Chennai to Tamil Nadu's Highlights: Private day trip

Explore this UNESCO World Heritage coastal town, home to India's finest Pallava rock-cut sculptures from the 7th-8th centuries. Marvel at the iconic Shore Temple with twin shrines overlooking the Bay of Bengal, then discover the massive Descent of the Ganges bas-relief, depicting over 100 celestial beings, animals, and serpent deities in an intricate narrative. Explore the Five Rathas, monolithic rock-cut temples each carved from single granite boulders, demonstrating different Dravidian architectural styles named after the Mahabharata Pandava brothers. Visit Krishna's Butterball, a massive boulder inexplicably balanced on hillside slopes, defying gravity. Watch stone carvers in workshops creating temple sculptures using ancient techniques passed through families for generations.

Discover one of India's seven sacred Sapta Puri cities, famous for 1,000 temples and the world's finest silk sarees woven by hereditary craftsmen using pure zari gold thread. Visit Ekambareswarar Temple featuring a massive gopuram gateway tower, an ancient mango tree, and one of Shiva's elemental earth lingas. Explore Kailasanathar Temple, the city's oldest structure, with original frescoes that demonstrate early Dravidian style. Learn about natural dye techniques, zari gold thread work, and quality testing while observing master weavers at work. The town's spiritual atmosphere intensifies during temple festivals when decorated elephants parade through streets and traditional Carnatic music fills the air. Sample authentic South Indian vegetarian cuisine at local restaurants while exploring markets selling silk sarees, temple jewelry, and religious artifacts.

Discover this mysterious rock-cut cave featuring unique tiger-head carvings and ancient architectural elements dating to the Pallava period, located peacefully away from the main tourist circuits. Marvel at the elaborate yali (composite creature) heads with gaping mouths and fanged expressions carved into the cave entrance. Some scholars believe these represent tigers, while others suggest mythological creatures. Explore the open-air rock-cut mandapa (pillared hall), with its incomplete construction, which provides insights into ancient carving techniques. The cave's original purpose remains debated. It may have been intended as a temple, theater, or royal audience hall before construction ceased.