Leave Chennai early via the East Coast Road for a scenic coastal drive toward Mahabalipuram; this avoids heavier midday traffic and sets a relaxed pace for the day. Expect 1–1.5 hours depending on your starting point in Chennai and traffic.
Enjoy a relaxed breakfast with coastal views — Moonrakers is a popular all-day café in Mahabalipuram ideal for couples; a light continental/Indian breakfast sets you up for the morning of sightseeing. (Most beachfront cafés open by ~8:00–9:00am; confirm on the day.)
Visit the iconic Shore Temple built by the Pallavas and stroll the adjacent beach — important for history, architecture and photography; highly recommended at morning light. Official visiting hours are typically around 6:00am–6:00pm (check ASI timings on the day).
Explore the monolithic rock-cut rathas — fine examples of Pallava stone carving and an essential stop to appreciate the variety of ancient temple forms. The site shares similar opening hours with the Shore Temple (usually 6:00am–6:00pm).
See the enormous open-air bas-relief (Arjuna's Penance) and the famous balancing rock (Krishna’s Butter Ball) — excellent for photos and to soak in the scale and detail of the carvings.
Have a leisurely lunch sampling fresh coastal and South Indian dishes; hotels and seaside restaurants offer good seafood and vegetarian options. Most hotel restaurants are open through lunch (around 12:00–3:00pm).
Walk up to the lighthouse area for panoramic coastal views and good vantage points for dolphin-spotting boats; the lighthouse precinct is a pleasant short stop (check local opening hours — often morning to late afternoon).
Browse local artisans and stone-carving workshops to watch demonstrations and pick a handcrafted souvenir — Mamallapuram is famous for its sculptors and you can buy small bas-relief panels or trinkets.
Unwind on the beach, take a swim (if weather permits), and set up for a romantic sunset — October sunsets on the east coast are usually around 5:45–6:15pm, so arrive early to find a quiet spot and take photos.
Enjoy an early dinner (seafood, tandoor, or South Indian thali) so you can relax and still head back to Chennai at a comfortable hour; most beachside restaurants serve dinner until 9:00–10:00pm but confirm closing times.
Head back north on ECR to Chennai to reach the city well before 10:00pm; evening traffic can vary, so this departure gives a comfortable buffer to arrive on time.
You'll arrive back in Chennai with time to spare before your 10:00pm requirement; if you want, stop for tea or a short walk along a nearby beach in the city.