Start your day with a leisurely late-morning visit to [Kapaleeswarar Temple](https://www.google.com/search?q=Kapaleeswarar+Temple+tamilnadu+main+places+for+3+days+around+trip%0A+official+site) in Mylapore to admire Dravidian architecture and watch local worship rituals, then wander the nearby lanes for filter coffee and a pancake-style dosa at a beloved hole-in-the-wall. From there, stroll through [San Thome Basilica](https://www.google.com/search?q=San+Thome+Basilica+tamilnadu+main+places+for+3+days+around+trip%0A+official+site) to see its Gothic facade and peaceful cloister, and finish with a refreshing walk along Marina Beach toward the lifeguard towers - perfect for people-watching, photographing the coastline, and sampling fresh coconut water from the beach vendors before an early afternoon museum or transfer.
After a relaxing morning by the sea, head to Government Museum, Chennai (Egmore) to explore its impressive collection of archeology, bronzes and Tanjore paintings, then wander the leafy Semmozhi Poonga botanical garden for a calm midday greenery break. Late afternoon, dive into the bustling energy of T. Nagar for a sari-and-silk shopping experience and finish with a traditional South Indian meal at the famed Rayar's Mess or a nearby century-old eatery before evening plans.
As the sun dips, wander through the atmospheric lanes of Mylapore Bazaar sampling street snacks like sundal and murukku, then catch a Kathakali or contemporary dance performance at Kalakshetra Foundation for a taste of classical arts in an intimate setting. Finish with dinner and skyline views at The Lighthouse, a rooftop restaurant in Besant Nagar, or enjoy fresh seafood at the beloved coastal eatery Anjappar before returning to your hotel for a restful night ahead of tomorrow's transfer to Mahabalipuram.
After an easy drive from Chennai, begin with a sunrise walk around the dramatic coastal complex of Shore Temple to watch the surf gloss the ancient granite and capture early-morning light on its carved deities. Continue to explore the nearby open-air gallery of the Pancha Rathas (Five Rathas) and the intricately carved reliefs at Arjuna's Penance, then pause at a seaside café for filter coffee and fresh seafood before the midday crowds arrive.
After the morning monuments, linger over a relaxed seaside lunch at Sandy Shore Beach Café sampling fresh prawn curry and tangy meen kuzhambu, then stroll the quieter stretch toward Krishna's Butter Ball to marvel at the massive balancing boulder and pose for playful photos. Continue into town to visit the artisan lanes around Mahabalipuram Market for handcrafted stone sculptures and traditional brassware, and end the afternoon with a guided short workshop at Stone Carving Village to try your hand at chiseling a small souvenir under a local sculptor's guidance.
As the heat softens, wander the quieter lanes toward Shiva Temple Complex (Olakkannesvara Lighthouse area) to climb for panoramic sunset views over the Bay of Bengal, then descend to enjoy fresh grilled seafood at Seashore Restaurant while listening to local fishermen mend nets. Finish with a peaceful stroll along Mahabalipuram Promenade to watch the tide come in, browse evening stalls selling miniature stone carvings, and sip coconut water as the sky fades to twilight.
Begin with a gentle stroll through the pastel lanes of the French Quarter, admiring colonial villas and stopping at a café like Café des Arts for strong filter coffee and a croissant while watching locals start their day. Then cycle or walk down to the beachfront to explore the Promenade Beach at dawn, pause at the War Memorial and continue to the serene [Manakula Vinayagar Temple](https://www.google.com/search?q=Manakula+Vinayagar+Temple+tamilnadu+main+places+for+3+days+around+trip%0A+official+site) to observe morning rituals and colorful local devotion before heading out toward Auroville for the afternoon.
After a relaxed morning in the French Quarter, drive or take a tuk-tuk to Auroville Visitors Centre to pick up maps and join a short guided orientation about the community's philosophy and sustainable projects. From there, cycle through the leafy lanes to Matrimandir Gardens (viewing platform access) to absorb the tranquil grounds, then stop at Sadhana Forest or a nearby organic café for a late lunch of fresh local fare and an introduction to volunteer-run reforestation and permaculture initiatives.
As twilight falls, wander the shaded lanes to Rock Beach Promenade for a breezy seaside walk, then head to the elegant Le Dupleix courtyard for an aperitif on the terrace while watching the streetlights come up. Follow this with dinner at Villa Shanti, where contemporary Creole-Tamil dishes and a cozy tropical garden setting make a relaxed finale, or opt for inventive seafood and craft cocktails at The Promenade Hotel's Lighthouse Grill before a short nightcap at a nearby jazz bar.