[csentil]

Best route to Kumbakonam is (or atleast what the buses take from here to Kumbakonam)

Bangalore - Hosur - Krishnagiri - Thiruvannamalai - Thirukoyilur - Panruti - Sethiathoppu - Kumbakonam.

or

Bangalore - Krishnagiri - Thiruvannamalai - Villupuram - Panruti - Sethiathoppur - Kumbakonam.

This route is slightly longer but could have better roads.

You will intersect NH45 but don't take it as there's road work going on in places.

My team mate is from Kumbakonam and this is the route that he takes. Told me the roads are pretty much ok throughout.

Your Route 1 is being 4 laned and there is heavy traffic from Salem onwards.