Chennai Adventure: Dec 12 – Dec 16, 2025

Day 1: Arrival & First Impressions (Dec 12)

Morning: Depart SFO on an overnight flight (approximately 20 hours) and arrive at Chennai International Airport (MAA) in the early afternoon.

Afternoon: Transfer to your hotel in the Triplicane area, freshen up, and enjoy a light South Indian lunch featuring idli and sambar.

Evening: Take a leisurely stroll along Marina Beach, watch the sunset, and sample street snacks like bhaji and fresh coconut water.

Day 2: Cultural Foundations (Dec 13)

Morning: Visit the historic Kapaleeshwarar Temple in Mylapore, admiring its Dravidian architecture and vibrant rituals.

Afternoon: Explore the bustling lanes of George Town, stopping at the Parry’s Corner market for spices and textiles.

Evening: Dine at a rooftop restaurant in Thiruvanmiyur, enjoying panoramic views of the city and the Bay of Bengal.

Day 3: History & Art (Dec 14)

Morning: Tour the Fort St. George Museum, where colonial artifacts and paintings narrate Chennai’s British past.

Afternoon: Head to the Government Museum in Egmore to see its impressive bronze gallery and natural history exhibits.

Evening: Experience the lively atmosphere of Santhome with a walk along the promenade and dinner at a seaside café.

Day 4: Day Trip to Mahabalipuram (Dec 15)

Morning: Depart early for the UNESCO‑listed coastal town of Mahabalipuram, about 60 km south of Chennai.

Afternoon: Explore the iconic Shore Temple, Pancha Rathas, and the intricate rock‑cut Arjuna’s Penance.

Evening: Return to Chennai, relax at the hotel, and enjoy a quiet dinner in the Adyar neighborhood.

Day 5: Departure (Dec 16)

Morning: Pack, enjoy a final breakfast of masala dosa, and take a short walk to the nearby Kapaleeshwarar Temple for a quick blessing.

Afternoon: Transfer to Chennai International Airport for your return flight to SFO.

Evening: Flight departs, concluding your South Indian adventure.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Round‑trip flight SFO ↔ MAA – 20 hrs travel, $950
• Marina Beach – 2 hrs, free
• Kapaleeshwarar Temple – 1.5 hrs, free
• George Town market walk – 2 hrs, free (shopping optional)
• Fort St. George Museum – 2 hrs, $5 entry
• Government Museum – 2 hrs, $3 entry
• Mahabalipuram day trip – 8 hrs, $70 (transport & entry fees)
• Meals (average $30/day) – 5 days, $150
• Accommodation (mid‑range hotel, $80/night) – 4 nights, $320
• Local transport (auto‑rickshaws, taxis) – $60
• Total Estimated Cost: $1,617

Tips

If you have extra time, consider extending your stay by a day to explore the nearby fishing village of Kanchipuram, famous for its silk sarees and ancient temples. Conversely, for a shorter trip, you can condense the itinerary by skipping the Mahabalipuram day trip and focusing solely on Chennai’s city attractions, saving both time and travel expenses.