Central to Mahabalipuram: A Family-Friendly One Day Trip

1. 9:00 AM: Mahabalipuram Shore Temple
   Located on the Bay of Bengal coast, this temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and displays Dravidian architectural style from the 8th century.
   Est. travel time and distance from Central: 1 hr 30 mins (58 km) by car via Chennai - Mahabalipuram Road.
2. 11:00 AM: Pancha Rathas
   These monolithic rock temples were built by the Pallava kings in the early 7th century. They are named after the Pandavas and Draupadi of the Mahabharata epic.
   Est. travel time and distance from Mahabalipuram Shore Temple: 5 mins (2.2 km) by car or 15 mins walking.
3. 12:30 PM: Lunch at Moonrakers Beach Resort
   This family-friendly resort offers a wide range of cuisines, including Indian, Chinese, and Continental. It also has a pool and beach access for relaxation.
   Est. travel time and distance from Pancha Rathas: 5 mins (1.1 km) by car or 5-10 mins walking.
4. 2:00 PM: Arjuna's Penance
   This open-air bas-relief is carved on the face of two enormous adjacent rocks. It narrates the story of Arjuna, one of the Pandavas, and is considered a masterpiece of ancient Indian art.
   Est. travel time and distance from Moonrakers Beach Resort: 8 mins (2.9 km) by car.
5. 4:00 PM: Descent of the Ganges
   This rock-cut monument depicts the story of the descent of the river Ganges from heaven to earth. It is one of the largest reliefs in the world, measuring 27 meters in length and 9 meters in height.
   Est. travel time and distance from Arjuna's Penance: 3 mins (400 m) by car or 10-15 mins walking.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Mahabalipuram Shore Temple (1.5 hrs, INR 40 per person)
• Pancha Rathas (1 hr, INR 40 per person)
• Moonrakers Beach Resort (1 hr, INR 1000 for two persons)
• Arjuna's Penance (1 hr, INR 40 per person)
• Descent of the Ganges (1 hr, INR 40 per person)
Total Estimated Costs: INR 1280 for two persons

Useful Tips

For those with more time, visit the Mahabalipuram Lighthouse, Sea Shell Museum, or the Crocodile Bank. For those with less time, skip one or two attractions and take a leisurely stroll along the beach instead.