Affordable 4-Day Itinerary: Chennai, Mahabalipuram & Tiruvannamalai Water Park Adventure

Day 1: Arrival and Water Park

Chennai, India on June 7, 2025

9:00am

Arrival at Chennai and Check-in

Arrive in Chennai early morning and check into an affordable guesthouse or budget hotel near the water park area for convenience.
INR500, 1h0m

10:00am

Breakfast at Sangeetha Veg Restaurant

Enjoy a hearty South Indian breakfast with idli, dosa, and filter coffee at this budget-friendly local favorite open from 6:30am to 11:30am.
INR100, 1h0m

11:30am

VGP Universal Kingdom Water Park

Spend the afternoon enjoying waterslides, wave pools, and fun rides at VGP Universal Kingdom, open 10:00am to 6:00pm. It's one of Chennai’s most economical water parks.
INR480, 5h30m

5:45pm

Dinner at Buhari Biryani

Taste the famous, inexpensive chicken biryani and South Indian dishes at Buhari, open till 10pm.
INR200, 1h0m
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Day 2: Mahabalipuram Exploration

Mahabalipuram, India on June 8, 2025

7:30am

Travel to Mahabalipuram by Bus

Take an early local bus to Mahabalipuram (approx. 1.5-2 hours, INR50).
INR50, 2h0m

9:30am

Breakfast at Moonrakers Café

Enjoy a budget-friendly continental or South Indian breakfast at Moonrakers Cafe, open from 7:30am to 11am.
INR120, 1h0m

10:30am

Visit Shore Temple and Pancha Rathas

Explore the UNESCO World Heritage sites showcasing 7th-century rock-cut temples, an essential cultural experience in Mahabalipuram.
INR40, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Hotel Mamalla

Savor inexpensive traditional Tamil meals and seafood, open 12pm to 3pm.
INR150, 1h0m

1:30pm

Visit Crocodile Bank

Explore the reptile zoo specializing in crocodiles and other reptiles, open from 9:30am to 5:30pm, entry fee affordable.
INR90, 1h30m

3:30pm

Return to Chennai by Bus

Catch an evening bus back to Chennai to save on trains or cabs.
INR50, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Saravana Bhavan

Enjoy low-cost, authentic South Indian vegetarian cuisine open until 10pm.
INR150, 1h0m
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Day 3: Spiritual Tiruvannamalai

Tiruvannamalai, India on June 9, 2025

6:30am

Travel to Tiruvannamalai by Bus

Board an early bus from Chennai to Tiruvannamalai (approx. 3 hours, INR100).
INR100, 3h0m

9:30am

Breakfast at Hotel Sri Ram

Try affordable local breakfast options like dosas and idlis, open from 7am.
INR100, 1h0m

10:30am

Visit Arunachaleswarar Temple

Explore this famous Hindu temple complex known for its spiritual significance and architecture, free entry, open from 6am to 9pm.
Free, 1h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Sri Krishna Bhavan

Enjoy low-cost South Indian thali meals, open 11am to 3pm.
INR120, 1h0m

1:30pm

Sathnur Dam and Water Park Visit

Relax at Sathnur Dam area; some villages nearby have small water park activities. Confirm local info for affordable entry.
INR50, 3h0m

4:30pm

Return to Chennai by Overnight Bus

Catch a budget-friendly overnight sleeper bus back to Chennai (₹150).
INR150, 6h0m
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Day 4: Leisure & Departure

Chennai, India on June 10, 2025

8:00am

Arrival and Breakfast in Chennai

Get a quick breakfast at nearby street vendor for idli or vada and filter coffee at street prices (~₹50).
INR50, 1h0m

9:00am

Marina Beach Walk

Enjoy a free, relaxing stroll along Marina Beach, the longest urban beach in India, a nice way to end your trip.
Free, 2h0m

11:30am

Lunch at Local Mess

Have a budget-friendly South Indian meal at a local mess before departure.
INR100, 1h0m

1:00pm

Departure preparations

Head to train station or bus terminal for your onward journey from Chennai.
INR0, Varies
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