Budget-Friendly 12-Day South India Road Trip from Hyderabad: Temples & Nature via Guruvayoor with Toll-Free Routes

Day 1: Srisailam Budget Temples

Srisailam, Telangana on June 22, 2025

6:00AM

Drive from Hyderabad to Srisailam via NH765 (avoiding tolled highways)

Early morning start using toll-free route via NH765 through Nagarjuna Sagar, approx 6.5 hours drive covering around 215 km; enjoy scenic rural views.
INR0, 6h30m

12:30PM

Lunch at Budget Hotel Restaurant

Eat at a clean, simple local eatery like Hotel Rajamahal, serving affordable Andhra meals.
INR250, 1h0m

2:00PM

Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple

Visit this famous Shiva Jyotirlinga temple; no entry fee; spend time absorbing spiritual vibes.
INR0, 2h0m

5:00PM

Budget stay check-in and evening rest

Stay at budget-friendly hotels like Hotel Oberoi Srisailam or Govt Guest House for approx INR 700-1000 per night.
INR800, Overnight

7:30PM

Dinner at local small diner

Have simple home-style Andhra dinner at the hotel or nearby dhaba costing under INR 200.
INR200, 1h0m
View Hotels

Day 2: Arunachalam Hill Temples

Arunachalam, Telangana on June 23, 2025

7:00AM

Simple breakfast at hotel

Light breakfast with idli/dosa at hotel for around INR 100 per person.
INR100, 0h30m

8:00AM

Drive to Arunachalam hill (using rural roads to avoid toll gates)

Travel via toll-free rural highways for around 70 km; approx 2-hour drive.
INR0, 2h0m

10:00AM

Visit Arunachaleswara & Murugan Temples

Free entry; enjoy quiet temple visits and hill views, ideal for budget travelers.
INR0, 2h0m

12:30PM

Lunch at local vegetarian eatery

Eat traditional south Indian meals with prices approx INR 150 per person.
INR300, 1h0m

2:00PM

Drive to Mantralayam via NH167 and NH40 avoiding tolled expressways

Approx 3.5-hour drive (150+ km) with no tolls on most routes; enjoy rural Andhra landscapes.
INR0, 3h30m

5:30PM

Check-in to budget hotel

Stay in economical hotels like Haritha or simple lodges costing around INR 600 to 800 per night.
INR700, overnight

7:00PM

Dinner at hotel eatery

Affordable simple Andhra cuisine meals for INR 200 per person.
INR200, 1h0m
View Hotels

Day 3: Mantralayam Pilgrimage

Mantralayam, Andhra Pradesh on June 24, 2025

7:00AM

Light breakfast at hotel

Idli and chutneys or poha served cheaply at the hotel for around INR 100.
INR100, 0h30m

7:30AM

Visit Sri Raghavendra Swamy Mutt

Explore spiritual sites with no entry fee, enjoy peaceful atmosphere.
INR0, 3h0m

11:00AM

Walk other temple complexes

Enjoy architecture and simple surroundings in budget-friendly manner.
INR0, 1h0m

12:30PM

Lunch at local mess

Try home-style vegetarian Andhra meals at low prices (approx INR 150 per person).
INR300, 1h0m

2:00PM

Drive to Mysore - via NH150 and rural roads avoiding tolled expressways

Long drive approx 250 km expected around 6-7 hours, rural and state highways to save toll costs.
INR0, 7h0m

9:00PM

Check-in and late dinner at budget hotel

Stay at inexpensive guesthouses or lodges like Hotel Roopa or similar (about INR 600-900/night). Late simple dinner available nearby.
INR700, overnight
View Hotels

Day 4: Mysore Budget Tour

Mysore, Karnataka on June 25, 2025

7:30AM

Budget breakfast nearby hotel

Enjoy Mysore’s iconic dosas or idli for approx INR 80-100.
INR100, 0h45m

9:00AM

Visit Mysore Palace

Entry approx INR 70 per adult; enjoy indoor palace tour focused on royal architecture.
INR70, 2h0m

11:30AM

Chamundi Hill & Temple

Free entry, modest climb, spectacular views over Mysore city.
INR0, 2h0m

1:30PM

Lunch at budget eatery

Try local vegetarian South Indian tiffin for INR 150 per person.
INR300, 1h0m

3:00PM

Relax at Kukkarahalli Lake Park

Enjoy a walk in a peaceful park without any cost; ideal budget spot.
INR0, 1h0m

4:30PM

Local market walk

Explore Mysore’s street markets for handicrafts without commitment to buy.
INR0, 1h30m

7:00PM

Dinner at local vegetarian restaurant

Affordable meal - try Mysore masala dosa or rice meals costing INR 150-200 per person.
INR300, 1h0m

8:30PM

Overnight stay at budget hotel

Rest at economical stay options approx INR 600-800.
INR700, overnight
View Hotels

Day 5: Jog Falls & Coorg Budget Stay

Jog Falls and Coorg, Karnataka on June 26, 2025

6:00AM

Early breakfast and checkout

Simple breakfast from hotel or local vendor at INR 100.
INR100, 0h30m

6:30AM

Drive to Jog Falls using toll-free alternate highway routes

Journey approx 145 km with non-toll route, about 4 hours drive, enjoy rural views.
INR0, 4h0m

10:30AM

Jog Falls viewpoints

Entry INR 20, explore various viewpoints and take photos of stunning falls.
INR20, 2h0m

12:30PM

Lunch at local simple restaurant

Eat meals under INR 200 per person, focusing on budget choices.
INR400, 1h0m

2:00PM

Drive to Coorg avoiding tolled highways (approx 110 km)

Scenic drive using local state roads, taking around 3 hours.
INR0, 3h0m

5:00PM

Check-in budget homestay/guesthouse

Choose affordable homestays or hostels charging approx INR 500-700 per night.
INR600, overnight

7:00PM

Dinner at local dhaba

Simple and economical local cuisine for INR 150-200 per person.
INR200, 1h0m
View Hotels

Day 6: Exploring Coorg on Budget

Coorg, Karnataka on June 27, 2025

7:00AM

Basic breakfast at guesthouse

Light options with tea and toast or idli for INR 100.
INR100, 0h30m

8:00AM

Visit Abbey Falls and Raja’s Seat

Entry small fees (
INR20, 3h0m

11:30AM

Coffee plantation walk

Self-guided walk through public plantation areas; free and educational.
INR0, 1h30m

1:00PM

Lunch at budget eatery

Try local Coorg delicacies like Pandi curry at small restaurants for INR 200.
INR400, 1h0m

2:30PM

Relax and prepare for next day travel

Rest at guesthouse or explore Coorg town markets cheaply.
INR0, 4h0m

7:00PM

Dinner at local affordable restaurant

Budget-friendly meals under INR 200.
INR200, 1h0m
View Hotels

Day 7: Himavad Gopala Krishna & Guruvayoor

Karnataka to Guruvayoor, Kerala on June 28, 2025

6:30AM

Breakfast at guesthouse

Basic breakfast, approx INR 100.
INR100, 0h30m

7:30AM

Drive to Himavad Gopala Krishna Temple

Approx 1.5 hour toll-free drive using rural roads.
INR0, 1h30m

9:00AM

Visit temple and forest walk

No entry charge; enjoy serene environment and temple architecture.
INR0, 2h0m

11:00AM

Lunch at budget restaurant nearby

Enjoy simple South Indian meals for INR 150 per person.
INR300, 1h0m

12:00PM

Drive to Guruvayoor via Nerul - NH66 and NH544 avoiding tolls where possible

Approx 210 km journey taking about 5-6 hours over mostly toll-free state highways.
INR0, 6h0m

6:00PM

Budget hotel check-in at Guruvayoor

Affordable hotel stays like Hotel URB or simple lodges INR 600-800 per night.
INR700, overnight

7:30PM

Dinner nearby local eatery

Cheap Kerala meals or vegetarian food for approx INR 200 per person.
INR200, 1h0m
View Hotels

Day 8: Guruvayoor Temple Visit

Guruvayoor, Kerala on June 29, 2025

6:30AM

Early breakfast at budget hotel

Simple South Indian breakfast with tea/idli/dosa costing INR 100.
INR100, 0h30m

7:30AM

Visit Guruvayoor Sri Krishna Temple

One of Kerala’s most important temples; free entry but dress modestly; morning darshan popular.
INR0, 3h0m

10:30AM

Walk around temple town

Explore flower and souvenir markets; low cost window-shopping experience.
INR0, 1h30m

12:00PM

Lunch at local vegetarian restaurant

Enjoy inexpensive Kerala vegetarian meals at family-run eateries.
INR300, 1h0m

1:30PM

Relax at hotel or visit nearby beach (if interested)

Free access to Cherai Beach, a short drive away, good for late afternoon relaxation.
INR0, 3h0m

6:30PM

Dinner at budget restaurant

Eat simple meals under INR 200 per person.
INR200, 1h0m
View Hotels

Day 9: Munnar Budget Stay & Adventure

Munnar, Kerala on June 30, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at Guruvayoor

Affordably eat breakfast before drive.
INR100, 0h30m

8:00AM

Drive to Munnar using toll-free state highways via Iritty

Approx 140 km, 4-5 hours' scenic drive avoiding toll roads.
INR0, 5h0m

1:00PM

Check-in budget hotel/hostel

Stay at economical places like Zest Munnar Hostel or homestays around INR 600-900 per night.
INR700, overnight

2:00PM

Lunch at local vegetarian cafe

Delicious and inexpensive Kerala meals for INR 200-250 per person.
INR400, 1h0m

3:30PM

Tea Museum visit & plantation walk

Entry INR 100, learn about tea processing and walk scenic nearby plantations on foot.
INR100, 2h0m

6:00PM

Evening free: local market or rest

Explore affordable shopping or relax at guesthouse.
INR0, 2h0m

8:00PM

Dinner at budget eatery

Simple meals costing INR 200 or less.
INR200, 1h0m
View Hotels

Day 10: Alleppey Backwaters Budget Stay

Alleppey, Kerala on July 1, 2025

6:30AM

Breakfast at hostel/hotel

Basic breakfast for approx INR 100.
INR100, 0h30m

7:00AM

Drive to Alleppey avoiding tolls (approx 90km)

Use local roads via Kottayam, scenic backwaters region, approx 3 hours.
INR0, 3h0m

10:00AM

Check-in to budget lodge

Affordable accommodations near backwaters for approx INR 600-800/night.
INR700, overnight

10:30AM

Houseboat day trip (budget option)

Shared houseboat lunch cruise for INR 1200-1500 attracting best value for money experiences.
INR1500, 4h0m

3:00PM

Relax on Alleppey beach or local markets

Free access and low cost shopping for souvenirs.
INR0, 3h0m

7:00PM

Dinner at local affordable seafood restaurant

Try Kerala fish meals or vegetarian options under INR 250.
INR250, 1h0m
View Hotels

Day 11: Belur, Halebidu & Journey Back

Karnataka on July 2, 2025

6:00AM

Early breakfast and checkout

Budget breakfast approx INR 100.
INR100, 0h30m

6:30AM

Drive to Belur & Halebidu temples on toll-free highways

Approx 210 km, 5-6 hour drive avoiding expressway tolls.
INR0, 6h0m

12:30PM

Visit Belur Temple & Halebidu Temple

Entry INR 70, iconic Hoysala architecture, short walking to explore sculptures and temples.
INR70, 2h0m

2:30PM

Lunch at local eatery

Affordable, filling meal for INR 200 per person.
INR400, 1h0m

3:30PM

Drive overnight back to Hyderabad avoiding toll highways

Long approx 525 km journey using NH150, NH167 and state roads to prevent toll expenses; expect approx 10-11 hours.
INR0, 11h0m
View Hotels

Day 12: Arrival Hyderabad & Rest

Hyderabad, Telangana on July 3, 2025

9:00AM

Arrival and rest

Rest after overnight drive, no planned activities to keep relaxed and budget prudent.
INR0, Flexible
View Hotels