One-Day Road Trip Itinerary in Mahabalipuram, India

Day 1: Exploring Temples

Mahabalipuram, India

7:30 AM

Breakfast at The New Cafe

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at The New Cafe, renowned for its fresh fruit juices, fluffy idlis, and crispy dosas.
Drive from your accommodation to The New Cafe, which is centrally located.
INR 300, 1 hour

8:30 AM

Visit Shore Temple

After breakfast, head over to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Shore Temple, which is one of the oldest structural stone temples in South India, and enjoy the views of the Bay of Bengal.
It's a short drive (4 km) from The New Cafe.
INR 20, 1.5 hours

10:00 AM

Explore Arjuna's Penance

Next, make your way to Arjuna's Penance, a fascinating rock-cut relief sculpture that depicts a scene from the Mahabharata, showcasing incredible craftsmanship.
A quick 10-minute drive (2 km) from the Shore Temple.
INR 20, 1 hour

11:00 AM

Visit Pancha Rathas

Continue to the Pancha Rathas, a set of five monolithic rock-cut temples, each dedicated to different deities and showcasing unique architectural styles.
A 10-minute drive (3 km) from Arjuna's Penance.
INR 20, 1 hour

12:00 PM

Photo Stop at Krishna's Butterball

Make a brief stop to take pictures at Krishna's Butterball, a massive round boulder that seems to be balancing on a slope, which is a wonderful spot for fun photographs.
Only a 5-minute drive from Pancha Rathas (1.5 km).
Free, 30 minutes

12:30 PM

Lunch at Sunset Shack

Savor lunch at Sunset Shack, known for its laid-back vibe and delicious seafood dishes, including fresh catch curries and grilled lobster.
It’s a 10-minute drive back towards the beach area (3 km).
INR 600, 1 hour

1:30 PM

Relax at Mahabalipuram Beach

Post lunch, take some time to relax at Mahabalipuram Beach, where you can enjoy the sun, take a seaside stroll, or even swim in the calming waters.
Just a 5-minute drive from Sunset Shack (1.5 km).
Free, 1.5 hours

3:00 PM

Visit the Sea Shore Temple

Reconnect with the historical richness of Mahabalipuram by revisiting the Sea Shore Temple for a leisurely walk along the pathways around its grounds.
A 5-minute drive (1.5 km) from the beach back to the temple.
INR 20, 1 hour

4:00 PM

Explore the Mahabalipuram Lighthouse

Visit the Mahabalipuram Lighthouse, where you can climb to the top for stunning panoramic views of the coastline and surrounding area.
About a 5-minute drive (1 km) from the Sea Shore Temple.
INR 30, 1 hour

5:00 PM

Tea at Ananda Restaurant

Enjoy a relaxing tea break at Ananda Restaurant with views of the ocean, perfect for unwinding after a day full of exploration.
A short 10-minute drive back towards the town (2.5 km).
INR 150, 30 minutes

5:30 PM

Shopping for Souvenirs

Before concluding your day, take some time to shop for handicrafts and souvenirs from the local markets, which offer beautiful sculptures, jewelry, and textiles.
Within walking distance from Ananda Restaurant.
Varies, 1 hour

6:30 PM

Dinner at The Fisherman's Wharf

Finally, enjoy a delicious dinner at The Fisherman's Wharf, which offers a fantastic selection of seafood, Indian, and continental dishes amid an inviting atmosphere.
It's about a 10-minute drive back towards the coast (3 km).
INR 800, 1.5 hours
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