Start your day with a visit to the beautiful Shore Temple. This ancient temple is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is the last surviving one of seven original temples. Built-in 700 - 728 AD, this temple is a perfect example of Pallava architecture and sculpture. You can see some of the best-preserved carvings and sculptures in South India.
After spending some quality time in Shore temple, it's time to head towards the Lighthouse. The view of the Sea from the top of the lighthouse is beautiful and it's a very peaceful location to spend some time. After that, you can move towards Arjuna's Penance, a beautiful rock carving about 43 feet high and 96 feet long, that dates back to the 7th century AD.
Next, it's time to visit Pancha Rathas, also known as the Five Rathas. These rock-cut temples are named after the Pandavas and their wife Draupadi, from the epic Mahabharata. These temples illustrate the evolution of Dravidian architecture over 1,200 years ago.
After all the sightseeing, now it's time for lunch. Moonrakers is a popular restaurant that serves delicious food with a serene view overlooking the sea. Their seafood dishes and biryani are highly recommended.
After lunch, head to the Mahabalipuram Beach. This is a beautiful and clean beach where you can relax and spend some quality time. You can also indulge in various water activities such as surfing and swimming.
If you have more time, then you can visit the Tiger Cave, Sthalasayana Perumal Temple or the Crocodile Bank. If you have less time, you can skip Arjuna's Penance and spend more time in Pancha Rathas instead.