Start your day with a sunrise stroll along Marina Beach, Asia’s longest urban beach; great for people-watching, local snacks and early-morning photographers. Open public shoreline—ideal for a 30–60 minute peaceful walk.
A vibrant Dravidian-style Shiva temple with colorful gopurams and active morning rituals; visit during the morning puja for best atmosphere. Typical opening hours: ~5:30am–12:30pm & 4:00pm–9:30pm; open today (Sunday).
Enjoy classic South Indian breakfast dosas, idlis and filter coffee at Saravana Bhavan; consistent, clean, and close to the temple. Generally open from early morning to late night; expect about INR150–300 per person.
Visit the serene San Thome Basilica built over the tomb of St. Thomas; notable for its neo-Gothic architecture and peaceful museum. Typical opening hours: 7:00am–6:00pm; open today (Sunday).
Explore the colonial-era Fort St. George complex and small museum that traces Chennai’s British-era history and exhibits weapons, maps and civic artifacts. Museum hours: ~9:00am–5:00pm, closed on Mondays — it is open today (Sunday); allow time for a guided look.
Taste Chennai specialties like biryani and Chicken 65 at Buhari or try Dindigul Thalappakatti for authentic South Indian rice-based meals; both are popular and close to the Fort/central area. Typical hours: ~11:00am–11:00pm; good for a hearty local lunch.
If you love art, archaeology and South Indian antiquities, the Government Museum in Egmore houses well-curated collections of bronzes, sculptures and archaeology. Usual hours: ~9:30am–5:00pm, often closed on Mondays; open today (Sunday).
Shop for textiles, jewelry, souvenirs and street fashion at Pondy Bazaar or head into Express Avenue mall for AC comfort and branded stores; both are lively in the afternoon. Mall hours ~10:30am–10:00pm; open today.
Drive to Besant Nagar for a quieter beach experience than Marina — great for a relaxed walk, local cafés and kite flyers as the sun lowers; beach is public and open all day. Good time to unwind and watch the local evening scene.
Finish with a spicy Chettinad meal (Anjappar) or famed Dindigul biryani — both serve robust South Indian flavours and are open late into the evening. Typical hours: ~11:00am–11:30pm; reserve if you prefer a specific outlet.