2-Day Itinerary: Chennai to Bangalore

  1. Day 1: Mahabalipuram
    2 hours (35 miles) from Chennai

    Start your journey to Bangalore with a visit to Mahabalipuram, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its temple architecture and rock carvings. Spend the morning exploring the famous Shore Temple and Pancha Rathas, a group of five monolithic temples. In the afternoon, visit the Arjuna's Penance, an enormous rock carving that depicts scenes from Hindu mythology.

  2. Day 1: Vellore
    2 hours (87 miles) from Mahabalipuram

    Continue your journey to Bangalore with a stop in Vellore, home to the historic Vellore Fort. This 16th-century fort has a moat, ramparts, and a few surviving buildings, including a church and a mosque. Take a walk around the fort and soak up the history of the place. In the evening, visit the Vellore Government Museum, which has a collection of prehistoric and historic artefacts from the region.

  3. Day 2: Nandi Hills
    2 hours (70 miles) from Vellore

    Start your second day with a drive to Nandi Hills, a scenic hill station near Bangalore. Take a hike up the hill to reach Tipu's Drop, a 600-meter high cliff that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and valleys. Spend the afternoon exploring the Nandi Fort, built by Tipu Sultan in the 18th century. The fort has a temple, a palace, and a mosque, all of which are worth a visit.

  4. Day 2: Bangalore Palace
    1 hour (30 miles) from Nandi Hills

    End your trip with a visit to the Bangalore Palace, a stunning example of Tudor-style architecture. The palace was built in 1887 and has since been renovated to include modern amenities. Take a guided tour of the palace to see the opulent interiors, which include stained glass windows, antique furniture, and vintage photographs. In the evening, head to MG Road, one of Bangalore's most vibrant areas, for some shopping and dining.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Shore Temple (2 hours, 500 INR)
  • Pancha Rathas (1 hour, 250 INR)
  • Arjuna's Penance (1 hour, 250 INR)
  • Vellore Fort (2 hours, 50 INR)
  • Vellore Government Museum (1 hour, 20 INR)
  • Nandi Hills (4 hours, 100 INR)
  • Bangalore Palace (2 hours, 250 INR)
  • Total Estimated Costs: 1420 INR
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