Start your trip with a visit to Chennai's most iconic attraction - the Marina Beach. Located along the Bay of Bengal, you can enjoy a morning stroll or watch the sunset with your family. Be sure to check out the lighthouse and take a horse ride along the shore.
Take a day trip to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Mahabalipuram. Explore ancient temples and rock-cut caves that date back to the 7th and 8th centuries. See the Pancha Rathas temple complex, the Shore Temple, and the giant monolithic rock sculptures, including the famous Arjuna's Penance. Don't miss the Krishna's Butterball - a giant boulder that stands precariously on a slope.
Spend the day with your children at the Guindy Children's Park and Snake Park, which is home to over 20 species of snakes and a variety of animals and birds. Take a nature walk and see endangered species like the blackbuck and star tortoise. Head to the snake pit and see the king cobras and pythons up close. The park has a playground, a mini train ride, or enjoy a picnic with your family on the lawns.
If you have more time, visit the Kapaleeswarar Temple, Government Museum, and St. Thomas Mount. For foodies, try out the local delicacies like biryani, dosa, and filter coffee. If you have less time, skip Mahabalipuram to have more time at Guindy Children's Park and Snake Park or explore other popular attractions like Fort St. George, Valluvar Kottam, and Arignar Anna Zoological Park.