Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu · luxury

Radisson Blu Resort Temple Bay, Mamallapuram

★★★★★

Temple Bay is a beach resort on the East Coast Road, a short walk from the Shore Temple. Its centrepiece is one of the longest swimming pools in India, running most of the length of the grounds toward the sea. Guests stay in rooms in the main block or in private cottages and villas scattered through the garden, some with plunge pools. The beach here is wide and largely empty, watched by lifeguards. There is a spa, a kids' club, and several restaurants, including one on the sand. It is the comfortable base for the monuments, and an easy weekend distance from Chennai.