10-Day Spiritual and Cultural Journey from Hyderabad to South India’s Sacred Gems

Day 1: Temple Pilgrimage Start

Hyderabad, India to Sri Kalahasti, India on April 25, 2025

6:30am

Travel Hyderabad to Sri Kalahasti

Start early from Hyderabad by car or train to reach Sri Kalahasti in about 5-6 hours, setting the tone for a spiritual pilgrimage.
INR0, 6h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Sri Kalahasti

Enjoy authentic South Indian vegetarian meals at Subramanya Bhavan, known for its clean ambiance and delicious dosas.
INR250, 1h0m

2:00pm

Sri Kalahasti Temple Visit

Visit the famous Sri Kalahasti Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, renowned for its Vayu Lingam and exquisite Dravidian architecture.
Free, 2h0m

4:30pm

Evening Aarti Participation

Experience the evening aarti ceremony inside the temple, a spiritually uplifting event.
Free, 1h0m

6:00pm

Dinner nearby

Dine at hotel restaurant or nearby local eatery offering traditional Andhra cuisine such as pulihora and gongura pachadi.
INR300, 1h0m
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Day 2: Hilltop Spirituality

Sri Kalahasti to Tirumala, India on April 26, 2025

6:00am

Depart Sri Kalahasti to Tirumala

Drive early morning approximately 5-6 hours to Tirumala, the hilltop abode of Lord Venkateswara.
INR0, 6h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Tirumala

Refuel with a wholesome South Indian meal at the Tirumala Rest House’s canteen - popular for its simple, sattvic food.
INR200, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Tirumala Venkateswara Temple

Spend the afternoon at the sacred Tirumala Temple, one of the richest and most visited temples worldwide, witnessing its grand rituals and architecture.
Free entry; donation optional, 3h0m

5:30pm

Evening Prasad Distribution & Walk Around

Experience receiving the divine 'laddu prasad' and explore surrounding temple areas and viewpoints where breathtaking vistas of hills are available.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner in Tirumala

Enjoy a simple and peaceful dinner at the temple guest house or local eateries serving vegetarian Andhra cuisine.
INR300, 1h0m
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Day 3: Kanipakam & Kanchipuram

Tirumala to Kanipakam to Kanchipuram, India on April 27, 2025

6:00am

Drive to Kanipakam

Travel approximately 1.5 hours to the famous Kanipakam Vinayaka Temple, known for its self-manifested idol of Lord Ganesha.
Free, 2h0m

8:30am

Visit Kanipakam Temple

Explore this ancient temple and participate in the morning rituals which attract pilgrims from across South India.
Free, 1h0m

10:00am

Travel to Kanchipuram

Drive about 4.5 hours south to Kanchipuram, the city of a thousand temples.
INR0, 4h30m

3:00pm

Lunch at Kanchipuram

Dine at Sri Venkateswara Bhavan serving traditional Tamil vegetarian meals with authentic local tastes.
INR300, 1h0m

4:30pm

Visit Kailasanathar Temple and Kamakshi Amman Temple

Witness the stunning early Pallava architecture at Kailasanathar Temple and the powerful goddess Kamakshi’s sanctuary.
Free, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner and Overnight Stay

Have dinner at hotel or local eatery serving Kanchipuram’s famous tamarind rice and dairy delicacies.
INR350, 1h0m
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Day 4: Spiritual Ascent at Tiruvannamalai

Kanchipuram to Tiruvannamalai, India on April 28, 2025

7:00am

Depart Kanchipuram to Tiruvannamalai

Travel 3-4 hours to Tiruvannamalai, sacred home of Arunachaleswarar Temple beneath the sacred mountain Arunachala.
INR0, 4h0m

11:30am

Lunch in Tiruvannamalai

Enjoy fresh Tamil Brahmin style vegetarian meals at ‘Sri Krishna Inn’, popular among visitors.
INR250, 1h0m

1:00pm

Visit Arunachaleswarar Temple

Explore one of the five major Shiva shrines, noted for its massive temple complex and spiritual significance.
Free, 3h0m

4:30pm

Evening Girivalam Walk

Experience the revered practice of Girivalam by circumambulating the sacred Arunachala mountain, especially beautiful in the evening.
Free, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Local Restaurant

Relish local South Indian cuisine at ‘Annapoorna’, known for hearty meals and serene environment.
INR300, 1h0m
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Temple Heritage – Chidambaram

Tiruvannamalai to Chidambaram, India on April 29, 2025

8:00am

Travel to Chidambaram

Drive approximately 2.5 hours southeast to the iconic Chidambaram Nataraja Temple, famed for its bronze sculptures and spiritual history.
INR0, 3h0m

11:00am

Explore Nataraja Temple

Visit the temple dedicated to Lord Shiva as Nataraja, focusing on its unique architecture and the mystical dance symbolism.
Free, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch in Chidambaram

Have a traditional Tamil lunch at the ‘Annai Anandha Bhavan’, specialising in filter coffee and fresh thalis.
INR250, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit Rajagopalaswamy Temple

Experience the Holistic spiritual charm at the nearby Rajagopalaswamy temple noted for its Vaishnavite architecture.
Free, 1h0m

4:00pm

Travel to Thanjavur

Begin 2-hour scenic journey southwest to Thanjavur, the city of the Brihadeeswarar temple.
INR0, 2h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Thanjavur

Enjoy sumptuous Tamil dinner at the ‘Sree Sabarees’, loved for authentic flavours and ambience.
INR350, 1h0m
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Day 6: Grand Temple Exploration

Thanjavur, India on April 30, 2025

8:00am

Visit Brihadeeswarar Temple

Tour the magnificent UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Brihadeeswarar Temple, acclaimed for its Chola architecture and massive dome.
INR40, 3h0m

11:30am

Museum Visit – Thanjavur Palace

Explore the Thanjavur Maratha Palace Museum showcasing royal artefacts and traditional art forms.
INR50, 1h0m

1:00pm

Lunch in Thanjavur

Have a leisurely vegetarian meal at ‘Sree Ariya Bhavan’, known for its filter coffee and thali meals.
INR250, 1h0m

2:30pm

Drive to Madurai

Travel about 3 hours south to Madurai, famous for Meenakshi Amman Temple and vibrant culture.
INR0, 3h0m

6:00pm

Dinner in Madurai

Enjoy flavorful Tamil Nadu cuisine at ‘Murugan Idli Shop’, a local favourite renowned for soft idlis and chutneys.
INR300, 1h0m
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Cultural Madurai

Madurai, India on May 1, 2025

7:30am

Visit Meenakshi Amman Temple

Begin early to explore this iconic temple dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Sundareswarar, noted for its towering gopurams and colourful sculptures.
Free, 3h0m

11:00am

Visit Thirumalai Nayakkar Mahal

See the grand 17th century palace known for its majestic architecture and Stucco work.
INR30, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch in Madurai

Dine at ‘Sree Sabarees’ with a menu featuring South Indian delicacies including pongal and vegetable kootu.
INR250, 1h0m

2:00pm

Travel to Rameshwaram

Drive about 3 hours east to Rameshwaram, one of the char dhams and a significant pilgrimage city.
INR0, 3h0m

5:30pm

Evening Temple Visit

Visit Ramanathaswamy Temple famous for its long corridors and sacred water tanks.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Rameshwaram

Enjoy fresh seafood-free vegetarian Tamil cuisine at hotel or local restaurant.
INR350, 1h0m
View Hotel Availability

Day 8: Rameshwaram Exploration

Rameshwaram, India on May 2, 2025

7:00am

Visit Dhanushkodi—Ghost Town and Beach

Take a morning trip to Dhanushkodi, known for its serene beaches and ruins affected by the 1964 cyclone.
INR0, 2h0m

10:00am

Explore other local temples

Visit other important temples like Kothandaramaswamy and Jada Tirtham nearby.
Free, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch in Rameshwaram

Enjoy vegetarian South Indian cuisine at ‘Hotel Seetharama’, popular for clean, tasty food.
INR250, 1h0m

2:00pm

Drive to Srirangam

Journey northwest approximately 5-6 hours to Srirangam, famous for the Ranganathaswamy temple.
INR0, 6h0m

8:00pm

Dinner & Rest

Dinner at hotel in Srirangam offering simple Tamil vegetarian fare.
INR300, 1h0m
View Hotel Availability

Day 9: Temple Marvel at Srirangam

Srirangam, India on May 3, 2025

8:00am

Visit Ranganathaswamy Temple

Explore this vast temple complex dedicated to Lord Vishnu, world’s largest functioning Hindu temple by area.
Free, 3h0m

11:30am

Lunch at Srirangam

Enjoy local Tamil cuisine at ‘Sreshtha Veg Restaurant’, known for thalis and dosas.
INR250, 1h0m

1:00pm

Drive to Mahabalipuram

Starting a 6-hour drive northeast towards Mahabalipuram, famed for its rock-cut monuments and beaches.
INR0, 6h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Mahabalipuram

Relax with dinner at a seaside restaurant offering fresh vegetarian and seafood options.
INR400, 1h0m
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Day 10: Heritage & Golden Temple Flight

Mahabalipuram, India and Amritsar, India on May 4, 2025

8:00am

Visit Shore Temple & Monuments

Explore UNESCO-listed Shore Temple, Pancha Rathas, and Arjuna’s Penance, renowned for amazing Pallava art and ocean views.
INR100, 3h0m

12:00pm

Lunch in Mahabalipuram

Enjoy a relaxing lunch at ‘Moonrakers’, known for panoramic sea views and light South Indian meals.
INR400, 1h0m

2:00pm

Travel to Chennai Airport and fly to Amritsar

Transfer to Chennai International Airport (around 1.5 hours), then take an evening flight to Amritsar for Golden Temple visit.
Flight approx INR4000-6000, 5h0m including flight

8:30pm

Dinner & Evening at Amritsar

Arrive in Amritsar, check-in and enjoy authentic Punjabi cuisine dinner near Golden Temple.
INR500, 1h0m

9:30pm

Night Visit to Golden Temple

Experience the spiritual ambience of the Golden Temple illuminated at night, with peaceful prayers and the holy sarovar.
Free, 1h0m
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