A Foodie's Guide: Sholinghur to Chennai Day Trip

  1. 9:00 AM: Shri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple
    4 minutes (1.0 km) from Sholinghur Bus Stand

    Begin your day with a visit to the Shri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple, a notable Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Narasimha and is also believed to be a significant site for 'Kalyana Utsavams'. Its elaborate gopurams, intricate carvings, and extensive grounds are a hallmark of Dravidian architecture. Witness the deity adorned in different alankarams throughout the day.

  2. 11:00 AM: Adyar Ananda Bhavan
    1 hour, 53 minutes (111 km) from Shri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple

    With an appetite whetted by the divine visit, head to Adyar Ananda Bhavan in Tambaram for a hearty breakfast. From soft idlis and crispy vadas to sumptuous dosa varieties and sweet dishes, A2B is much loved for its pure vegetarian fare that is not huge on the wallet and consistently ranks as one of the best south-Indian cuisine chains in Chennai.

  3. 1:30 PM: Murugan Idli Shop
    19 minutes (7.4 km) from Adyar Ananda Bhavan

    Drive to Kodambakkam to grab some idlis and curry leaves powder from the famous Murugan Idli Shop. The small, no-frills eatery that needs no introduction is synonymous with soft, fluffy idlis and delectable chutneys that complement the steaming hot idlis perfectly. Don’t miss the aromatic filter kaapi.

  4. 3:00 PM: Government Museum
    14 minutes (5.7 km) from Murugan Idli Shop

    After treating your taste buds, visit the Government Museum in Egmore. This art-deco style museum houses an expansive collection of art, archaeological findings, and other exhibits that offer an insightful glimpse into Tamil Nadu's glorious past. The Bronze Gallery, Numismatic Section, and Amaravathi Gallery are must-sees.

  5. 7:00 PM: Buhari Hotel
    24 minutes (7.5 km) from Government Museum

    Situated in the heart of the city, Buhari Hotel in Mount Road is an iconic destination for foodies. It is the birthplace of Chicken 65, which is now a popular snack in many Indian restaurants worldwide. Its exclusive, zesty recipe is still guarded secret. Buhari's Biryani, Soft Parottas, and Bronwie are also well-known.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Shri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple (1 hour): Free
  • Adyar Ananda Bhavan (1 hour): Rs 250
  • Murugan Idli Shop (1 hour): Rs 200
  • Government Museum (2 hours): Indian – Rs 50, Foreign – Rs 500
  • Buhari Hotel (1 hour): Rs 400
  • Total Estimated Costs: Rs 1,400

Useful Tips

With more time, you can cover several other food stops and attractions such as:

  • Beach Road Bistro: A beachside eatery that serves up lip-smacking seafood dishes and refreshing beverages.
  • Marina Beach: Take a sunset stroll, bask in the sea breeze, and sample street food near this vibrant urban beach.
  • Mylapore Temple: A landmark temple with a rich history and vibrant culture. The area is also renowned for traditional sweet shops and filter coffee vendors.

For those short of time, you can drop the Government Museum and Buhari Hotel from the itinerary and, instead, head to the more extensive T Nagar for chai and snacks at Saravana Bhavan and indulge in some retail therapy at the popular Pondy Bazaar.

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