This is about a road trip in the month of May in the sweltering heat from Bengaluru to East Coast of Tamilnadu
There’s something deeply grounding about a road trip that blends ancient temples, coastal air, and quiet spiritual towns. This circular itinerary starting and ending in Bengaluru is designed for slow travel—where the journey is just as meaningful as the destinations.
This route weaves through Tamil Nadu’s sacred sites, UNESCO heritage temples, serene ashrams, and historic Chola capitals, making it ideal for travelers seeking culture, devotion, and reflection.
The Route at a Glance
Bengaluru → Kanchipuram → Mahabalipuram → Auroville → Puducherry → Chidambaram → Vaitheeswarankoil → Gangaikonda Cholapuram → Tiruvannamalai → Bengaluru
Drive times + distances for each leg:
- Bengaluru → Kanchipuram (~6–6.5 hrs)
- Kanchipuram → Mahabalipuram (~1.5–2 hrs)
- Mahabalipuram → Auroville → Puducherry (~3 hrs)
- Puducherry → Chidambaram → Gangaikonda Cholapuram → Tiruvannamalai (~6–7 hrs)
- Tiruvannamalai → Bengaluru (~5 hrs)
We left Bengaluru at 6:00 a.m., which made a noticeable difference—lighter traffic, cooler temperatures. We had also gotten the TN permit ahead of time that helped save wait time at the Karnataka-TN border. This itinerary was planned over 6 days, intentionally paced for summer travel with kids and elders.
Day 1: Bengaluru to Kanchipuram
Known as one of the seven sacred cities of India, Kanchipuram set the tone for the journey. We started our trip at 6am from Bengaluru and headed to Kanchipuram after stopping for breakfast at Paakashala @ Konerpalli Hosur Road. Once we reached Kanchi, checked into our hotel to Regency Kanchipuram by GRT Hotels. Later in the afternoon, we shopped at Prakash Silks and A.S.BABU SAH. Once the day temps cooled, we visited the Kamakshi Amman temple. Keep in mind that the lines are long and can take a while.The parking lot is a little way away from the temple. On our way back to the hotel, we stopped at the Kanchi Peetha and had the darshan of the Guru. We were running late and most restaurants close about 8:30p, so we ended up in a not so good dinner experience.
Day 2-3: Kanchipuram -Mahabalipuram – Stone Meets the Sea
Spent the first half of the early day in Kanchipuram visiting Ekambareshwar and Kailasanathar temples. We checked out Kancheepuram Murugan Silk Co-Operative Society based on recommendations to visit a Co-op- beautiful collection.
By mid-afternoon, we were on our way to Mahabalipuram/Mammalapuram and our stay was at: Hotel Mamallaa Heritage. We walked the Five Rathas Street and the Raja street. It is a short walk but on a hot day, it can feel longer with no shade. Lots of vendors on the street and small shops to buy souvenirs, stone carvings and stone utensils. Evening was beautiful sunset time – there is not much parking, so planning is important based on sunset time. The hotel also has an excellent vegetarian restaurant that we dined at multiple times over the 2 days we stayed.
The sunrise is not to be missed either, the walk to watch the sunrise outside of the Shore temple is not very pretty. Watch your step on the sand. It looks pretty filthy to walk the sand, but the sunrise experience is worth it all.
We returned to the hotel after sunrise since there isn’t anything open that hour to sight see. Later, we returned to visit The Shore Temple – it is iconic and very unique. We then drove to visit the Mahishasura Mardini and Varaha Caves – it was high temperatures with no shade and yet it was packed with people. There is also a shell museum that one can visit – we did not since it was our day to do little and not tire everyone out.
TIP: carry lots of water and hat to save yourself from dehydration.
We returned to the hotel and stopped at Coffee & Cones – one of the best coffees and pastries – do not miss to check it out.
Day 4: Mahabalipuram -Auroville – Puducherry
A short drive away, Auroville invites you to slow down intentionally. There isn’t much to sight see on the way to Auroville from Mahabalipuram, also not many restaurants. We stopped at Adyar Ananda Bhavan – A2B for lunch. The next stop was the Auroville Visitors Centre – a good place for facilities and there are boutique stores too. From there it is a nature walk (~1.5 miles round trip) to the Matrimandir viewpoint – the place just brings a sense of calm and slowness.
Our drive then began to the most awaited city Puducherry and on our way stopped at Sri Aurobindo Handmade Paper company. One can book a paper factory tour ahead of time, which I was not aware of. But they also sell beautiful paper products – cards, bags, paper. It is well worth a visit whether for the tour or to pick up some gifts. Our next stop Petit Palais – a small, well-kept hotel within walking distance to the beach.
A short break from the drive and heat, we then walked to Baker Street to enjoy their savories and pastries – they were delicious! Continued the walk – French Quarter to Bharathi Park Puducherry and spent some time in the park strolling. A beautiful park in the middle of hustle-bustle. As the sun started to set, we got on the boardwalk and there are lots of food/water places to refill as needed. Ended our day with the most delicious dinner at 𝗞𝗮𝗶𝗹𝗮𝘀𝗵 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗯𝗮𝘁. Our legs had given up by this time, so we took a taxi back to our hotel. I will definitely be returning to Puducherry for a slow-paced town experience.
Day 5: Longest day on the road – Puducherry → Chidambaram → Vaitheeswarankoil → Gangaikonda Cholapuram → Tiruvannamalai
We started very early in the morning from Puducherry knowing that most temples are closed by 1p and do not open until 5p. After a quick breakfast stop, we were on the road to The Chidambaram Nataraja Temple . It is a spiritual and philosophical highlight of the trip. Dedicated to Shiva as the cosmic dancer, the temple is beautifully built – a must visit!
Immediately, started the drive to Vaitheeswarankoil, associated with healing and renewal. We reached about the time temple was closing, we got to see the last aarathi before the temple closes for the afternoon. There are shops along the way to buy flowers and offerings. There is also an offering with salt and jaggery that is sold in temple premises that can be donated in a special hundi to ward off any health-related issues. It is believed the water from the kalyani helps heal skin issues, we did not get there in time for a dip.
We had plenty of time do while away before Gangaikonda Cholapuram , so we stopped for lunch in a small local roadside restaurant (those are the only options around here) and planned to reach Gangaikonda about 4p. This temple is as if not more magnificent than the UNESCO‑listed Brihadeeswara Temple. Plan to spend plenty of time to soak in this architectural beauty and the history.
This was our last stop on a long day and we headed to Tiruvannamalai for overnight stay at Athena Hotel.
Day 6:Tiruvannamalai to Bengaluru
The journey towards Bengaluru started with a trip to Arunachaleswarar Temple and the sacred Arunachala hill. It can be extremely hot in the temple vicinity and inside the temple. There is no seating and the lines can be long for a darshan. The parking is not close to the temple, neither is the footwear stand. We got ourselves dropped off closer to the temple entrance and spent about 4 hours to wait in line and finish the darshana. We stopped for late lunch at Sree Saravana Bhavan Veg. Treat and headed home.
The drive back to Bengaluru completes the circle—geographically and spiritually. What you return with isn’t just photos or memories, but a sense of calm, history, and connection.
Things to Be Prepared for in Summer months
Traveling this route in Summer requires intention and preparation.
- Heat & humidity: Start drives early in the morning and plan temple visits before noon or later in the evening
- Hydration: Carry water, electrolytes, and light snacks at all times.
- Temple dress codes: Light cotton clothing that still respects temple norms is essential.
- Slower pace: Build buffer time—afternoons may naturally become rest periods.
- Family travel: Keep shaded stops and clean restrooms in mind when planning meals.
Adventure , Food & Fun! 
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