Chennai for Foodies - 3 Day Itinerary in June 2023

1. Day 1: Breakfast at Murugan Idli Shop
   10 minutes (1.3 miles) from Marina Beach

   Start your day with a delicious South Indian breakfast at Murugan Idli Shop, known for its soft, fluffy idlis and variety of chutneys. The restaurant opens at 7:00 AM so arrive early to avoid the crowd. After breakfast, head to Marina Beach to catch the sunrise and take a stroll along the shore. In the afternoon, visit Kapaleeswarar Temple, a 16th-century temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. End your day with a seafood dinner at Buhari Hotel, which has been serving scrumptious meals since 1951.

2. Day 2: Street Food Tour in T. Nagar
   20 minutes (3.7 miles) from Kapaleeswarar Temple

   Experience the vibrant street food scene in T. Nagar, one of Chennai's busiest shopping districts. Join a guided food tour to taste various local snacks such as bonda, vada pav, and kothu parotta. In the afternoon, visit Fort St. George, the first British fortress in India, and explore its museum. Head to Amethyst Cafe for an early dinner, which is set in a beautiful garden and offers a range of Mediterranean and fusion dishes. If you still have room, try some artisanal ice cream at Creamy Inn.

3. Day 3: Chettinad Cuisine at The Bangala
   1 hour 30 minutes (35 miles) from Amethyst Cafe via ECR

   Take a day trip to Chettinad region, known for its spicy and flavorful cuisine. The Bangala, a heritage hotel in Karaikudi, serves authentic Chettinad dishes made with locally-sourced ingredients. After lunch, visit Chettinad Palace, a stunning mansion built in the early 20th century. On your way back to Chennai, stop by Mahabalipuram to see its UNESCO World Heritage site monuments including the Shore Temple and Five Rathas. End your day at Murugan Bhavan, another popular South Indian restaurant, for a hearty dinner.

Recommendations

Don't miss trying filter coffee at one of the many local cafes such as Mylapore Filter Coffee and Mami Tiffen Stall. For day trips, consider visiting Pondicherry and experiencing its French colonial architecture and cuisine. To maximize your fun, try renting a bicycle or scooter to explore the city at your own pace.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Murugan Idli Shop (1 hour, INR 200)
• Kapaleeswarar Temple (1 hour, Free)
• Buhari Hotel (1.5 hours, INR 800)
• Street Food Tour in T. Nagar (3 hours, INR 1500)
• Fort St. George (2 hours, INR 100)
• Amethyst Cafe (2 hours, INR 800)
• The Bangala (3 hours, INR 2000)
• Chettinad Palace (1 hour, INR 150)
• Mahabalipuram Monuments (2 hours, INR 500)
• Murugan Bhavan (1.5 hours, INR 500)
• Total Estimated Costs: INR 7350

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