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

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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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