The Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple is one of the most popular sites in Tamil Nadu, dedicated to the god Vishnu. The temple is enormous, with an outer wall that stretches over six miles. The architecture of the temple is stunning, with intricate carvings and sculptures throughout. Visitors must remove their shoes before entering the inner sanctum, and the temple is closed in the afternoon between 12 pm to 4 pm. Plan accordingly to avoid the afternoon closing period.
After exploring the temple, head to the Mahabalipuram beach where you can relax and swim. It is a beautiful beach blessed with golden sand and blue waters. You can also indulge in water activities like snorkeling and scuba diving. The beach also features a group of five monolithic temples and some rock-cut sculptures. The beach remains open 24/7.
Gingee Fort is a stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most historically significant forts in Tamil Nadu. Constructed over several centuries, the fort is a combination of Hindu temple architecture and military structures. You can climb to the top of the hill fort, where you can see an incredible view of the surrounding countryside. The fort stays closed on Fridays. Plan accordingly to avoid Fridays.
Saravana Bhavan is famous for its South-Indian vegetarian food and is a great place to stop for lunch or dinner. Some of the popular dishes include Idli, Dosa, Pongal, and Vadai. The restaurant is open between 7 am to 11 pm, so plan accordingly.
Baga Beach is a popular tourist spot in Goa dotted with shacks, food stalls, bars & restaurants. You can take sunbathe, relax or indulge in one of the many water sports activities such as parasailing, jet skiing, banana boat ride and more. The beach is open 24/7 so you can spend as much or as little time as you like.
Aguada Fort is a Portuguese fort originally constructed in the early 1600s to protect the area from Dutch and Maratha attackers. The fort, which features a lighthouse, also offers stunning views of the surrounding area. The fort is open from 9:30 am to 6 pm, so make sure to plan your visit accordingly.
The Basilica of Bom Jesus is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is a must-visit place in Goa. It is a 400-year-old church that is popular for its Baroque architecture and the tomb of St. Francis Xavier. The church is open from 9 am to 6:30 pm, so make sure to plan your visit around these timings.
If you have more time, you can explore other beaches in Goa such as Anjuna Beach, Calangute Beach, and Chapora Beach. If you have less time, consider skipping Gingee Fort or the Basilica of Bom Jesus. Ensure to carry sunscreen, comfortable footwear, and bottled water while visiting these places.