4-Day Road Trip: Chennai to Goa via Bangalore – Scenic Stops & Beach Time

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Day 1: Chennai → Bangalore

Chennai, India → Bangalore, India on April 2, 2025

6:00AM

Breakfast at Murugan Idli Shop (T. Nagar)

Classic, quick South Indian breakfast — soft idlis and crispy dosas to fuel the drive; popular and opens early. (Opens ~6:00AM).
INR300, 0h45m

7:00AM

Drive Chennai → Bangalore

Scenic highway drive via NH48, about 330–360 km depending on route; expect 6–7 hours with one or two short stops. Plan tolls and fuel.
INR2500, 6h30m

12:30PM

Lunch en route at Kamat Upachar (near Krishnagiri)

Fresh vegetarian South Indian and North Indian fare with clean restrooms — convenient highway stop to stretch legs.
INR400, 0h45m

2:30PM

Check-in and short rest at Bangalore hotel

Drop bags and refresh — choose centrally located lodging (MG Road/Indiranagar) to minimize intra-city travel.
INR3500, 1h0m

4:00PM

Visit Lalbagh Botanical Garden

Historic botanical garden known for its glasshouse, extensive plant collections and calm walking paths — great late-afternoon stroll. (Open 6:00AM–7:00PM).
INR30, 1h30m

6:00PM

Quick visit to Cubbon Park (optional)

Large green space in the city center, ideal for a short walk if time permits — quiet in the early evening. (Open 6:00AM–6:00PM; evenings are good for the surroundings).
INR0, 0h30m

7:30PM

Dinner at Mavalli Tiffin Rooms (MTR) or Vidyarthi Bhavan

Experience iconic Bangalore/ Karnataka cuisine — MTR for hearty meals (opens for dinner in some outlets) or Vidyarthi Bhavan for classic masala dosa if still serving. Check outlet hours (generally open through evening).
INR500, 1h0m

9:00PM

Overnight in Bangalore

Rest early if you plan an early departure next day for Goa — prepare snacks and water for the long drive.
INR0, 9h0m

Day 2: Bangalore → Goa

Bangalore, India → Goa, India on April 3, 2025

6:00AM

Early breakfast at hotel / MTR

Quick, filling breakfast to start the long drive — many hotels provide early buffet; MTR outlets open early for a hot start.
INR300, 0h45m

6:30AM

Depart Bangalore for Goa

Long drive via NH48 → NH66 (or NH66 from Hubli); distance ~560–600 km depending on route and final Goa entry — expect 9–11 hours driving time including stops.
INR4500, 10h0m

12:30PM

Lunch stop at Hubli/Dharwad (Highway restaurant)

Clean highway restaurant (e.g., Hotel Mayura or local popular dhaba) for a relaxed mid-journey lunch and restroom break.
INR450, 0h45m

3:30PM

Short coffee/snack stop near Belgaum

Stretch legs, refuel, and grab coffee — last major city stop before entering Goa for supplies if needed.
INR200, 0h20m

6:30PM

Arrive Goa — check-in to hotel in North Goa (Calangute/Baga) or South Goa (Colva/Palolem)

Settle into your beach accommodation; choose North Goa for nightlife and beaches, South Goa for relaxed, quieter beaches.
INR5000, 1h0m

8:00PM

Dinner at Martin's Corner (Betalbatim / South Goa) or Britto's (Baga)

Martin's Corner for seafood and Goan classics (open late) or Britto's for beachfront dining — both are lively and popular; check reservations on weekends.
INR800, 1h30m

10:00PM

Evening walk on the beach

A calm night-time stroll on the shoreline to unwind after the long drive; beaches are open 24/7 but avoid isolated stretches late at night.
INR0, 0h30m

Day 3: North Goa Beaches

Goa, India (North Goa) on April 4, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at hotel or Infantaria Café (Candolim)

Light beachside breakfast or hearty bakery items at Infantaria; many cafés open by 8:00AM for coffee and Goan pastries.
INR350, 0h45m

9:30AM

Visit Fort Aguada & Sinquerim Beach

Historic 17th-century Portuguese fort with lighthouse offering panoramic sea views — fort area open typically 9:00AM–6:00PM, perfect for morning exploration.
INR50, 1h30m

11:30AM

Relax at Calangute / Baga Beach

Popular beaches with water-sports options (parasailing, jet-ski) and lively shacks; water sports usually operate 9:00AM–5:00PM with variable costs.
INR200, 1h30m

1:00PM

Lunch at Britto's (Baga Beach)

Beachfront seafood and Goan dishes with a relaxed vibe — great for a leisurely lunch (open midday to late evening).
INR700, 1h0m

3:00PM

Visit Chapora Fort (Vagator) for sunset later

Fort overlooks Vagator and Ozran beaches — short hike to the top with expansive sunset viewpoints; open daytime, best late afternoon to sunset.
INR0, 1h30m

5:45PM

Sunset at Chapora Fort / Vagator Beach

Bring water and camera — dramatic cliff-top sunset views are a highlight of North Goa.
INR0, 0h45m

7:30PM

Dinner at Gunpowder (Assagao) or Thalassa (Vagator)

Gunpowder offers regional South Indian specialties in a cozy setting (usually open for dinner); Thalassa is a famous sunset spot with Greek menu — confirm seasonal hours (Thalassa often opens in afternoon to late evening).
INR900, 1h30m

9:30PM

Optional nightlife or music at a beach shack

If energy remains, explore beach shacks or live-music venues in Baga/Candolim; many places stay open late (check local listings).
INR500, 2h0m

Day 4: Old Goa & South Goa

Goa, India (Old Goa / South Goa) on April 5, 2025

7:30AM

Early breakfast at hotel

Refuel for a day of cultural and scenic exploration; hotels typically offer early breakfast for guests.
INR300, 0h30m

8:30AM

Visit Basilica of Bom Jesus & Se Cathedral (Old Goa)

UNESCO-area churches with important Baroque architecture and Christian relics — open roughly 9:00AM–6:00PM (Basilica may open earlier for morning mass; arrive by 9:00AM to avoid crowds).
INR50, 1h0m

10:00AM

Drive to Ponda – Spice Plantation visit (Sahakari Spice Farm or Tropical Spice Plantation)

Guided plantation tour explains spices, with a short walk and optional Goan meal; most plantations operate 9:00AM–5:00PM and recommend booking mid-morning.
INR400, 1h30m

12:00PM

Lunch at a plantation or local Goan restaurant (Ponda area)

Traditional Goan thali at plantation or nearby restaurant — flavorful, home-style Goan cuisine.
INR600, 1h0m

2:00PM

Head to South Goa (Colva / Palolem) for relaxed beaches

Drive down to South Goa to enjoy quieter beaches, coconut groves and a more laid-back atmosphere; travel time depends on starting point (~1–1.5 hours).
INR300, 1h30m

3:30PM

Relax at Palolem or Colva Beach

Swim, rent a kayak, or simply lounge at a beach shack — South Goa is perfect for an unhurried afternoon.
INR0, 1h30m

5:30PM

Optional short boat trip (Palolem dolphin tour) or sunset walk

Dolphin tours depart in late afternoon; confirm local operators and timing (tours usually 4:00PM–6:00PM).
INR800, 0h45m

7:30PM

Farewell dinner at Martin's Corner (if not visited) or Fisherman's Wharf

Enjoy a final seafood/Goan meal by the river or sea — Fisherman's Wharf is scenic and often open to late evening (check hours).
INR1000, 1h30m

9:30PM

Trip end / onward travel

If returning to Chennai same day, take an evening flight from Goa (GOI) to Chennai — flights depart intermittently; book in advance. Alternatively, overnight in Goa and depart next morning.
INR4000, Varies
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