Chennai, Kanchipuram and Mahabalipuram Heritage Trail

A busy Shiva temple with a tall, colourful gopuram and a big temple tank. It closes around 12 noon, so we come here first. Remove shoes and dress modestly.

A white Gothic style church built over the tomb of St Thomas the Apostle, a few minutes from the temple. Free entry. Please keep quiet during mass.

One of India's oldest museums, famous for its Chola bronzes and the red Indo-Saracenic buildings. Closed on Fridays, when we spend longer at the fort and the beach.

The first British fort in India, from 1644, with St Mary's Church and a small museum of old weapons, coins and portraits. The museum closes at 5 PM and is shut on Fridays. Carry an ID, as the fort also houses state government offices.

One of the longest city beaches in the world. Walk on the sand, try sundal and fried fish from the stalls. Swimming is not safe here, so stay out of the water.

The goddess temple at the heart of Kanchipuram, with a golden tower over the shrine. Open from early morning to about 12:30 PM. Dress modestly and leave shoes in the car.

A huge Shiva temple with one of the tallest gopurams in Tamil Nadu and an old sacred mango tree. Closes around 12:30 PM.

The oldest temple in town, built in soft sandstone by the Pallavas about 1,300 years ago. Quiet, with a small ASI ticket.

Watch weavers at the loom and see how a Kanchipuram sari is made. Buying is your choice, and there is no pressure.

A large Vishnu temple that reopens about 3:30 to 4 PM. Look for the hall of carved pillars and the stone chain hanging from its corners.

Real village houses from Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka and Andhra, moved here with their crafts. Opens at 10 AM. Closed on Tuesdays, when we go straight to Mahabalipuram and take it slow.

A rock wall carved with elephants, gods and sages, and a huge balanced boulder nearby that visitors love to photograph. Both are open air and free.

A 1,300 year old granite temple right on the sea, a UNESCO site. The ticket counter closes about 5:30 PM. Keep your ticket, it also covers the Five Rathas tomorrow.

Five temple shapes carved from single rocks, with a stone elephant and lion. Your Shore Temple ticket from yesterday covers this site.