Leave early so the group arrives by 8:00 for a full day; ECR is the fastest scenic route from Chennai. Choose a college minibus or book public transport to keep costs low.
Start at the north cluster to see the monolithic rathas and the giant bas‑relief 'Descent of the Ganges' — compact, impressive sites ideal for quick exploration and photos.
Walk down to the iconic Shore Temple and its shoreline setting; great for group photos and orientation along the bay while keeping a relaxed, budget pace.
Pop into the small museum for a quick look at sculptures and inscriptions (arrives soon after opening); gives context but keeps the visit short and inexpensive.
Visit the craft stalls and small workshops; ask for a short carving demo (often free or for a small donation) and buy inexpensive souvenirs made by local artisans.
Walk the nearby market or harbour area to see local life and inexpensive snacks — good for photography and quick cultural observation without added cost.
Head back to college/Chennai by 19:00 as planned; travel time varies with traffic — arriving back typically 1–1.5 hours later. Be sure to account for lights, water and any medications before boarding.