[ravib]

Originally Posted by Sreesh1009

I am headed to Chennai tomorrow afternoon and wanted to know which route to take. Do I go via KR Puram or E-City?

Another question I have is what are some good and moderately priced hotels in Central Chennai?

Thanks in advance!

If you are in east side, then you can definitely take K.R. Puram route via Chittoor. Read through the posts below to know current status.
YOu may need to take a detour via Katpadi due to road construction work near Bommasamudram railway track.

You can stay at Palmgrove hotel in Nungambakkam , central chennai - which is good.

-Ravi

[Adsc0230]

Originally Posted by Adsc0230

Hi,

In the last week of September mid-week, I have a meeting in Chennai and I am looking forward to a Bangalore (Whitefield) to Chennai road trip. I intend to start around 8AM from Whitefield and return the next day for an early afternoon start from Chennai back to Bangalore - so a quick 2-day trip.

I have gone through several of the posts in this thread and there's a lot of good info however I believe it's in bits and pieces and some info could be old given the active construction on highways.

This will be my first time driving this route and I am not aware of the towns and areas on the way. Most of the posts mention to avoid certain Google map routes and places that again I am not familiar with. I don't mind the usual traffic as I believe that's expected.

If someone here has recently done this route, can you please help share a comprehensive route guide along with pit stops to help plan this drive? If there is a post already, please help with the link to the same.

Thanks in advance.

Hi Team,

Google Maps shows me this route for Whitefield (Bangalore) to Teynampet (Chennai) and based on the thread here it seems to be the best possible option: Whitefield - Kolar - Mulbagal - Palamaner - Chittoor - Ranipet - Kanchipuram - Sriperumbudur - Teynampet

I have three questions for the people who regularly do Bangalore-Chennai and return -

1. Can some please confirm this route is good for day-time driving starting 8AM from Bangalore considering the ongoing construction, traffic and bad patches on a weekday?

2. Can someone please suggest 2-3 pit stops on this route for quick breaks as I would be the sole driver for the entire road trip and back? My wife will be joining me but she will my co-pilot for the entire jourtney

3. Is the same route in reverse good to return from Chennai to Bangalore (Whitefield) as well assuming a 12-1PM start from Chennai?

[ravib]

Originally Posted by Adsc0230

Hi Team,

Google Maps shows me this route for Whitefield (Bangalore) to Teynampet (Chennai) and based on the thread here it seems to be the best possible option: Whitefield - Kolar - Mulbagal - Palamaner - Chittoor - Ranipet - Kanchipuram - Sriperumbudur - Teynampet

I have three questions for the people who regularly do Bangalore-Chennai and return -

1. Can some please confirm this route is good for day-time driving starting 8AM from Bangalore considering the ongoing construction, traffic and bad patches on a weekday?

2. Can someone please suggest 2-3 pit stops on this route for quick breaks as I would be the sole driver for the entire road trip and back? My wife will be joining me but she will my co-pilot for the entire jourtney

3. Is the same route in reverse good to return from Chennai to Bangalore (Whitefield) as well assuming a 12-1PM start from Chennai?

Short answer is Yes for questions #1 and #3. You can very well do up & down travel in same route. Being in whitefield, it makes no sense to take Hosur route. You can reach Old Madras Road at Kattamanallur via Seegahalli and join near to Hoskote toll skipping K.R. Puram/Battrahalli traffic.
However 8 am on a week day will have peak hour traffic everywhere, so you may be slowed down. Atleast 7 am is better IMO.

However, remember after Chittoor CMC campus - there is a road block near Bommasamudram railway gate, so you will see a right turn redirection towards Katpadi/Vellore, which will skip Ranipet town. If your car is hatchback/low GC sedan, please take the Katpadi route though it is 20 kms more and adds 30 mts time and join NH at Vellore.

So your route will be - Whitefield - Kolar - Mulbagal-Palamaner-Chittoor-Katpadi-Vellore-Chennasamudram Toll - Kanchipuram-Sriperumbudur-Teynampet.


For #2 - You can stop in below places which has good clean restrooms.

1) Highway star - https://maps.app.goo.gl/RVHtqXvkvxVcpS939
2) Sri Krishna Grand - https://maps.app.goo.gl/S3btrF4yuGEBZLWcA
3) Sreenivasa Grand (before Nangali toll) - https://maps.app.goo.gl/eWA4K2ExD9Us3mHUA
4) Nandi Food Plaza - https://maps.app.goo.gl/NvUsfDMrTh5e933g9
5) UPasahna - https://maps.app.goo.gl/AMa67wrGLYswgFbt8 or Hotel Saravana Bhavan ( just adjancent building to upasana)

1 and 5 restaurants are in Bangalore to Madras direction. 2, 3 and 4 are in Madras to Bangalore direction.

Drive safe!

-Ravi

[srvm]

Originally Posted by Adsc0230

Hi Team,
Google Maps shows me this route for Whitefield (Bangalore) to Teynampet (Chennai) and based on the thread here it seems to be the best possible option: Whitefield - Kolar - Mulbagal - Palamaner - Chittoor - Ranipet - Kanchipuram - Sriperumbudur - Teynampet

Yes, the route is perfectly safe for travel during day and night time.
Please read the last two pages in the Chittoor route thread. There is a railway underpass construction in this route. So you have to take a detour after Chittoor - via Katpadi-Vellore-Arcot. You will not be going via Ranipet.
This adds some 10km to the route you have mentioned. But there is no other easier way for now.

Generally, roads are in good shape. Just watch out for few big potholes near AP-TN border (just after you take a right turn below a big overpass, near Naraharipeta). You wont damage your underbody if your speed is in check. There will be some traffic between Katpadi and Vellore. Bear with it until you join NH4 at Vellore.
If this is your first time via road, please factor about 7-8 hours including breaks.

Plenty of fuel bunks and restaurants on both sides of the highway. Don't know your food preferences. Some good options for Vegetarians on this route:

Bangalore-Chennai direction

Paakashala at Hoskote: https://maps.app.goo.gl/mKUXhZ4G79TWCefc9

Swathi Hotel at Narsapura bypass: https://maps.app.goo.gl/2zeGBNXSEW3yWTEo6

Saravana Bhavan at Vellore: https://maps.app.goo.gl/yMTGyeqPneCwDM2u6

Upashana hotel on Kanchipuram bypass: https://maps.app.goo.gl/n5XWX3ezcqNRFBfh6


Chennai-Bangalore direction

Murugan Idli shop near Kaveripakkam: https://maps.app.goo.gl/5knocnt3rfUDYaNd9


Sri Krishna Grand near AP-KA border: https://maps.app.goo.gl/QRr848gVamv49RV3A

Sri Srinivasa Grand near AP-KA border: https://maps.app.goo.gl/NBdP5ZLpNnNcAbJN8

Sri Balaji Bhavan near Mulabagal: https://maps.app.goo.gl/iVSZqLQTRNtgSw2u8

Aradhya Grand near Kolar: https://maps.app.goo.gl/MtoRfs3oU5uNQWRe7

[PrideRed]

Originally Posted by srvm

Yes, the route is perfectly safe for travel during day and night time.
Please read the last two pages in the Chittoor route thread. There is a railway underpass construction in this route. So you have to take a detour after Chittoor - via Katpadi-Vellore-Arcot. You will not be going via Ranipet.
This adds some 10km to the route you have mentioned. But there is no other easier way for now.

When has this been implemented? When I travelled 3 months back, while I recall there was a road block, most cars were allowed to take Ranipet road.

[Madrasin_selvan]

Originally Posted by Adsc0230

Hi Team,

Google Maps shows me this route for Whitefield (Bangalore) to Teynampet (Chennai) and based on the thread here it seems to be the best possible option: Whitefield - Kolar - Mulbagal - Palamaner - Chittoor - Ranipet - Kanchipuram - Sriperumbudur - Teynampet

I have three questions for the people who regularly do Bangalore-Chennai and return -

This is the best possible route as you are starting from Whitefield, although you need to take a short detour through Katpadi -Vellore which is not shown on the map above. You can refer to posts in the Bangalore -Chittoor -Chennai thread on this.

On points 1 and 3, the timings which you have suggested should not be a problem. The traffic until Katpadi is sparse, after which it grows manifold since both the highways merge. The diversions are present all through the stretch, but become more prominent between Chittoor - Katpadi and after Ranipet.

On point 2, There is Highway Star rest stop after Kolar which has good food options. You have other options enroute, like A2B in Melvisharam or Murugan Idly after Chennasamudram Toll as well.

[narayans80]

Originally Posted by PrideRed

When has this been implemented? When I travelled 3 months back, while I recall there was a road block, most cars were allowed to take Ranipet road.

I encountered this on 6th July. The road block is narrow enough, only 2 wheelers will pass.

[Capri89]

Originally Posted by srvm

So you have to take a detour after Chittoor - via Katpadi-Vellore-Arcot. You will not be going via Ranipet.

You can go via Ranipet after the detour.



Don't take left here as the sign says. This will take you to Thiruvalluvar university. Go further straight.

After crossing Katpadi railway station, take left (don't go further straight through Vellore town and touch Arcot/Melvisharam etc.). No sign boards here to indicate turn for Chennai.

This is the VIT road, a nice 4 laned SH.

[srvm]

Originally Posted by Capri89

You can go via Ranipet after the detour.

Attachment 2654587

Don't take left here as the sign says. This will take you to Thiruvalluvar university. Go further straight.

After crossing Katpadi railway station, take left (don't go further straight through Vellore town and touch Arcot/Melvisharam etc.). No sign boards here to indicate turn for Chennai.

This is the VIT road, a nice 4 laned SH.

Yes, this is a viable option. Though I haven't tried it out personally. I always assumed that it is better to hit NH4 at Vellore (which is very close from Katpadi railway station).

[anandhsub]

Originally Posted by Capri89

You can go via Ranipet after the detour.

Attachment 2654587

Don't take left here as the sign says. This will take you to Thiruvalluvar university. Go further straight.

After crossing Katpadi railway station, take left (don't go further straight through Vellore town and touch Arcot/Melvisharam etc.). No sign boards here to indicate turn for Chennai.

This is the VIT road, a nice 4 laned SH.

As srvm said it is only 5kms from this left turn to NH4. Is it really worth taking this instead of continuing towards NH4? Asking because Gmaps too is showing this route instead of going via NH4.


My next drive will only be during Dussehra. I havent been to Chennai since July. Anyone has any idea how long the Bommasamudram work is for.

Depending on how bad the traffic is, especially given the holiday weekend, might seriously consider taking the Vande Bharat or even a flight instead.

[Capri89]

@anandhsub

This map takes you via Thiruvalluvar University. I haven't ridden this road.
I had suggested the road via VIT, which is a well tarmacked 4 lane road.
Yes, as suggested by @srvm the other road via Arcot/Mel Visharam is also an alternative.

Having said these, if one isn't far away from SBC and MGR then Vande Bharat is the best option.

[PrideRed]

Originally Posted by narayans80

I encountered this on 6th July. The road block is narrow enough, only 2 wheelers will pass.

I had travelled on June 15th and road was open , I assume this was started sometime later. I travelled Chennai over weekend and returned yesterday.

One the way to Chennai, Google suggested diversion at Chittur and did not show Ranipet as an option or I am not sure what alternative it suggested as I was driving. Took Chittur-Ponnai-Arakkonam-Chennai route. Was a 2 lane road for most part, crossing towns where traffic was moving slowly. That said I liked the road, as I could move ahead at reasonable pace. The best part is, I skipped the Sriperumbadoor stretch which I don't like due to numerous diversions.

For return journey took usual route via Ranipet. Yes, under bridge construction was in progress, but there is a 1-2KM detour option just before the closure via small village and mud road. As it was night could manage the narrow road, but can get tight during peak traffic. While its mud road and most cars can do easily, one has to be cautious as some parts only 1 car can make it through at a time.

Chennai to Vellore is a mess, with lot of diversions, traffic jams , trucks hogging right lane. I think if its day time would take the Chittur-Arakkonam route as I felt it was much peaceful while taking similar time.

[Innysta]

Originally Posted by PrideRed

One the way to Chennai, Google suggested diversion at Chittur and did not show Ranipet as an option or I am not sure what alternative it suggested as I was driving.

Bglre starting point: Hilton Garden, Mayanta tech park. For me, google maps mostly shows Chitoor-Ranipet and rarely shows Chitoor-Vellore.

Originally Posted by PrideRed

Took Chittur-Ponnai-Arakkonam-Chennai route. Was a 2 lane road for most part, crossing towns where traffic was moving slowly. That said I liked the road, as I could move ahead at reasonable pace. The best part is, I skipped the Sriperumpudur stretch which I don't like due to numerous diversions.

What was your destination in Chennai? After Arakkonam, did you go via. Thiruvallur? Wondering how you were able to skip Sriperumpudur?

Originally Posted by PrideRed

For return journey took usual route via Ranipet. Yes, under bridge construction was in progress, but there is a 1-2KM detour option just before the closure via small village and mud road.

Are you referring to the Underpass near Naraharipeta? Do you have dashcam footage? Going by other updates, starting from Tambaram to Hospet, going via Hosur is a strict NO and through Chitoor-Palamer route, confused between taking a right in Vellore or at Ranipet itself ?

[PrideRed]

Originally Posted by Innysta

Bglre starting point: Hilton Garden, Mayanta tech park. For me, google maps mostly shows Chitoor-Ranipet and rarely shows Chitoor-Vellore.


What was your destination in Chennai? After Arakkonam, did you go via. Thiruvallur? Wondering how you were able to skip Sriperumpudur?


Are you referring to the Underpass near Naraharipeta? Do you have dashcam footage? Going by other updates, starting from Tambaram to Hospet, going via Hosur is a strict NO and through Chitoor-Palamer route, confused between taking a right in Vellore or at Ranipet itself ?

Gmaps wasn't showing my usual route via Ranipet, instead asked me take diversion after crossing Tirupati exit. My destination in Chennai was T Nagar. I am not familiar with Thiruvallur, below is what I took.



There is a railway crossing close to Chittur, don't remember the name, but found that was closed on my return journey, Gmaps was updated with a small detour and from the place where I took detour, the construction was visible.

[ampere]

Originally Posted by PrideRed

Gmaps wasn't showing my usual route via Ranipet, instead asked me take diversion after crossing Tirupati exit. My destination in Chennai was T Nagar. I am not familiar with Thiruvallur, below is what I took.

I think it may have shown the option to Nagari and there on to Tiruvallur. Its great road NH716 (Part of Chennai-Tirupati highway and later to be a part of Surat-Chennai expressway). Most sections are already 4-laned.