Affordable 4-Day Chennai, Mahabalipuram & Tiruvannamalai Itinerary with Water Park Fun

Day 1: Arrival and Water Park

Chennai, India on June 6, 2025

2:00pm

Arrive Chennai and Check-in

Arrive by train from Kakinada to Chennai in the afternoon and check into a budget hotel or guest house near the city center for affordable stay.
INR500, 1h

3:30pm

Visit VGP Universal Kingdom Water Park

Spend the afternoon enjoying VGP Universal Kingdom water park, which is economical and a favorite for families. Open from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm.
INR650, 3h

7:00pm

Dinner at Buhari Hotel

Enjoy affordable and delicious South Indian and North Indian cuisine at Buhari Hotel, a popular budget-friendly restaurant in Chennai.
INR200, 1h
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Day 2: Mahabalipuram Exploration

Mahabalipuram, India on June 7, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Start the day with a simple Indian breakfast of idli and sambhar at your hotel or a nearby affordable eatery.
INR100, 0h30m

8:30am

Travel to Mahabalipuram

Take a local bus or shared cab to Mahabalipuram, approximately 60 km from Chennai, an economical way to reach the heritage town.
INR150, 1h30m

10:00am

Visit Shore Temple and Five Rathas

Explore the UNESCO-listed Shore Temple and the Five Rathas, famous rock-cut monuments showcasing Pallava architecture. Open from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm.
INR40, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Local Dhaba

Enjoy authentic and budget-friendly Tamilian meals at a local dhaba near the monuments.
INR150, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Crocodile Bank

Visit the Madras Crocodile Bank to see a variety of reptiles, interesting and popular educational attraction. Open until 6:00 pm.
INR120, 1h30m

4:00pm

Return to Chennai

Travel back by bus/shared cab to Chennai to rest for the night.
INR150, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Saravana Bhavan

Feast on affordable and delicious South Indian vegetarian meals at Saravana Bhavan, an iconic chain in Chennai.
INR200, 1h
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Day 3: Tiruvannamalai Spiritual Tour

Tiruvannamalai, India on June 8, 2025

6:30am

Early Breakfast and Departure

Have a light breakfast and take an early bus or train to Tiruvannamalai (about 3 hours journey, economical option).
INR200, 3h

10:00am

Visit Arunachaleswarar Temple

Explore this famous Hindu temple complex devoted to Lord Shiva, a center of pilgrimage and architectural interest, open 6:00 am to 8:00 pm.
Free, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Local Eatery

Enjoy affordable vegetarian Tamil cuisine at a nearby local eatery.
INR150, 1h

2:00pm

Hike up Arunachala Hill

Participate in a spiritual hike up Arunachala Hill to appreciate natural beauty and tranquility. The hike is free but moderately strenuous, so bring water.
Free, 3h

6:00pm

Return to Chennai

Head back to Chennai by bus or train to spend the night. Budget travel continues to save costs.
INR200, 3h

9:30pm

Light Dinner Near Hotel

Grab a quick and affordable snack or meal near your accommodation in Chennai.
INR100, 0h30m
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Day 4: Relax and Departure

Chennai, India on June 9, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a simple breakfast at your hotel or nearby café.
INR100, 0h30m

9:00am

Leisurely Morning Shopping or Beach Visit

Visit Marina Beach for a free and relaxing morning stroll or shop at local markets for souvenirs and snacks.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Simple Lunch

Have lunch at an inexpensive eatery serving local cuisine to keep within budget.
INR150, 1h

1:30pm

Prepare for Departure

Return to hotel, collect luggage, and head to the train station for onward journey or departure.
Standard Transport Costs, 1h
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