Just outside Chennai, you can spend a weekend gorging on seafood and sipping on cold drinks at a shack on the packed Mahabalipuram beach. Once you move away from the main tourist spots, you’ll be able to splash around in turquoise waters, surrounded by white sands, as dolphins merrily pass by. Plush resorts, mid-range beachside digs, and basic homestays are all available here.
Driving Time: 5 1/2 hours (approx.)
Nearest Airport: Chennai