Chennai To Bangalore Route Map
Introduction
Chennai to Bangalore is a popular travel route in southern India. The distance between the two cities is approximately 350 km and can be covered in 6-7 hours by car or bus. This travel guide will help you plan your trip from Chennai to Bangalore and explore the top attractions, hidden gems, food scene, budget-friendly tips, outdoor adventures, historical landmarks, family-friendly activities, off-the-beaten-path experiences, natural wonders, vibrant nightlife, local markets, beaches and mountains, cultural immersion, art and music scene, walking tours, architectural marvels, historical sites, biking routes, wellness retreats, and adventure sports.
Top Attractions
Some of the top attractions on the Chennai to Bangalore route include:
- Chennai: Marina Beach, Kapaleeshwarar Temple, Fort St. George, Government Museum, and Santhome Cathedral Basilica.
- Pondicherry: Auroville, Promenade Beach, Sri Aurobindo Ashram, and French Quarter.
- Mahabalipuram: Shore Temple, Pancha Rathas, Arjuna’s Penance, and Tiger Cave.
- Kanchipuram: Kailasanathar Temple, Ekambareswarar Temple, and Varadharaja Perumal Temple.
- Bangalore: Lalbagh Botanical Garden, Bangalore Palace, Cubbon Park, Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace, and Bull Temple.
Hidden Gems
There are several hidden gems on the Chennai to Bangalore route that are worth exploring:
- Chennai: Kalakshetra Foundation, DakshinaChitra, and Elliot’s Beach.
- Pondicherry: Paradise Beach, Serenity Beach, and Gingee Fort.
- Mahabalipuram: Crocodile Bank, Covelong Point Surf School, and Madras Crocodile Bank Trust.
- Kanchipuram: Kanchi Kudil, Kanchi Kamakshi Amman Temple, and Kanchi Kailasanathar Temple.
- Bangalore: Nandi Hills, Hesaraghatta Lake, and Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary.
Food Scene
The Chennai to Bangalore route is known for its delicious South Indian cuisine. Some of the must-try dishes include:
- Chennai: Idli, Dosa, Vada, Biryani, and Filter Coffee.
- Pondicherry: Croissants, Baguettes, Quiches, and Crepes.
- Mahabalipuram: Seafood, Pongal, and Chettinad cuisine.
- Kanchipuram: Idli, Vada, and Kanchipuram Idli.
- Bangalore: Masala Dosa, Vada, Bisi Bele Bath, and Mysore Pak.
Budget-Friendly Tips
Here are some budget-friendly tips to consider when traveling from Chennai to Bangalore:
- Take a bus instead of a taxi or rental car.
- Stay in budget-friendly guesthouses or hostels.
- Eat at local restaurants instead of touristy spots.
- Visit free attractions and explore the outdoors.
- Shop at local markets for souvenirs and snacks.
Outdoor Adventures
The Chennai to Bangalore route offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventures:
- Chennai: Surfing, Windsurfing, and Kite Surfing at Covelong Beach.
- Pondicherry: Scuba Diving, Kayaking, and Snorkeling.
- Mahabalipuram: Surfing, Windsurfing, and Kite Surfing.
- Kanchipuram: Trekking in the nearby hills and forests.
- Bangalore: Trekking, Camping, and Rock Climbing at Ramanagara.
Historical Landmarks
The Chennai to Bangalore route is home to many historical landmarks:
- Chennai: Fort St. George, Government Museum, and Santhome Cathedral Basilica.
- Pondicherry: Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Raj Niwas, and Jawahar Toy Museum.
- Mahabalipuram: Shore Temple, Pancha Rathas, Arjuna’s Penance, and Tiger Cave.
- Kanchipuram: Kailasanathar Temple, Ekambareswarar Temple, and Varadharaja Perumal Temple.
- Bangalore: Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace, Bangalore Palace, and Bull Temple.
Family-Friendly Activities
There are plenty of family-friendly activities to enjoy on the Chennai to Bangalore route:
- Chennai: Birla Planetarium, Vandalur Zoo, and Children’s Park.
- Pondicherry: Chunnambar Boat House, Botanical Garden, and Bharathi Park.
- Mahabalipuram: Crocodile Bank, Covelong Point Surf School, and Madras Crocodile Bank Trust.
- Kanchipuram: Kailasanathar Temple, Ekambareswarar Temple, and Varadharaja Perumal Temple.
- Bangalore: Cubbon Park, Lalbagh Botanical Garden, and Wonderla Amusement Park.
Off-The-Beaten-Path Experiences
If you’re looking for off-the-beaten-path experiences on the Chennai to Bangalore route, consider visiting:
- Chennai: Kalakshetra Foundation, DakshinaChitra, and Elliot’s Beach.
- Pondicherry: Paradise Beach, Serenity Beach, and Gingee Fort.
- Mahabalipuram: Dakshinachitra, The Madras Crocodile Bank Trust, and Mahabalipuram Beach.
- Kanchipuram: Kanchi Kudil, Kanchi Kamakshi Amman Temple, and Kanchi Kailasanathar Temple.
- Bangalore: Nandi Hills, Hesaraghatta Lake, and Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary.
Natural Wonders
The Chennai to Bangalore route is home to many natural wonders:
- Chennai: Marina Beach, Elliot’s Beach, and Pulicat Lake.
- Pondicherry: Paradise Beach, Serenity Beach, and Auroville Beach.
- Mahabalipuram: Mahabalipuram Beach, Tiger Cave, and Shore Temple.
- Kanchipuram: Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary, Muttukadu Backwaters, and Pulicat Lake.
- Bangalore: Nandi Hills, Hesaraghatta Lake, and Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary.
Vibrant Nightlife
The Chennai to Bangalore route has a vibrant nightlife scene:
- Chennai: Hoppipola, Gatsby 2000, and The Leather Bar.
- Pondicherry: Le Club, Rendezvous, and Bay of Buddha.
- Mahabalipuram: Bay Treasure, The Wharf, and The Beach Club.
- Kanchipuram: The Raintree, Park Hyatt, and Hilton Chennai.
- Bangalore: Toit, Skyye, and The Humming Tree.
Local Markets
Some of the best local markets to explore on the Chennai to Bangalore route include:
- Chennai: George Town, T Nagar, and Pondy Bazaar.
- Pondicherry: Sunday Market, Nehru Street, and Mission Street.
- Mahabalipuram: Mahabalipuram Market, Fishermen’s Colony, and East Coast Road.
- Kanchipuram: Kanchipuram Market, Anna Salai, and Gandhi Road.
- Bangalore: Commercial Street, Brigade Road, and Chickpet Market.
Beaches and Mountains
The Chennai to Bangalore route is home to both beaches and mountains:
- Chennai: Marina Beach, Elliot’s Beach, and Pulicat Lake.
- Pondicherry: Paradise Beach, Serenity Beach, and Auroville Beach.
- Mahabalipuram: Mahabalipuram Beach, Tiger Cave, and Shore Temple.