Ultimate Bangalore to Chennai Road Trip Itinerary

Day 1: Travel and Explore

Bangalore to Chennai, India on July 5, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Airlines Hotel

Start your day with a hearty South Indian breakfast at Airlines Hotel, known for its crispy dosas and filter coffee. It opens early at 6:30am, perfect before departure.
INR 300, 1h

8:30am

Drive from Bangalore to Chennai

Embark on a scenic 6-7 hour drive to Chennai via NH48, experiencing lush countryside and occasional local villages. Optionally, book an early flight from Bangalore Airport to Chennai for a quicker transfer.
INR 1500 (bus) to INR 3500 (flight approx.), 6h

3:30pm

Check-in at a hotel in Chennai - The Residency Towers

Settle in at The Residency Towers, a well-located 4-star hotel near Anna Salai, offering modern comfort and easy access to city attractions.
INR 4000, 30m

4:30pm

Visit Kapaleeshwarar Temple

Explore this iconic Dravidian architecture marvel located in Mylapore. The temple is vibrant and spiritually uplifting, open until 8:00pm.
Free, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at Murugan Idli Shop

Relish authentic Tamil vegetarian cuisine at Murugan Idli Shop, famous for soft idlis and variety of chutneys. It operates until 10:30pm.
INR 250, 1h
View Hotels

Day 2: Cultural Immersion

Chennai, India on July 6, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Sangeetha Veg Restaurant

Enjoy traditional South Indian breakfast with a variety of dosas and vadas at this well-loved chain, open from 6:30am.
INR 300, 1h

9:30am

Visit Fort St. George

Tour the historic British-era Fort St. George, now housing a museum showcasing colonial artifacts. The museum opens at 9:00am and closes at 5:00pm.
INR 25, 1.5h

11:30am

Walk along Marina Beach

Stroll along one of the longest urban beaches in the world, experiencing local life, food stalls, and the sea breeze. Beach is open all day.
Free, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at Ratna Cafe

Savour the famed Chennai-based Ratna Cafe’s traditional South Indian meals and filter coffee. Open from 7:00am to 9:30pm.
INR 350, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Government Museum, Chennai

Explore one of the oldest museums in India with galleries featuring archaeology, art, and zoology. Open from 9:00am to 5:00pm, closed on Mondays.
INR 15, 2h

5:00pm

Evening Tea at Amethyst Café

Relax with freshly brewed tea or coffee in a serene garden-café setting, perfect for unwinding after museum visits.
INR 250, 45m

7:00pm

Dinner at Dakshin, Crowne Plaza

Indulge in rich South Indian cuisine inspired by various states of the south in an elegant ambience. Dinner service is from 7:00pm to 11:00pm.
INR 1500, 1.5h
View Hotels

Day 3: Coastal Day Tour

Chennai, India on July 7, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Start with a leisurely buffet breakfast at your hotel before setting out for the day’s tour.
Included in hotel, 1h

9:00am

Visit San Thome Basilica

Visit the beautiful Gothic-style San Thome Basilica, built over the tomb of Apostle Thomas, open from 9:00am to 6:00pm.
Free, 1h

10:30am

Drive to Mahabalipuram

Take a scenic 1-hour drive down to Mahabalipuram to explore ancient rock-cut temples and shore temples by the sea.
Transport approx INR 800, 1h

11:30am

Explore Mahabalipuram Monuments

Tour the famous UNESCO World Heritage sites including the Shore Temple and Five Rathas, open daylight hours until sunset.
INR 200, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Moonrakers

Enjoy fresh seafood with a view of the ocean at Moonrakers restaurant, which offers a variety of coastal cuisine. Open 12:00pm to 4:00pm.
INR 1000, 1h

3:00pm

Return to Chennai

Head back to Chennai and prepare for your onward journey or relaxation.
Transport approx INR 800, 1h

6:00pm

Departure or Relax

Either depart from Chennai or unwind at your hotel with local street food nearby for a light dinner if staying overnight.
Varies, Flexible
View Hotels