[A short video description for Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu, India]

Tucked away from the bustle of Chennai and the chic of Pondicherry, the East coast road leads to this quaint old town that has survived floods, a war, a tsunami, and a meagre audience. A UNESCO world heritage site, with over 400 listed monuments, Mahabalipuram- now known as Mamallapuram, boasts of marvels dating back to the 6th century! History buffs, get on a bike/auto/cab or just walk around this magnificence.

In this video:

📍Shore Temple, Pancha Rathas, Arjuna’s Penance, Krishna’s Butter Ball, Descent of the Ganges, Varaha Cave Temple, Panchpandava Mandap, Trimurthi Cave

☕A crazy good Chai, Vada and Egg Bonda cart, 100 meters from the beach, Othavadai Street

⛅Mahabalipuram beach, along the Coromandel coast of Bay of Bengal, with its pink sunset skies and fluffy clouds.

⛰Your mini checklist for Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, India

- Take a slow walk to Laxman Jhula (The bridge overlooking the holy Ganges). Look out for the graffiti in every nook before you immerse yourself in Aarti at 6:30 PM IST

- Indulge in a good coffee, almond triangle and crepes at the German Bakery.

- Dine with a view of Laxman Jhula at night- at Ganga View Cafe. Veggie Burgers, falafel platter, brownies, and a big menu for coffee lovers and vegans.

- Wander through the music jamming sessions on Saturday night, on the ghats (river bank) near Laxman Jhula.

- Start your day with an adrenaline rush- A rafting session! Book one through your hotel or a local vendor. The route from Shivpuri to NIM Beach recommended for beginners- priced at ₹650-850 (INR) per person.

- Head to Agrawal sweets near Laxman Jhula for the best local snacks- kulhad lassi, samosa, mithais. Locally made cookies such as nankhatai, ramfal (only available near Ram jhula), fruit and juice carts, best found on the streets.

- Immerse yourself in the divinity with Ganga Aarti at Parmarth Niketan Ashram near Ram Jhula- 5:30 pm onwards, followed by a quiet breezy dinner at Sankriti Cafe.

- Take a 30 minute drive to Shivpuri, Brahmpuri or Kothiyal hills for a tranquil retreat- cleaner, quiter river banks.

- Shop for memorabilia, copper bottles, hippie clothes, bags and accessories from the market near Laxman Jhula.

- Take a drive to Devprayag if you have an extra day in hand. The sangam or confluence of Bhagirathi and Alaknanda Rivers into River Ganga is quite a sight.