Marina Beach is the longest natural urban beach in the country. Start the day by watching the sunrise and enjoying a morning walk along the beach. Visit the LightHouse, which is open from 10 am to 5 pm, for a panoramic view of the city. For lunch, try some traditional South Indian dishes at the nearby Murugan Idli Shop. In the afternoon, head to the Government Museum, which has a wide range of exhibits including archaeology, anthropology, numismatics, and zoology. End the day by taking a stroll along the beach and watching the sunset.
Start the day by visiting the Kapaleeswarar Temple, a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is open from 5:30 am to 12 pm and from 4 pm to 9 pm. Have breakfast at the popular hotel Saravana Bhavan nearby. In the afternoon, visit the San Thome Basilica, which is open from 6 am to 9 pm. The church is built over the tomb of St. Thomas the Apostle, who is believed to have come to India in 52 AD. End the day with some shopping at the nearby T Nagar, which is known for its street markets and shops.
Visit the Guindy National Park, which is open from 9 am to 5 pm. The park is home to a variety of flora and fauna, including over 130 species of birds. Have lunch at the nearby Adyar Ananda Bhavan, which serves delicious vegetarian food. In the afternoon, visit the Birla Planetarium, which is open from 10 am to 5:45 pm. The planetarium has regular shows on astronomy and space science. End the day with a visit to the Vadapalani Murugan Temple, a temple dedicated to Lord Muruga.
Fort St. George is the first British fortress in India and is now the headquarters of the Tamil Nadu government. The fort is open from 9 am to 5 pm. Have lunch at the nearby Amethyst Cafe, which is located in a restored colonial bungalow. In the afternoon, visit the Government College of Fine Arts, which has a collection of art pieces from different parts of the country. End the day with a visit to the St. Thomas Mount, which is believed to be the site where St. Thomas was martyred.
Take a day trip to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Mahabalipuram, which is known for its temples and rock-cut sculptures. The Shore Temple, Pancha Rathas, and the Arjuna's Penance are some of the must-visit attractions in Mahabalipuram. Have lunch at the nearby Moonrakers Restaurant, which serves seafood and other continental dishes. End the day with a visit to the DakshinaChitra Museum, which showcases the culture and lifestyle of South India.
If you have time, visit the Valluvar Kottam, a monument dedicated to the Tamil poet and philosopher Thiruvalluvar, or the Kalakshetra Foundation, an institution for the preservation and development of Indian art and culture. You can also take a day trip to Kanchipuram, a temple town known for its silk sarees and ancient temples. To maximize your fun, try some street food in the local markets or take a stroll in the beach in the evenings.
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