5-Day Chennai to Bangalore Road Trip: Culture, Cuisine, and Nature

Day 1: Chennai City Tour

Chennai, India on May 23, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Saravana Bhavan

Enjoy traditional South Indian breakfast dishes like idli and dosa at this popular vegetarian restaurant open from 6:30am to 11pm.
INR300, 1h

9:30am

Visit Kapaleeshwarar Temple

Explore this historic and vibrant Dravidian style temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, open from 6:00am to 12:00pm and 4:00pm to 9:00pm, showcasing rich architecture and cultural heritage.
INR0, 1h

11:00am

Fort St. George Museum

Tour the museum housed in the first British fortress in India, offering insights into Chennai's colonial past, open 9:00am to 5:00pm.
INR15, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Dakshin

Savor authentic South Indian cuisine at Dakshin, known for its upscale ambiance and traditional flavors, open 12:00pm to 3:00pm.
INR800, 1h

2:00pm

Marina Beach Walk

Stroll along one of the longest urban beaches, soaking in local life and sunset views; open all day with free access.
INR0, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at Peshawri

Enjoy delicious North-West frontier dishes in a rustic setting, open from 7:00pm to 11:30pm, perfect to savor hearty grilled specialties.
INR1000, 1.5h
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Day 2: Mahabalipuram Exploring

Mahabalipuram, India on May 24, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel in Chennai

Start early with a quick and nutritious breakfast to prepare for the day's travel and sightseeing.
INR300, 0.5h

8:00am

Drive to Mahabalipuram

A scenic 1.5-hour drive south along the East Coast Road from Chennai to Mahabalipuram.
INR1500 (car rental), 1.5h

10:00am

Shore Temple Visit

Explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its ancient rock temples facing the Bay of Bengal, open 6:00am to 6:00pm.
INR40, 1h

11:30am

Five Rathas

Visit the monolithic rock-cut temples named after the Pandava brothers, showcasing exquisite Pallava art.
INR40, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at Moonrakers

Dine on fresh seafood and Indian dishes in a seaside setting, open 12:00pm to 9:00pm.
INR700, 1h

2:30pm

Arjuna's Penance

Marvel at the largest open-air rock relief in India, depicting epic mythological stories.
INR40, 45m

4:00pm

Relax at Mahabalipuram Beach

Enjoy a peaceful late afternoon by the sea before heading to the next destination.
INR0, 1h

5:30pm

Drive to Pondicherry

Travel northwest approximately 2 hours to Pondicherry, known for its French colonial heritage.
INR2000 (car rental), 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Le Café

Dine on the beachfront at this lively café serving continental and Indian dishes open until midnight.
INR600, 1h
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Day 3: Pondicherry French Charm

Pondicherry, India on May 25, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Baker Street

Enjoy French-style pastries and coffee at this popular bakery open from 7:00am to 8:00pm.
INR350, 1h

9:30am

Visit Sri Aurobindo Ashram

Experience the spiritual ambiance at this peaceful ashram complex, open 6:00am to 12:30pm and 2:00pm to 6:30pm.
INR0, 1h

11:00am

Explore French Quarter

Walk through the charming colonial streets with colorful buildings, boutiques and art galleries.
INR0, 1.5h

1:00pm

Lunch at Villa Shanti

Taste fusion Tamil and French cuisine in an elegant heritage home setting, open 12:00pm to 3:00pm.
INR700, 1h

3:00pm

Promenade Beach Walk

Relax with a scenic walk along the rocky beach promenade lined with statues and cafes.
INR0, 1h

4:30pm

Visit Botanical Gardens

Stroll through lush gardens featuring medicinal plants and exotic trees, open 9:00am to 6:00pm.
INR20, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at Coromandel Café

Enjoy a calm evening meal in this colonial style café with a menu featuring Indian and continental dishes, open till 10:30pm.
INR600, 1h
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Day 4: Channapatna Temples

Channapatna, India on May 26, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel in Pondicherry

Start the day with a hearty breakfast before traveling inland.
INR300, 0.5h

8:00am

Drive to Channapatna

A longer drive of about 5.5 hours traveling northwest from Pondicherry through scenic countryside.
INR3500 (car rental), 5.5h

1:30pm

Lunch at local restaurant

Stop for a flavorful lunch of Karnataka specialties featuring local thalis or dosa.
INR500, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Channapatna Temples

Explore the historic Hindu temples and local markets known for traditional wooden toy making.
INR0, 2h

5:00pm

Drive to Bangalore

A short 1.5 hour drive to Bangalore, ready to explore the city next day.
INR1000 (car rental), 1.5h

7:00pm

Dinner at MTR (Mavalli Tiffin Room)

Enjoy authentic Bangalore vegetarian meals in a historic setting open till 10:30pm.
INR700, 1h
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Day 5: Bangalore Urban & Gardens

Bangalore, India on May 27, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Koshy's

Famous Bangalore eatery offering a mix of Indian and international breakfast dishes, open 7:30am to 11:30pm.
INR400, 1h

9:30am

Visit Lalbagh Botanical Gardens

Explore the expansive botanical gardens featuring rare plants and a glasshouse modelled on London’s Crystal Palace, open 6:00am to 7:00pm.
INR20, 2h

11:30am

Bangalore Palace Tour

Tour the Tudor-style palace showcasing royal artifacts and beautiful architecture, open 10:00am to 5:30pm.
INR230, 1.5h

1:30pm

Lunch at Vidyarthi Bhavan

Eat famous masala dosa and South Indian snacks at a local favorite open till afternoon hours.
INR250, 1h

3:00pm

Cubbon Park Walk

Enjoy a peaceful walk through Bangalore’s central park lined with green trees and the State Central Library.
INR0, 1.5h

5:00pm

Explore MG Road & Brigade Road

Shop and experience the bustling city vibe along two of Bangalore’s prime streets filled with cafes and shops.
Variable, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Ebony

Dine at a rooftop restaurant offering a variety of Indian and Asian dishes with panoramic city views, open till 11:00pm.
INR1200, 1.5h
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