2-Day Shoestring Budget Itinerary for Chennai Mahabalipuram

  1. Day 1: Explore Chennai
    30 minutes (12.5 km) from Chennai International Airport

    Start your day with a visit to Fort St. George. This 17th century fort was built by the British East India Company and now houses the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly. Next, head to the Kapaleeshwarar Temple, a beautiful and colorful Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. After lunch, take a stroll along Marina Beach, the second longest urban beach in the world. End your day at the Government Museum, which houses a vast collection of art, archaeology, and natural history.

  2. Day 2: Discover Mahabalipuram
    1 hour 20 minutes (60 km) from Chennai

    Start your day by visiting the Shore Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Dedicated to Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu, this temple is one of the oldest structural stone temples in South India. Next, head to the Pancha Rathas, a group of monolithic rock-cut temples. Each temple is carved from a single rock and represents a different style of South Indian architecture. After lunch, visit the Mahabalipuram Beach, a picturesque beach with a lighthouse and several shacks serving fresh seafood. End your day by exploring the Descent of the Ganges, a large open-air bas-relief that depicts the story of the descent of the River Ganges from heaven to earth.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Fort St. George (1-2 hours, free)
  • Kapaleeshwarar Temple (1-2 hours, free)
  • Marina Beach (1-2 hours, free)
  • Government Museum (1-2 hours, INR 15 for Indians, INR 250 for foreigners)
  • Shore Temple (1-2 hours, INR 40 for Indians, INR 600 for foreigners)
  • Pancha Rathas (1-2 hours, INR 30 for Indians, INR 500 for foreigners)
  • Mahabalipuram Beach (1-2 hours, free)
  • Descent of the Ganges (1-2 hours, INR 40 for Indians, INR 600 for foreigners)
  • Total Estimated Costs: INR 165 for Indians, INR 1950 for foreigners
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