Four-Day Family Friendly Itinerary for Velankanni, Chennai, Christian (October 2023)

1. Day 1: Velankanni Church and Museum
   5 minutes (0.5 km) from Velankanni Beach

   In the morning, start your journey at the stunning Velankanni Church, which is world-renowned for its beautiful Gothic architecture and religious significance. Afterwards, head to the Velankanni Museum to learn about the history and culture of the town and the church. In the afternoon, visit Velankanni Beach, where you can relax and enjoy the views of the Bay of Bengal. In the evening, attend the Tamil Mass at Velankanni Church, a unique experience for those interested in the local culture and religion.

2. Day 2: Mahabalipuram
   1 hour 40 minutes (70 km) from Velankanni

   Visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Mahabalipuram, known for its ancient temples, rock-cut sculptures and monuments. Start with Arjuna's Penance, a massive bas-relief that tells the story of the Hindu epic, Mahabharata, then visit the Shore Temple, which sits on the Bay of Bengal and is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. After lunch, visit the Five Rathas, a collection of rock-cut temples and monolithic sculptures. Finish the day with a stroll on the beach and a beautiful sunset.

3. Day 3: Chennai City Tour
   2 hours 30 minutes (150 km) from Mahabalipuram

   Start your day by exploring the Fort St. George and Museum, which offers a fascinating insight into the history of Chennai. Then, head to the Kapaleeswarar Temple, one of the most popular temples in Chennai, known for its stunning Dravidian architecture. In the afternoon, visit the Government Museum, which has a vast collection of artifacts, including ancient coins, sculptures, and art from all over the country. In the evening, head to Marina Beach to watch the sunset and enjoy the local street food.

4. Day 4: St. Thomas Mount and Little Mount
   45 minutes (20 km) from Chennai

   Visit the St. Thomas Mount, a revered pilgrimage site for Christians, and climb the 160 steps to the top to enjoy the panoramic views of Chennai. After that, visit the Little Mount, where St. Thomas is believed to have taken refuge in a cave before he was martyred. In the afternoon, visit the nearby Ascendas IT Park to experience the modern side of Chennai. Enjoy the local cuisine at one of the many restaurants in the area before heading back to your hotel.

Recommendations

If you have more time, consider visiting the Pondicherry, a former French colony known for its beaches, architecture, and spiritual centers. For day trips, visit the Thanjavur Big Temple or the Chidambaram Nataraja Temple. To maximize your fun, try the local street food, especially the idlis, dosas, and vadas, and take a scenic drive along the East Coast Road.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Velankanni Church and Museum (2 hours, free)
• Velankanni Beach (2 hours, free)
• Mahabalipuram (6 hours, INR 500 per person)
• Fort St. George and Museum (2 hours, INR 85 per person)
• Kapaleeswarar Temple (1 hour, free)
• Government Museum (3 hours, INR 50 per person)
• Marina Beach (2 hours, free)
• St. Thomas Mount and Little Mount (3 hours, free)
• Ascendas IT Park (2 hours, free)
• Total Estimated Costs: INR 635 per person

Plan your trip now and check hotel and flight prices here!