1-Day trip to Chennai

Some learnings...

Travel Time To Airport (via BIAL bus) – 2 hrs (Fare: Rs. 205/-)

Report at least 30 minutes before flight departure if there is no check-in and at least 45 minutes before if there is luggage to be checked –in. 

(Could explore the web check-in option to see if it can save some waiting time at airport.)

Travel Time in air – 30 minutes(+ 10 minutes Take off and + 10 minutes landing)

Rs.350/- Airport drop off from Adyar

Return from Airport – Can take any BIAL bus to Hebbal and then take a connecting bus to Doddanekundi.

Trip to Thirunallar

Transport: Seabird Non A/C sleeper (Rs.750/-) -- decent one.

Duration: Bangalore to Karaikal took 11 hrs

Stay: Hotel Atlantic Inn (Rs.975 for A/C room -- next to bus stop, not bad - VandanaVeg Restaurant was good)

From Karaikal bus stop, many buses ply to Thirunallar, which is about 6kms away. It takes about 25 mins one way.

Nov 2014 (UPDATE ):
- Stayed at the same place next to the bus stand
- A/C room was Rs.1000/- + Rs.175 for extra bed
- Went by Universal travels sleeper bus - ~10 hrs journey

Feb 2016 (UPDATE):
- Went by Universal travels sleeper bus- 10 hrs journey with a small break in the middle.
- A/C double bedroom at ATLAANTIC INN costed Rs.1400/- (didn't take anything for extra bed)
-- The restaurant name is Vandana
- Went to Thirunallar by Auto - Rs.120/- one way
- Went to 'Nalathirtham', which is a little far from the main temple

Aug 2017 (UPDATE):
- Bus
-- Went by Universal travels sleeper bus
-- There was a break down in the middle that caused a delay of 4.5 hrs.
-- Tip: Carry some snacks and milk drinks for kids
- Lodge
-- A/C double bedroom at ATLAANTIC INN costed Rs.1500/- (including extra bed)
-- The restaurant name is Vandana. Lunch was not good. They don't serve any tiffin in the evening till 7 PM
-- Tip: There is a hotel by name 'Anandha Bhavan' on the main road, which serve everything
- Temple
-- Went to Thirunallar by Tavera A/C - Rs.600/- round trip
-- Left at 3:15 PM. Took 15 mins to reach Nalathirtham. Walked to Temple from there.
-- Temple was not crowded at 4 PM. Took Rs.100/- quick dharshan
-- Completed dharshan in 15 mins!
-- Note: The temple is open ALL DAY on Saturdays
- Weather
-- It was too hot in Karaikal
-- Tip: Check local weather before planning the trip

Mar 2018 (UPDATE):
- Bus
-- Universel travels sleeper bus from RKT tours & travels, Madiwala
-- Boarded at 9:25 pm; reached there at 7:00 am (no delay)
--- Had Breakfast at "Hotel Raman" near the Bus stop - it was good.
-- Return: Boarded at 7:30 pm; reached silk board at 6:00 am (no delay)
- Lodge
-- A/C double bedroom at ATLAANTIC INN costed Rs.1500/- (including extra bed)
-- The restaurant name is Vandana. Lunch was OK.
- Temple
-- Went to Thirunallar by Share Auto (6 ppl capacity) - TO: Rs. 120/-; FRO: Rs. 170/-
-- We were told that the crowd will be more for 2-3 months when the 'Shani Peyarchi' happens
-- On Saturdays, the temple is open the whole day and crowd seem to be less after 2 PM.

Dubai Trip - 2012

BEFORE TRAVEL
=============
Tickets:
Due to a promotion that was going on in Indigo, we could manage a cheap deal.
Route: Chennai <-> Dubai
Pax: 3 Adults + 1 Child + 1 Infant
Fare: 76 K (to and fro)
Date:  20-Dec-2012 (dep), 30-Dec-2012 (arr)

Visa:
Indigo itself has a agency that will help you get your visa without taking any additional charge.
- 14 days visa costed 4600/- per person.

Travel Insurance:
Just took a 10 day insurance for my Mom (senior citizen). Checked online and got Royal Sundaram for Rs.411/- for the entire duration.


WHEN IN DUBAI
=============
Stay:
We stayed at Som's sister's house for the whole duration. Home food as well, so saved a lot on that! :)

Places visited in Dubai:
Burj Khalifa
Dubai Mall
 - Aquarium & Underwater zoo
 - The Dubai Fountain
Creek Park
 - Dolphinarium
Dubai Creek boat ride
Krishna temple
Jumeirah Public Beach
Mall of Emirates
 - Ski Dubai
Oasis Centre Mall
Palm Jumeirah Monorail
Dubai Desert Safari
Dubai Zoo
Sharjah Aquarium
Sharjah Eye of the Emirates
Mamzar Park & Beach
Global Village