Dates are flexible. This day-by-day plan is provisional until you choose exact travel dates.
Start at Kapaleeshwarar Temple in Mylapore, allowing about an hour to admire its vividly painted Dravidian gopuram and the nearby temple tank. It’s generally open in morning and evening worship periods, but check current visitor access before setting out; remove your shoes and dress modestly, and follow signs about photography. Afterward, walk or take a short auto ride to Sangeetha Veg Restaurant in Mylapore for tiffin or a thali—budget roughly ₹200–₹500 per person and allow about 45 minutes.
Take an auto or cab to Santhome Cathedral Basilica (usually around 10–15 minutes, depending on traffic). Allow about 45 minutes for the church and crypt, and check service times so your visit doesn’t interrupt worship. Continue north to Vivekananda House in Triplicane, roughly 15–25 minutes by road; plan for an hour among the exhibits on Swami Vivekananda and Indian culture. Verify its opening days and hours before you go, as schedules can vary.
From Vivekananda House, walk or take a short auto ride toward Marina Beach and finish with a 1–1.5-hour shoreline stroll around sunset. The broad sands are lively and atmospheric, but swimming isn’t advised because of strong currents. For each road transfer, allow extra time during Chennai’s busy traffic; autos are handy for short hops, while app cabs are convenient between neighborhoods.
No packing list attached yet.