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Exploring Tamil Nadu in July 2023

  1. Day 1: Mahabalipuram
    1 hour 25 minutes (36 miles) from Chennai

    Start your day by exploring the UNESCO world heritage site of Mahabalipuram. Visit the magnificent Shore Temple, Pancha Rathas and the Descent of the Ganges, all carved out of stone. Enjoy the intricate carvings and marvel at the ancient architecture. For lunch, head to Moonrakers, a seaside restaurant that serves delicious seafood. Spend your afternoon at the Mahabalipuram beach, soaking up the sun and enjoying the waves. In the evening, visit Krishna's Butterball, a massive boulder that appears to defy gravity, and the lighthouse for a stunning view of the town.

  2. Day 2: Ooty
    6 hours 35 minutes (282 miles) from Mahabalipuram

    Drive up to the beautiful hill station of Ooty, also known as the Queen of Hill Stations. Start your day with a visit to Doddabetta Peak, the highest point in the Nilgiri Mountains. Enjoy the breathtaking view of the valley below. After lunch at the Sidewalk Cafe, take a ride on the Nilgiri Mountain Railway, a UNESCO world heritage site, which offers stunning views of the Nilgiri Mountains. In the evening, visit the Ooty Lake and Botanical Gardens, and enjoy a pleasant boat ride on the lake. End your day with a cup of tea at the famous tea factory and capture the essence of Ooty.

Recommendations

If you are interested in history, visit the Brihadeeswara temple in Thanjavur, and the Great Living Chola Temples. For nature lovers, visit the Mudumalai National Park, which is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna. If you have more time, take a day trip to Kodaikanal, another beautiful hill station, or visit the French quarter in Pondicherry.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Shore Temple, Mahabalipuram (2 hours, INR 500)
  • Pancha Rathas, Mahabalipuram (1 hour, INR 250)
  • Descent of the Ganges, Mahabalipuram (1 hour, INR 250)
  • Moonrakers, Mahabalipuram (1 hour, INR 1000)
  • Mahabalipuram Beach (2 hours, free)
  • Krishna's Butterball, Mahabalipuram (30 minutes, free)
  • Doddabetta Peak, Ooty (2 hours, INR 50)
  • Sidewalk Cafe, Ooty (1 hour, INR 500)
  • Nilgiri Mountain Railway, Ooty (2 hours, INR 2050)
  • Ooty Lake, Ooty (1 hour, INR 300)
  • Botanical Gardens, Ooty (1 hour, INR 100)
  • Ooty Tea Factory (1 hour, INR 100)
  • Total Estimated Costs: INR 4,100
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