Adventurous 1-Day Itinerary: Chennai, Pondicherry, ECR

  1. 6:00AM: Surfing at Kovalam Beach
    40 minutes (20 miles) from Chennai

    Start your day with a thrilling surfing experience at Kovalam Beach. The beach offers some great waves for beginners and experienced surfers alike. Don't worry if you don't have any surfing experience, as instructors are available to teach you the basics.

  2. 9:00AM: Visit Crocodile Bank
    20 minutes (9 miles) from Kovalam Beach

    The Crocodile Bank is an important research center for crocodiles and alligators. It is home to more than 2,400 crocodiles of 14 different species. You can witness the deadly creatures up close and personal, learn about their behaviour and view a live feeding.

  3. 11:00AM: Scuba diving at Plage Paradiso
    2 hours (66 miles) from Crocodile Bank

    Plage Paradiso is a beautiful beach spot located in Pondicherry. Here you can go scuba diving and explore the underwater beauty of the Bay of Bengal. Diving here will take you through vibrant marine life, shipwrecks and a beautiful coral formation.

  4. 1:30PM: Lunch at Tanto Pizzeria
    20 minutes (4 miles) from Plage Paradiso

    Enjoy a delicious Italian meal at Tanto Pizzeria in Pondicherry. The restaurant boasts of a beautiful rooftop ambiance with a wide range of delicious pizzas, lasagnas, tiramisu and many more dishes to choose from.

  5. 3:00PM: ATV Ride at Mahabalipuram Beach
    2 hours (83 miles) from Tanto Pizzeria

    Rent an ATV and ride at top speed along the Mahabalipuram Beach. The thrill of riding an ATV on the beach with the wind in your face is an experience like no other. Take a break between rides and explore the ancient carvings and temples nearby.

  6. 6:00PM: Sunset at ECR Beach
    30 minutes (19 miles) from Mahabalipuram Beach

    End your day with a mesmerizing sunset at the ECR Beach. This beautiful spot will give you a stunning view of the sun dipping down below the horizons as you watch from the beach or the comfort of the restaurants nearby.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Kovalam Beach surfing (2 hours, Rs. 1,500)
  • Crocodile Bank (2 hours, Rs. 50)
  • Plage Paradiso scuba diving (2 hours, Rs. 2,500)
  • Lunch at Tanto Pizzeria (1.5 hours, Rs. 700)
  • ATV ride at Mahabalipuram Beach (2 hours, Rs. 1,200)
  • Sunset at ECR Beach (1.5 hours, no entry fee)
  • Total Estimated Costs: Rs. 6,150

Useful tips

If you have more time, consider adding a visit to the French Colonial Quarters of Pondicherry, Indira Gandhi Museum and Mahabalipuram's Shore Temple. For a shorter itinerary, skip the ATV ride, which may save both time and money.

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