[warrioraks]

I am planning a road trip from Bangalore next week. Right now thinking of covering ECR (East Cost Road):
- Bangalore to Pondicherry
- Pondicherry to Dhanushkodi
- Dhanushkodi to Kanyakumari
- Kanyakumari to Bangalore

I would have around 8 days for this and since it is a solo venture, would not be spending a lot of time at one place. The focus is on driving through scenic routes.

Few questions fellow bhpians:
- Am I missing much by not starting on the ECR from Chennai?
- Is there another circuit I could consider from Bangalore considering year end rush?

Thanks in advance!

[thirugata]

Originally Posted by warrioraks

I would have around 8 days for this and since it is a solo venture, would not be spending a lot of time at one place. The focus is on driving through scenic routes.

Considering the above factor, you wouldnt need 8 days for route. So you can add more pitstops enroute and utilize the time better.

I have done same route few years back (Excluding Kanyakumari), sharing the link here to give you an idea about what can be added.

Have a nice trip.

[GrandTourer]

Originally Posted by warrioraks

I am planning a road trip from Bangalore next week. Right now thinking of covering ECR (East Cost Road):
- Bangalore to Pondicherry
- Pondicherry to Dhanushkodi
- Dhanushkodi to Kanyakumari
- Kanyakumari to Bangalore

....

- Am I missing much by not starting on the ECR from Chennai?
- Is there another circuit I could consider from Bangalore considering year end rush?

No, you won't miss much by skipping ECR from Chennai, unless you're interested in miles of speed cameras (Not sure if it's still the case).

My suggestion would be to skip Kanyakumari altogether, and add Kodaikanal to your itenarary. Instead you can do this:

Day 1: Blr - Pondi
Day 2: Pondi
Day 3: Pondi to Dhanuskodi
Day 4: Rameswaram-Dhanushkodi
Day 5: Rameswaram - Kodai
Day 6-7: Kodai
Day 8: Kodai - Blr

You can spend an extra day at Pondi, as there are quite a few places to see like Rock beach, Paradise beach, White Town, Auroville, etc. Be sure to try Baker Street, Cafe Xtasi & Shanti's.

Dhanushkodi - Rameswaram is a 1 day thing. When you reach Rameswaram, you can spend time on Pamban bridge for sunset, and next day you can go early morning to land's end for sunrise, then spend the day in Rameswaram. You can find my travelogue here (Bidding Adieu to 2021 | Rameswaram, Dhanushkodi & Kodaikanal Road Trip).

Kodaikanal will be a very welcome change from the slightly hot and very humid part of your journey thus far.