southwest to reach the spiritual town of Thiruvanamalai.
INR1000 (taxi fare approx.), 4h0m

11:30AM

Breakfast at Hotel Arunachala

Savour traditional idli and medu vada in a clean and homely environment.
INR150, 1h0m

12:30PM

Climb Arunachala Hill and Visit Sri Ramana Ashram

Arunachala Hill is sacred and well-known for spiritual seekers; visit the Ramana Maharshi Ashram and for those interested, attempt a gentle climb on the hill’s base trail.
Free, 3h0m

3:30PM

Lunch at Sri Ramana Bhavan

Enjoy simple and wholesome South Indian vegetarian food served within the ashram premises.
INR200, 1h0m

5:00PM

Visit Annamalaiyar Temple

Explore this grand Shiva temple known for its Dravidian architecture and evening rituals. The temple is open till 8:30PM.
Free, 1h30m

7:00PM

Dinner at Murugan Idli Shop

Famous for soft idlis and variety of chutneys, this is a great casual dining spot to unwind after a spiritual day.
INR150, 1h0m

Day 3: Tiruchirappalli History

Tiruchirappalli, India on April 24, 2025

7:00AM

Travel Thiruvanamalai to Tiruchirappalli

Morning journey of approximately 3.5 hours heading south-west towards historical Tiruchirappalli.
INR900, 3h30m

11:00AM

Breakfast at Sree Krishna Vilas

Start the day with a hearty South Indian breakfast including pongal and vada.
INR180, 1h0m

12:00PM

Visit Rockfort Temple and Ucchi Pillayar Shrine

A must-see landmark with panoramic city views atop the hill and well-preserved temples; open 6:00AM to 8:00PM.
Free, 2h0m

2:15PM

Lunch at The Capitol Restaurant

Experience authentic Tamil Nadu cuisine, including biryani and traditional curries.
INR400, 1h0m

3:30PM

Visit Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple

One of the largest functioning Hindu temple complexes in India, dedicated to Vishnu. Open 6:30AM to 1:00PM and 3:30PM to 8:30PM.
Free, 2h30m

7:30PM

Dinner at Hotel Aasife

Enjoy rich Mughlai-style biryanis and kebabs, a perfect way to conclude the day.
INR450, 1h0m

Day 4: Madurai Culture

Madurai, India on April 25, 2025

7:00AM

Travel from Tiruchirappalli to Madurai

Morning drive approx. 2.5 hours heading south to the temple city of Madurai.
INR700, 2h30m

10:00AM

Breakfast at Amma Mess

Try the famous Madurai jigarthanda and non-vegetarian dosas at this popular local spot.
INR180, 1h0m

11:00AM

Visit Meenakshi Amman Temple

Explore this expansive temple dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Sundareswarar with intricate carvings and vibrant daily rituals. Open 5:00AM to 12:30PM and 4:00PM to 10:00PM.
Free, 3h0m

2:30PM

Lunch at Sree Sabarees

Enjoy traditional South Indian fare with an impressive variety of dosas and thalis.
INR350, 1h0m

4:00PM

Visit Gandhi Memorial Museum

Learn about India’s freedom struggle and pay homage to Mahatma Gandhi at this well-curated museum. Open 9:30AM to 5:00PM.
INR50, 1h30m

6:00PM

Evening walk at Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam

Relax by this large temple tank known for its calm ambiance and evening boat rides.
Free, 1h0m

7:30PM

Dinner at Murugan Idli Shop

Conclude the day with soft idlis and spicy chutneys at this beloved local chain.
INR150, 1h0m

Day 5: Rameshwaram Pilgrimage

Rameshwaram, India on April 26, 2025

7:00AM

Travel Madurai to Rameshwaram

Morning scenic drive of approx. 3 hours southeast to the sacred island town of Rameshwaram.
INR900, 3h0m

10:30AM

Breakfast at Sri Saravana Bhavan

Enjoy classic South Indian breakfast offerings, including fluffy idlis and crisp dosas with traditional chutneys.
INR150, 1h0m

11:30AM

Visit Ramanathaswamy Temple

Explore this ancient temple famous for its magnificent corridors and water tanks, a key pilgrimage for Shiva devotees. Open 5:30AM to 1:00PM and 3:00PM to 9:00PM.
Free, 3h0m

2:30PM

Lunch at Hotel Blue Moon

Relish fresh seafood delicacies and traditional Tamil cuisine with ocean views.
INR400, 1h0m

4:00PM

Visit Dhanushkodi Beach

Take a relaxing afternoon visit to this serene and historically significant beach located at the island’s tip. Ideal for photography and quiet reflection.
Free, 2h0m

7:00PM

Dinner at Rameshwaram Food Court

Savour local Tamil and South Indian vegetarian dishes in a casual atmosphere.
INR200, 1h0m

Day 6: Return to Tirupathi

Tirupathi, India on April 27, 2025

7:00AM

Travel Rameshwaram to Tirupathi

Begin the return journey with a 6-7 hour drive or train from Rameshwaram back to Tirupathi to complete the round trip.
INR1200, 6h30m

12:00PM

Stop for Lunch at local dhaba en route

Enjoy simple, tasty road-side meals such as parathas and dhal at one of the highway dhabas.
INR150, 1h0m

2:30PM

Arrive and rest in Tirupathi

Check into hotel and relax after the day’s travel.
Varies, Rest of day

7:30PM

Dinner at Kalyana Brindavan

Enjoy a final traditional South Indian meal including freshly made chutneys and sambar.
INR350, 1h0m