Cultural and Spiritual South India: Bangalore to Thiruvanamalai, Kanjeepuram, Trichy, Thirukarugavur, and Return

Day 1: Spiritual Start

Thiruvanamalai, India on May 22, 2025

7:00am

Travel from Bangalore to Thiruvanamalai

Depart early morning for a 3.5 to 4-hour drive covering roughly 200 km to reach Thiruvanamalai, known for its spiritual ambiance.
INR 1500 (approx. by taxi), 4h0m

11:30am

Breakfast at Sri Tiffins

Enjoy traditional South Indian breakfast with idli, dosa, and filter coffee in a popular local restaurant.
INR 150, 1h0m

1:00pm

Visit Arunachaleswarar Temple

Explore this magnificent temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, famous for architectural grandeur and spiritual importance. The temple is open from 6:00 AM to 12:30 PM and 4:00 PM to 8:30 PM.
Free, 2h0m

3:30pm

Climb Girivalam Path around Arunachala Hill

Take a serene walk around the sacred hill (14 km), believed to be a spiritual experience; afternoon is ideal to avoid midday heat.
Free, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at The Baker’s Lounge

Relish freshly baked goods and light meals in a cozy café with a calm environment after a spiritual day.
INR 400, 1h0m
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Day 2: Temple Towns

Kanjeepuram, India on May 23, 2025

7:00am

Travel from Thiruvanamalai to Kanjeepuram

Start early for the 2.5-hour drive covering approximately 110 km, the silk city famous for its temples and weaving.
INR 1200 (approx. by taxi), 2h30m

10:00am

Breakfast at Sukkubhai Halwai’s

Enjoy traditional Tamil breakfast delicacies like pongal or vada with freshly brewed coffee.
INR 150, 1h0m

11:30am

Visit Kailasanathar Temple

Explore one of the oldest temples in Kanjeepuram, renowned for fine stone carvings and spiritual significance. Open 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM to 8:30 PM.
Free, 1h30m

1:00pm

Visit Varadharaja Perumal Temple

A beautiful Vaishnavite temple known for its architectural beauty and active worship; open all day.
Free, 1h0m

2:30pm

Lunch at Hotel Saravana Bhavan

Enjoy delicious South Indian vegetarian meals including thali and dosas at this well-known restaurant chain.
INR 300, 1h0m

4:00pm

Shopping for Kanjeepuram Silk Sarees

Visit famous silk weaving stalls; explore and buy exquisite silk sarees and fabrics that Kanjeepuram is known for.
Varies, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Hotel Prasad

Savor authentic Tamil Nadu cuisine in a casual atmosphere, ideal to rest after a day of temple exploration.
INR 400, 1h0m
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Day 3: Historic Temples

Trichy, India on May 24, 2025

6:30am

Travel from Kanjeepuram to Trichy

Begin early to cover the approximately 190 km journey taking about 4 hours to reach historic Trichy, famous for its temples and rock fort.
INR 2000 (approx. by taxi), 4h0m

11:00am

Breakfast at Adyar Ananda Bhavan

Enjoy freshly made South Indian snacks and sweets in this popular and clean restaurant chain.
INR 200, 1h0m

12:30pm

Visit Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple

Visit the vast Rangnathaswamy Temple complex, a masterpiece of Dravidian architecture; temple timings 6:00 AM to 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM to 9:30 PM.
Free, 2h0m

3:00pm

Explore Rock Fort Temple

Climb rocky outcrop offering panoramic views of Trichy city and admire the temple complex atop; open 6:00 AM to 8:30 PM.
Free, 1h30m

5:00pm

Lunch at Jungle Café

Enjoy light meals and snacks in a thematic café to relax and unwind.
INR 350, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Muthu’s Mess

Try authentic Tamil non-vegetarian dishes including fish curry in this modest, local eatery.
INR 400, 1h0m
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Day 4: Pilgrimage Visit

Thirukarugavur, India on May 25, 2025

7:00am

Travel from Trichy to Thirukarugavur

A short 50 km trip taking about 1.5 hours to explore the serene town with notable temples.
INR 800 (approx. by taxi), 1h30m

9:00am

Breakfast at local eatery

Enjoy a local breakfast with traditional South Indian staples.
INR 150, 1h0m

10:30am

Visit Lord Yoga Narasimha Temple

Explore the quaint temple famous in the region for its peaceful ambiance and religious significance; usually open early morning to evening.
Free, 1h0m

12:00pm

Visit nearby religious sites

Explore other small temples and local spots of worship in the village for a peaceful cultural experience.
Free, 1h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at a local restaurant

Taste homemade-style South Indian vegetarian lunch popular with locals.
INR 200, 1h0m

3:00pm

Return to Bangalore

Begin the journey back to Bangalore by taxi or car, approximately 240 km, taking about 5 hours.
INR 2200 (approx. by taxi), 5h0m
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Day 5: Back in Bangalore

Bangalore, India on May 26, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Vidyarthi Bhavan

Enjoy famous masala dosa and filter coffee in this iconic Bangalore eatery.
INR 200, 1h0m

10:00am

Relax or local sightseeing in Bangalore

Choose to explore local sites such as Lalbagh Botanical Garden or relax after your trip.
INR 20 entrance for Lalbagh, 3h0m
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