Bengaluru to Chennai (NH4) via (Kanchipuram, TamilNadu.)

The best route that worked for me was Bengaluru-Kolar-Palmaner- Chittoor-Ranipeta-Kanchipuram-Chennai. That shaved of 40 Kms for me if I had to take the road through busy Hosur-Krishnagiri route.

I have put in an extra 20kms for the trip to Kanchipuram. If you do not intend to visit Kanchipuram then the total distance is 320 Kms. The toll road starts after crossing Ranipet and cruising is norm. A special mention for Ranipet. The Ranipettai area is industrialized and the air is polluted. Take precautions.

Old signs of Chennai previously known as Madras are still visible. Near Kolar you can visit Antaragange. Further the road becomes a ghat road from Palmaner to Ranipet (Andhra Pradesh). The road is decent and since it is a national highway NH4 it is well maintained. This road is much less travelled and traffic is comparatively less and more scenic. There are a couple of check points and since you are inter-stating you can expect a couple of checkpoints. Nothing to fear. Read why the gopurams were built.

Kanchipuram has some very old temples. The town is a tourism gold mine if the several temples are given their due. Old meaning atleast a 1000 years. Very well built with big gopurams. I visited the Ekambarathar temple.

Their is a legend about the mango tree in the Ekambarathar temple. The temple has so many intricately carved pillars,sculptures and are awe striking. The poojaris and temple staff are heavily corrupt and expect money as if it were their birthright. Ignore them. Enjoy the beauty. Foreigners are exempt from the sanctum but are free to roam around the temple and you can photograph by paying a nominal fee.

The hall meant for the dancing ladies and teasury. Other temples of importance are the Kamatchi Amman temple and the Vardaraja Perumal temple. The place is famous for silk sarees and the entire town is involved in the production of it. I have read that child labour is routine. The town can be better managed with respect of the garbage management. Before Ranipet there is the famous Vellore medical hospital. They say it is one of the premier medical hospitals.