Start your explorations with a visit to the Gandhi Museum, which honours the life and work of Mahatma Gandhi. The museum houses artefacts and memorabilia, including photographs, letters and his personal belongings such as his spinning wheel. Guides explain the exhibitions in English and Tamil. The museum also displays an art gallery that has paintings and sculptures from artists around the world.
After visiting the Gandhi Museum, head over to Marina Beach, India's longest natural urban beach. Take a stroll along the stretch of sand, have some street food, or watch the sun rise or set over the Bay of Bengal. The beach is also a popular spot for recreational activities, including kite flying and cricket.
End your day at the Kapaleeswarar Temple, a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, in Mylapore. The temple showcases the Dravidian style of architecture and has many sculptures and carvings. Visitors can observe the daily rituals performed by priests, which include lighting lamps and ringing bells. There are also stalls outside the temple selling souvenirs and sweets.
Start your second day at Fort St. George, which was founded by the British East India Company in 1644. The fort originally served as a trading post, but later became the seat of British power in South India. Visitors can explore the fort's museum, which houses artefacts from the British colonial period, including weapons, uniforms, and paintings.
After the fort, head to the Government Museum, which has a collection of artefacts from the ancient and colonial eras of India. The exhibitions include Indian art, archaeology, and zoology. Highlights include the Bronze Gallery, which showcases South Indian bronzes, and the National Art Gallery, which displays Indian art from the 11th century to the modern-day.
End your trip with a visit to DakshinaChitra, a living museum of art, architecture, and culture from South India. The museum has recreated traditional villages from the region, including a Chettinadu village and a Brahmin agraharam. Visitors can participate in workshops, watch demonstrations of traditional art forms, and sample South Indian cuisine.
If you have more time, you can visit the Arignar Anna Zoological Park, which is a 1-hour drive from the city. You can also take a trip to Mahabalipuram, a UNESCO World Heritage site that is 60 km south of Chennai. For those with less time, the Marina Beach and Kapaleeswarar Temple can be visited on a half-day tour.