Start your day with a visit to the Kapaleeswarar Temple - an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The architecture of this temple is Dravidian and dates back to the 7th century. The temple is surrounded by bustling streets and is a great place to see the heart of the city.
Take a 10-minute taxi ride to the Government Museum - one of the oldest museums in India. The museum showcases various exhibits in its departments such as archaeology, geology, botany and zoology. Here, you can find a great collection of South Indian Bronze, art, and sculptures. Don't forget to visit the Children's Museum inside the premises if you are traveling with children.
Your trip to Chennai will be incomplete without trying the South Indian cuisine and the Murugan Idli Shop should be on your list. Famous for its delicious and authentic South Indian dishes, the Murugan Idli Shop is a must-visit for foodies.
Continue your exploration of the city with a visit to Fort St. George - the first British fortress in India. It was built in 1639 and now houses the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly and the Secretariat. The fort museum has a vast collection of objects that illustrate the colonial history of British India.
End your day with a visit to the famous Marina Beach - the longest urban beach in India and the second-longest in the world. Enjoy the sea breeze and the sunset while walking along the beach. You can also indulge in some street food near the beach.
If you have more time, you can visit other popular attractions such as the San Thome Basilica, Valluvar Kottam, or the Birla Planetarium. You can also indulge in some shopping at the famous T Nagar market or Pondy Bazaar. If you have less time, you can skip the Government Museum and visit the St. Thomas Mount instead. Note that some of these attractions might have different opening and closing times on weekends and holidays, so it's always wise to check beforehand.