Family-Friendly Itinerary: Chennai and Tirupati

Monday, November 27: Arrival in Chennai

Welcome to Chennai! Start your trip by exploring the historical Fort St. George in the morning. This 17th-century fort houses a museum with artifacts from the British era. In the afternoon, head to Marina Beach, the second-longest urban beach in the world, and enjoy a leisurely stroll along the coastline. In the evening, visit the Arignar Anna Zoological Park, home to a wide variety of animals, including tigers, elephants, and lions.

• Fort St. George: Free entry, 1-2 hours
• Marina Beach: Free entry, 2-3 hours
• Arignar Anna Zoological Park: INR 50 per adult, INR 20 per child, 3-4 hours

Tuesday, November 28: Chennai Temples

Embark on a cultural journey by visiting the Kapaleeshwarar Temple in the morning. This beautiful Dravidian-style temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. In the afternoon, explore the San Thome Basilica, a Roman Catholic basilica built over the tomb of St. Thomas. As the evening approaches, experience the serene atmosphere of Vadapalani Murugan Temple, known for its intricate architecture and spiritual significance.

• Kapaleeshwarar Temple: Free entry, 1-2 hours
• San Thome Basilica: Free entry, 1-2 hours
• Vadapalani Murugan Temple: Free entry, 1-2 hours

Wednesday, November 29: Mahabalipuram Day Trip

Take a day trip to Mahabalipuram, renowned for its UNESCO World Heritage sites. In the morning, marvel at the Shore Temple, a stunning stone temple overlooking the Bay of Bengal. Afterward, explore the impressive rock-cut sculptures at the Arjuna's Penance and the Five Rathas. Spend the afternoon relaxing on the picturesque Mahabalipuram Beach or indulging in local seafood delicacies. Return to Chennai in the evening.

• Shore Temple: INR 40 per adult, INR 10 per child, 2-3 hours
• Arjuna's Penance: INR 40 per adult, INR 10 per child, 1-2 hours
• Five Rathas: INR 40 per adult, INR 10 per child, 1-2 hours

Thursday, November 30: Explore Chennai Museums

Discover Chennai's rich cultural heritage by visiting its museums. Start your day at the Government Museum, one of the oldest museums in India, housing a wide range of art and archaeological artifacts. In the afternoon, visit the Birla Planetarium, where you can learn about astronomy through captivating shows. Wrap up the day by exploring the DakshinaChitra, a living museum that showcases the traditions and crafts of South India.

• Government Museum: INR 15 per adult, INR 10 per child, 2-3 hours
• Birla Planetarium: INR 50 per adult, INR 30 per child, 1-2 hours
• DakshinaChitra: INR 100 per adult, INR 30 per child, 2-3 hours

Restaurants

• Breakfast: Murugan Idli Shop - Enjoy traditional South Indian breakfast at Murugan Idli Shop. Their fluffy idlis and crispy dosas are not to be missed. Average cost for a meal is about 150 INR per person.
• Lunch: Annalakshmi Restaurant - Indulge in a delicious vegetarian feast at Annalakshmi Restaurant. Their thali meals are packed with a variety of authentic South Indian dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
• Dinner: Amethyst Café - Experience a delightful evening at Amethyst Café. This charming café offers a range of European and fusion dishes in a serene garden setting. Average cost for a meal is about 600 INR per person.

Friday, December 1: Journey to Tirupati

Head to Tirupati, a renowned pilgrimage destination. In the morning, visit the iconic Sri Venkateswara Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Marvel at its intricate architecture and participate in the religious rituals. In the afternoon, explore the serene beauty of the Talakona Waterfalls and enjoy a refreshing dip. Spend the evening exploring the nearby Tirumala Deer Park, which houses a variety of deer species.

• Sri Venkateswara Temple: Free entry, 2-3 hours
• Talakona Waterfalls: INR 50 per adult, INR 25 per child, 3-4 hours
• Tirumala Deer Park: INR 30 per adult, INR 10 per child, 1-2 hours

Restaurants

• For breakfast, head to Sri Krishna Sweets, known for their delicious traditional South Indian breakfast options like idli, dosa, and vada. Average cost for a meal is about Rs. 150 per person.
• For lunch, try the popular restaurant Andhra Spice, which offers a variety of authentic Andhra dishes such as biryani, spicy curries, and flavorful chutneys. Average cost for a meal is about Rs. 250 per person.
• For dinner, dine at the elegant restaurant Copper Chimney, known for its delectable North Indian cuisine. Enjoy dishes like butter chicken and kebabs in a cozy ambiance. Average cost for a meal is about Rs. 400 per person.

Saturday, December 2: Tirupati Sightseeing

In the morning, visit the Sri Padmavathi Ammavari Temple, dedicated to the goddess Padmavathi. Explore the beautifully sculpted temple complex and learn about its significance. In the afternoon, explore the Chandragiri Fort, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Wrap up your day with a visit to the Regional Science Center to engage in interactive exhibits and scientific demonstrations.

• Sri Padmavathi Ammavari Temple: Free entry, 1-2 hours
• Chandragiri Fort: INR 10 per adult, INR 5 per child, 2-3 hours
• Regional Science Center: INR 50 per adult, INR 30 per child, 2-3 hours

Sunday, December 3: Departure

After breakfast, depart from Tirupati and cherish the memories of your family-friendly trip to Chennai and Tirupati. Safe travels!

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

For an off-the-beaten-path experience, visit the Guindy National Park in Chennai. This urban oasis is home to diverse flora and fauna, and you can enjoy a peaceful nature walk. Another local favorite is the Pulicat Lake, located near Chennai. Take a boat ride and spot migratory birds in this serene lake. Both these attractions offer a unique experience for nature enthusiasts and families.

For hotel and flight bookings, check out https://kayak.com/in?a=kan_252520_563153&p=v1&lc=en&url=%2Fstays.