'Must visit' places in Bangalore?

What are the things to do and experience, and some cool places to visit while doing a road trip from chennai to Bangalore?

• I'm planning to do a road trip from Chennai to Bangalore. I have never done a road trip before.. So I would be grateful if you could advice me on the following :  * What route should I take? * What is the ideal time for me to start my journey? * Approximate time taken? * Things I should carry? * Places or restaurants that I should visit on the way? * Approximate estimate of expenses? * Must visit places on the way? P.s : Please note that I own a Royal Enfield classic 350 which is roughly 4 months old.I have NO PREVIOUS experience of road trips. And I'm planning to return after a day may be. - Thanks.

• Answer:

  Well going by some of my past journeys from Chennai to Bangalore, this is my take, going by the questions you asked. What route should I take? There are actually two routes here, one is Chennai to Arcot, and you take a detour to Vellore there, from where you can proceed to Bangalore via Krishnagiri and Hosur, approximately around 350 KM. The other route is take a detour from Arcot to Ranipet, and from there, you pass Chittor, Palamaner, Kolar to Bangalore. While the first route is slightly longer, the road is much better and smoother to drive on there. What is the ideal time for me to start my journey? I would advice you to start around 5-6 A.M. the traffic rush is much less, and as the day goes on,  it takes a longer time to get out of Chennai, especially at Poonamalle High Road. Approximate time taken? It should not take more than 5 hours, even if you stop in between for some breakfast. And assuming, there are no major traffic snarls or holdups on the way.  Things I should carry? Keep it as light as you can, have some bottles of water, a camera if you want to shoot some good pictures around, couple of biscuit packs. Ensure your bike is having a good tool kit that can come in handy during emergency. Also make sure your bike gets a good checkup, before you start on the trip. Places or restaurants that I should visit on the way? If you are really not in a rush, you could check out the the Adikesava Perumal Temple at Sri Perumbudur, worth a visit, as also the memorial at the spot where Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated. The fort at Vellore is worth a visit too And also the Sripuram temple at Vellore  also called the Golden Temple. The stretch between Krishnagiri and Vaniyambadi has some pretty scenic vistas, and you also have the Krishnagiri Reservoir cum Dam too. Most of these places, though are located off the main road, so you would have to be taking some detours there. You have decent eateries all along the route, though if you are looking for some really good food, you could try out the Adyar Anandha Bhavan at Krishnagiri. You also have Aryaas at Vellore, which is more of a roadside shack, but has decent food. Approximate estimate of expenses? You have a good number of toll gates on the way, where you would have to be shelling out between Rs 25-30, so have a ready amount of cash to pay for it. Also drive steady, because like most Indian roads, users here tend to swerve and jump in from crazy angles, without regard for others. And keep your distance from those ancient trucks, that keep plying across the roads, they are the most dangerous of the lot. Well hope my answer was helpful, and yes best of luck with your road trip, drive safe, have a great time.