7-Day Chennai Itinerary

1. Day 1: Marina Beach
   20 minutes (9.8 km) from Chennai International Airport

   Enjoy a peaceful morning stroll along one of the longest urban beaches in the world. In the afternoon, visit the historic Fort St. George. In the evening, explore the vibrant shopping streets of George Town.

   • Marina Beach: Free, 2-3 hours
   • Fort St. George: INR 50, 2-3 hours
   • George Town Shopping: Varies, 2-3 hours
2. Day 2: Kapaleeshwarar Temple
   30 minutes (12.5 km) from Marina Beach

   Start your day with a visit to the stunning Kapaleeshwarar Temple. In the afternoon, explore the artistic heritage of Chennai at the Government Museum. In the evening, watch a traditional Bharatanatyam dance performance.

   • Kapaleeshwarar Temple: Free, 1-2 hours
   • Government Museum: INR 50, 2-3 hours
   • Bharatanatyam Dance Performance: INR 500, 2 hours
3. Day 3: DakshinaChitra
   45 minutes (23.4 km) from Kapaleeshwarar Temple

   Spend the morning exploring the living museum of DakshinaChitra, showcasing the culture and traditions of South India. In the afternoon, visit the MGM Dizzee World amusement park for some thrilling rides. In the evening, take a relaxing boat ride at Muttukadu Lake.

   • DakshinaChitra: INR 300, 2-3 hours
   • MGM Dizzee World: INR 800, 3-4 hours
   • Muttukadu Lake Boat Ride: INR 200, 1 hour
4. Day 4: Guindy National Park
   30 minutes (14.8 km) from DakshinaChitra

   Start your day with a visit to Guindy National Park, home to various wildlife species. In the afternoon, explore the spiritual side of Chennai at the beautiful Ramakrishna Math. In the evening, indulge in shopping at the Phoenix MarketCity mall.

   • Guindy National Park: INR 20, 2-3 hours
   • Ramakrishna Math: Free, 1-2 hours
   • Phoenix MarketCity: Varies, 2-3 hours
5. Day 5: Mahabalipuram
   1 hour 30 minutes (55.7 km) from Guindy National Park

   Embark on a day trip to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Mahabalipuram. Explore the ancient stone-carved temples and monuments, such as the Shore Temple and Arjuna's Penance. Enjoy a seafood lunch by the beach and witness the mesmerizing sunset.

   • Mahabalipuram Temples: INR 600, 4-6 hours
   • Seafood Lunch: INR 500, 1 hour
   • Sunset at Mahabalipuram Beach: Free, 1 hour
6. Day 6: Birla Planetarium
   40 minutes (15.9 km) from Mahabalipuram

   Discover the wonders of the universe at the Birla Planetarium. In the afternoon, visit the tranquil Theosophical Society and explore its lush gardens. In the evening, take a boat ride at the scenic Marina Barrage.

   • Birla Planetarium: INR 50, 2-3 hours
   • Theosophical Society: Free, 1-2 hours
   • Marina Barrage Boat Ride: INR 300, 1 hour
7. Day 7: Guindy Snake Park
   30 minutes (12.2 km) from Birla Planetarium

   Explore the fascinating world of reptiles at Guindy Snake Park. In the afternoon, visit the iconic Valluvar Kottam monument. End your day with a relaxing walk at the beautiful Semmozhi Poonga botanical garden.

   • Guindy Snake Park: INR 15, 2-3 hours
   • Valluvar Kottam: Free, 1-2 hours
   • Semmozhi Poonga: INR 30, 1-2 hours

Recommendations

Make sure to visit the Arignar Anna Zoological Park, one of the largest zoological parks in Asia, and explore the vibrant streets of Pondy Bazaar for shopping. Consider taking a day trip to the serene Pulicat Lake or the magnificent Kanchipuram temples. To maximize your fun, try indulging in delicious South Indian cuisine at local restaurants and attending cultural events showcasing Tamil Nadu's rich heritage.

For hotel and flight bookings, check here.