7-Day Cultural Immersion Itinerary in Chennai

1. Day 1: Mahabalipuram
   1 hour 27 minutes (55 km) from Chennai City Centre

   Explore the impressive UNESCO-listed Shore Temple, rock-cut chariots, monolithic sculptures, and cave sanctuaries of Mahabalipuram.

2. Day 2: Government Museum
   13 minutes (4.8 km) from your hotel in Chennai City Centre

   Delve into the rich cultural history of Tamil Nadu with a vast collection of sculptures, bronze icons, coins, and musical instruments.

3. Day 3: Kapaleeswarar Temple
   20 minutes (5.5 km) from your hotel in Chennai City Centre

   Marvel at the Dravidian-style temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, adorned with intricate carvings, frescoes, and a majestic gopuram.

4. Day 4: Kalakshetra Foundation
   20 minutes (4.5 km) from Kapaleeswarar Temple

   Immerse yourself in traditional Indian performing arts classes, exhibitions, and cultural programs at the internationally acclaimed Kalakshetra Foundation.

5. Day 5: DakshinaChitra
   30 minutes (18 km) from your hotel in Chennai City Centre

   Witness the village life and crafts of South India through the recreated heritage houses, artisans' workshops, folk performances, and exhibitions of DakshinaChitra.

6. Day 6: Fort St. George
   20 minutes (5.1 km) from your hotel in Chennai City Centre

   Step back in time to the British era at this 17th-century fort housing the Maritime Museum, St. Mary's Church, the Wellesley House, and other colonial relics.

7. Day 7: San Thome Basilica
   18 minutes (3.2 km) from your hotel in Chennai City Centre

   Visit the neo-Gothic church that stands on the reputed tomb of St. Thomas, the apostle of Jesus Christ who arrived in India in the 1st century AD.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Mahabalipuram (6-7 hours, INR 500)
• Government Museum (2-3 hours, INR 250)
• Kapaleeswarar Temple (1-2 hours, INR 10)
• Kalakshetra Foundation (3-4 hours, Free entry)
• DakshinaChitra (4-5 hours, INR 300)
• Fort St. George (2-3 hours, INR 5)
• San Thome Basilica (1-2 hours, Free entry)
• Total Estimated Costs: INR 1,070

Useful Tips

For a deeper cultural immersion, add more time for exploring the temples, attending Indian dance performances, trying South Indian cuisine, and shopping for handicrafts. If you have less time, skip DakshinaChitra or Fort St. George.