5-Day November 2026 Chennai & Mahabalipuram Coastal Loop — Heritage, Temples & Beachside Cuisine

Day 1: Arrival & Marina

Chennai, India on November 10, 2026

8:00am

Breakfast at Murugan Idli Shop (Triplicane)

Start with soft idlis and variety of chutneys at a popular local chain to experience authentic South Indian breakfast flavours.
INR250, 0h45m

9:30am

Walk Along Marina Beach

Stroll India's longest urban beach, watch morning fishermen, and visit the Vivekananda House nearby for coastal views and local life.
INR0, 1h0m

11:00am

Fort St. George & Museum

Explore the colonial-era fort and museum showcasing Chennai's British-era artifacts and history; it's a compact but rich introduction to the city's past.
INR50, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Rayar's Mess (Triplicane)

Enjoy a traditional Tamil thali—simple, homely curries and rice—favoured by locals for authentic taste and value.
INR200, 1h0m

3:00pm

Kapaleeshwarar Temple (Mylapore)

Visit this vibrant Dravidian temple with colorful gopuram and active rituals to experience Chennai's religious culture and architecture.
INR0, 1h0m

5:00pm

Sunset at Elliot's Beach (Besant Nagar)

Relax on a cleaner, calmer city beach with cafes and a relaxed evening crowd; good for people-watching and beachside snacks.
INR0, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Dakshin (ITC Grand Chola)

Dine on upscale South Indian coastal specialties and thalis in a refined setting to sample regional culinary finesse.
INR1800, 1h30m
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Day 2: Cultural Museums & Markets

Chennai, India on November 11, 2026

8:00am

Breakfast at Sangeetha Veg Restaurant

Hearty South Indian breakfast—dosas and filter coffee—popular with locals and quick service.
INR200, 0h45m

9:30am

Government Museum, Egmore

Large museum with archaeological and numismatic collections, ideal for history buffs; opens at 9:30am, plan 2 hours.
INR40, 2h0m

12:00pm

Shopping at T. Nagar

Explore Chennai's busiest shopping district for silk sarees, jewellery, and street snacks; lively and budget-friendly.
INR0, 1h30m

2:00pm

Lunch at Buhari (Anna Salai)

Try the famous Chicken 65 and Hyderabadi-influenced dishes at this long-standing eatery for robust flavors.
INR450, 1h0m

4:00pm

Semmozhi Poonga (Botanical Garden)

A peaceful urban botanical garden for a relaxed afternoon walk among themed plant sections and sculptures; open till evening.
INR50, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Anjappar Chettinad (Multiple outlets)

Experience Chettinad cuisine—aromatic spices and coastal influences; good spice levels and hearty portions.
INR600, 1h15m
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Day 3: Drive to Mahabalipuram

Mahabalipuram (Mamallapuram), India on November 12, 2026

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel and Check-out

Early breakfast at your Chennai hotel before the coastal drive south to Mahabalipuram (approx 1–1.5 hours via ECR).
INR0, 0h45m

9:00am

Shore Temple & Pancha Rathas

Explore UNESCO-listed Shore Temple and the monolithic Pancha Rathas—outdoor rock-cut architecture dating to 7th–8th century Pallava kings.
INR150, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Moonrakers

Beachside restaurant offering fresh seafood and continental options with a relaxed seaside vibe; ideal after temple visits.
INR800, 1h0m

2:30pm

Arjuna's Penance & Krishna's Butterball

See impressive open-air bas-reliefs and the giant balancing rock; close-up views of intricate Pallava-era sculptures.
INR50, 1h0m

4:30pm

Relax at Mahabalipuram Beach

Unwind on the sandy beach, swim (if safe) or stroll; sunset views are excellent from the shore.
INR0, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Surf Turf (Resort Restaurant)

Casual dinner with seafood and Indian mains in a comfortable resort setting close to the beach.
INR700, 1h15m
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Day 4: Heritage & Crafts

Mahabalipuram, India on November 13, 2026

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Simple breakfast at your hotel, fuel up for a day of temples, sculpture workshop visits, and coastal walks.
INR0, 0h45m

9:30am

Sculpture Workshops & Local Artisans

Visit local stone-carving workshops to watch artisans at work and buy hand-carved souvenirs; most open by mid-morning.
INR0, 1h30m

11:30am

Dakshinachitra (nearby)

Living-history museum (ethnographic arts and crafts) showcasing South Indian architecture and performances; check opening hours (typically 9:30am–5:30pm).
INR200, 2h0m

2:00pm

Lunch at The Wharf (Mahabalipuram)

Relaxed lunch spot with seafood and Indian dishes, good portion sizes and beach-facing seating.
INR600, 1h0m

4:00pm

Korean Temple & Lighthouse Viewpoint

Climb up to the lighthouse area for panoramic coastal views; the Korean built Temple of Draupadi is nearby—good photo opportunities.
INR50, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Siva's Restaurant

Local favourite offering homely Tamilian and seafood dishes—simple, flavorful, and budget-friendly.
INR400, 1h0m
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Day 5: Return to Chennai & Departure

Chennai, India on November 14, 2026

7:30am

Breakfast at Café Medley (Mahabalipuram)

Light breakfast and coffee before checkout; many cafes open around 7:30–8:00am to serve early travellers.
INR350, 0h45m

9:00am

Drive back to Chennai (ECR)

Return via scenic East Coast Road; allow 1–1.5 hours depending on traffic to reach Chennai city or airport.
INR0, 1h30m

11:00am

Chennai Shopping or Last-minute Temple Visit

Use remaining time for quick shopping in T. Nagar or a light visit to Kapaleeshwarar Temple if missed earlier; keeps schedule flexible before departure.
INR0, 1h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Murugan Idli Shop (Airport or Hotel Outlet)

Familiar South Indian meal before your onward journey—quick, comforting, and widely available.
INR250, 0h45m

3:00pm

Airport Drop / Departure

Arrive at Chennai Airport or railway station with buffer time for check-in and security; aim to be at the airport 2 hours before flight.
INR0, 0h30m
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Itinerary created by AI-assisted, human-reviewed