Chennai Panaji Run

1/ Today will be your “meet your Ambassador” training day in Chennai. Get to know your special car, since you’ll be long time friends, whether you like it or not, over the next couple of weeks.

2/ We’ll push off from Chennai to the spectacular temple town of Madurai. At the heart of Tamil Nadu, you can immerse yourself in the local culture and discover the brightly coloured gopurams, temple gate towers, to get a sense of what Dravidian architecture is all about.

3/ You won’t be able to drive much more south than this. Welcome to Kanyakumari, mainland India’s most southerly point. If you make it in time, catch the sunrise over the point where the Indian Ocean, Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea meet – or the sunrise, if you really like early mornings.

4/ We’ll take a long drive up through the palm-clad state of Kerala, crossing backwaters clogged up with iconic houseboats up to the city of Kochi. If you like fortresses and Chinese nets, you’re in for a treat. Head down and see the interesting Chinese fishing nets as the sun goes down, or dip your toes in the Arabian Sea and pay thanks your Amby has made it so far.

5/ Drive through green hills, past waterfalls up into Coimbatore, where you’ll find more waterfalls and stunning temples, but if you’re looking to buy some textiles, this is the place to do it, since it’s famous across India for its clothing industries.

6 & 7/ Some day that if you haven’t been to Mysore, then you haven’t been to South India, shop around its famous bazaar for some sandalwood or other spices, or check out the stunning palaces around. We’re spending our rest day here so you can make sure your car gets as a rest as you do to the footwork for a change.

8/ We’re back on the road and making our journey north again, to the city of Kadapa, also known as Cuddaph. Like architecture? Then you’ll love this city, which has seen a variety of cultural influences over the years and their markings left in the architecture styles in the city.

9/ Drive past mango groves and towards the mountains to the city of Vijayawada, located on the banks of the Krishna River, you’ll find intricate caves and temples in the area, and spicy, yet delicious spicy food in the region.

10/ You can take things a little easier today on the drive up to Hyderabad. This city is famed for its four towered Charminar and Golconda Fortress. If your Amby has made it this far, then give yourself a pat on the back, we’ve got a couple of days left for everything to still break down.

11/ We’re heading back east, and I know that’s really confusing since we’re crisscrossing the south, but bear with us. This town plays a key role in the part of the epic Ramayana, and in other Hindu texts. Far too complicated to go into all the detail right now, so you’ll just have to wait and see!

12/ So you’ve made it to Goa! Congratulations! It’s time to hit the beach or if you want to explore more, head into Panaji and explore the old Portuguese quarter of Fontainhas. Take a break, you enjoy it, and your beloved Amby will appreciate the rest.