South India Grand Road Trip: Bodepally to Rameshwaram and Back

Day 1: Bodepally to Tirupathi

Bodepally to Tirupathi, India on April 22, 2025

7:30AM

Start from Bodepally

Begin your road trip early to avoid city traffic and make the most of the day.
0, 0h30m

8:00AM

Breakfast at Highway Restaurant

Enjoy a hearty South Indian breakfast like idli, dosa with chutney and sambar to energise the day.
INR200, 0h45m

8:45AM

Drive to Tirupathi

Drive approximately 135 km (3 hours) from Bodepally to Tirupathi, using NH40 for best road conditions.
Fuel approx. INR900, 3h0m

11:45AM

Visit Tirumala Venkateswara Temple

One of India’s most visited and sacred temples, dedicated to Lord Venkateswara. Open from 3:00AM to 1:30PM and 3:00PM to 8:30PM.
Free, 2h0m

1:45PM

Lunch at Sri Krishna Tiffins

Traditional Andhra meals with spicy curries and rice; popular for authentic local flavours.
INR350, 1h0m

3:00PM

Check-in Hotel at Tirupathi

Stay at the budget-friendly Sparsa Resort, known for comfortable rooms and good service.
INR2000 per night, 0h30m

4:00PM

Evening walk and visit local markets

Explore Tirupathi local markets to buy souvenirs and enjoy local street food snacks.
INR200, 1h30m

7:00PM

Dinner at Hotel or Local Restaurant

Enjoy a filling dinner with South Indian thali or dosa at the hotel restaurant.
INR400, 1h0m
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Tirupathi to Vellore via Kanipakam

Tirupathi to Kanipakam to Vellore, India on April 23, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Start with a filling breakfast including vada, upma, and filter coffee.
INR250, 0h45m

8:15AM

Drive to Kanipakam

A short drive of 11 km to Kanipakam to visit the famous Pancharama Kshetras temple.
Fuel approx. INR75, 0h20m

8:45AM

Visit Kanipakam Vinayaka Temple

Ancient and revered temple famous for the self-manifested idol of Lord Ganesha. Open from 6:00AM to 9:00PM.
Free, 1h15m

10:00AM

Drive to Vellore

Drive approx. 60 km (1.5 hours) via NH40 towards Vellore.
Fuel approx. INR350, 1h30m

11:30AM

Visit Vellore Fort

Well preserved 16th century fort with temples and monastery inside. Open from 9:00AM to 5:30PM.
INR30, 1h30m

1:00PM

Lunch at Grand Hotel, Vellore

Popular for traditional Tamil Nadu cuisine including rice, sambar, and non-vegetarian dishes.
INR400, 1h0m

2:00PM

Check in at Hotel Aryaas in Vellore

Comfortable and ranking well for cleanliness and service; perfect for a relaxing stay.
INR1800 per night, 0h30m

3:00PM

Visit Jalakandeswarar Temple

Ancient temple inside Vellore Fort dedicated to Lord Shiva; peaceful ambience.
Free, 1h0m

4:00PM

Relax at hotel or café

Enjoy a quiet afternoon, perhaps a coffee or snack at a local café.
INR150, 1h0m

7:00PM

Dinner at Annapoorna Restaurant

Tasty vegetarian South Indian dishes and ambience ideal for winding down the day.
INR350, 1h0m
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Vellore to Thiruvannamalai

Vellore to Thiruvannamalai, India on April 24, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy an early breakfast with fresh idli and pongal specialties.
INR250, 0h45m

8:15AM

Drive to Thiruvannamalai

Approx. 90 km drive (about 2 hours) south via NH77, noted for beautiful countryside views.
Fuel approx. INR500, 2h0m

10:15AM

Visit Annamalaiyar Temple

One of the largest temples in Tamil Nadu dedicated to Lord Shiva, famous for its architecture. Open from 5:30AM to 9:30PM.
Free, 2h0m

12:15PM

Lunch at Saravana Bhavan

A well-known chain serving authentic vegetarian South Indian food, perfect fuel before afternoon activities.
INR300, 1h0m

1:30PM

Check-in Hotel at Thiruvannamalai

Stay at Hotel Kailash, located near the temple with good amenities.
INR1600 per night, 0h30m

2:00PM

Explore Girivalam Path

Experience the spiritual practice of circumambulating the holy hill (Arunachala) - scenic and serene, approximately 14 km.
Free, 3h0m

6:00PM

Evening Tea and Local Shopping

Relax with chai and browse handicraft shops near the temple.
INR150, 1h0m

7:30PM

Dinner at Hotel

Savour a traditional thali including rice, sambar, and mixed vegetable curry.
INR350, 1h0m
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Thiruvannamalai to Tiruchirappalli (Tirichy)

Thiruvannamalai to Tiruchirappalli, India on April 25, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Start with a south Indian breakfast of idli and chutney to energise for the longer drive.
INR250, 0h45m

8:15AM

Drive to Tiruchirappalli

Approx. 130 km drive (3 hours) heading south-west on NH38, passing scenic villages.
Fuel approx. INR900, 3h0m

11:30AM

Visit Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, Srirangam

Famous large temple complex and one of the most important Vaishnavite pilgrimage sites. Open 6:00AM–1:00PM and 3:00PM–9:00PM.
Free, 2h0m

1:30PM

Lunch at The Grand Sweets & Snacks

Sample classic Tamil snacks and meals including dosa, vada, and thali meals.
INR400, 1h0m

2:45PM

Check-in Hotel at Tiruchirappalli

Stay at Hotel Sangam, well located for sightseeing with good reviews.
INR2200 per night, 0h30m

3:15PM

Explore Rock Fort Temple

Iconic rock hill temple offering panoramic views of the city. Open 6:00AM to 8:00PM.
INR20, 2h0m

6:00PM

Relax and Local Evening Walk

Take an evening stroll along the Cauvery River banks and enjoy street food if desired.
INR200, 1h0m

7:30PM

Dinner at Hotel Restaurant

Enjoy a variety of South Indian comfort food to end the day.
INR400, 1h0m
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Tiruchirappalli to Thanjavur

Tiruchirappalli to Thanjavur, India on April 26, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Early breakfast with South Indian favorites to start the day energized.
INR250, 0h45m

8:15AM

Drive to Thanjavur

Short 60 km drive (approx. 1.5 hours) on NH138 toward the cultural city of Thanjavur.
Fuel approx. INR400, 1h30m

10:00AM

Visit Brihadeeswarar Temple

UNESCO world heritage site and architectural marvel built during Chola dynasty. Open 6:00AM to 12:30PM and 4:00PM to 8:30PM.
INR40, 2h0m

12:00PM

Lunch at Sree Ariya Bhavan

Enjoy authentic Tamil Nadu meals, highly regarded by locals and travelers alike.
INR350, 1h0m

1:15PM

Check-in Hotel at Thanjavur

Stay at Royal Court Hotel, comfortable and centrally located.
INR1800 per night, 0h30m

2:00PM

Visit Thanjavur Palace and Art Gallery

Explore the royal heritage and fine art collections of the region.
INR30, 1h30m

3:30PM

Relax at hotel or nearby park

Enjoy some downtime before dinner.
0, 1h30m

7:00PM

Dinner at Hotel

Sample their speciality Tamil meals, ending the day in comfort.
INR350, 1h0m
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Thanjavur to Chidambaram

Thanjavur to Chidambaram, India on April 27, 2025

7:00AM

Early Breakfast and Check-out

Fill up with a traditional breakfast and prepare for the drive.
INR250, 0h45m

7:45AM

Drive to Chidambaram

Approximate 75 km drive (1.75 hours) east to Chidambaram, famous for temple towns.
Fuel approx. INR350, 1h45m

9:30AM

Visit Nataraja Temple

Famous temple dedicated to Lord Shiva as Nataraja - the cosmic dancer. Open 6:00AM to 11:00PM.
INR30, 2h0m

11:30AM

Lunch at Hotel Sri Annai

Known for authentic Tamil vegetarian cuisine close to the temple.
INR300, 1h0m

1:00PM

Check-in Hotel at Chidambaram

Stay at Hotel Akshaya, offering comfortable and clean rooms.
INR1500 per night, 0h30m

1:30PM

Explore Local Markets and Streets

Visit local shops selling handicrafts and religious artefacts.
INR150, 1h30m

4:00PM

Relaxation time at hotel

Rest or enjoy hotel amenities.
0, 2h0m

7:00PM

Dinner at Hotel

Enjoy a nutritious South Indian meal to recharge for the next day.
INR300, 1h0m
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Chidambaram to Madurai

Chidambaram to Madurai, India on April 28, 2025

6:30AM

Early Breakfast at Hotel

Start with an early breakfast to get ahead of the day's long drive.
INR250, 0h45m

7:15AM

Drive to Madurai

Long drive of approximately 260 km (5.5 hours) south via NH38 and NH44. Start early to avoid heat and traffic.
Fuel approx. INR1800, 5h30m

12:45PM

Lunch at Murugan Idli Shop, Madurai

Famous for soft idlis and variety of chutneys, a must-try local eatery.
INR350, 1h0m

2:00PM

Check-in Hotel at Madurai

Stay at Fortune Pandiyan Hotel located centrally for easy access to attractions.
INR2500 per night, 0h30m

2:30PM

Visit Meenakshi Amman Temple

Historic and architecturally stunning Hindu temple complex, open from 6:00AM to 1:00PM and 4:00PM to 10:00PM.
Free, 2h0m

5:00PM

Relaxation at hotel

Rest and refresh for evening plans.
0, 1h0m

7:00PM

Dinner at Tamil Nadu Bhavan

Experience traditional Tamil non-vegetarian dishes like mutton curry and biryani.
INR450, 1h0m
View Hotel Availability

Day 8: Madurai to Rameshwaram

Madurai to Rameshwaram, India on April 29, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a fresh South Indian breakfast before heading out.
INR300, 0h45m

7:45AM

Drive to Rameshwaram

Approximate 170 km drive (3.5 hours) via NH87 crossing the Pamban Bridge, a scenic route.
Fuel approx. INR1200, 3h30m

11:15AM

Visit Ramanathaswamy Temple

Major pilgrimage temple famed for its architecture and sacred corridors. Open from 5:30AM to 12:00PM and 4:00PM to 9:00PM.
Free, 2h0m

1:15PM

Lunch at Hotel Domino's or Local Restaurant

Enjoy local seafood or vegetarian or fast food choices to suit your taste.
INR400, 1h0m

2:30PM

Check-in Hotel at Rameshwaram

Stay at Hotel Rameswaram Residency with comfortable rooms near the temple area.
INR2000 per night, 0h30m

3:00PM

Visit Dhanushkodi Beach and Ram Setu Viewpoint

Explore the scenic, historic beach town and admire views of the Ram Setu chain of shoals.
Free, 3h0m

6:00PM

Evening Tea and Relax at hotel

Refresh and prepare for journey back.
INR150, 1h0m

7:30PM

Dinner at Hotel or Local Dhaba

A simple but flavoursome dinner featuring local cuisine to end the day.
INR350, 1h0m
View Hotel Availability

Day 9: Return to Bodepally

Rameshwaram to Bodepally, India on April 30, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Have an early breakfast and prepare for a long drive back.
INR300, 0h45m

7:45AM

Long drive back to Bodepally

Approx 620 km (11-12 hours) drive, best to start early to reach safely with multiple breaks.
Fuel approx. INR4400, 11h30m

12:30PM

Lunch Break en route

Stop at a reputable highway restaurant to rest and eat.
INR400, 1h0m

7:00PM

Arrival at Bodepally

End your memorable South India road trip safely back home.
0, 0h0m
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