Start your Chennai journey with a visit to Marina Beach, the second longest urban beach in the world. Take a leisurely stroll, feel the sand between your toes, and breathe in the fresh air. Marvel at the mesmerizing sunrise or sunset over the Bay of Bengal. If you're an early bird, try to catch the fishermen reeling in their catch. Due to safety concerns, it’s not advisable to swim in the waters here, but there's lots to do. You can also find a wide variety of food vendors and souvenir shops along the beach.
Kapaleeswarar Temple is one of the most important Hindu temples located in Chennai. This stunning temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati and dates back to the 8th century. It boasts a Dravidian style of architecture and has been a place of worship for centuries. The temple has a beautiful tank and a mandapam. Visitors should follow the dress code and remove their footwear before entering the temple. The temple is open daily from 5:30 am to 12 pm and 4 pm to 9 pm.
End your Chennai exploration by visiting the Government Museum Chennai, the second oldest museum in India, established in 1851. The museum houses various sections such as archaeology, zoology, geology, numismatics, art, and much more. Visitors can enjoy a vast collection of South Indian bronze figurines, traditional jewelry, paintings, historic relics, and ancient artefacts. The museum also showcases some of India's heritage and history, along with rare works of art. The museum is closed on Fridays.
Chennai has many world-class attractions that you can experience, so feel free to shuffle this itinerary depending on your interests, budget, and time limitations. Some other noteworthy places to visit include Fort St. George, Vivekananda House, St. Thomas Mount, and Guindy National Park.