Plan your sacred journey to the Grand Temples of South India
Rahu Ketu and Dosha Temples Tour
Srikalahasti for Rahu and Ketu, then the Kumbakonam temples for Rahu, Ketu, Saturn, Mars and Jupiter: the dosha temples devotees seek out.
- Astrology
- Suitable for 3–4 Days
- Rahu and Ketu
- Tirupati and Kumbakonam
About Rahu Ketu and Dosha Temples Tour
Temples where, by custom, devotees seek relief from particular planetary influences: Rahu and Ketu at Srikalahasti, Thirunageswaram and Keezhaperumpallam, Saturn at Thirunallar, Mars at Vaitheeswaran Koil and Jupiter at Alangudi. Start at Srikalahasti from Tirupati, then base yourself in Kumbakonam for the rest.
Devotees believe worship at these temples eases the influence of particular planets: Rahu and Ketu at Srikalahasti, Thirunageswaram and Keezhaperumpallam, Saturn at Thirunallar, Mars at Vaitheeswaran Koil and Jupiter at Alangudi. These are beliefs and customs; the temples set their own rituals and fees.
Temples on this Tour (6)
- 1View Details
Srikalahasti Temple
Rahu and Ketu
Srikalahasti
The Devasthanam lists a daily Rahu-Ketu puja.
- 2
View DetailsThirunageswaram Naganathar Temple
Rahu
Thirunageswaram
Rahu, near Kumbakonam.
- 3
View DetailsKeezhaperumpallam Naganathaswamy Temple
Ketu
Keezhaperumpallam
Ketu.
- 4
View DetailsVaitheeswaran Koil
Mars (Angaraka)
Vaitheeswaran Koil
Mars.
- 5
View DetailsThirunallar Saniswaran Temple
Saturn (Sani)
Thirunallar
Saturn; by custom a bath in the Nala Theertham comes first.
- 6
View DetailsAlangudi Guru Temple
Jupiter (Guru)
Alangudi
Jupiter.
Route Map
Tour Highlights
- Srikalahasti
- Thirunallar
- Thirunageswaram
- Vaitheeswaran Koil
4-Day Route
The route moves between Tirupati, Kumbakonam, staying near each day's temples. Allow 3 to 4 days for the 6 temples, plus travel to the first stop and home from the last.
Day 1 · stay in Tirupati
- Srikalahasti TempleRahu and KetuOpen 5:30 AM – 9:30 PM
Day 2 · stay in Kumbakonam
- Thirunageswaram Naganathar TempleRahuOpen 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM, with breaks
Day 3 · stay in Kumbakonam
- Keezhaperumpallam Naganathaswamy TempleKetuOpen 5:30 AM – 8:30 PM, with breaks
- Vaitheeswaran KoilMars (Angaraka)Open 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM, with breaks
- Thirunallar Saniswaran TempleSaturn (Sani)Open 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM, with breaks
Day 4 · stay in Kumbakonam
- Alangudi Guru TempleJupiter (Guru)Open 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM, with breaks
No fixed order links these temples. Kukke Subramanya in Karnataka, visited for serpent (sarpa) dosha, needs its own trip and is on the coastal Karnataka tour.
Customs, rules and beliefs
- RitualsAt Thirunallar, devotees by custom first bathe in the temple tanks, Nala Theertham above all, often with oil, before worshipping Dharbaranyeswarar, the goddess and Sani Bhagavan.
- RitualsThe Thirunallar temple site describes devotees lighting a sesame lamp and offering black lotus to Saneeswaran after the tank bath.
- RitualsAt Vaitheeswaran Koil, devotees take a dip in the Siddhamirtham tank before worship; dissolving jaggery in its water is a local custom.
- RitualsAt Thirunageswaram, HR&CE says the temple opens during Rahu Kalam.
- RitualsWikipedia reports that Rahu's abhishekam at Thirunageswaram is performed at 11:30 and 17:30 daily, with more sessions at other times.
- RitualsAt Srikalahasti, the Devasthanam lists the Rahu Kethu Sarpadosha Nivarana Puja daily and advises devotees to be at the temple during Rahu Kalam.
- DressSrikalahasti requires traditional Hindu clothing for seva participants, with no sleeveless or modern outfits, and a government ID for darshan.
- DressHR&CE's rules for Alangudi say men wear only a veshti (dhoti) inside the corridors, and umbrellas, walking sticks and leather items stay outside.
What devotees believe
- Devotees believe the Rahu-Ketu rituals at Srikalahasti ease the influence of these shadow planets.
- At Thirunageswaram, devotees regard it as a sign of grace when the milk poured over Rahu during Rahu Kalam appears to turn blue.
- The Thirunallar temple lists the Saturn periods (such as Ezharai Sani and Ashtama Sani) for which devotees come, and suggests reciting Thirugnanasambandar's hymn for relief.
- Devotees pray to Shiva as Vaidyanathar at Vaitheeswaran Koil believing he heals illness; the town is also known for Nadi palm-leaf astrology.
- Alangudi is the Guru (Jupiter) temple, where Dakshinamurthy is worshipped as Guru.
These are traditions and beliefs, described as devotees hold them. The temples set their own rituals and fees.
Sources: karaikal.gov.in, thirunallarutemple.org, en.wikipedia.org, tirunageswaramnaganathar.hrce.tn.gov.in, en.wikipedia.org, srikalahasthitemple.org, srikalahasthitemple.org, hrce.tn.gov.in, incredibleindia.gov.in, en.wikipedia.org · checked 23 Oct 2026
Optional stops nearby
Bird sanctuaries, dams, parks and falls near this tour's temples. They are optional: the route and cost above do not include them. Distances are straight-line from the nearest temple.
- BeachPoompuhar (Poombuhar) beach and heritage centreAbout 2 km from Keezhaperumpallam Naganathaswamy Temple
Site of the old Chola port town of Kaveripoompattinam where the Kaveri meets the sea. The district lists Keezhaperumpallam 3 km and Thiruvenkadu 8 km away, so it fits a Ketu or Budhan temple day.
- For families
- The district site gives 24 km from Mayiladuthurai and 21 km from Sirkazhi by road. Coordinates:
- BeachKaraikal BeachAbout 7 km from Thirunallar Saniswaran Temple
A natural sandy beach at the mouth of the Arasalar river, a short drive from the Thirunallar Saturn temple. The district lists a boat jetty, a children's park, seating, parking and a beach restaurant.
- For families
- A lit 2 km road along the Arasalar river leads to the beach. The children's park and seating suit a short evening stop with elders and children. Coordinates:
- HeritageTharangambadi (Tranquebar) and Fort Dansborg museumAbout 13 km from Keezhaperumpallam Naganathaswamy Temple
A seaside town known for Danish-era buildings. Its 1620 fort now holds a museum run by the Tamil Nadu archaeology department.
- Closed
- The museum is closed on Fridays.
- For families
- The town sits on the Mayiladuthurai to Karaikal road, 28 km by road from Mayiladuthurai railway station. Karaikal's district site puts it about 13 km north of Karaikal. Coordinates (Fort Dansborg, Wikidata Q11964733):
- Bird sanctuaryVaduvoor Bird SanctuaryAbout 18 km from Alangudi Guru Temple
An irrigation lake that draws more than 40 species of water birds, such as painted storks, pelicans, spoonbills and ibises. Two watch towers let visitors view the birds.
- Best season
- November and December, when migratory birds arrive in large numbers.
- For families
- The district site gives about 25 km from Thanjavur and 30 km from Thiruvarur, with Vaduvoor as the nearest bus stop. Basic overnight facilities exist. Coordinates:
- Bird sanctuaryNelapattu Bird SanctuaryAbout 29 km from Srikalahasti Temple
A wetland sanctuary known for a large breeding colony of spot-billed pelicans, plus ibises, openbills and herons. It is one of the venues of the state's Flamingo Festival.
- Best season
- October to March, when migratory birds gather at the lake.
- For families
- The 2026 Flamingo Festival ran on 10 and 11 January with Nelapattu as one venue, so expect crowds on those dates.
- WaterfallKapila TheerthamAbout 32 km from Srikalahasti Temple
A Shiva temple at the foot of the Tirumala hills where a mountain stream falls straight into the temple tank. A large stone Nandi stands at the entrance.
- For families
- The district site places it about 4 km from Tirupati railway station, so it fits easily into a city day.
- WildlifeSri Venkateswara Zoological ParkAbout 39 km from Srikalahasti Temple
A large forest department zoo at the foot of the Tirumala hills with a lion safari, a herbivore safari and a butterfly park. It is the easiest half-day outing for children in Tirupati.
- Hours
- 8:30 AM to 4:45 PM (tickets sold 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM); the zoo suggests 10 AM to 12 noon or 3 PM to 4:30 PM as the best times.
- Entry
- Adult (12+) Rs 70, child (3 to 12) Rs 30; battery vehicle adult Rs 70, child Rs 50; safari adult Rs 50, child Rs 30; camera Rs 200; own four-wheeler Rs 750.
- Closed
- Closed every Tuesday.
- For families
- The zoo lists battery vehicles, wheelchairs, drinking water, benches and a children's play area, which helps elders who cannot walk the large grounds.
- HeritageSilathoranam (Natural Arch, Tirumala)About 39 km from Srikalahasti Temple
A natural quartzite rock arch near Chakra Theertham on Tirumala, listed as a National Geo-heritage Monument. Devotees link its shape to legends of Lord Venkateswara.
- Hours
- 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- For families
- An easy add-on during a Tirumala stay. The tourism page suggests early morning or near sunset, and Wikipedia places the arch about 1 km from the temple.
Sources: mayiladuthurai.nic.in, karaikal.gov.in, mayiladuthurai.nic.in, tiruvarur.nic.in, tirupati.ap.gov.in, tirupati.ap.gov.in, tirupatizoo.com, incredibleindia.gov.in · checked 23 Oct 2026
Getting to Tirupati
The tour starts at Srikalahasti, 29 km from Tirupati airport, and ends among the Kumbakonam temples, about 95 km from Trichy, so flying into one and out of the other avoids a 365 km drive back. Chennai (MAA) is the fallback at the Tirupati end when no Tirupati flight suits.
By air
- Tirupati International Airport (Renigunta) (TIR)about 29 km, about 30 to 40 min by road to Srikalahasti
- Chennai International Airport (MAA)about 96 km, about 2 hr 30 min to 3 hr by road to Srikalahasti
- Tiruchirappalli International Airport (TRZ)about 95 km to Kumbakonam, about 1 hr 45 min to 2 hr by road
By train
- Tirupati (TPTY)Start of the cross-state leg. Three direct trains are listed from Tirupati or Renigunta to Kumbakonam, taking about 8 hr 45 min to 10 hr 45 min: 17069 (Tirupati 08:05 to 16:52, Thursdays), 16779 (Tirupati 11:55 to 20:46) and 19419 (Renigunta 11:50 to 22:36). Not every train runs daily, so check the day of travel.
- Srikalahasti (KHT)About 3 km from the temple, on the Tirupati to Vijayawada line; the Devasthanam says all express trains stop here. Renigunta Junction, 25 km away, serves the Chennai to Mumbai line.
- Kumbakonam (KMU)The base for the Tamil Nadu temples, in town and about 5 km from Thirunageswaram. Besides the Tirupati trains, 15 trains are listed from Chennai Egmore, such as the daily Chozhan SF Express 22675 (08:00 to 13:22).
- Mayiladuthurai Junction (MV)Railhead for Keezhaperumpallam (about 25 km) and Vaitheeswaran Koil (about 12 km). 27 trains listed between Kumbakonam and Mayiladuthurai, and 5 direct from Tirupati.
- Karaikal (KIK)Terminus about 5 km from Thirunallar, linked to Chennai, Thanjavur and Trichy, per the Karaikal district site.
By road
- Tirupati to Srikalahastiabout 37 km, about 45 min to 1 hr; APSRTC buses leave Tirupati about every 5 minutes
- Srikalahasti to Kumbakonamabout 365 km, about 7 to 8 hr
- Kumbakonam to Thirunageswaramabout 6 km, about 15 min, with buses from Kumbakonam
- Thirunageswaram to Keezhaperumpallamabout 56 km, about 1 hr to 1 hr 15 min
- Keezhaperumpallam to Vaitheeswaran Koilabout 20 km, about 30 min
- Vaitheeswaran Koil to Thirunallarabout 46 km, about 1 hr
- Thirunallar to Alangudiabout 78 km, about 1 hr 30 min
Sources: srikalahasthitemple.org, trawell.in, erail.in, erail.in, erail.in, karaikal.gov.in, trawell.in, router.project-osrm.org, temple.dinamalar.com, router.project-osrm.org, router.project-osrm.org, router.project-osrm.org, router.project-osrm.org · checked 22 Oct 2026
Questions Visitors Ask
Why do devotees visit these temples?
Devotees believe worship at these temples eases the influence of particular planets. These are beliefs and customs; the temples set their own rituals, timings and fees.
Where is the Rahu-Ketu puja performed?
Srikalahasti is best known for it. Its Devasthanam lists a daily Rahu Kethu Sarpadosha Nivarana Puja and advises devotees to be at the temple during Rahu Kalam.
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Partial Trip Estimate
₹ 26,964
for 4 people (3 Days)
≈ ₹ 6,741 per person for the trip
Flight fare for this route needs a quote. This is a partial total.
- 1 × AC sedan with driver₹12,9441 × (796 billed km × ₹14 + 3 days × ₹600 driver). Up to 4 passengers per vehicle, driver separate. AC; fuel budgeted within the per-km hire, inclusions to confirm. Minimum 250 km/day; route 796 km. Chennai operator example; pickup in your region to confirm. Rate source
- 2 nights · 2 rooms₹9,2202 nights × 2 rooms × ₹2,305/night. Two people per room, rounded up. Hotel Raya’s Standard AC, Kumbakonam published reference including tax; availability elsewhere to confirm. Rate source
- Simple local meals · all travellers₹4,8003 days × 4 people × ₹400/day. Planning allowance.
- Flight fare for this route needs a quote
- Tolls, parking and personal spending
- Home/station transfers, travel-day meals and extra nights
- Permits, garage/pickup kilometres, driver accommodation and operator taxes, if charged
Assumptions & what changes this estimate
References checked 19 October 2026. Rooms use the linked hotel’s published examples. Meals, fuel, bus and train are budgeting allowances. Bus/train costs use approximate distance, not ticket searches or confirmed classes. Flight examples are economy fares; Luxury upgrades your stay and local vehicle, not your flight cabin. Cab and rental examples need confirmation for your arrival region.
Basic sets rooms, meals and hired vehicle class. Own-vehicle fuel and economy return fares do not change with the stay tier. Dates do not fetch live prices.
Hotel references are Kumbakonam examples, including the published tax, used as a budget across the trip. They are not confirmed rooms in every town. Meals and fuel are planning allowances. All travellers use the same allowance; no child discount is assumed.
Cab minimums and room sharing mean some changes can leave a line unchanged. Travel quotes entered by you are fixed group totals. Prices and availability must be confirmed before booking.