A Perfect 1-day Chennai Itinerary

  1. 9:00 AM: Kapaleeswarar Temple
    30 minutes (2.3 miles) from Chennai Central Railway Station

    Kapaleeswarar Temple is one of the oldest and most visited temples in Chennai. This beautiful Hindu temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, and its architecture is astounding. Observe intricate carvings on the walls and pillars or participate in the afternoon Aarti to experience authentic Hindu rituals.

  2. 10:00 AM: Government Museum
    10 minutes (2.1 miles) from Kapaleeswarar Temple

    Government Museum is a fantastic place to learn about the history and culture of Chennai. The museum features six different buildings, each one displaying unique historical items, including a museum theatre, Bronze Gallery, and natural history section.

  3. 11:30 AM: San Thome Basilica
    20 minutes (1.3 miles) from Government Museum

    A magnificent Roman Catholic church located at the south of Marina Beach, San Thome Basilica is a reminder of the rich cultural heritage of Chennai. This beautifully structured church attracts a large number of tourists and pilgrims every day with its stunning Gothic architecture and stained glass murals.

  4. 1:00 PM: Lunch at Murugan Idli Shop
    15 minutes (1.1 miles) from San Thome Basilica

    After all the sightseeing, stop by Murugan Idli Shop to experience the traditional South Indian breakfast. Famous for its fluffy idlis and tasty chutneys, this small eatery is always crowded, but the food here is worth every wait.

  5. 2:00 PM: Marina Beach
    15 minutes (1.8 miles) from Murugan Idli Shop

    Located right in the heart of Chennai, Marina Beach is India's second-longest beach, offering a scenic view that is both stunning and unmatched. Take a long stroll along the coastline and enjoy the sunset with a cool ocean breeze.

  6. 4:00 PM: Fort St. George
    30 minutes (3.2 miles) from Marina Beach

    Fort St. George is another reminder of Chennai's rich history. The fort is famous for its museum, which displays numerous artifacts and relics from the British era. This complex also houses the Tamil Nadu government's legislative assembly and secretariat.

  7. 5:30 PM: Vivekananda House
    15 minutes (1.1 miles) from Fort St. George

    Vivekananda House is a museum dedicated to Swami Vivekananda, an Indian sage, and philosopher who introduced Hinduism to the Western world. Visitors can learn about his life and values and take a stroll around the courtyard and gardens.

Time and Costs Estimates:

  • Kapaleeswarar Temple (30 mins, free)
  • Government Museum (1 hour, INR 15)
  • San Thome Basilica (1 hour, free)
  • Murugan Idli Shop (1 hour, INR 150)
  • Marina Beach (2 hours, free)
  • Fort St. George (1.5 hours, INR 5)
  • Vivekananda House (1 hour, INR 10)
  • Total Estimated Costs: INR 180

Useful Tips:

If you have a little more time, you can visit the following places- Birla Planetarium, Government Botanical Gardens, Theosophical Society, Guindy National Park, and MGR Film City. If you have limited time, you can skip any of the locations mentioned above and spend more time in places that interest you.

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