Stone temples and sea waves: Mahabalipuram

Winter vacations are the best time to take a break, and this January, my family and I decided to visit Mahabalipuram, a place rich in history, culture, and peaceful vibes. What we thought would be a relaxing two-day trip turned into an adventure filled with stunning temples, great food, and an unexpected car breakdown that left us stranded for hours

We set off by car, excited for a change of scenery. The drive was smooth, with cool winter air making the journey even more enjoyable. After reaching Mahabalipuram, we checked into our hotel, which was cozy and welcoming. A quick freshen-up later, we were all set to explore.

Our first stop was the Shore Temple, standing proudly against the Bay of Bengal. The temple, with its intricate carvings and ocean backdrop, felt almost magical. Next, we visited the famous Pancha Rathas, massive rock-cut structures that looked like chariots frozen in time

One of the most fascinating places we explored was the site where Prime Ministe

r Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping had met. It was surreal standing there, knowing that such a significant diplomatic event had taken place right where we were.

The best part of this trip was spending quality time with my entire family. From cracking jokes to taking tons of photos, every moment was filled with laughter and fun. But just when we thought everything was going perfectly, the universe had other plans!

On our way back, our car’s brakes started acting up. What should have been a minor inconvenience turned into a five-hour delay all thanks to the language barrier. Communicating with the local mechanics was tougher than we expected, and finding help took way longer than we had hoped. It was frustrating, but at the same time, we made the most of the situation—talking, laughing, and just going with the flow.

If there’s one thing I’ll always remember from this trip, it’s the authentic South Indian food! Crispy dosas, soft idlis, flavorful sambhar, and my favourite filter coffee. There’s something about having steaming hot food under the chilling winter sun that just makes it taste even better.

If you love peace, history, and beautiful architecture, Mahabalipuram is a place you must visit at least once. The vibe here is so calm and refreshing. However, if you don’t speak Tamil, be prepared for some language struggles, especially if you face an emergency like we did.

Despite the small hiccups, this trip was an unforgettable experience. It gave us stories to tell, memories to cherish, and a reminder that even unexpected delays can turn into great family moments. If you’re looking for a quick getaway that offers both history and serenity, Mahabalipuram is the place to be.