5-Day Family Friendly Itinerary for Chennai

1. Day 1: Mahabalipuram
   1 hr 30 mins (36.5 km) from Chennai

   Explore the UNESCO World Heritage site, Mahabalipuram, famous for its rock-cut temples and sculptures. In the morning, visit the Shore Temple, Pancha Rathas, and Arjuna's Penance. In the afternoon, enjoy a stroll at the Mahabalipuram Beach and try some local snacks. In the evening, visit the Krishna's Butterball and watch the Sound and Light Show.

2. Day 2: Guindy National Park and Snake Park
   24 mins (10 km) from Mahabalipuram

   Spend the morning exploring the Guindy National Park, a protected area with over 24 species of trees, 14 species of shrubs, and 130 species of birds. In the afternoon, visit the nearby Snake Park and learn about various reptiles and amphibians. In the evening, relax at the park and enjoy some refreshments.

3. Day 3: Marina Beach and Fort St. George
   20 mins (9.8 km) from Guindy National Park and Snake Park

   Visit the iconic Marina Beach in the morning and take a stroll along the longest urban beach in India. In the afternoon, visit the Fort St. George, a colonial-era fort and the first English fortress in India. Explore the museum and learn about the history of Chennai. In the evening, head to the nearby Armenian Street and enjoy some local street food.

4. Day 4: Government Museum and Birla Planetarium
   10 mins (3.3 km) from Fort St. George

   Visit the Government Museum in the morning and explore the various galleries showcasing art, archaeology, and natural history. In the afternoon, visit the nearby Birla Planetarium and learn about the wonders of the universe. In the evening, head to the nearby Spencer Plaza and indulge in some shopping and dining.

5. Day 5: Valluvar Kottam and Kapaleeswarar Temple
   15 mins (5.8 km) from Birla Planetarium

   Visit the Valluvar Kottam in the morning and admire the monument built in honor of the Tamil poet and philosopher, Thiruvalluvar. In the afternoon, visit the nearby Kapaleeswarar Temple, a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. In the evening, head to the nearby Mylapore neighborhood and enjoy some local delicacies.

Recommendations

Other local attractions worth considering are the Cholamandal Artists' Village, the Santhome Cathedral Basilica, and the Vivekananda House. You can also take a day trip to the nearby town of Kanchipuram, known for its beautiful silk sarees and ancient temples. To maximize your fun, try participating in a cooking class and learn how to prepare some traditional Tamil dishes.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Shore Temple (1-2 hrs, INR 40)
• Pancha Rathas (1-2 hrs, INR 40)
• Arjuna's Penance (1-2 hrs, INR 40)
• Guindy National Park (2-3 hrs, INR 20)
• Snake Park (1-2 hrs, INR 15)
• Fort St. George (2-3 hrs, INR 50)
• Government Museum (2-3 hrs, INR 35)
• Birla Planetarium (1-2 hrs, INR 60)
• Valluvar Kottam (1-2 hrs, INR 20)
• Kapaleeswarar Temple (1-2 hrs, Free)
• Total Estimated Costs: INR 330

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