Classic South Indian breakfast (idli, dosa, filter coffee); popular and reliable for authentic flavours. Opens early (around 7:00) so good for a prompt start.
Dravidian temple with colourful gopuram and active local worship; visit in the morning when temple rituals and sculptural details are best seen. Temple typically open 06:00–11:00 and 17:00–21:00.
British-era fort and museum giving a concise primer on Chennai’s colonial history and military artefacts; museum generally open 09:00–17:00 so plan morning visit.
Choose Buhari for the famous Chicken 65 and South Indian non-veg classics or Ponnusamy for hearty Chettinad fare; both are well-known and open through lunch.
One of the world’s longest urban beaches — ideal for an easy stroll, people-watching and sunset photos; the beach is open all day but avoid midday heat.
A peaceful spiritual centre with quiet gardens and an ashram museum; public visiting hours are typically morning and late afternoon (check visitor guidelines).
Visit Auroville’s Visitor’s Centre and gardens; inner Matrimandir viewing requires advance booking, but the visitor centre is open for all (plan to arrive 09:00–12:00 or 14:00–16:00).
UNESCO-era example of Chola architecture with an immense vimana (temple tower); open typically 06:00–12:00 and 16:00–20:30 — afternoon slot is ideal after lunch.
See classical art, bronzes and palm-leaf manuscripts in one of South India’s oldest libraries and palace complexes; galleries generally open 09:00–17:00 (confirm local hours).
One of India’s largest temple complexes with vast courtyards and ornate gopurams; open typically 05:00–12:00 and 16:00–21:00 — mornings are best for exploring.
Madurai’s vibrant temple complex with towering gopurams, sculptural detail and daily rituals; temple hours typically 04:30–12:30 and 16:00–21:30 — mornings are excellent for detailed viewing.
17th-century Indo-Saracenic palace with pillared halls and evening light shows on some days; palace usually open 09:00–17:00 — afternoons good for interiors.