3-Day Chennai Adventure Itinerary

  1. Day 1: Mahabalipuram
    1 hr 8 min drive (39.3 km) from Chennai

    Begin the day with a visit to the Shore Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore the impressive stone carvings and beautiful landscapes on the temple grounds. Next, visit the Five Rathas, an impressive group of rock-cut sculptures representing the chariots of the Pandavas from the epic, Mahabharata. You can also experience some adventure with ATV rides along the beach. After lunch, enjoy a scenic walk along the Mahabalipuram beach and visit the Krishna's Butterball, a massive granite boulder that appears to defy gravity.

  2. Day 2: Kanchipuram
    1 hr 15 min drive (73.6 km) from Mahabalipuram

    Start the day with a visit to the stunning Kailasanatha Temple, built during the Pallava dynasty and dedicated to Lord Shiva. Take a short drive to visit the Ekambareswarar Temple, one of the most magnificent Shaivite temples in South India. For lunch, try some authentic South Indian cuisine at the Sree Krishna Vilas restaurant. Enjoy the rest of the day with an off-road jeep ride, exploring Kanchipuram's hills and lakes.

  3. Day 3: Pulicat Lake
    2 hr 18 min drive (60.1 km) from Kanchipuram

    Take an early morning drive to the Pulicat Lake Wildlife Sanctuary, where you can experience the beauty and nature of the lake. Enjoy birdwatching and wildlife spotting, including flamingos, pelicans, and kingfishers. Next, visit the Pazhaverkadu Island, located in the middle of the Pulicat Lake and accessible only by boat. End the day with a relaxing boat ride to watch the stunning sunset over the lake.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Shore Temple (1-2 hours, ₹30)
  • Five Rathas (1-2 hours, ₹30)
  • ATV rides (30 mins - 1 hour, ₹800-₹1200)
  • Mahabalipuram beach (1-2 hours, Free)
  • Krishna's Butterball (30 mins - 1 hour, ₹30)
  • Kailasanatha Temple (1-2 hours, ₹50)
  • Ekambareswarar Temple (1-2 hours, ₹50-₹100)
  • Sree Krishna Vilas (1 hour, ₹300 for 2 people)
  • Off-road jeep ride (1-2 hours, ₹2500-₹4000)
  • Pulicat Lake Wildlife Sanctuary (2-3 hours, ₹100)
  • Pazhaverkadu Island (1-2 hours, Boat fee ₹2000-₹3000)
  • Boat ride (1 hour, ₹500-₹1000)

  • Total Estimated Costs: ₹6980-₹11580

Useful Tips

If you have extra time, visit the Kapaleeswara Temple, one of the oldest and most famous temples in Chennai. Add a day trip to Pondicherry, a former French colony, to experience French architecture and culture. For travelers who prefer more adventure, try surfing at the Covelong Beach or scuba diving at the Temple Reef.

If you have less time, skip the Pulicat Lake Wildlife Sanctuary and visit the Mahindra World City. It is a perfect place for adventures such as hot air balloon rides, zorbing, zip lining, and more. Adjust your itinerary based on the opening and closing times of each activity. Lastly, pack comfortable shoes and clothing suitable for warm weather.

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