Tirupati to Kanchipuram, Tiruvannamalai, Vellore & Tiruttani Tour Plan – 2 Days Itinerary, Temples, Distance & Travel Guide

Places to visit in
Tirupati

Package Start Form
1200 / Person

~520 km

Total Distance

10+

Temples & Sites

1 Night

Stay Required

₹3–5K

Budget/Person

Tour Overview & Route
Distance & Travel Time Chart
Day 1 – Tirupati → Kanipakam → Vellore → Kanchipuram
Day 2 – Kanchipuram → Tiruvannamalai → Tiruttani → Tirupati
Temple Highlights & Details
Travel Tips & Best Time
FAQs

Overview

The Perfect 2-Day Temple Circuit from Tirupati

South India is home to some of the most magnificent temples on earth — ancient, ornate, and spiritually powerful. Starting from Tirupati, the abode of Lord Venkateswara, this 2-day road trip loops through five historically significant temple towns: Kanipakam, Vellore, Kanchipuram, Tiruvannamalai, and Tiruttani.

This route is ideal for devotees, history lovers, and road-trip enthusiasts who want to experience the best of Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh's spiritual heritage in a compact, well-structured itinerary.

Complete Tour Route at a Glance

Tirupati Kanipakam Vellore Kanchipuram Tiruvannamalai Tiruttani Tirupati

Pro Tip: Start early from Tirupati (by 5:30–6 AM) on Day 1 to cover maximum temples comfortably without rushing. Book accommodation in Kanchipuram in advance, especially on weekends.

Distances

Distance & Travel Time Between Stops

Here's a quick reference table for planning your drive. All distances are approximate by road via NH or state highways.

#	From → To	Distance	Drive Time
1	Tirupati → Kanipakam	~75 km	~1.5 hrs
2	Kanipakam → Vellore	~70 km	~1.5 hrs
3	Vellore → Kanchipuram	~70 km	~1.5 hrs
4	Kanchipuram → Tiruvannamalai	~100 km	~2.5 hrs
5	Tiruvannamalai → Tiruttani	~80 km	~2 hrs
6	Tiruttani → Tirupati	~100 km	~2 hrs
🔁 Total Loop Distance		~495–520 km	~11–12 hrs driving

Day 1

Day 1: Tirupati → Kanipakam → Vellore → Kanchipuram

Day 1 takes you from the sacred hills of Tirupati westward through Kanipakam and Vellore, ending at the "City of Thousand Temples" — Kanchipuram, where you'll spend the night.

Day 1

Tirupati → Kanipakam → Vellore → Kanchipuram

5:30 AM – 6:00 AM

Depart from Tirupati

Start early from Tirupati after darshan or previous day rest. Take NH 40/71 toward Chittoor direction for Kanipakam. Grab breakfast on the way — Tirupati is famous for its ladoos, carry some for the journey!

7:30 AM – 9:00 AM

Kanipakam – Sri Varasidhi Vinayaka Swamy Temple

Arrive at the famous Ganesha temple on the banks of Bahuda river. The self-manifested (Swayambhu) Vinayaka idol is said to be growing in size. Complete the puja and darshan (~1.5 hrs). Temple opens at 5 AM.

9:30 AM – 11:00 AM

Drive to Vellore (~70 km, ~1.5 hrs)

Head toward Vellore via Chittoor. Stop midway for tea and snacks at a highway dhaba. The road is mostly smooth NH with good service areas.

11:30 AM – 1:30 PM

Vellore – Fort & Jalakandeswarar Temple

Explore the grand 16th-century Vellore Fort and the magnificent Jalakandeswarar Temple within it. The fort's moat and bastions are remarkable. Also visit the nearby Golden Temple (Sri Narayani Peedam) if time permits — the golden dome is stunning.

1:30 PM – 2:30 PM

Lunch in Vellore

Enjoy an authentic Tamil meals lunch at a local restaurant. Try Saravana Bhavan or Hotel Nandhi for pure vegetarian South Indian thali with rasam, sambar, and unlimited rice.

2:30 PM – 4:00 PM

Drive to Kanchipuram (~70 km, ~1.5 hrs)

Head east toward Kanchipuram via Arcot Road. Enjoy the rural Tamil Nadu landscape — paddy fields and temple gopurams dot the horizon.

4:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Kanchipuram Temple Circuit (Evening)

Visit Ekambareswarar Temple (one of the Pancha Bhuta Stalas – Earth element), Kailasanathar Temple (oldest in Kanchipuram, 8th century), and Kamakshi Amman Temple. Browse silk saree shops if interested — Kanchipuram silk is world-famous.

7:30 PM Onward

Check In & Dinner in Kanchipuram

Check into your hotel and relax after a long day. Enjoy dinner at the hotel or a nearby restaurant. Recommended stay: Hotel Baboo Soorya or Hotel GRT Regency.

Day 2

Day 2: Kanchipuram → Tiruvannamalai → Tiruttani → Tirupati

Day 2 takes you deeper south to the sacred fire hill of Tiruvannamalai, then north through Tiruttani before returning to Tirupati in the evening.

Day 2

Kanchipuram → Tiruvannamalai → Tiruttani → Tirupati

5:30 AM – 6:00 AM

Early Start from Kanchipuram

Check out and begin the 100 km drive to Tiruvannamalai. Early morning is best to witness the serene atmosphere around Arunachala Hill before crowds arrive.

8:30 AM – 12:00 PM

Tiruvannamalai – Arunachaleswarar Temple & Girivalam

Visit the colossal Arunachaleswarar Temple, one of India's largest temples dedicated to Lord Shiva as fire (Agni). If time and fitness allow, do the 14 km Girivalam (circumambulation of Arunachala hill) — the flat path takes 3–4 hrs. A shorter darshan takes about 1.5 hrs.

12:00 PM – 1:00 PM

Lunch in Tiruvannamalai

Try Sri Ramana Ashram's free community lunch (prasad) or eat at a local hotel near the temple. Tiruvannamalai has many excellent vegetarian options perfect for pilgrims.

1:00 PM – 3:00 PM

Drive to Tiruttani (~80 km, ~2 hrs)

Head north on NH 234 toward Tiruttani. The drive passes through scenic countryside. Stop for tender coconut water — vendors are plentiful along this route.

3:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Tiruttani – Sri Subramanya Swamy Temple

Climb the 365 steps (one step per day of the year!) to reach the Murugan temple perched on a hill. The hilltop offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. This is one of the six Paadal Petra Sthalams (Arupadaiveedu) of Lord Murugan. Darshan takes 45–60 mins.

5:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Drive Back to Tirupati (~100 km, ~2 hrs)

Return to Tirupati via Chittoor. You should arrive by 7–7:30 PM, completing your 2-day spiritual circuit. Stop for evening snacks or dinner at Chittoor or on NH 40.

Temple Highlights

Must-Visit Temples & Sites on This Route

Sri Varasidhi Vinayaka Swamy Temple, Kanipakam

Chittoor District, Andhra Pradesh

One of the most revered Ganesha shrines in South India, Kanipakam temple is famous for its self-manifested (Swayambhu) Ganesha idol that is said to be continuously growing in size. The idol emerges from water and is partially submerged in the sacred tank. The temple draws lakhs of pilgrims during Vinayaka Chavithi. The Bahuda river surrounding the sanctum adds to its mystical aura and is considered highly sacred.

5:00 AM – 8:30 PM 75 km from Tirupati Famous Vinayaka Chavithi Andhra Pradesh

Vellore Fort & Jalakandeswarar Temple

Vellore, Tamil Nadu

The 16th-century Vellore Fort is a masterpiece of military architecture built by the Vijayanagara Empire. Within the fort stands the stunning Jalakandeswarar Temple (c. 1566 CE), dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple's mandapas, sculptures, and the famous Kalyanamandapam are architectural marvels. The fort also houses a museum, church, and mosque — representing India's syncretic heritage. Nearby, the golden-domed Sri Narayani Peedam (Golden Temple) is a modern architectural wonder worth visiting.

Fort: 9 AM – 5 PM 70 km from Kanipakam UNESCO Tentative List Photography Spot

Kanchipuram – City of Thousand Temples

Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu

One of the seven sacred cities (Sapta Moksha Puri) of Hinduism, Kanchipuram is an ancient temple city with over 1,000 temples — around 108 dedicated to Lord Vishnu and 108 to Lord Shiva. Key temples include Ekambareswarar Temple (Earth Shiva Linga, Pancha Bhuta Stala), Kamakshi Amman Temple (one of 51 Shakti Peethas), Varadaraja Perumal Temple (one of 108 Divya Desams), and the 8th-century Kailasanathar Temple built by the Pallava kings.

6:00 AM – 12:30 PM, 4–8 PM 70 km from Vellore Sapta Moksha Puri Silk Sarees Capital

Arunachaleswarar Temple, Tiruvannamalai

Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu

The Arunachaleswarar temple is one of the most awe-inspiring temples in India. Dedicated to Lord Shiva as the fire element (Agni Lingam), it sits at the base of the sacred Arunachala hill. The temple complex covers 25 acres with four magnificent gopurams, the tallest standing 66 meters. This is one of the five Pancha Bhuta Stalas. The temple is globally known as the spiritual home of Sri Ramana Maharshi. The 14 km Girivalam on full moon nights attracts over a million devotees.

5:30 AM – 10:00 PM 100 km from Kanchipuram Pancha Bhuta Stala 14 km Girivalam Path

Sri Subramanya Swamy Temple, Tiruttani

Tiruttani, Tamil Nadu

Tiruttani is the 6th of the six abodes of Lord Murugan (Arupadaiveedu) in Tamil Nadu. The temple sits on a 465-foot hill and is reached via 365 steps. Legend says Lord Murugan married Valli here after his battles with demon Surapadman. The hilltop offers spectacular views of the surrounding countryside. The presiding deity is Subramaniya Swamy with his consorts Valli and Devasena. The temple is particularly popular among newly-weds seeking blessings for a happy married life.

5:00 AM – 9:00 PM 80 km from Tiruvannamalai 6th Abode of Murugan 365 Steps Hill Climb

Travel Tips

Essential Travel Tips & Best Time to Visit

Best Time to Visit

October to March is the ideal period — pleasant weather (20–28°C), perfect for temple visits and outdoor activities like Girivalam.

Avoid May–June — scorching heat (38–42°C) makes outdoor activities and climbing steps very uncomfortable and potentially dangerous.

Full moon days (Pournami) at Tiruvannamalai are spectacular for Girivalam but extremely crowded — plan accommodation well in advance.

Karthigai Deepam (Nov–Dec) at Tiruvannamalai is a once-in-a-lifetime experience when a massive flame is lit on the hilltop — book 3–6 months in advance.

Transportation Tips

Hire a cab/taxi from Tirupati for the full 2-day trip — the most comfortable and time-efficient option. Cost: ₹6,000–₹9,000 for a sedan, ₹9,000–₹13,000 for an SUV (all-inclusive with fuel and driver).

Self-drive is perfectly feasible if you're comfortable with Tamil Nadu roads. Google Maps works seamlessly on this entire route.

State buses connect all these cities but require multiple changes and are time-consuming for this circuit itinerary.

Fuel up at Tirupati, Vellore, and Tiruvannamalai — reliable fuel stations with clean facilities are available.

Accommodation Guide

Kanchipuram is the best overnight stop — centrally located for Day 2 destinations. Options: Hotel GRT Regency, Hotel Baboo Soorya, Sri Rama Lodging (budget).

Tiruvannamalai is an alternative if you prefer more time there — Sri Ramana Ashram offers free accommodation for spiritual seekers.

Budget estimate: ₹800–₹1,500/room in Kanchipuram; ₹1,500–₹3,000 in Tiruvannamalai for comfortable mid-range stays.

Temple Dress Code & Etiquette

Dress conservatively — wear salwar/dhoti for women, shirt and pants for men. Shorts and sleeveless tops are generally not allowed inside main sanctums.

Remove footwear before entering temple premises. Most temples have free footwear counters near the entrance.

Mobile phones are restricted inside many sanctums — leave them with your companion or locked in the vehicle.

Carry a small essentials bag: water bottle, small towel, cash for donations, and comfortable slip-on footwear for easy removal at temple entrances.

Food & Budget Planning

Food budget: ₹500–₹800 per day per person for quality vegetarian meals — South Indian thalis, dosas, idli-vadas, and fresh juices.

Total trip budget per person (excluding cab hire): ₹2,500–₹4,000 covering accommodation, food, and temple offerings over 2 days.

Carry sufficient cash — while UPI is widely accepted in towns, smaller temple shops and roadside vendors prefer cash payments.

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cover all 5 destinations in 2 days from Tirupati?

Yes, absolutely! This route is designed for a comfortable 2-day circuit. The key is starting early (by 5:30–6 AM) on both days and spending 1.5–2 hours at each stop. For a more relaxed pace, extend to 3 days with an overnight in both Kanchipuram and Tiruvannamalai.

What is the best mode of transport for this tour?

A hired cab or self-drive car is the most comfortable and time-efficient option. Groups of 4–6 people can hire a Tempo Traveller or Innova from Tirupati, making it very cost-effective. Public buses are available but require multiple changes and are not advisable for pilgrims on a tight schedule.

Is Tiruvannamalai worth visiting and how long does darshan take?

Tiruvannamalai is an extraordinary spiritual destination — the massive Arunachaleswarar temple and the sacred Arunachala hill make it truly unique in all of India. Basic darshan takes 1.5–2 hours. If you wish to do Girivalam (14 km circumambulation), add 3.5–4 hours. Arriving early morning provides the most peaceful experience.

How many steps are there at Tiruttani temple?

There are 365 steps at Tiruttani Murugan temple — one step for each day of the year. The climb takes about 20–30 minutes at a moderate pace. A ropeway (rope car) is also available for those who cannot climb. The hilltop panoramic view is breathtaking and absolutely worth the effort.

What are the temple timings in Kanchipuram?

Most major temples in Kanchipuram are open from 6 AM to 12:30 PM and 4 PM to 8:30 PM. The Kailasanathar Temple (ASI heritage monument) has different timings: 6 AM to 6 PM (closed Fridays). Plan to visit at least 3 major temples during your evening slot on Day 1.

Is the Kanipakam temple entry free?

General darshan at Kanipakam temple is free, but paid Seegra Darshan tickets (₹100–₹200 per person) are available for faster access. Special puja tickets are available at various prices. It's advisable to book online through the official temple website on busy days and festival seasons.

Are vegetarian food options available throughout the route?

Absolutely. All five destinations — Kanipakam, Vellore, Kanchipuram, Tiruvannamalai, and Tiruttani — are pilgrimage towns where pure vegetarian food is the norm. You'll find excellent South Indian thalis, dosas, idli-vadas, and sweets at every stop. Non-vegetarian options are available in Vellore town if needed by some members of your group.