Start off your day with a delicious South Indian breakfast at Sangeetha Veg Restaurant. Try the rava idli, pongal, or masala dosa and wash it down with a cup of filter coffee. This popular chain of restaurants is known for its authentic vegetarian cuisine and service.
After breakfast, take a walk on the iconic Marina Beach, the second-longest urban beach in the world. Enjoy the salty breeze and the sound of waves crashing as you stroll along the sandy shore. You can also find street food vendors selling a variety of Chennai's famous snacks like sundal and bajjis.
Head over to Annalakshmi Restaurant for lunch. This vegetarian restaurant is known for its home-style dishes served on a banana leaf. Try the paruppu usili, avial, and payasam for a satisfying and traditional meal.
Explore the history and teachings of Swami Vivekananda at the Vivekananda House Museum. The museum houses various exhibits on the life and times of the spiritual leader. Take a guided tour to learn more about his philosophies and contributions to India's independence movement.
Start your second day off with a hearty breakfast at Murugan Idli Shop. This popular restaurant earned its fame by serving fluffy idlis with a variety of chutneys and sambar. Make sure to arrive early as it gets crowded on weekends.
Visit the Kapaleeswarar Temple, one of the oldest and most important temples in Chennai. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is renowned for its unique Dravidian architecture. Take a guided tour to learn more about the history and significance of this religious site.
Head over to Murugan Idli Kadai for lunch. This casual restaurant serves some of the best South Indian food in town, including their fluffy idlis, crispy dosas, and steaming hot sambar. Make sure to try their famous ragi dosa and filter coffee.
Discover the rich cultural heritage of India at the Government Museum Chennai. The museum houses diverse collections of art, archaeology, and natural history. Highlights include the Bronze Gallery, the Numismatics Gallery, and the Children's Museum.
Start your last day off with a street food breakfast at Ranganathan Street Food Stalls in T. Nagar. This bustling neighborhood is known for its endless rows of food stalls selling everything from idlis and dosas to biryani and puri. Make sure to try the vada pav and the jalebis.
Explore the colonial history of Chennai at the Fort St. George. This 17th-century fort houses a museum with exhibits on British rule in India and the history of the East India Company. Take a guided tour to see the Governor's office, the St. Mary's Church, and the weapons display.
Head over to Copper Chimney for lunch. This upscale restaurant serves fusion cuisine with an Indian twist. Try their tandoori chicken, lamb chops, and kebabs, and wash it down with their signature cocktails. The elegant ambiance and friendly service make it a great spot for a relaxing lunch.
If you have more time, you can visit more temples in Chennai, such as the Parthasarathy Temple or the Chenna Kesava Perumal Temple. You can also take a trip to Mahabalipuram, the UNESCO World Heritage site, to see the ancient rock-cut temples. If you have less time, you can skip the Government Museum Chennai and head straight to Fort St. George. Make sure to carry a water bottle and an umbrella as Chennai gets hot and humid, especially during summer.