[srvm]

Originally Posted by ampere

You dont have to tolerate Katpadi also. Do Chitoor-Ponnai-Ranipet.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/EURDjvr6DAEKxngr9

But its still 90min for 55km.

Ampere, yes that route is a viable alternative. I did do Bangalore-Chittoor-Ponnai-Chennai in first week of December-2024. Roads were fine. Crossing Chittoor took 25 minutes (around 7pm), which is typical.

But yesterday, Gmaps showed 40 minutes for crossing Chittoor. Hence, I took Vellore-Katpadi alternative.

Basically, every alternative has one or more pain points

[Madrasin_selvan]

Speaking of pain points, the AP Border to Walajahpet section is going to be 4 laned soon. We can expect the construction to start in another 6 months. Enjoy the ride until then, as we might need to debate soon on which road saves time and our energy as well.

[Slavia2021]

Once Vellore - Chennai present highway becomes better with manageable diversions and pothole free (Hope this happens by the time APTN border - Ranipet widening work starts), we could blindly take that Chittoor Bypass Katpadi - Vellore route.

[maheshsm12]

Originally Posted by srvm

Ampere, yes that route is a viable alternative. I did do Bangalore-Chittoor-Ponnai-Chennai in first week of December-2024. Roads were fine. Crossing Chittoor took 25 minutes (around 7pm), which is typical.

But yesterday, Gmaps showed 40 minutes for crossing Chittoor. Hence, I took Vellore-Katpadi alternative.

Basically, every alternative has one or more pain points

Driving from BLR to Chennai (destination: Opp Sipcot IT Park).
From Chittoor, which route is better (with less pains)
1. Chittoor-Thiruvalam-Ranipet
2. Chittoor-Ponnai-Ranipet
GMaps showing route 1.

Also wanted breakfast options around Kolar/Mulbagal.

[srvm]

Originally Posted by maheshsm12

Driving from BLR to Chennai (destination: Opp Sipcot IT Park).
From Chittoor, which route is better (with less pains)
1. Chittoor-Thiruvalam-Ranipet
2. Chittoor-Ponnai-Ranipet
GMaps showing route 1.

Also wanted breakfast options around Kolar/Mulbagal.

In option1, the Bommasamudram railway crossing is the potential pain point. If you are lucky, you'll sail through with minimal time waste. If you're unlucky, you could be stuck for 20-30 minutes.

In option2, crossing Chittoor town is the pain point. Takes about 20-30 minutes, typically.

Roads are reasonably good in both routes, for most parts.

Choose your poison!

[maheshsm12]

Originally Posted by srvm

Roads are reasonably good in both routes, for most parts.

Choose your poison!

Which is sweeter poison in your opinion. For me the Chittoor town route looks better, please share your expert opinion

[srvm]

Originally Posted by maheshsm12

Which is sweeter poison in your opinion. For me the Chittoor town route looks better, please share your expert opinion

Yes. I would take Chittoor town route, if I were you.

[mankuthimma]

Originally Posted by srvm

Yes. I would take Chittoor town route, if I were you.

For Ponnai route, there is a way to bypass Chittoor town traffic by taking a slight deviation. @ampere sir and others had suggested this "bypass" in one of the previous posts and it is very helpful, for both onward and return trips.



Just add a waypoint "Swagat Grand" and gmaps will redirect in this route. I've updated @ampere's gmaps route with this waypoint.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/3Cy7JKYPxAhxgLHm9

The so called 'forest route' (besides the deer park in the maps) is also undergoing expansion, but doesnt cause any trouble as the traffic is sparse in this short stretch.

[maheshsm12]

Originally Posted by maheshsm12

Driving from BLR to Chennai (destination: Opp Sipcot IT Park).
Also wanted breakfast options around Kolar/Mulbagal.

Wanted to know good breakfast options near Chittoor/Ranipet as Kolar/Mulbagal would be too early considering a 5am start.

[Madrasin_selvan]

Originally Posted by maheshsm12

Wanted to know good breakfast options near Chittoor/Ranipet as Kolar/Mulbagal would be too early considering a 5am start.

You can try either Nandhi Gardens, which is just before Chittoor town or Amirtha Restaurant, which is close to Ranipet TTDC.

[ravib]

Originally Posted by Madrasin_selvan

You can try either Nandhi Gardens, which is just before Chittoor town or Amirtha Restaurant, which is close to Ranipet TTDC.

+1
Don't miss Amirtha veg restaurant in the 3 road junction near TTDC. They serve yummy food. The place/ambience won't be very hi-fi as it is a normal restaurant, but for good food, its definitely a great choice.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/642RnRQmFMLnUFnk8

-Ravi

[maheshsm12]

Originally Posted by Madrasin_selvan

You can try either Nandhi Gardens, which is just before Chittoor town or Amirtha Restaurant, which is close to Ranipet TTDC.

Nandhi Gardens is shortlisted by my wife and Amirtha by me. Tough choice

[Slavia2021]

I am travelling to Chennai tomorrow morning. Going to start around 6:30 AM from Yelahanka. Is the congestion near Bommasamudram railway crossing going to be the whole day drama or could we escape if we start in the morning?

[maheshsm12]

Originally Posted by Madrasin_selvan

You can try either Nandhi Gardens, which is just before Chittoor town or Amirtha Restaurant, which is close to Ranipet TTDC.

We had breakfast at Nandhi Gardens before Chittoor.
Shall try at Amirtha on our return.
Do we take the same route back to avoid the traffic at railway crossing...via Ponnai?

The roads from Ranipet to Chennai has too many deviations, 100 kms took 2+ hrs.

Took almost 7 hrs drive from BLR. Is it considered too slow?

[ravib]

Originally Posted by maheshsm12

We had breakfast at Nandhi Gardens before Chittoor.
Shall try at Amirtha on our return.
Do we take the same route back to avoid the traffic at railway crossing...via Ponnai?

The roads from Ranipet to Chennai has too many deviations, 100 kms took 2+ hrs.

Took almost 7 hrs drive from BLR. Is it considered too slow?

6 to 7 hours is the new norm now unfortunately due to bad road conditions and diversions, particularly the last 100 kms between Chennasamudram toll to Madras. In all these years, it takes anywhere between 2 to 3 hours only for that stretch.

Doing door to door in 5 to 6 hour is like an achievement in current state , provided you plan to leave the city in early morning time or in odd hours.

For return, yes you can take the same Ponnai route and drive patiently OR if your car is an SUV/MUV then take a chance to drive via Bommasandram railway crossing.

-Ravi