3-Day Nature Itinerary for Chennai

  1. Day 1: Besant Nagar Beach
    30 minutes (9.5 km) from Chennai International Airport

    Spend the morning at Besant Nagar Beach and take in the beautiful sunrise. Enjoy a walk along the shore and watch the waves crash against the rocks. Try some mouth-watering street food and fresh coconut water at the beachside stalls. Then, head to Guindy National Park and see the beautiful flora and fauna. Take a safari or trek through the trails and spot deer and other wildlife.

  2. Day 2: Muttukadu Boat House
    40 minutes (18.5 km) from Besant Nagar Beach

    Spend the day at Muttukadu Boat House and experience the beauty of nature on the water. Rent a boat and pedal along the backwaters or take a speedboat ride and go water skiing or windsurfing. Enjoy a delicious seafood lunch at the nearby restaurants. In the evening, visit the DakshinaChitra Museum, and admire the artifacts and architecture that showcase the South Indian heritage.

  3. Day 3: Pulicat Lake Bird Sanctuary
    1 hour 30 minutes (60.9 km) from Muttukadu Boat House

    Start early and head north to visit the Pulicat Lake Bird Sanctuary, a haven for bird lovers. Take a boat ride and watch the flamingos and pelicans in their natural habitat. After the boat ride, take a walk along the nature trails and spot different species of birds. Then, visit the Pulicat Lake Fishing Village, and experience the lifestyle of the fishermen. Try some traditional seafood delicacies at the village and buy some souvenirs made by the locals.

Time and Cost Estimates

  • Besant Nagar Beach (2-3 hours, free)
  • Guindy National Park (2-3 hours, INR 20 for adults, INR 10 for children)
  • Muttukadu Boat House (4-5 hours, INR 600-1000 for boat rental, INR 200-400 for water sports)
  • DakshinaChitra Museum (2-3 hours, INR 100 for adults, INR 50 for children)
  • Pulicat Lake Bird Sanctuary (4-5 hours, INR 100 for adults, INR 25 for children)
  • Pulicat Lake Fishing Village (1-2 hours, price varies)
  • Total Estimated Costs: INR 1005-1685

Useful Tips

If you have more time, visit the Arignar Anna Zoological Park, which is home to over 138 species of mammals, birds, and reptiles. Spend an evening at the Marina Beach, which is the longest beach in India. Try some famous South Indian dishes like idli, dosa, vada and sambhar at local restaurants. If you have less time, skip the fishing village and head straight to the bird sanctuary.

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