Family-Friendly 2-Day Itinerary in Ecr

  1. Day 1: Mahabalipuram Beach and Shore Temple
    20 minutes (10.6 km) from Chennai ECR Toll Plaza

    Start your day with a visit to the famous Mahabalipuram Beach. The calm waters of the Bay of Bengal make this beach a perfect spot for relaxation and sunbathing. Swimming is not recommended here, as the currents can be strong. After enjoying the beach, head over to the Shore Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The temple sits on a promontory overlooking the Bay of Bengal. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is an excellent example of Dravidian architecture. The temple has intricate carvings and sculptures that depict scenes from Hindu mythology.

  2. Day 2: Crocodile Bank and Covelong Beach
    23 minutes (11.2 km) from Mahabalipuram

    Begin your day with a visit to the Crocodile Bank, home to over 2,000 crocodiles and alligators. This conservation center was established in 1976 to protect and promote the conservation of crocodiles. Visitors can learn about the different species of crocodiles and their behavior. You can also watch these fascinating creatures being fed here. After your visit to the Crocodile Bank, head over to the Covelong Beach, one of the cleanest beaches in Chennai. This beach is perfect for swimming and surfing. Try your hand at water sports, indulge in some local seafood or relax on the beach, watching the waves roll in.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Mahabalipuram Beach (1-2 hours, free)
  • Shore Temple (1-2 hours, INR 30 for Indians, INR 500 for foreigners)
  • Crocodile Bank (1-2 hours, INR 50 for Indians, INR 200 for foreigners)
  • Covelong Beach (2-3 hours, free)
  • Total Estimated Costs: INR 580 for Indian adults, INR 1,200 for foreign adults

Useful Tips

If you have more than two days to explore Ecr, consider adding a visit to the Cholamandal Artists' Village, which is located about a 30-minute drive from Mahabalipuram. The village is home to many art galleries and studios, and you can watch artists at work. If you only have one day, consider visiting the Crocodile Bank and the Covelong Beach. The beach offers water sports activities such as surfing, boating, and swimming, while the Crocodile Bank is a unique experience that cannot be missed. However, if you are traveling with young children, you may want to spend some extra time at the beach and skip the Crocodile Bank as it may not be suitable for children.

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