Chennai is a vibrant city, brimming with sights and activities. However, after spending a couple of months immersed in it, I needed a change of scenery with a day trip to Mahabalipuram. Located south along the picturesque Coromandel Coast, Mahabalipuram beckons with its pristine beaches, inviting resorts, and rich historical temples, making it a haven for both surf enthusiasts and history buffs alike.
En route to Mahabalipuram, we made a pit stop at the Madras Crocodile Bank Trust, renowned as one of the world's largest reptile zoos. Housing an impressive collection of crocodiles, including 15 out of the 25 known species worldwide, it offered a fascinating glimpse into the intriguing world of these animals with pre-historic roots.
The tanks were not in the cleanest state and the waters tinted a bright algae-green hue, and at times it was hard to spot the crocs or other reptilians. The park, nonetheless, boasted eight and half acres worth of enclosures to explore. I found the venom extraction center to be particularly memorable as the handlers would nonchalantly grab snakes and extract the venoms used for research and testing the efficacy of antivenom against these venoms.
After an hour of walking around the park in the scorching sun, we were drenched in sweat and needed some reprieve in our air-conditioned car. We then made our way to the next destination: the UNESCO World Heritage site, Shore Temple.
Shore Temple is quite a sight to behold as it features rock-cut caves and monolithic temples. It is a stunning testament to ancient Pallava architecture built in the 8th century AD. As one of the oldest structural stone temples in South India, it exudes an aura of timeless elegance and spiritual significance, drawing visitors to admire its serene beauty and rich historical legacy.
While there were several other temples and attractions in the vicinity, such as Krishna's Butter Ball, the Mahishasura Mardini Cave, and the Descent of the Ganga River, the relentless April heat left us feeling drained. Opting for a break, we made a beeline for the beach, where we treated ourselves to a delightful lunch at the Seashore restaurant. Perched atop a resort, it offers panoramic views and a warm welcome from its attentive staff. They proudly present their fresh catches of the day (for us, it was a white snapper, red snapper, and prawns), allowing diners to choose their preferred how they want their fish cooked. Bonus points to Seashore for selling canned beer, a rarity in the otherwise dry state of Tamil Nadu. The sea breeze and perfectly cooked seafood were a satisfying end to our day of exploration.
Seashore Restaurant's extensive menu below. we ordered the masala fried fish, calamari, prawn fried rice (not pictured), and sweet and sour grilled white snapper.
During our drive back to Chennai, we made a pit stop at the roadside fruit stall where a vendor was selling ice apples. Also known as palm fruit or nungu, ice apples are a seasonal fruit commonly found in South India during the summer months. They are rich in vitamins and minerals and are known for their refreshing and hydrating properties. The vendor used a blade to cut the top of the outer coconut-like layer open, revealing the translucent, jelly-like flesh to be scooped out and consumed.
Overall, Mahabalipuram is a coastal gem that offers the perfect blend of history, natural beauty, and an unforgettable escape from the hustle and bustle of Chennai.
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