Family Day Trip from Chennai to Mahabalipuram – History, Culture & Seaside Fun

Day 1: Heritage & Beach Day

Chennai to Mahabalipuram, India on May 21, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Saravana Bhavan, Chennai

Start your day with a traditional South Indian breakfast at Saravana Bhavan, famous for its dosas and filter coffee, open from 6:30am to 10:30pm.
INR250, 1h0m

9:00am

Drive to Mahabalipuram

Depart from Chennai by car or taxi on the ECR highway heading south to Mahabalipuram, enjoying coastal views en route.
INR1500 (taxi approx.), 1h30m

10:30am

Visit the Shore Temple

Explore the iconic UNESCO World Heritage Shore Temple, towering over the Bay of Bengal. It’s an exceptional example of early Dravidian architecture and offers scenic seaside views. Open 6am-6pm.
INR40 per adult, children under 15 free, 1h0m

11:30am

Explore the Pancha Rathas

See the five rock-cut monolithic temples shaped like chariots, each carved from single granite stones, representing different Pandava brothers from the Mahabharata.
INR40 per adult, children under 15 free, 45m

12:30pm

Lunch at Moonrakers Restaurant

Enjoy fresh seafood or vegetarian South Indian specialities with sea views. Open from 11am to 10pm, perfect for a relaxing lunch by the beach.
INR600 approx. per family, 1h0m

1:45pm

Visit Arjuna’s Penance (Descent of the Ganges)

Marvel at the giant open-air rock relief depicting scenes from Hindu mythology, one of the largest bas-reliefs in the world. Open 6am-6pm.
INR40 per adult, children under 15 free, 45m

2:30pm

Relax and Play at Mahabalipuram Beach

Spend some leisure time at the beach where children can play and adults can enjoy the sea breeze and sunset views.
Free, 1h30m

4:00pm

Visit the Mahabalipuram Sculpture Museum

Discover ancient sculptures and artefacts in this museum that highlights the town’s rich heritage. Open 9:30am-5:30pm.
INR20 per adult, children free, 45m

5:00pm

Return to Chennai

Drive back to Chennai along the scenic ECR route, concluding the day trip.
INR1500 (taxi approx.), 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Ponnusamy Hotel, Chennai

End the day with a hearty South Indian meal at Ponnusamy, famous for its spicy Chettinad cuisine, open till 10:30pm.
INR500 approx. per family, 1h0m
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