Tag Archives: Mahabalipuram

India, Tourism, Travel

The 2017 Travel Stories: Flashback

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The year 2018 has already begun and our travel tales and road trips too. But we can’t start the new tales without reviewing the tales of the year 2017.  So, this post is all about the 2017 travel stories, just as we have the travel book for the year 2016.

We started our travel and lifestyle blog AllGudThings in September 2016 without thinking how the things will move for us and will we actually survive in this blogging race. And look today we are surviving and have come this far, writing 2017 travel stories, and are much positive for the year 2018.

2017 Travel Stories

The year 2017 was like a roller coaster for us. We bought our house, reached our dream destinations, did several trips both personal and professional, learned so much new in blogging and on the other side fought with medical issues and lost our dear ones in between. So, it was a year where we saw both highs and lows. But as Lord Buddha quotes “Without rain, nothing grows, learn to embrace the storms of your life”; so we accepted every up and down graciously and kept on moving.

In the year 2017, we never targeted where we wanted to see ALLGUDTHINGS but now we are clearer. We have set up our targets for 2018 to write more strategically, be more social and learn to monetize the blog in a better way. And the travel stories of 2017 are epic, so let’s have a look at them.

January 2017

Snow Trip with Parents to Shimla

Just after welcoming 2017 and shifting to our own place, we took a break and did a personal road trip to beautiful Shimla. The colonial town was painted in white by nature and we saw our parents living their childhood. The rich heritage & culture of Shimla introduced us to a Himachali scarf known as Dhatu or Rahide. Check about Dhatu here: Shimla Trip in style with Dhatu as a fashion accessory.

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February – March 2017

Visit to the Highest Dam in India – Tehri Dam

In the last week of February, we visited Koteshwar and Tehri Dam for professional work. The holiday started after work and it continued until the first week of March. From Tehri, we took a detour to visit Uttarkashi in Uttarakhand, which proved to be a lot more than the entrance to the Char Dhams of India. Further, the trip continued to Harsil, Gangotri and ending at Mussorie.

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The whole trip was an experience in itself as we visited one of the Char Dhams, saw second time snowfall in a row, learned about Mani stones and for the first time stayed in the hostel. You must check the Backpackers must carry essentials for a Hostel stay here.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BRK5cweBQmB/?taken-by=suruchimittal

April 2017

An hour of Patriotism at Hussainiwala Border

In April 2017 we visited our home in Punjab and for the first time we, saw the flag retreat ceremony at Hussainiwala Border, Firozpur. It was an hour of Patriotism, filled with deep emotions where just a white line and gate demarcated our country India from Pakistan.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BTb5W6NBESa/?taken-by=suruchimittal

May 2017

Road Trip to Badrinath Dhams and the Last Indian Mana Village

In May 2017, our parents were with us, so we planned another personal road trip to the sacred temple Badrinath Dham. From here itself we further visited the last village near Indo China border Mana Village and checked out the lush green skiing slopes of Auli in summers.

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This was another remarkable and memorable trip of the year.

June 2017

June was the one month when we were actually at home and were fiddling with the ups and downs around.

July – August 2017

Dream Trip to Leh Ladakh

After a lot of stress, we really needed a long break. So, we did a 13 day long Leh Ladakh road trip from Delhi. Ladakh is also known as the land of high Passes. We took the circuit road trip at our own pace without rushing to the destinations. We checked the attractions on Srinagar Leh highway, explored hidden Leh Ladakh palaces, walked and talked with the soldier at Kargil War Memorial, got lost in the Leh Palace and tranquilized in the serenity of Hemis Monastery.

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We saw Bactrian Camels and reflection of the Himalayas in the Nubra valley, did off-roading and slept in tents near high altitude lakes like Tso Kar, Pangong Tso, and Tso Moriri.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BX7k9z5hQ-W/?taken-by=suruchimittal

Do remember, you need Inner Line Permit for entering the sensitive zones in Leh Ladakh.

September 2017

Heritage Walk in the Historical Town, Mahabalipuram

After a year of blogging, we did our first FAM trip to Chariot Beach resort and explored Mahabalipuram, in Tamil Nadu to its best. The UNESCO monuments, monolithic structures, and caves, shore temple left us completely stunned with its beauty.

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October 2017

October the month of festivals in India, we decided to take a break from travels and celebrate each one of them at our new place, with our parents.

November 2017

Road trip to the colonial town: Mukteshwar, Uttarakhand

In November 2017, we did another FAM trip with Club Ten Pine Lodge to the colonial Mukteshwar town in Uttarakhand. We got lost in the beauty of Himalayan peaks during sunrise and sunsets; & trekked to explore the hidden gem – Bhalu Gaad waterfall.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BcsB5xYHHKO/?taken-by=suruchimittal

December 2017

Road Trip to Kasauli & Rajasthan

The last month of the year is always special as it is Tashi‘s birthday and we celebrated it in the hills of Kasauli. The last month also put us into the thoughts of our activities and achievements for the previous year. But simultaneously we also start deciding the place to celebrate the coming New Year. And, this year we decided to end 2017 and welcome 2018, in Rajasthan exploring the Sariska Tiger Reserve and one of the most haunted places in India – Bhangarh Fort. The stories are yet to come, so tuned.

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Conclusion: 2017 Travel Stories

That was our 2017 travel stories. It seems like a year was dedicated to the road trips especially to the hills traversing Himachal, Uttarakhand and Leh Ladakh. Overall, we did 9 trips, including personal, professional and FAM trips extending from 4 days to 15 days covering multiple destinations. We are really grateful as we got good health & the opportunity to make these trips and write 2017 travel stories. We wish to travel more and continue the travel stories in 2018.

Thanks for taking out the time to read our travel stories. Have the wonderful year 2018 ahead…
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India, Tamil Nadu, Tourism, Travel

Heritage Walk through a Historical Town: Mahabalipuram Travel Guide

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Mahabalipuram, once known as Mamallapuram is a historical beach town which lies 60 km ahead from Chennai on the east coast in TamilNadu. The town is popular among the locals as a famous weekend getaway and is equally known among the UNESCO heritage lovers. Mahabalipuram has several monuments dating back to 7th and 8th century when the Pallavas returned from Sri Lanka to rule here and made this beach town as their thriving seaport. So, here in this Mahabalipuram travel guide, we will be briefing and opening up all the histories which you must know once visiting the monuments of this small historical town.

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History of Mahabalipuram Town

According to the legends, the name Mahabalipuram is derived from two words “Mahabali” and “Puram”. The word Mahabali comes from the King name Bali or Mahabali who once ruled this place and “Puram” in Sanskrit means a city or urban dwelling. So, together it makes Mahabalipuram. Whereas there is another legend theory thought that the Pallava King Narasimhavarman I, was a great wrestler and to honor him he was dedicated to the great title Mamalla. So, together the historical town got its name as Mamallapuram.Mahabalipuram Travel Guide

Heritage walk through a Historical town: Mahabalipuram Travel guide

Mahabalipuram town might be the first love of UNESCO world heritage site lovers but it too is a great place to admire sculptures, dwell into the caves, soak in the beaches and smell the fresh coastal air.

We did the early morning, heritage walk of historical town Mahabalipuram, during our visit to Chariot Beach Resort for #chariotbloggersretreat #ctbr #funatcbr. Also, read the activities at Chariot Beach Resort Mahabalipuram.

1.Shore Temple

The Shore temple, as the name says looks on to the shore of Bay of Bengal and is a part of UNESCO monuments listing. It is also one of the oldest temples in South India.

Ticket: Rs 30/- for Indians and Rs 500/- for Non-Indian; extra charges for videography.

Timings: 6:00am – 6:00 pm

The time required for exploring: 30 minutes to several hours, depending on your eye detailing.

Shore Temple - Mahabalipuram Travel guide
Shore Temple – Mahabalipuram Travel guide

The Shore temple is believed to be the only surviving temple of a set of 7 temples, whereas the rest temples are submerged under the ocean. Interestingly, during a briefing session about the temple, our guide too explained that a part of these submerged temples was visible during 2004 Tsunami when the water receded back by a kilometer or more. Indeed, we were taken to the ocean middle by the organized Catamaran, to witness the part of rock emerging above in the center. The locals believe this emerging rock to be one among the rest six submerged temples.

The complex has two similar pyramid shaped, 60 feet high temples inside which houses the idols of Hindu God Lord Shiva with his family and Lord Vishnu. Along with it, there are multiple small shrines, open halls and compound wall with statues of Shiva’s Vahana Nandi surrounding it. The sculptures are disfigured but the scaffolding around show the continuous restoration work carried out by ASI.

Shiva's Vahan Nandi surrounding Shore temple : Mahabalipuram Travel Guide
Shiva’s Vahan Nandi surrounding Shore temple

The intricate carvings stepped architecture and compound designs, clearly depict the architectural bent of mind these guys had. Shore Temple looks like a masterpiece when the sun rays fall on it during sunrise and sunset. Another worth mentioning point is that this temple was monolithic i.e. carved from a single stone, which is simply worth praises.

2.Arjuns Penance / Descent of Ganges

Ticket: Rs 10/- for Indian citizens and Rs 250/- for Non-Indians

Timings: 6:00am – 6:00 pm

Time required for exploring: 30 minutes to an hour

The Arjun’s Penance or Descent of Ganges is one of the largest sculptural art & perfect example of low relief work in the world. The carvings depict the Jungle scene with mythological Hindu God’s on the 27-meter long boulder.

There are two-three legend tales linked to this artwork. The first being – It is a Mahabharata scene where Arjun one of the Pandavas is praying in yoga posture in the jungle, to Lord Shiva for gaining powerful weapon to defeat the evil. The second tale is Goddess Bhagirathi along with Lord Shiva, receives River Ganga (depicted by a cleft in the sculpture along with snakes) on earth from Heaven. And all the animals rush together to quench their thirst, forgetting their predatory relations.

Arjuns Penance / Descent of Ganges: Mahabalipuram travel guide
Arjuns Penance / Descent of Ganges: Mahabalipuram Travel Guide

Interestingly, the sculpture too has a shadow of Charlatans. The cat is seen depicting Arjun and mice praying to her. When the cat finishes the prayers, she devours over the mice as a prey.

If we leave the history apart, the whole artwork is to be relished and it is a great masterpiece made by Pallavas in the 7th century, despite the lack of high-end tools.

3.Pancha Pandava Cave Temple

Ticket: Free

Timings: 6:00am – 6:00 pm

Time required for exploring: 30 minutes to an hour

Just next to the Arjun’s Penance, stands the other 7th century UNESCO monument Pancha Pandava cave temple, which is also known as the Mandapa of five Pandavas. It is the largest cave temple and one of finest cut out architecture in Mahabalipuram.

Panch Pandava Cave Temple : Mahabalipuram travel guide
Panch Pandava Cave Temple: Mahabalipuram travel guide

In the complex, there are six columns in the veranda, with the carved lion base on five. The columns with lion base are a typical architectural style of Pallavas. Behind these five pillars lies another four pillars which divide the cave further into sections. The temple and some pillars are incomplete. Around the shrine is a long dark gallery to enter the main shrine.

4. Krishnas Butter Ball

Ticket: Free

Timings: 6:00am – 6:00 pm

Time required for exploring: Maximum 30 minutes

Walk 200 meter from Arjun’s penance on right, there stands miraculous 6 meter high, 5-meter wide boulder, inclined on a rock base. God only knows how it is stable there from past 1200 years? It not only left us wondering but centuries ago it left the Pallava dynasty King Narasimhavarn too amazed. To move it, Britishers even used 7 elephants but they were too unsuccessful.

Krishnas Butter Ball: Mahabalipuram Travel Guide
Krishnas Butter Ball: Mahabalipuram Travel Guide

The Krishna’s gigantic Butter Ball is a famous attraction. People climb the huge rock to go near and move it. But till day nobody could. Look at us, even we are trying our muscle power on it.

5. Lighthouse

Ticket: Rs 10/- for Indians

Timings: 6:00am – 6:00 pm

Time required for exploring: 1 hr for both the lighthouses

From the Butter Ball, keep walking for almost 2 kilometers climbing the rocks, admiring complete incomplete temples and caves in between. Just ahead of the Lighthouse museum follow the narrow passage. It will take you to a huge gigantic rock which has Olankeeswara temple on top of it. The top of the temple was used as a lighthouse for some period. Pallavas used to light the oil lamp here from sunset to sunrise, for ships to follow the port.

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Opposite to this temple stands the circular masonry tower made up of natural stone which is said to be a new lighthouse. It got opened to the public only in 2011. Adjacent to it lays the oldest lighthouse of India, built by Pallava King Mahendra in 640AD, which is now a protected monument.

Light House: Mahabalipuram Travel Guide
Light House: Mahabalipuram Travel Guide

One must climb both the lighthouses to get the panoramic city views.

6. Panch Rathas

Ticket: Rs 30/- for Indians & Rs 500/- for Non-Indians

Timings: 6:00am – 6:00 pm

Time required for exploring: 1 -2 Hrs

Panch Rathas: Mahabalipuram Travel guide
Panch Rathas: Mahabalipuram Travel guide

The term Panch Rathas again is derived from two words – “Panch” meaning five and “Rathas” means Chariot. There is a theory that it was built to imitate the 5 Pandavas (Yudhistra, Bhim, Arjun, Nakul, Sahadev) and their wife Draupadi. Thematically and structurally all the chariots differ from each other and are carved out from a single monolithic stone. They too are pyramid shaped like Shore temple and have murals all over on their walls.

For details on the Ranch Rathas, you can check here.

Tips for Heritage Walk: Mahabalipuram travel guide

  1. The weather in Chennai is hot and humid, so do carry a water bottle and hand towel with you.
  2. Wear cotton clothes and flats to be comfortable and you really need to walk a lot.
  3. Take an authorized guide to know the history of these monuments better.
  4. Follow the rules and buy a ticket for watching these monuments.
  5. Still, photography is free but videography is paid inside these 7th-century old monuments.
  6. There are lots of vendor selling seashell and stone carvings around these tourist attractions. If you have to buy, then check the piece before buying and make sure to bargain.Heritage Walk though historical town: Mahabalipuram Travel Guide

P.S:  We did the heritage walk of historical town Mahabalipuram during the Chariot Bloggers Retreat organized by Chariot Beach Resort. and also read the activities at chariot beach resort mahabalipuram, we enjoyed.

 

Hotel Review, Hotels, India, Tamil Nadu, Tourism, Travel

Review: Chariot Beach Resort, Mahabalipuram

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If you are a history freak and looks for a relaxed vacation simultaneously, want to sleep in the private deluxe or seaside cottages with an Olympiad pool around, walk hand in hand watching the sunrise with your loved one on a private beach, then the Chariot Beach Resort, Mahabalipuram is the perfect place for you.

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Recently, you might have seen our Instagram feed and Facebook feed loaded with lots of beach pictures giving you a perfect clue about our trip to the awesome Chariot property, and the fun we had while doing activities at chariot beach resort, Mahabalipuram. We were invited as guests to the #Chariot Bloggers Retreat.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BaeEyaOnSV1/?hl=en&taken-by=suruchimittal

We, a team of 16 bloggers from Delhi landed at Chennai Airport in the morning and were driven by the Chariot team Chauffer to the Chariot Beach Resort, Mahabalipuram. The resort is located at a distance of 60 km from the prime location at the shore. It took around 1:30 hr to reach the resort. As soon as we arrived, we were welcomed by the refreshing traditional South Indian coconut drink and seashell garlands. After a brief introduction and savory filling brunch, we were ushered towards our super deluxe villas.

Welcomed by Coconut Drink and Seashell Garland on arrival at Chariot Beach Resort

About The Chariot Beach Resort, Mahabalipuram

The Chariot Beach resort is stretched over 42 acres. There are 70 rooms and villas amidst the swaying coconut trees and beach at the end.

Open Lush green areas at Chariot Resort, Mahabalipuram

Mahabalipuram or earlier known as Mamallapuram is a UNESCO heritage site and has the history dating back to 6th century when Pallavas came from Sri Lanka to rule the place.

The Chariot Beach resort is a perfect destination to soak in the greenness and calm your senses at the beach.

Rooms at Chariot Resort

The resort has in total 70 rooms categorized into standard rooms, deluxe rooms & cottages (24), sea view cottages (4) and sea view suites (4).

The rooms, villas and the suites in the Chariot beach resort are crafted keeping in mind the simple logic Rest & Relaxation (R&R) and the gripping greenery and cold breeze of the ocean are enough to unwind one from its daily chores.

Super Deluxe Cottages at chariot Mahabalipuram
Super Deluxe Cottages

We stayed at Super Deluxe cottages, which is spacious and furnished in a way to house two queen size beds. And the other amenities like working table, Sofa, chairs, LED’s, minibar, coffee maker, weighing scales, washroom, and outdoor shower. The villa is hugged from all sides by tropical gardens and has huge windows for the direct sunlight. The room looks out to the patio which has a perfect sitting arrangement to enjoy some morning and evening filter coffee with the newspaper. The Super Deluxe Villas are apt for the families as well as the couples.

Super Deluxe Cottage Room at Chariot Beach Resort

Amenities in Super Deluxe Cottage of Chariot beach resort

There are few Sea view cottages and suites in the resort too. Everything in these is almost same except that from there patio and rooms, one gets direct views of the sea and its waves. The Sea View Suites too has a separate dining area within their rooms.

Sea View Suites at Chariot Beach Resort
Sea View Suites
Sea View from Sea view Cottages at Chariot Beach Resort
Sea View from Sea View Cottages

Restaurants at Chariot Beach Resort

If you are someone who is the foodie, can go gaga about the food, have strong taste buds and the aroma of the cooked food in restaurants can tease your hunger, then this is the place you should be for your weekend getaways. They offer you a variety of traditional South Indian Cuisine to North Indian food.

There are 3 restaurants and a Bakehouse at Chariot Beach Resort, Mahabalipuram.

Kapi serves multi cuisines, a la carte and buffet throughout the day for its guests. There are live counters to try some lip-smacking local delicacies.

Sweet Delicacies at Chariot beach Resort
Sweet Delicacies at Chariot Beach Resort

Panam is a bar to enjoy some good cocktails and mocktails with your family and friends.

Restaurant at Chariot Beach Resort

Coast actually lies on the sea coast with the wonderful sea views and cold breeze. The fresh seafood severed here is palatable and unforgettable. Chariot team too organizes dinner for family, couple and friends on the sea coast.

Coast Restaurant at Chariot Beach Resort

Bake House on the property is enough to keep your sugar and calorie level apt while enjoying the property. The team doesn’t forget to serve you a variety of desserts after every meal.

Apart from this, there are various shakes and juices to enjoy the day.

Activities at Chariot Beach Resort Mahabalipuram

There are a plethora of activities to choose from and enjoy within the premises of chariot Beach resort. There is a separate 5 acres neighborhood activity zone to rush your adrenaline levels. To name few others there is Zip lining, Burma Bridge, ATV ride, Cricket zone, Table tennis, Olympiad size swimming pool, private beach, Catamaran ride and Ayurvedic Spa zone.  You can read about these in detail here.

Watching Sunrise on private beach of Chariot Beach Resort
Watching Sunrise on private beach at Chariot Beach Resort

Events

The Chariot beach resort, Mahabalipuram has three Banquet Halls named as Orchid, Marigold, and Frangi Pani. These can house 60 to 400 people during conferences and other events.

Besides, this the Chariot Team organizes personal as well as corporate parties at their Rock garden, pool, and private beach, only on prior request.

Bar in rock garden of Beach Resort
Bar in rock garden at Chariot Beach Resort

Walking/ Cycling at Chariot Beach Resort

Disregard all this, walk or cycle around the whole property in the early morning. There is silence, soothing birds chirping and a whiff of cool fresh ocean air brushing against your skin and soothing your inner soul.

Our Experience at Chariot Beach Resort

So, from all this review you can clearly make out that the Chariot Beach resort has some or other thing for everyone. We could relax and rejuvenate here, away from the mundane city life. The place is a perfect example of peace and tranquillity. One can calm down and detox himself/herself in the perfect environment here.

Sea Views at Chariot Beach Resort

Other must-visit Attractions in Mahabalipuram

Mahabalipuram is a UNESCO heritage site dating back to 6th-7th century, so make sure to dwell yourself on the history of Pallavas dynasty. The Chariot Beach resort organizes a half day walking heritage tour of the Mahabalipuram city on prior request. The places which are must see and included in the tour are – Shore temple, part of submerged shore Temple, Krishna’s Butterball, Arjuna’s Penance, Old and New Lighthouse, 5 Ratha’s, and Seashell Museum. We will be covering all the details about these in our next post.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BarR1UdH8Z4/?hl=en&taken-by=suruchimittal

How to reach here

The Chariot Beach resort Mahabalipuram is just 60 km from Chennai. It takes around 1hr 30 minutes, maximum to reach.

Address: Five Raths Road, Behind Five Raths Monument, Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu 603104

Website: www.chariotbeachresorts.com

Disclaimer:

AllGudThings was invited as a guest for the Chariot Bloggers Retreat, 2017, but the views expressed here in the post are completely ours. Special Thanks to Mr. Anand Chandershekar, for arranging everything so nicely and taking good care of all the bloggers.

If you are convinced and liked it, please share this weekend getaway with your friends and family.

Chariot Beach Resort

India, Tamil Nadu, Tourism, Travel

Activities at Chariot Beach Resort Mahabalipuram

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Families, friends, colleagues, and couples indeed everyone close by in the family at times needs to get away from their mundane routines, leave their virtual and social space far away and come together on the same plate; for a better bonding and understanding.  Do you think like us? If yes, then come together and plan for the weekend getaway and these vacations can be more fun if it the chosen destination is around the coastal area. Recently, in September 2017 we were invited with the fellow top bloggers from India and abroad to the Chariot Beach Resort Mahabalipuram for the Chariot Bloggers Retreat, 2017 and the experiences at the property were just spectacular. The Chariot Beach resort Mahabalipuram; a 42-acre sprawling property not only went out to be the perfect weekend getaway for us but the ideal spot for friendship and strengthening the relations.

Chariot Beach Resort Mahabalipuram

We are big time travel freaks but this year only mountain Gods were favoring us till August. Finally, in September, Sea God listened to our heart and showered some blessings on us. So, we landed at the Chariot Beach resort Mahabalipuram from Delhi. The resort lies 50 km from Chennai right on the coastal belt between the Bay of Bengal and the Great Salt Lake. It caters well to every tourist in every sense. We will be talking about the detailed review of the property, in our next blog post but for the timings let’s move on to the activities you can enjoy at the Chariot Beach Resort Mahabalipuram with your family and friends.

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Activities at the Chariot Beach Resort Mahabalipuram

  1. Neighbourhood Activity Zone.

The Chariot Beach resort Mahabalipuram has 5 acres of neighborhood activity village. The zone offers adventurous, team building and adrenaline rushing activities for all age groups, but only under the expert and trained supervisors. To name a few activities, we tried our hands on Burma Bridge, flying fox, Zipline, Dynamic Challenging Course, Swing walk, pottery, fix the bug etc. We don’t say everything was easy but surely they were interesting like their names. Indeed, they made us learn so much and here are some of the benefits, we could think off.Dynamic Challenging Course Zone at Chariot Beach Resort Mahabalipuram

Benefits of Neighbourhood activities

These adrenaline rush activities enhance one’s capacity to see, hear and feel the things. They act as a stress buster, refresh one’s mood and also helps in burning some calories. Apart from this, these activities also help one to understand his/her fears and most importantly that these fears are not the constraints in ones potential.

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Also, when you try these activities together and motivate each other in a team, it makes you realize how much each one cares and wants you to accomplish this task successfully.

  1. Olympic Size Swimming Pool

The Chariot Beach resort Mahabalipuram has a huge Olympic size pool in the midst of lush green gardens. The setting of the pool is perfect with the cottages just around.

Olympiad Size Swimming Pool at Chariot Beach Resort Mahabalipuram

The Chariot team organizes pool games, evening snacks, and parties around the pool on prior requests. We spent our evenings at the pool playing volleyball and munching on tea and snacks with the fellow bloggers.

Bloggers Playing pool volleyball at Chariot Beach Resort Mahabalipuram

  1. Ayurvedic Spa

The resort owns its personal Ayurvedic spa zone exactly on the private beach shore. Ah! Location, it won our heart completely. If you too want to get pampered and relaxed by ayurvedic massages talk to the staff at reception and fix up the appointments for yourself.

Way to Ayurveda Spa Zone at Chariot Beach Resort Mahabalipuram

Our ayurvedic spa appointment was fixed at 3 pm and we reached the center on our scheduled appointment time. We continued walking ahead; receptionist at the reception standing with folded hands greeted us and directed further towards the narrow path. We crossed the pots laden with water and floating flowers in them and reached the 3 massage rooms facing the beach with swaying coconut trees around it. The dressed smiling therapist standing there further greeted and took us inside the traditional setting massage rooms. She made us change, lie down on the tables and doused us in the herbal oils, practicing the Ayurvedic treatment Abhyangam. The strokes and kneading kept on dozing us and the process continued for long 45-60 minutes leaving us completely relaxed.

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We personally liked and favor their old school traditional decor setting. There were wooden tables and big glasses for the light to come in. Getting de-stressed watching the sea waves and breathing fresh coastal air, is the perfect term to describe our experience here.

View from Ayurvedic Spa Room of Chariot Beach Resort Mahabalipuram
View from Ayurvedic Spa Room of Chariot Beach Resort Mahabalipuram

  1. Private Beach & The “Coast” Sea Food Restaurant

The Chariot beach resort Mahabalipuram has its own 2-kilometre long private beach and the delicious seafood serving restaurant named Coast on the beach.

Waiting For Sunrise at Private Beach of Chariot Beach Resort Mahabalipuram
Waiting For Sunrise at Private Beach at Chariot Beach Resort Mahabalipuram

We just walked for 5 minutes, following the cobbled stone street from our cottage, engulfing the cool ocean breeze. and there we reached the ideal empty just our beach. It is the perfect destination to watch the sunrise together. And also the ideal beach to walk hand in hand with your loved one on the golden sands.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BZdG3XpBCI3/?hl=en&taken-by=suruchimittal

If you wish to do something beyond all this for him/ her, then get a candlelight dinner organized at the beach by Chariot team. They will put up all efforts to make your evening special and memorable.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BZgvQYalFeW/?hl=en&taken-by=tashiaggarwal

  1. Catamaran Ride

From the Chariot’s private beach, you can travel to the middle of the Ocean with the local guides in their small boats  Catamaran. The speedboat starts slowly making you completely drenched in the water but the views and feel of riding in this water-land are worth everything. The fisherman stops the boat slowly around a huge stone in the middle of Ocean to show the submerged tip of one of the seven Shore temples, which is a UNESCO heritage site.  Also will narrate that it became visible only when the water receded 1 kilometer back during 2004 Tsunami.

Getting ready for Catamaran Ride at Chariot Beach Resort Mahabalipuram
Getting ready for Catamaran Ride, picture clicked by NivedithG of Macrotraveller

The Chariot Beach resort Mahabalipuram organizes the Catamaran ride only on prior requests.

  1. Cycling and Walking tour of the city.

The resort has some cycles which can be rented for the city ride or within the premises for just Rs 100 per day.

They too organize the heritage city tours on prior requests which include a visit to the Shore Temple, Arjun’s Penance, Five Rathas, Krishna’s Butterball and Lighthouse.

Walking Tour of Mahabalipuram City can be organised by Chariot beach resort Mahabalipuram

So, from these activities, you can easily make out, how wonderful the Chariot Beach resort Mahabalipuram is, as a weekend getaway. You can get a room, beach side cottage or suite booked for yourself with Chariot Beach Resort from their website.

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Also feel free to use the Code “Suru500” to avail a discount of Rs 500 on the mentioned rates.
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Note: We were invited by the Chariot Beach Resort Mahabalipuram as a part of Chariot Bloggers retreat but the views and experiences expressed here are completely our own. You can also check out our social media handles for the pictures using hashtags #funatcbr #chariotbeachresorts and #chariotbloggersretreat. Along with it do take a heritage walk at Mahabalipuram.

Do remember to share it with your friends and family.

Activities at Chariot Beach Resort Mahabalipuram