In the morning, visit the Kapaleeswarar Temple, a beautiful 7th-century temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Don't miss the intricately carved gopuram tower and the colorful market outside the temple. For lunch, head to The Marina, a nearby restaurant that serves delicious seafood. In the afternoon, visit the Government Museum, which has an impressive collection of artifacts, paintings, and sculptures from ancient India. In the evening, take a stroll on the Marina Beach, one of the longest urban beaches in the world.
Start your day with a visit to Fort St. George, a historic fortress that served as the headquarters of the British East India Company. Explore the museum, which has an excellent collection of artifacts and documents related to colonial India. For lunch, try some traditional South Indian food at Murugan Idli Shop. In the afternoon, visit the Santhome Cathedral Basilica, a 16th-century church built by Portuguese explorers. End your day with a sunset cruise on the Cooum River.
Take a day trip to Mahabalipuram, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its ancient temples and rock-cut sculptures. Start your day at the Shore Temple, a 7th-century temple that overlooks the Bay of Bengal. Next, visit the Five Rathas, a group of monolithic rock-cut temples. For lunch, try some seafood at Moonrakers. In the afternoon, visit the Descent of the Ganges, a massive bas-relief that depicts the Hindu mythological story of the descent of the River Ganges. End your day with a visit to the Mahabalipuram Beach.
On your last day, visit the Arignar Anna Zoological Park, one of the largest zoological parks in South Asia. It houses more than 170 species of animals, including tigers, lions, elephants, and chimpanzees. For lunch, try some biryani at Buhari. In the afternoon, visit the Guindy National Park, a protected area that is home to a variety of flora and fauna. End your day by shopping for souvenirs at the Pondy Bazaar or the T Nagar Market.
If you have more time, consider visiting the Cholamandal Artists' Village, which showcases contemporary Indian art, or the Dakshinachitra, a cultural museum that depicts the life of South Indian people. You can also take a day trip to Kanchipuram, a town known for its silk sarees and ancient temples. To maximize your fun, try some street food like vada pav or kothu parotta, and attend a classical dance performance or a movie screening at a local cinema. Finally, don't forget to try filter coffee, a popular South Indian beverage.
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