4-Day Family-Friendly Itinerary for Chennai

  1. Day 1: Marina Beach
    30 minutes (12.6 km) from Chennai International Airport

    Start your trip off with a visit to Marina Beach, the longest natural urban beach in India. Take a stroll, play some games, or enjoy a horse ride. You can also visit the nearby Aquarium or the Gandhi statue.

  2. Day 2: Mahabalipuram
    1 hour (60 km) from Chennai City

    Make a day trip to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Mahabalipuram. Explore the rock-cut temples, rathas, and the exquisite Shore Temple. You can also visit the nearby coastal villages and indulge in some seafront dining. Don't forget to catch the beautiful sunrise or sunset from the beach.

  3. Day 3: Arignar Anna Zoological Park
    40 minutes (30 km) from Chennai City

    Take your family to the Arignar Anna Zoological Park, one of the largest zoological parks in South Asia. Spread across 1490 acres, the zoo houses a diverse array of exotic animals and birds. You can also enjoy a toy train ride, a safari trip, and a butterfly park.

  4. Day 4: Government Museum and Fort St. George
    30 minutes (8 km) from Arignar Anna Zoological Park

    End your trip with a visit to the Government Museum and Fort St. George. The museum houses a wide range of exhibits including rare artifacts, coins, sculptures, and paintings. You can also explore the Fort St. George which was built in 1653 by the British East India Company. Don't miss the changing of the guards ceremony.

Time and Cost Estimates

  • Marina Beach (2-3 hours, free)
  • Mahabalipuram (8-10 hours, INR 600-800 per person for entry fees and transportation)
  • Arignar Anna Zoological Park (4-5 hours, INR 50-100 per person for entry fees and additional costs for safari and train rides)
  • Government Museum and Fort St. George (3-4 hours, INR 50-100 per person for entry fees)

  • Total Estimated Costs: INR 800-1100 per person

Useful Tips

If you have extra time, consider visiting the Kapaleeshwarar Temple, Santhome Church, or the VGP Universal Kingdom. If you have less time, skip the Government Museum and Fort St. George and spend more time at the beach or the zoo.

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