Adventure Day in Chennai - May 2023

  1. 8:30AM: East Coast Road
    30 minutes (10 miles) from Chennai city center

    Drive along the scenic East Coast Road and enjoy views of the Bay of Bengal. There are plenty of beachside restaurants to stop for breakfast or a cup of coffee along the way.

  2. 10:00AM: DakshinaChitra Museum
    30 minutes (9 miles) from East Coast Road

    Explore the living history museum that showcases the architecture, crafts, and lifestyles of South India. You can learn about traditional houses, arts, and crafts of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka. A perfect place for photography and souvenir shopping.

  3. 12:00PM: Muttukadu Boat House
    20 minutes (7 miles) from DakshinaChitra Museum

    Take a break from the heat and glide along the backwaters of the Bay of Bengal in a rented boat. You can try rowing, kayaking, and motor boating. For the adrenaline junkies, there are also options for windsurfing and water skiing.

  4. 2:00PM: Mahabalipuram
    30 minutes (10 miles) from Muttukadu Boat House

    Visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Mahabalipuram, which has a collection of ancient temples, sculptures, and rock carvings. The most famous attraction is the Shore Temple, which dates back to the 8th century AD.

  5. 4:00PM: Pulicat Lake Bird Sanctuary
    1 hour (32 miles) from Mahabalipuram

    Spend some time in nature and explore the Pulicat Lake Bird Sanctuary, which is home to migratory birds such as flamingos, pelicans, and storks. You can also take a boat ride to see the local fishing communities and their lifestyle.

  6. 6:00PM: Sri Parthasarathy Temple
    1 hour (37 miles) from Pulicat Lake Bird Sanctuary

    End your day with a visit to the Sri Parthasarathy Temple, which is one of the oldest and most revered temples in Chennai. You can witness the evening puja and see the elaborate carvings and sculptures.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Breakfast along East Coast Road (1 hour, INR 500)
  • DakshinaChitra Museum (2 hours, INR 250 per person)
  • Muttukadu Boat House (2 hours, INR 1000 for a boat rental)
  • Lunch in Mahabalipuram (1 hour, INR 700)
  • Pulicat Lake Bird Sanctuary (2 hours, INR 200 per person)
  • Sri Parthasarathy Temple (1 hour, free admission)
  • Total Estimated Costs: INR 2650
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