Chennai to Mahabalipuram via Art, Heritage, Temple, and Coastal Sights
07:00 AM - Meet your driver at your hotel or Chennai Airport, receive a brief tour introduction, and begin the scenic drive along the Coromandel Coast in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle.
08:00 AM - Visit Cholamandal Artists' Village and explore India's first artists' commune, with galleries featuring paintings, sculptures, and experimental art inspired by South Indian culture. (Drive time: approx. 1 hour)
09:30 AM - Explore DakshinaChitra, a living heritage museum showcasing traditional South Indian architecture, crafts, folk arts, and village lifestyles. (Drive time: approx. 15 minutes | Closed on Tuesdays)
11:00 AM - Visit Nitya Kalyana Perumal Temple, an ancient Divya Desam dedicated to Lord Vishnu, admired for its Dravidian architecture and peaceful spiritual ambience. (Drive time: approx. 15 minutes)
12:00 PM - Visit Madras Crocodile Bank, one of the world's leading reptile conservation centres, home to crocodiles, alligators, snakes, turtles, and rare species, with a focus on global wildlife protection. (Drive time: approx. 15 minutes | Closed on Mondays)
01:00 PM - Enjoy a lunch break at a local restaurant along the East Coast Road, with choices ranging from South Indian dishes to continental cuisine. (Lunch not included)
02:30 PM - Drive to Mahabalipuram. (Drive time: approx. 15 minutes)
02:45 PM - Discover the Mahabalipuram UNESCO World Heritage Site, including Arjuna's Penance, Shore Temple, Mahabalipuram Beach, Krishna's Butter Ball, the Mahabalipuram Cave Temples, and Pancha Rathas, with iconic carvings, coastal scenery, and ancient monuments.
05:00 PM - Drive back to Chennai and relax during the scenic return journey. (Travel time: approx. 1.5 hours)
06:30 PM - Drop-off in Chennai at your hotel or railway station, marking the end of your private day tour.
