Efficient 7-Day South India Temple Trail: Tirupati to Rameswaram, Kanniyakumari, Madurai, Tiruchirappalli & Thanjavur

Day 1: Tirupati Temples

Tirupati, India on May 19, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast at Sri Vari Tiffins

Enjoy traditional South Indian breakfast dishes like idli, dosa, and vada at this popular local eatery, known for authentic flavors and early opening hours.
INR150, 1h0m

8:30AM

Visit Tirumala Venkateswara Temple

Explore the world-famous Tirumala Venkateswara Temple, dedicated to Lord Venkateswara, experiencing its spiritual significance and stunning Dravidian architecture. The temple opens early at 3:00 AM and closes at 9:00 PM.
INR0, 3h0m

12:00PM

Lunch at Annamayya Restaurant

Savor a South Indian thali with unlimited servings of rice, curries, and accompaniments in a clean and welcoming environment close to the temple.
INR300, 1h0m

1:30PM

Explore Sri Kalyana Venkateswara Swamy Temple

Visit this lesser-known temple in Tirupati known for its beautiful carvings and peaceful ambiance. It's less crowded and opens till 6 PM.
INR0, 1h0m

3:00PM

Evening stroll at Kapila Theertham

Enjoy the tranquil waterfalls and temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, a great spot to relax and reflect before dinner.
INR0, 1h0m

7:00PM

Dinner at Spice Court

Relish flavorful South Indian and Andhra cuisine with a variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian options, celebrated for its ambiance and quality.
INR500, 1h30m

Day 2: Rameswaram Pilgrimage

Rameswaram, India on May 20, 2025

6:00AM

Travel Tirupati to Rameswaram

Depart early morning for Rameswaram by car or train, approximately a 7-hour journey covering around 400 km, ensuring arrival around early afternoon.
INR1500, 7h0m

1:30PM

Lunch at Hotel Rameswaram Bhavan

Relish traditional Tamil Nadu meals focusing on fresh seafood and vegetarian options in a clean, local style restaurant near the temple areas.
INR350, 1h0m

2:30PM

Visit Ramanathaswamy Temple

Explore the renowned ancient temple famous for its long corridors and sacred water tanks, an important pilgrimage site open 5:30 AM to 9:00 PM.
INR0, 2h0m

5:00PM

Walk on Dhanushkodi Beach

Visit the ghost town of Dhanushkodi and enjoy the serene beach sunset along the very tip of Rameswaram island. The beach is open at all times.
INR0, 1h30m

7:00PM

Dinner at Hotel New Woodlands

Savor classic South Indian vegetarian cuisine with emphasis on flavor and authenticity near the temple vicinity.
INR400, 1h0m

Day 3: Kanniyakumari Sights

Kanniyakumari, India on May 21, 2025

7:00AM

Travel Rameswaram to Kanniyakumari

Depart early by private vehicle or bus to Kanniyakumari, approx 6-hour drive (310 km), arriving before lunch.
INR1200, 6h0m

1:00PM

Lunch at Hotel Saravana Bhavan

Enjoy popular South Indian vegetarian dishes including dosas and uttapams at this beloved chain restaurant.
INR300, 1h0m

2:00PM

Visit Vivekananda Rock Memorial and Thiruvalluvar Statue

Take a ferry to these iconic monuments dedicated to Swami Vivekananda and Tamil poet Thiruvalluvar. Ferry services operate from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
INR100, 2h0m

4:30PM

Sunset at Kanniyakumari Beach

Witness the stunning confluence of the Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal and Indian Ocean with a spectacular sunset view from the beach.
INR0, 1h0m

7:00PM

Dinner at Hotel Sea View

Dine with scenic ocean views and enjoy fresh seafood along with customary South Indian cuisine options.
INR600, 1h0m

Day 4: Madurai Temples

Madurai, India on May 22, 2025

7:00AM

Travel Kanniyakumari to Madurai

Morning drive north for about 3.5 hours (about 230 km) to reach Madurai, famous for its grand temples and rich cultural heritage.
INR800, 3h30m

11:00AM

Breakfast at Murugan Idli Shop

Start your day with fluffy idlis, vadas, and filter coffee at Madurai's famous breakfast landmark.
INR150, 1h0m

12:30PM

Visit Meenakshi Amman Temple

Explore the magnificent Dravidian temple complex with elaborately carved gopurams and the sacred shrines dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Sundareswarar. Open 6:00 AM till 12:30 PM and 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM.
INR0, 3h0m

4:00PM

Explore Gandhi Memorial Museum

Visit this museum showcasing India's freedom struggle and Mahatma Gandhi's life. Opens from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM.
INR30, 1h30m

7:00PM

Dinner at Konar Mess

Enjoy authentic Tamil Nadu non-vegetarian meals in a bustling local eatery favored by residents for taste and affordability.
INR450, 1h0m

Day 5: Tiruchirappalli Culture

Tiruchirappalli, India on May 23, 2025

7:00AM

Travel Madurai to Tiruchirappalli

Morning drive of approximately 2.5 hours (about 140 km) to Tiruchirappalli, known for ancient temples and rock fort.
INR600, 2h30m

10:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel Sangam

Enjoy hearty South Indian breakfast in one of the oldest restaurants in Tiruchirappalli, well-loved for its traditional fare.
INR200, 1h0m

11:30AM

Visit Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, Srirangam

Explore this iconic temple complex dedicated to Lord Vishnu, famous for its intricate architecture and large temple grounds. Open 6:00 AM to 1:00 PM, 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM.
INR0, 3h0m

3:00PM

Explore Rock Fort Temple

Climb the historic rock fort to view temples and panoramic city views, an essential attraction open daylight hours.
INR20, 2h0m

7:00PM

Dinner at Sree Ramakrishna Veg Restaurant

Dine on wide variety of vegetarian South Indian dishes in a calm and affordable setting.
INR350, 1h0m

Day 6: Thanjavur Temples

Thanjavur, India on May 24, 2025

7:00AM

Travel Tiruchirappalli to Thanjavur

Drive east approximately 1.5 hours (about 56 km) to Thanjavur, home of the famous Brihadeeswarar Temple.
INR400, 1h30m

9:00AM

Breakfast at Sri Durga Restaurant

Indulge in fresh filter coffee and South Indian breakfast near the heart of the city.
INR150, 1h0m

10:30AM

Visit Brihadeeswarar Temple

Marvel at this UNESCO World Heritage site, a stunning Chola dynasty temple known for its massive limestone structure and beautiful frescoes. Open 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM.
INR0, 3h0m

2:00PM

Lunch at Hotel Gnanam

Taste authentic Thanjavur cuisine, especially vegetarian options with local flavors in a neat setting.
INR300, 1h0m

3:30PM

Visit Thanjavur Maratha Palace & Art Gallery

Explore the historical palace and art galleries showcasing Tanjore paintings and artifacts. Open 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM.
INR30, 2h0m

7:00PM

Dinner at Sree Ariya Bhavan

Enjoy a variety of dosas and traditional Tamil dishes popular among locals and tourists alike.
INR350, 1h0m

Day 7: Return to Tirupati

Tirupati, India on May 25, 2025

7:00AM

Travel Thanjavur to Tirupati

Early morning departure for the approximately 7-hour drive back to Tirupati (around 420 km), completing the loop tour.
INR1500, 7h0m

12:00PM

Lunch en route in a highway restaurant

Stop at a clean highway restaurant for a quick and refreshing lunch featuring South Indian staples.
INR250, 1h0m

2:00PM

Arrival and rest at Tirupati

Check in to your accommodation to rest and reflect on your culturally rich and diverse temple journey.
INR0, remainder of day

7:00PM

Dinner at Taj Gateway Hotel

Relax with a fine dining experience featuring multi-cuisine dishes to celebrate the successful completion of your South Indian temple tour.
INR900, 1h30m