Dakshinachitra is a living museum of art, architecture, and lifestyles of South India, showcasing 19th-century houses, crafts, and cultural performances. Stroll through the heritage streets lined with traditional homes, temple structures, and craft bazaars, watch artists at work, and savor regional delicacies.
For a cozy lunch by the sea, head to The Beachside Diner at Mayajaal, a multi-faceted entertainment complex, offering a range of food and beverage options. Savor piping-hot pizzas, juicy burgers, and refreshing mocktails while watching yachts bobbing in the sea, and feeling the balmy ocean breeze.
Experience thrilling rides, vibrant shows, and interactive exhibits at VGP Universal Kingdom, a popular theme park, that caters to all ages and interests. Get an adrenaline rush on the hot-air balloon, roller coaster, and the water chute, or immerse in a virtual reality game, an oceanarium, and a cartoon city.
Explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed group of monuments at Mahabalipuram, which boasts impressive rock-cut temples, shrines, bas-reliefs and monolithic sculptures, reflecting the Pallava art and architecture from the 7th to the 9th century A.D. Walk around the Shore Temple, Arjuna's Penance, and the Five Rathas, and watch the sun set over the Bay of Bengal.
For an unforgettable dining experience amidst stunning sea views, head to the Wharf Restaurant, that offers a range of seafood specialties, including prawns, crabs, lobsters, and fish, cooked to perfection, and served with exotic dips and accompaniments. Enjoy a glass of fine wine, or a chilled beer, and bask in the romantic ambiance.
If you have more time, you may want to add a visit to Cholamandal Artists' Village, or Muttukadu Backwater Boating. If you have less time, you can skip VGP Universal Kingdom, or shorten your visit to the Monuments.