7-Day Chennai Itinerary

1. Day 1: Marina Beach
   30 minutes (10.5 km) from Chennai International Airport

   Start your day at Marina Beach, the second-largest beach in the world. Enjoy sunrise views and take a stroll along the 13km long stretch. Afternoon, visit the Fort St. George, the first English fortress in India, or the Government Museum, one of the oldest museums in India, to learn about Chennai's history. Evening, head to Kapaleeswarar Temple, a beautiful and historic Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.

2. Day 2: Mahabalipuram
   1 hour 30 minutes (56.7 km) from Marina Beach

   Take a day trip to Mahabalipuram, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its ancient temples and monuments. Visit the Shore Temple, Pancha Rathas, and the Krishna's Butterball. Spend the evening at the Mahabalipuram Beach, an ideal spot to watch the sunset.

3. Day 3: Arignar Anna Zoological Park
   1 hour 20 minutes (36.5 km) from Mahabalipuram

   Arignar Anna Zoological Park, also known as Vandalur Zoo, is one of the largest zoological parks in India. Spend your morning exploring the park and seeing the variety of animals in their natural habitat. Afternoon visit the Covelong Beach, go surfing, or enjoy the local seafood. Evening, head to the Phoenix Marketcity Mall, one of the biggest shopping malls in Chennai.

4. Day 4: Santhome Church and Mylapore
   30 minutes (9.4 km) from Phoenix Marketcity Mall

   Visit Santhome Church, a historic church built by the Portuguese in the 16th century and a significant pilgrimage site. Afternoon, explore the vibrant neighborhood of Mylapore, home to the Kapaleeswarar Temple, colorful street markets, and traditional South Indian food. Evening, visit the famous East Coast Road and enjoy the night view at the Muttukadu Backwater.

5. Day 5: Guindy National Park and Snake Park
   20 minutes (8.2 km) from East Coast Road

   Start your day at Guindy National Park, a protected area located within the city limits. Explore the park and see the variety of flora and fauna. Afternoon, visit the Chennai Snake Park, a conservation park known for its collection of Indian snakes and other reptiles. Evening, head to the famous Nalli Silk Sarees, a renowned store for traditional silk sarees.

6. Day 6: Elliot's Beach and Dakshina Chitra
   30 minutes (12.3 km) from Nalli Silk Sarees

   Visit Elliot's Beach, also known as Besant Nagar Beach, a popular beach among locals. Have breakfast at the famous Murugan Idli Shop. Afternoon, visit Dakshina Chitra, a living museum that showcases the culture, heritage, and architecture of South India. Evening, head to the famous Saravana Bhavan restaurant for dinner, known for its delicious South Indian vegetarian food.

7. Day 7: Valluvar Kottam and Birla Planetarium
   20 minutes (7.8 km) from Saravana Bhavan restaurant

   Start your day at Valluvar Kottam, a monument dedicated to the famous Tamil poet and philosopher Thiruvalluvar. Afterwards, visit the Birla Planetarium, an educational and entertaining place to learn about astronomy and space science. Evening, head to the famous Express Avenue Mall, the second-largest mall in Chennai, for some shopping and entertainment.

Recommendations

Don't miss the Mahabalipuram Dance Festival if you're visiting between January to February. Take a day trip to Pulicat Lake, a beautiful lagoon near Chennai. For a unique experience, book a food tour to taste the diverse cuisine of Chennai.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Marina Beach (3 hours, free)
• Fort St. George (2 hours, INR 100)
• Government Museum (2-3 hours, INR 50)
• Kapaleeswarar Temple (1-2 hours, free)
• Mahabalipuram (6-7 hours, INR 500)
• Arignar Anna Zoological Park (4-5 hours, INR 50)
• Covelong Beach (2-3 hours, free)
• Phoenix Marketcity Mall (2-3 hours, free)
• Santhome Church (1-2 hours, free)
• Mylapore (2-3 hours, free)
• Guindy National Park (2-3 hours, INR 20)
• Chennai Snake Park (1-2 hours, INR 20)
• Nalli Silk Sarees (1-2 hours, free)
• Elliot's Beach (2-3 hours, free)
• Dakshina Chitra (3-4 hours, INR 250)
• Saravana Bhavan restaurant (1-2 hours, INR 300)
• Valluvar Kottam (1-2 hours, INR 20)
• Birla Planetarium (1-2 hours, INR 100)
• Express Avenue Mall (2-3 hours, free)
• Total Estimated Costs: INR 1410

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