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12-Day South Indian Temple and Cultural Road Trip from Hyderabad

Viewed by 721 travelers

Day 1: Hyderabad to Warangal

Hyderabad to Warangal, Telangana, India on June 22, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Chutneys, Hyderabad

Start your day with classic South Indian breakfast like idli, dosa, and vada at Chutneys, famous for authenticity and fresh flavors.
INR300, 1h

9:00am

Drive Hyderabad to Warangal

Drive approximately 140 km east to Warangal, a historic city known for heritage temples and fort ruins; about 3 hours drive.
0, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at Minerva Coffee Shop, Warangal

Enjoy traditional Andhra cuisine like spicy chicken fry and biryani at Minerva, a popular local eatery.
INR400, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Thousand Pillar Temple

Explore this stunning Kakatiya dynasty era Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva, Vishnu, and Surya with intricate carvings and stone pillars.
INR40, 1h30m

4:00pm

Visit Warangal Fort

Walk through the impressive ruins of this 13th century fort with its massive stone gateways and ramparts overlooking the city.
INR50, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Hotel Kakatiya Fort View

Dine on local Telangana specialties like jowar roti and spicy lamb curry in a restaurant with views of Warangal Fort.
INR450, 1h
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Day 2: Warangal to Tirupati

Warangal to Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, India on June 23, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Warangal

Have a light South Indian breakfast at a local cafe before embarking to Tirupati.
INR200, 45m

8:30am

Drive from Warangal to Tirupati

Long drive of about 6-7 hours (390 km) south to Tirupati, the famous temple city.
0, 6h30m

3:00pm

Lunch en route at Nandi Upachar, Kadapa

Stop for a break and enjoy authentic Andhra meals including a thali with rice, sambar, chutney, and sweets.
INR350, 1h

6:00pm

Check into hotel and rest

Settle into your hotel near Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams for quick access to temples.
INR0, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Tirupati

Try local delicacies such as Pulihora (tamarind rice) and sweets like Poornam Boorelu in restaurants near the temple.
INR400, 1h
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Day 3: Tirupati Temples

Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, India on June 24, 2025

5:00am

Visit Tirumala Venkateswara Temple

Attend early morning darshan at one of the richest and most sacred Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Venkateswara.
Free, 3h

9:30am

Breakfast at Sri Venkateshwara Bhavanam

Enjoy prasadam and South Indian breakfast dishes near the temple complex offered to devotees.
INR200, 1h

11:00am

Visit Kapila Theertham

Explore this scenic temple dedicated to Lord Shiva with a waterfall nearby; tranquil and lesser crowded.
INR30, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at Woodlands Restaurant, Tirupati

Taste traditional South Indian vegetarian fare including dosa and sambar in this famed restaurant.
INR350, 1h

3:00pm

Visit Sri Padmavathi Ammavari Temple

Visit the temple dedicated to Goddess Padmavathi, consort of Lord Venkateswara, known for beautiful gopuram and rituals.
INR20, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at TTD Canteen

Enjoy simple devotional meals prepared within temple premises - a spiritual dining experience.
INR100, 1h
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Day 4: Tirupati to Chennai

Tirupati to Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India on June 25, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Start your day with a wholesome breakfast at the hotel before driving to Chennai.
INR250, 1h

8:00am

Drive Tirupati to Chennai

A pleasant 3.5 to 4-hour drive (about 135 km) southeast to Chennai, Tamil Nadu's capital.
0, 4h

12:30pm

Lunch at Saravana Bhavan, Chennai

Relish iconic vegetarian South Indian meals at Saravana Bhavan, famous worldwide for their dosas and meals.
INR400, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Kapaleeshwarar Temple

Tour this classic Dravidian architecture temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Mylapore, Chennai.
Free, 1h

4:00pm

Walk along Marina Beach

Enjoy the scenic views and vibrant local life at Marina Beach, Asia’s second longest urban beach.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Southern Spice, Taj Coromandel

Dine on exquisite traditional Tamil and South Indian delicacies in a luxurious setting.
INR1500, 1h30m
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Day 5: Chennai to Mahabalipuram

Chennai to Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu, India on June 26, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a hearty breakfast before heading to the UNESCO heritage site of Mahabalipuram.
INR250, 45m

8:15am

Drive Chennai to Mahabalipuram

Short scenic 1.5-hour drive (55 km) south along the coast to explore ancient monuments.
0, 1h30m

10:00am

Visit Shore Temple and Pancha Rathas

Explore the iconic 8th century Shore Temple and the five monolithic Rathas — amazing examples of Pallava architecture.
INR200, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Moonrakers Restaurant

Enjoy fresh seafood and coastal South Indian cuisine right by the beach.
INR600, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Mahabalipuram Beach

Relax and stroll along the pristine beaches with views of the Bay of Bengal.
Free, 1h

4:00pm

Explore Mahabalipuram Sculpture Museum

See delicate Pallava period sculptures in this small but insightful museum.
INR50, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at The Wharf, Radisson Blu

Dine on premium South Indian and multinational cuisine with sea views and ambient lighting.
INR900, 1h30m
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Day 6: Mahabalipuram to Kanchipuram

Mahabalipuram to Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu, India on June 27, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Have a traditional South Indian breakfast before leaving for Kanchipuram.
INR250, 45m

8:15am

Drive Mahabalipuram to Kanchipuram

Drive about 2.5 hours (90 km) west into the temple town famous for its silk sarees and temples.
0, 2h30m

11:00am

Visit Kailasanathar Temple

Admire the exquisite early Dravidian architecture and detailed carvings in this 7th-century Shiva temple.
INR50, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Hotel Saravana Bhavan, Kanchipuram

Enjoy delicious vegetarian meals with local specialties at this well-known chain restaurant.
INR350, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Varadaraja Perumal Temple

Explore one of Kanchipuram’s largest Vishnu temples, famous for impressive carvings and festivals.
Free, 1h

3:30pm

Visit Ekambareswarar Temple

See this grand temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, notable for one of the tallest vimanas (temple towers) in South India.
INR20, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at A2B Adyar Ananda Bhavan

Relish a vegetarian meal with South Indian flavors including uttapam and kesari bath.
INR300, 1h
Find Hotels in Mahabalipuram to Kanchipuram

Day 7: Kanchipuram to Chennai

Kanchipuram to Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India on June 28, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Start with a filling South Indian breakfast before returning to Chennai.
INR250, 1h

9:00am

Drive Kanchipuram to Chennai

Drive around 75 km east to Chennai, about 2 hours.
0, 2h

11:30am

Visit San Thome Basilica

Visit this historic Roman Catholic minor basilica built over the tomb of St. Thomas, one of the twelve apostles.
Free, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at Ratna Cafe

Famous for crispy dosas and filter coffee, enjoy an authentic Chennai dining experience.
INR300, 1h

3:00pm

Visit Government Museum

Explore extensive collections of South Indian bronzes, archeological artifacts, and paintings. Open 10 am - 5 pm.
INR40, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Ponnusamy Hotel

Try spicy Chettinad cuisine and traditional Tamil dishes at this famous restaurant.
INR600, 1h
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Day 8: Chennai to Thanjavur

Chennai to Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, India on June 29, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Fuel up with a hearty breakfast before starting the long drive to Thanjavur.
INR250, 1h

8:00am

Drive Chennai to Thanjavur

Drive about 6-7 hours (365 km) southwest to Thanjavur, home to the famous Brihadeeswarar Temple.
0, 7h

3:00pm

Lunch en route at roadside dhaba

Stop for a simple but tasty local meal at a highway eatery.
INR250, 1h

5:00pm

Check-in and rest

Check into your hotel and rest after the long journey.
0, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Rayar's Mess

Enjoy authentic Tamil Brahmin style cuisine and thalis in a no-frills local eatery.
INR350, 1h
Find Hotels in Chennai to Thanjavur

Day 9: Thanjavur Temples

Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, India on June 30, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Start your day with a light breakfast at your hotel before temple sightseeing.
INR200, 45m

8:30am

Visit Brihadeeswarar Temple

Marvel at this UNESCO World Heritage Chola dynasty temple, an architectural masterpiece of South Indian Dravidian style.
INR40, 2h

11:00am

Visit Thanjavur Royal Palace & Art Gallery

Explore the palace complex with its art gallery showcasing Chola bronzes and Tanjore paintings.
INR40, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Sree Ariya Bhavan

Taste local vegetarian and non-vegetarian Tamil dishes in this popular local restaurant.
INR350, 1h

3:00pm

Visit Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple

Drive 70 km and visit this impressive temple built by the Chola king, showcasing magnificent sculptures and architecture.
INR20, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at hotel

Dine on local cuisine at your hotel to relax after a busy day exploring temples.
INR400, 1h
Find Hotels in Thanjavur

Day 10: Thanjavur to Madurai

Thanjavur to Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India on July 1, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a wholesome breakfast before the long transfer to Madurai.
INR200, 45m

8:00am

Drive Thanjavur to Madurai

About a 3.5-hour drive (190 km) southwest to Madurai, the temple city famous for Meenakshi Amman Temple.
0, 3h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Murugan Idli Shop

Enjoy fluffy idlis and other South Indian breakfast items served well into lunch hours, popular among locals.
INR250, 1h

1:30pm

Check into hotel and rest

Relax before starting your Madurai sightseeing.
0, 1h

3:00pm

Visit Meenakshi Amman Temple

Explore this spectacular temple complex dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Sundareswarar, known for its towering gopurams.
INR50, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at The Gateway Hotel Pasumalai

Dine on exquisite Tamil and South Indian dishes with serene views of the city.
INR1200, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Thanjavur to Madurai

Day 11: Madurai Temples and Culture

Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India on July 2, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Start early with a traditional South Indian breakfast at your hotel.
INR250, 1h

8:00am

Visit Alagar Kovil Temple

Take a short drive to this beautiful temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu nestled amidst greenery and hills.
Free, 2h

11:00am

Explore Gandhi Memorial Museum

Learn about Mahatma Gandhi’s life and India’s freedom struggle at this well-curated museum.
INR30, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Sree Sabarees

Enjoy a pure vegetarian South Indian thali with authentic flavors.
INR350, 1h

3:00pm

Visit Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam

Relax at this large temple tank and spot the floating festival location famous during summer.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Konar Mess

Relish non-vegetarian Chettinad specialties after a full cultural day.
INR400, 1h
Find Hotels in Madurai

Day 12: Madurai to Hyderabad

Madurai to Hyderabad, Tamil Nadu to Telangana, India on July 3, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Early breakfast before the long drive returning to Hyderabad.
INR250, 45m

8:00am

Drive Madurai to Hyderabad

Long drive of approximately 1100 km, so consider starting very early and taking breaks; possible overnight stop en route if needed.
0, 14h

1:00pm

Lunch stop on highway

Take a break and enjoy a wholesome South Indian meal at a highway restaurant.
INR300, 1h

9:00pm

Arrival in Hyderabad

Complete your journey back in Hyderabad, concluding your South Indian temple road trip.
0
Find Hotels in Madurai to Hyderabad
0
Itinerary created by AI-assisted, human-reviewed

Plan Your I need plan a trip with friends Hyderabad to Hyderabad cover south indian place along with temples give me to cover in 12 days by car Trip

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