Honeymoon in Tamil Nadu: A 2-Day Itinerary for August 2023

1. Day 1: Mahabalipuram
   1 hour 30 minutes (35 miles) from Chennai

   Morning: Visit the Shore Temple and marvel at the intricate carvings on the walls. Take a stroll on the beach and enjoy the beautiful sunrise.
   Afternoon: Explore the Pancha Rathas, a group of five monolithic temples in the shape of chariots. Visit the Krishna's Butterball, a huge rock balanced on a slope.
   Evening: Watch the light and sound show at the Shore Temple and learn about the history of the town. Enjoy a romantic dinner at Moonrakers Restaurant overlooking the Bay of Bengal.

2. Day 2: Ooty
   7 hours 30 minutes (280 miles) from Mahabalipuram

   Morning: Take a scenic drive to Ooty, also known as the "Queen of Hill Stations". Visit the Botanical Garden and admire the variety of flowers and plants.
   Afternoon: Take a romantic ride on the Nilgiri Mountain Railway and enjoy the stunning views. Visit the Ooty lake and go boating.
   Evening: Enjoy a cup of tea at the Tea Museum and learn about the history of tea in India. Watch the sunset at Doddabetta Peak and enjoy the panoramic views of the surrounding hills.

Recommendations

If you have time, consider visiting the Brihadeeswara Temple in Thanjavur, one of the largest temples in India. You can also take a day trip to Coonoor and visit the Sim's Park and the Dolphin's Nose viewpoint. Make sure to try the local cuisine, including dosa, idli, and sambar. To maximize your fun, consider hiring a local guide who can provide more insights into the local culture and history.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Shore Temple (2 hours, INR 600)
• Pancha Rathas (1 hour, INR 250)
• Light and sound show (1 hour, INR 200)
• Moonrakers Restaurant (2 hours, INR 1500)
• Botanical Garden (2 hours, INR 200)
• Nilgiri Mountain Railway (2 hours, INR 500)
• Ooty Lake (1 hour, INR 300)
• Tea Museum (1 hour, INR 100)
• Doddabetta Peak (1 hour, INR 100)
• Total Estimated Costs: INR 3750