On Chennai-Mahabalipuram route

Cholamandal Artist's village : It is a place for artists and sculptors to live, work and exhibit (18 km from Chennai at Injambalkkam). Dakshinachitra (Rs 25, Tuesday closed) is another 12 km from Cholamandal on the Mahabalipuram road. The art complex displays traditional arts and crafts from South Indian states.

Crocodile bank : It is a breeding farm (Rs 20, camera Rs 10, Monday closed) for crocodile, alligator (Indian mugger, gharial crocodiles and the saltwater crocodiles of the Andaman islands) and turtle located on the Mahabalipuram road. Late afternoon is the feeding time (Rs 20). The anti venom producing snake farm (Rs 5) is nearby. 14 km from Mahabalipuram.

Tirukallaikundram temple : Vedgirishvara temple is dedicated to Shiva is on a hill. The temple has two beautiful shrines and good views of the large Bhakatvatsaleshwara temple (14 km from Mahabalipuram).