What to Pack for DEPARTURE DATE: 24th Oct, 2025 night.
ITINERARY:
Day 1: Arrival & Tirupati Balaji
Morning: Board an early train from Miraj Station to Tirupati (approximately 12 hours). Upon arrival, check into a comfortable guesthouse near the temple and freshen up.
Afternoon: Enjoy a light lunch of South Indian thali before heading to the Tirupati Balaji Temple. Participate in the darshan rituals and explore the surrounding Tirumala hills.
Evening: Attend the Suprabhatam ceremony at the temple, then stroll through the illuminated streets of Tirupati, sampling local sweets like laddu.
Day 2: Madurai & Meenakshi Temple
Morning: Take a comfortable bus or hired car to Madurai (≈ 5 hours). Check into a boutique hotel in the city centre and enjoy a leisurely breakfast.
Afternoon: Visit the iconic Meenakshi Amman Temple, marveling at its towering gopurams and intricate sculptures. Take a guided tour to learn about its 2,500‑year history.
Evening: Witness the temple’s vibrant Thiruvilakku lighting ceremony, then dine on traditional Chettinad cuisine at a nearby restaurant.
Day 3: Rameshwaram & Ramanathaswamy Temple
Morning: Depart early for Rameshwaram (≈ 3 hours). Check into a seaside resort and enjoy a coastal breakfast.
Afternoon: Explore the majestic Ramanathaswamy Temple, famed for its long corridors and 22 holy wells. Take time for a peaceful meditation by the temple tank.
Evening: Walk along the iconic Rameshwaram Beach at sunset, and savor fresh seafood at a beachfront eatery.
Day 4: Dhanushkodi & Departure
Morning: Take a short drive to the abandoned town of Dhanushkodi. Explore the ruins, the old railway station, and the serene Dhanushkodi Beach.
Afternoon: Climb the nearby Arichal Murugan Temple for panoramic views of the Pamban Strait, then enjoy a picnic lunch with ocean breezes.
Evening: Return to Rameshwaram, collect your luggage, and begin the journey back to Miraj or onward destinations, carrying memories of the sacred pilgrimage.
Time and Cost Estimates
Tirupati Balaji Temple – Approx. 3 hours – ₹500 (darshan & donations)
Meenakshi Amman Temple – Approx. 2.5 hours – ₹300 (entry & guide)
Ramanathaswamy Temple – Approx. 3 hours – ₹400 (darshan & puja offerings)
Dhanushkodi Beach & Ruins – Approx. 4 hours – ₹250 (transport & entry)
Travel & Accommodation (4 nights) – Approx. 5 days – ₹7,500
Meals & Miscellaneous – Approx. ₹2,000
Total Estimated Cost: ₹10,950
Tips
To extend the trip, consider adding a day in Madurai to explore the Thirumalai Nayak Palace and the bustling local markets, or a full day in Rameshwaram to visit the Pamban Bridge and the historic lighthouse. If time is limited, you can combine Tirupati and Madurai on the same day by taking an early morning flight from Tirupati to Madurai, reducing travel fatigue while still experiencing the main temples. - Packing Checklist