Family-Friendly 2-Day Itinerary for Beach-side Places in Tamil Nadu - May 2023

  1. Day 1: Mahabalipuram
    1 hour 20 minutes (56.1 km) from Chennai International Airport

    Start your beach-side adventure in Mahabalipuram, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Spend the morning exploring the stunning Shore Temple, Five Rathas, and Arjuna's Penance. After a delicious lunch at one of the many local restaurants, head to Mahabalipuram Beach for some fun in the sun. The beach is clean, and safe to swim and offers activities like surfing and ATV rides. You can also visit the Crocodile Bank, which is home to over 2,000 crocodiles, alligators, and other reptiles.

  2. Day 2: Pondicherry
    1 hour 55 minutes (98.6 km) from Mahabalipuram

    Spend a day in the charming former French colonial town of Pondicherry. Start with a visit to the Aurobindo Ashram, a spiritual community that offers yoga and meditation sessions. Afterward, head to the beautiful Promenade Beach, where you can take a stroll or rent a bike to explore the area. Visit the famous French War Memorial and the Old Lighthouse, which has an observation deck that provides stunning views of the Bay of Bengal. End the day with a delicious French meal at one of the many restaurants in the White Town area.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Shore Temple, Mahabalipuram (1-2 hours, INR 30 per person)
  • Crocodile Bank, Mahabalipuram (1-2 hours, INR 70 per person)
  • Aurobindo Ashram, Pondicherry (1-2 hours, Free)
  • Old Lighthouse, Pondicherry (1 hour, INR 10 per person)
  • French meal in White Town, Pondicherry (1-2 hours, INR 500-1000 for two people)
  • Total Estimated Costs: INR 110-1100
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