Family-Friendly 3-Day Itinerary for Chennai in June 2023
Day 1: Mahabalipuram Beach
50 minutes (30 km) from Chennai City Centre
10:00am - 12:00pm: Spend the morning exploring the Mahabalipuram Beach, famous for its beautiful white sand and clear blue waters.
12:00pm - 1:30pm: Head to the Seashore Garden Restaurant for some delicious seafood and local cuisine.
2:00pm - 5:00pm: Visit the Shore Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its intricate carvings and stunning architecture.
6:00pm - 8:00pm: Experience the Ayurvedic massage and spa treatments at the Ideal Beach Resort.
Day 2: Arignar Anna Zoological Park
1 hour 10 minutes (35 km) from Mahabalipuram Beach
9:00am - 12:00pm: Spend the morning exploring the Arignar Anna Zoological Park, home to over 170 species of animals, including tigers, lions, and chimpanzees.
12:00pm - 1:00pm: Enjoy a delicious lunch at the park's restaurant.
2:00pm - 4:00pm: Visit the Guindy National Park, a beautiful nature reserve home to a wide variety of birdlife and surrounded by lush greenery.
5:00pm - 7:00pm: Head to the Phoenix Marketcity Mall for shopping, dining, and entertainment.
Day 3: Dakshinachitra Heritage Museum
40 minutes (20 km) from Arignar Anna Zoological Park
10:00am - 12:00pm: Explore the Dakshinachitra Heritage Museum, showcasing the art, architecture, and culture of the South Indian states.
12:00pm - 1:30pm: Enjoy a traditional South Indian meal at the museum's restaurant.
2:00pm - 4:00pm: Visit the Muttukadu Backwaters, a scenic lake surrounded by lush greenery, and enjoy a boat ride.
5:00pm - 7:00pm: Head to the Besant Nagar Beach to relax, play in the sand and watch the sunset.
Recommendations
Other places to consider visiting include the Government Museum, Birla Planetarium, and the Kapaleeswarar Temple. For day trips, consider visiting the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Great Living Chola Temples or the charming town of Pondicherry. To maximize your fun, consider hiring a private car and driver to get around and explore the city at your own pace.
Time and Costs Estimates
Mahabalipuram Beach (3 hours, Free)
Seashore Garden Restaurant (1.5 hours, £7 per person)
Shore Temple (3 hours, £3 per person)
Ideal Beach Resort (2 hours, £25 per person)
Arignar Anna Zoological Park (3 hours, £4 per person)
Guindy National Park (2 hours, Free)
Phoenix Marketcity Mall (2 hours, Free)
Dakshinachitra Heritage Museum (2 hours, £2 per person)
Restaurant at Dakshinachitra Heritage Museum (1.5 hours, £5 per person)