Chennai Experience: Mahabalipuram is one among some of the oldest cities in Tamilnadu district. Nearly 60 kilometer from chennai town this is a nice place & a must visit place for every traveler who loves & passionate about to know the old glory of India & it's temple architecture.
Food, sight-seeing and shopping: Local cuisine are good, Motel Mamalla ( a vegetarian A/C resturent) on the way to Mahabalipuram is chip & delicious. Take some masala Dosai or Plain Dosai or Idlie is just superb.
Take an auto to visit all the places around but one can also prefer walking if they wish because every spot is just within walking distance. Ask for a guide to know the background stories of the temples.
Some local shops are there selling stone idols & replicas, local stone costume jewelry etc. Talk to some stone cutters & see how they make stone idols by curving the stones with utmost care & creativity. There is a combined ticket or entry pass which include all the spots at a time.
VGP amusement park & VGP Golden beach is another major attraction on the way to Mahabalipuram. Tourists can enjoy the sea & take a dip in to it with out hesitation. The long stretched golden sand beach with Coconut-palm trees lining along side makes the place wonderful & eye catching. Apart from taking a cozy sunbath to the beach there are plenty of other options to spend the whole day with family & friends or just a simple hang out. One can enjoy the roller costar ride, giant wheel, round round, water park, living statue to name a few with their loved & near ones. There is an entry fee about 375 - 450 INR (concession for the children is applicable).
Activities & things to do: Language problem is a big problem especially in south India cities. Some people do not know English or Hindi except Tamil. Make sure how to start the conversation with the local, take help to your guide if needed. Avoid plastic packets to use & stop others to do so. Do not scratch or make any marks on the wall of the temples. These are all under 'UNESCO' world heritage sight. Contact local police or gate keepers or securities if situation demands.
Travel tips, How to reach, travel warnings etc: Mahaballipuram is just about 60 K.M. from Chennai main city. There is regular bus services from central bus stand. Conducted tours are also provided by Tourism dept. Tamilnadu. Local private tour operators also can take you on a day basis with luxurious private cars. Trains are also available collect some information about it before planning for the trip.
