• The Madras Crocodile Bank Trust and Centre for Herpetology - Guests will be collected from their hotel for a scenic one and a half hour journey to Mahabalipuram, located 37 miles from Chennai, along the picturesque East Coast road.

On the way, visit the Madras Crocodile Bank, a reptile zoo and herpetology research center established by a herpetologist to conserve crocodiles. It ranks among the largest reptile zoos globally.

• Mahabalipuram - After lunch, continue the journey to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Mahabalipuram. This 7th-century port of the Pallava Kingdom boasts a remarkable collection of five monolithic temples, each uniquely carved in the form of stone chariots.
• Shore Temple - Also explore the Shore Temple located on the beach. The temple features a massive stone relief that is 100 feet long and 45 feet high. Discover the numerous cave temples, each dedicated to various Hindu Gods. The giant open-air bas relief of ‘The Descent of the Ganges,’ sculpted from pink granite rock, is a masterpiece not to be missed. Krishna’s Butterball, a natural wonder, is also worth visiting. It is a giant boulder perched on a slope that seems to defy gravity. If time allows, explore the local market in Mahabalipuram.
• DakshinaChitra - Following this, proceed to the renowned Dakshinachitra, a cross-cultural living history museum showcasing the art, architecture, lifestyles, crafts, and performing arts of South India. This distinctive museum is designed to resemble a South Indian village. Entire houses from the 18th to the 20th century were relocated and restored here. Village streets and craftsmen’s huts were added to enhance the museum’s authenticity. Traditional arts and crafts of South India are displayed in these houses. Visitors can also observe local weavers, potters, and other craftsmen at work. The museum occasionally hosts dance and music performances.

At the conclusion of the tour, guests will be driven back to Chennai and returned to their hotel.

• Two bottles of mineral water per person
• Lunch included
• Guided tour with an English-speaking guide
• Transportation in a private, air-conditioned vehicle
• Convenient hotel pick-up and drop-off

• Food and drinks, unless specified
• Gratuities

Embark on a day trip from Chennai to the UNESCO World Heritage site, Mahabalipuram, located on the Bay of Bengal’s coastline. The site is renowned for its abundant antique cave and rock temples and sculptures, which trace back to the 7th and 8th centuries. Additionally, visit one of the world’s largest reptile zoos. On the return journey, make a stop at the village complex of Dakshinachitra, a vivid arts and crafts museum that overlooks the Bay of Bengal, where you can also observe artisans and craftsmen in action.

Notable sights:

• Madras Crocodile Bank
• Five massive stone chariots
• Shore temple and Cave temples
• Sculpture depicting ‘The Descent of the Ganges’
• Dakshinachitra, a functioning museum

• Children under 15 must be accompanied by an adult.
• Dress code is smart casual.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.