Radisson Blu Resort Temple Bay Mamallapuram

Radisson Blu Resort Temple Bay sits right on the coast at Mamallapuram, also known as Mahabalipuram, a short drive from the UNESCO-listed Shore Temple and the Five Rathas. The resort is spread over landscaped grounds that run down to the beach, with low-rise buildings, pools and shaded paths, and it provides a peaceful base after the bustle of Chennai. Staying here lets you visit the monuments at sunrise or late afternoon, when the light is soft and the tour buses have gone. Rooms and villas are arranged around gardens and pools, with sea or garden views, comfortable beds and modern bathrooms. Many have balconies or terraces, and the resort's design gives a relaxed, holiday atmosphere. Family rooms and connecting rooms are available, and the staff are used to helping guests plan sightseeing, beach time and excursions.

Facilities include several pools, a spa, a fitness centre and a beach area where you can walk and watch fishing boats, although the sea can be rough and swimming is not always advisable. Restaurants serve Indian, seafood and international dishes, and evening buffets and barbecues are popular with guests. Check the resort's activities programme for yoga, cultural performances and cycling, which can enrich a short stay.

The resort works well for different kinds of trips. Couples can enjoy the sea breeze and quiet gardens, families can use the pools and open spaces, and history lovers can base themselves close to the monuments. The town of Mamallapuram, with its stone-carving workshops, cafes and shops, is a short ride away. Madras Crocodile Bank and DakshinaChitra lie to the north along the East Coast Road, and Pondicherry is a drive of about two hours to the south.

Plan the stay around the light. Visit the Shore Temple at first light, return for breakfast and a swim, and spend the heat of the day by the pool or in the spa before heading out again in the late afternoon to the Five Rathas or the stone-carving lanes. Evening walks along the beach, when fishing boats come in, are a quiet pleasure. Pack sunscreen, a hat, insect repellent and comfortable walking shoes, and bring cash for the sculptors' workshops, since smaller shops may not take cards.

The practical details are simple. The resort is around 55 kilometres from central Chennai and the airport, a drive of one and a half to two hours depending on traffic, so arrange transfers in advance. The cooler season from November to February is the most comfortable, while the monsoon can bring rain and rough seas.

Most travellers stay one or two nights as part of a longer Tamil Nadu itinerary. Ask the front desk to arrange a guide for the temples, a cycle ride through the villages and a visit to a sculptor's workshop, and enjoy the unhurried rhythm of a coastal stay.