As a family, we have decided that the year 2023 is all about travel for us. Despite having a lively and energetic 17-month-old son, we are determined to explore the world and make unforgettable memories. Our first adventure took us to Chennai, a vibrant city on the eastern coast of India.
Although the Chennai plan was a sudden one due to work-related reasons, it turned out to be a small staycation. One of the beautiful sightseeing places nearby Chennai is Mahabalipuram, which is well-known for the sea shore temple of Lord Shiva, situated on the borders of the Bay of Bengal. It was an absolute must-see for us, and we were thrilled to make the trip.
FLIGHT TO CHENNAI
Our flight was scheduled for 3:00 pm in the afternoon, and we had a late start to the day. By 12:30 pm, we had packed all our things and were ready to leave for the airport, but time had other plans. We struggled to find a cab at around 1:15 pm, and it left us feeling quite tense. The airport was far from our residence, and we had to rush to make it on time.
We asked our cab driver to channel his inner racecar driver and drive like he was driving a Ferrari in the busy traffic hours of Pune. The last 15 minutes were spent hoping that nothing would go wrong, and the hazy tune of "Dhoom Machale" was playing in my head. The car was at full speed, and we finally reached the airport by 2:00 pm. We rushed to check-in as only five minutes were left, but we made it just in time.
If you didn't see Marina Beach while in Chennai, then you accomplished nothing. It is a must-see attraction. Put it down to our fortunate circumstances that it was a windy, pleasant day with a few raindrops. Being on the beach that day is sheer delight. It is eternally stretched out by golden sand, clear lakes, and a vibrant environment.
The most notable feature was the walkway developed for the differently abled to access the beach. So that they are not neglected. This allowed those in wheelchairs to enjoy the beach just like everyone else. It's a lovely thing to think about them. Nature's beauty belongs to everyone, and everyone should be able to enjoy it with their own eyes. The notion of the Tamil Nadu State Government reached out to me.
Avyaan was too scared to walk in the sand. Despite our several attempts, we were unable to get him to stand in water. Even though he was in our arms the entire time, the beach vibes in me were ignited, and I enjoyed the waves to the maximum. As ist started raining, we returned to our hotel to relax because the following day was crucial for us.
Our day started at 7:30 am, and we planned our routine in a way so that we could complete our official Visa work by 12 pm and head for sightseeing. We went to the US Consulate after having an adequate breakfast. Fortunately, we had our son with us, and we were allowed to skip all the lines and get our work done fast. As a result, Avyaan bacame our fast track card here.
We were back in our hotel room around 11 p.m. At 1, our cab driver came, and we set off for Mahabalipuram. Let me tell you more about the place. Mahabalipuram, also known as Mamallapuram, is a historic town located on the Coromandel Coast of the Bay of Bengal in Tamil Nadu, India. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for its ancient temples and monuments that date back to the 7th and 8th centuries AD.
The Five Rathas was our first stop. It was hot and humid, making it difficult to move about, but we still managed to capture the finest of the Five Ratha.The Pancha Rathas, or the Five Rathas, are a series of monolithic temples in Mahabalipuram. Each of these temples is made of a single piece of rock and is dedicated to a particular Hindu deity or goddess.
Have a look at all the Five Ratha:
The next destination was the Mahabalipuram Lighthouse, one of India's oldest lighthouses, which was established by the British in 1887. Tourists can climb to the top of the lighthouse tower for a panoramic view of the shoreline and the sea. We didn't climb the lighthouse since the intense sun almost exhausted us and Avyaan's constant dashing from here to there wore us out.
We observed Krishna's Butterball, a massive boulder that appeared to be dangerously balanced on a hill. It is a famous tourist destination and is said to have occupied its site for over 1,200 years.
The most gorgeous Shore Temple was the day's final visit. It is one of the most well-known and iconic landmarks, distinguished by its magnificent construction and intricate carvings. The first thing that drew my attention to it was its massive size and magnificence. The temple has two major shrines devoted to Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu, as well as a lesser shrine dedicated to Lord Brahma.
As we reached the temple at 4:30 pm one of the most breathtaking experiences at the temple was witnessing the sunset over the Bay of Bengal. The temple's silhouette became more distinct as the sun set below the horizon, producing a breathtaking visual spectacle.
The Shore Temple is a must-see attraction for anybody visiting Mahabalipuram. Because of its beauty, history, and significance, it is one of India's most recognisable landmarks and a remarkable tribute to the country's rich heritage of culture.
We wanted to go to the beach, but exhaustion and bad weather intervened. We tried to get to the beach, however, but we weren't keen on putting a foot in the sand. We gathered all of our strength and took a trip back to Chennai. The day was full of pleasant memories and breathtaking scenery, all in the name of getting a decent night's sleep.
RETURN TO PUNE
We got up later than usual and enjoyed a delectable breakfast because our flight was around midday. A swimming pool is the sole place where you may indulge in a peaceful soak. I decided to go swimming. Avyaan, to my surprise, wanted to actually jump in the water. My husband undressed him for the pool when he began sobbing to come to me. We loved our "mommy-son" time and made fun of Daddy for not having his swimsuit with him.
On the way back to Pune, we realised how great this small staycation had been. Just one destination and lots of fun. We will always remember and cherish the workation. Despite the hectic start to our journey, we were excited to explore Chennai and all that it had to offer. Stay tuned for more updates on our travel adventures! Chennai, we still want to come back and be restless in the beautiful things that the city has to offer.
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