In the morning, visit the Fort St. George, which was built in 1644 by the British East India Company. It served as the first British fortress in India and houses a museum showcasing the history of the fort and the British India period. For lunch, head to Amethyst Cafe, which is located inside a restored colonial mansion. In the afternoon, visit the Kapaleeswarar Temple, one of the oldest temples in Chennai, known for its Dravidian architecture. In the evening, visit the Marina Beach, the second-longest urban beach in the world, to see the sunset and try some local street food.
In the morning, take a day trip to Mahabalipuram, a UNESCO World Heritage site and an ancient port city. Visit the Shore Temple, a structural temple built with blocks of granite, and the Five Rathas, monolithic rock-cut temples. For lunch, head to Moonrakers, a seafood restaurant with a stunning view of the Bay of Bengal. In the afternoon, visit the Crocodile Bank, a reptile zoo that's home to more than 2,400 crocodiles and alligators. In the evening, head back to Chennai and visit the Government Museum, which displays a range of exhibits from ancient sculptures to contemporary art.
Make sure to visit the Santhome Cathedral Basilica, a church built over the tomb of St. Thomas, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus. For a unique experience, take a walk along the Besant Nagar Beach and check out the vendors selling handmade crafts and trinkets. Day trips to Kanchipuram, known for its silk sarees, and Pondicherry, a former French colony, are highly recommended. To maximize your fun, try some local delicacies like idli, dosa, and filter coffee, and shop for souvenirs at Pondy Bazaar and T. Nagar.