Day 1: Arrival & City Highlights
Arrive in Chennai in the morning, check into your hotel, and start your day with a delicious South Indian breakfast to fuel up for the city’s sights. Begin your exploration with two iconic cultural landmarks. Kapaleeshwarar Temple a vibrant Dravidian-style temple, and San Thome Basilica, a historic church believed to house the remains of St. Thomas. In the afternoon, dive into Chennai's colonial history at Fort St. George, India’s first British fort, and explore the Government Museum, where you'll find ancient artefacts and impressive bronze sculptures. Conclude your day with a relaxing evening stroll along Marina Beach, enjoying the lively atmosphere and sampling local street food.
Day 2: Mahabalipuram Excursion
After breakfast, head out for a day trip to Mahabalipuram, a UNESCO World Heritage site approximately 1.5 hours from Chennai. Start with the magnificent Shore Temple by the sea, followed by Pancha Rathas, a group of five monolithic rock-cut temples, each uniquely carved. Don’t miss Krishna’s Butterball, a massive boulder that appears to defy gravity. Enjoy a local lunch, then explore the intricate rock carvings at Arjuna’s Penance. By evening, return to Chennai and relax.
Day 3: Departure
On your final day, enjoy a leisurely morning exploring T Nagar, Chennai's shopping hub, where you can buy souvenirs, silk sarees, and local handicrafts. Then, take a stroll through Mylapore, a heritage-rich neighbourhood with traditional shops and cosy coffee houses. After a hearty South Indian lunch, check out of your hotel and head to the airport or railway station for your departure.