One-Day Chennai Loop: Marina & Lighthouse → T. Nagar Shopping → Mylapore & Elliot's Beach (Breakfast to Dinner)

Day 1: City Highlights

Chennai, India on August 9, 2025

7:30am

Ratna Cafe, Triplicane (Breakfast)

Classic Chennai breakfast spot known for soft idlis, pesarattu, filter coffee and a local crowd; arrive early for the best experience. Typical breakfast hours: opens ~6:30am; confirm same-day hours.
INR200, 0h45m

8:15am

Walk to Marina Beach

Short walk from Triplicane to Marina Beach (5–10 minutes); ideal to catch the cooler morning air and seaside vibe.
INR0, 0h10m

8:25am

Marina Beach (Stroll)

One of the world's longest urban beaches — walk along the shore, watch local morning activities and enjoy sea breeze; beaches are open to the public (no entry fee).
INR0, 1h0m

9:30am

Chennai Lighthouse (Visit)

Visit the Marina Lighthouse observation point for panoramic views of the city and coastline; useful early-morning slot to avoid crowds. Typical public visiting hours: ~9:00am–5:30pm (final entry earlier); confirm on the day as timings can change.
INR30, 0h30m

10:00am

Taxi/Auto: Marina → T. Nagar

Drive to T. Nagar for shopping (expect 25–40 minutes depending on traffic); taxis or auto-rickshaws are most efficient. Allow extra time in peak hours.
INR150, 0h35m

10:35am

Hindustan Trading Company (Stationery)

Famous stationery and office-supplies shop in T. Nagar — good for notebooks, pens, art supplies and unique Indian stationery finds. Typical shop hours: ~10:00am–8:30pm; confirm on the day.
INR0, 0h35m

11:10am

Pondy Bazaar (Budget Shopping)

Bustling shopping street with clothing, accessories, footwear and local bargains — ideal for budget shopping and street vendors; plan 1–2 hours depending on interest. Shops generally open from ~10:00am through evening.
INR0, 1h30m

12:40pm

Panagal Park / Natesan Park (Relax)

Green pocket in the heart of T. Nagar — sit, relax and recover from shopping; good for a 15–30 minute break in shade. Parks typically open early morning until evening; check local hours if visiting late.
INR0, 0h20m

1:00pm

Madurai Kumar Mess, T. Nagar (Lunch)

Popular South-Indian non-vegetarian (and vegetarian options) lunch spot known for hearty meals and authentic flavors — great place for a filling lunch. Typical lunch service: from ~11:00am; expect lunch to take 40–60 minutes.
INR300, 0h45m

1:45pm

Quick revisit / more Pondy Bazaar browsing

Use this short window to pick up anything you missed in Pondy Bazaar or return to Hindustan Trading Company if needed.
INR0, 0h30m

2:15pm

Taxi/Auto: T. Nagar → Mylapore

Travel to Mylapore for its traditional food stalls and temple precincts; expect ~20–30 minutes depending on traffic.
INR120, 0h25m

2:40pm

Kalathi Stall, Mylapore (Rose Milk/Refreshment)

Famous for traditional drinks like rose milk and quick snacks — a refreshing afternoon stop. Stall timings can vary; many open from late morning to evening, so confirm locally.
INR40, 0h20m

3:00pm

Explore Mylapore (Temple area / local streets)

Walk the historic lanes around Kapaleeshwarar Temple, visit small shops and soak in old Chennai's cultural vibe; good 45–60 minute wander. Temple visiting hours vary (typically early morning and evening) so plan accordingly.
INR0, 1h0m

4:00pm

Taxi/Auto: Mylapore → Besant Nagar (Elliot's Beach)

Short drive to Besant Nagar's Elliot's Beach — expect ~20–30 minutes; aim to arrive well before sunset to find a good spot.
INR120, 0h25m

4:25pm

Elliot's Beach (Relax/Evening Walk)

Cleaner, calmer beach favored by locals; good for an evening stroll, cafés and early refreshments. Publicly accessible, best visited before and during sunset hours.
INR0, 1h50m

6:15pm

Sunset at Elliot's Beach

Catch the sunset over the Bay of Bengal — in August expect sunset around 6:10–6:20pm; arrive 10–15 minutes early for best views. Sunset time shifts slightly by date — confirm locally.
INR0, 0h30m

7:00pm

Murugan Idli Shop, Besant Nagar (Dinner)

Popular spot for light South-Indian dinner — excellent idlis, dosas and chutneys; ideal after a beach evening. Many branches open from early morning through late evening; Besant Nagar outlet typically open until late.
INR250, 1h0m

8:15pm

End / Return to Hotel or Drop-off

Finish the one-day loop — from Besant Nagar you can taxi back to central Chennai/taxi stands or your hotel. Allow 20–45 minutes travel time depending on destination and traffic.
INR200, 0h30m
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