4-Day Chennai City Experience

  1. Day 1: Kapaleeswarar Temple
    19 minutes (12 km) from Chennai International Airport

    Kapaleeswarar temple is a majestic temple that portrays Dravidian style architecture. Built in the 7th century, the temple has a vast cultural and religious significance. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is a must-visit destination for tourists. The beautiful carvings, intricate designs of the temple are exquisite, which makes it a perfect spot for architecture enthusiasts. Located in the bustling area of Mylapore, the temple is surrounded by many shopping and eating destinations, which adds more flavour to the visit.

  2. Day 2: Santhome Cathedral Basilica
    6 minutes (1.8 km) from Kapaleeswarar Temple

    A perfect blend of Gothic, Romanesque, and Chennai architectural styles, Santhome Cathedral Basilica is an imposing cathedral. It was constructed in the 16th century and was later rebuilt during the British era. This cathedral is well-known for its magnificent stained glass windows, its 12 feet high statue of St. Thomas, and the beautiful altar. The serene surroundings and the divine ambiance of the church will provide peace and tranquillity to the visitors.

  3. Day 3: Government Museum
    13 minutes (5.1 km) from Santhome Cathedral Basilica

    Established in 1851, the Government Museum is located in Egmore, considered a treasure trove of Indian art and artefacts. Visitors can see sculptures and artifacts that date back to various eras, including Bronze Age, Harappan Civilisation, etc. In addition to that, the museum also showcases Art, Natural History, and Geology sections. The museum's highlight is the National Art Gallery, which displays a collection of paintings dating back to Indian history and culture. Visitors can not miss visiting the museum, as it offers a glimpse into the region's historical and cultural richness.

  4. Day 4: Marina Beach
    14 minutes (5.1 km) from Government Museum

    Marina Beach is a famous destination amongst tourists because of its serene environment and scenic beauty. The beach stretches around 6 km and is the second-longest beach in the world. Visitors can see beautiful sunrises and sunsets here. The beach is also instrumental in serving as a recreational spot for the locals of the city. Visitors can take a walk on the beach, indulge themselves in fun-filled activities, or just soak up in the sun. However, visitors should be cautious of the strong currents and avoid taking a dip in the rough sea.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Kapaleeswarar temple (1-2 hours, free entry)
  • Santhome Cathedral Basilica (1 hour, free entry)
  • Government Museum (2-3 hours, INR 15 for Indians, INR 250 for foreigners)
  • Marina Beach (2-3 hours, free entry)

  • Total Estimated Costs: INR 265 (for foreigners)

Useful Tips

Visitors can choose to visit temples based on their convenience and preferences as Chennai has numerous temples to its credit. However, if the visitors have time, they should also check out the Fort St George, which is an ancient landmark and home to the legislative assembly of Tamil Nadu. If visitors are planning to stay for a more extended period, they can also squeeze in a visit to the Mahabalipuram UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is around 50 km from Chennai. Visitors can visit the place during the weekdays, as weekends can be crowded and may result in long waiting times.

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