Start your journey with a visit to the beautiful Kapaleeshwarar Temple, a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, and then explore the fascinating Fort St. George, which houses a museum and a church. In the afternoon, take a stroll along the famous Marina Beach, the longest natural urban beach in India. Before leaving Chennai, grab a traditional South Indian meal at Saravana Bhavan, known for its delicious dosas and filter coffee.
Take a scenic drive from Chennai to the charming French colonial town of Pondicherry. Visit the Sri Aurobindo Ashram and the historic French quarters with its beautiful yellow buildings and tree-lined streets. End the day with a stroll along the scenic Promenade Beach.
Explore the ancient rock-cut temples, bas-reliefs, and monolithic shrines of Mahabalipuram, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Don't miss the famous Shore Temple and the Five Rathas. Take a break and enjoy a seafood lunch overlooking the Bay of Bengal.
Get an early start and head to Goa, the state known for its beautiful beaches and Portuguese colonial history. Once you arrive, relax on the famous beaches of Baga or Palolem. Take a stroll through the old town of Panaji and visit the Bom Jesus Basilica, a UNESCO World Heritage site, before enjoying a sunset cruise on the Mandovi River.
If you have more time, consider spending an extra day in Mahabalipuram to explore its ancient temples and rock sculptures in more depth. If you have less time, you can skip Pondicherry and head straight to Goa. Another option is to break up the drive from Chennai to Goa with a stopover in Hyderabad, known for its historic monuments and delicious biryanis.