10 Days in Chennai: An Exhilarating City Experience

1. Day 1: Kapaleeswarar Temple
   20 minutes (6.2 km) from Chennai International Airport

   Visit the ancient Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, a magnificent example of Dravidian architecture.

2. Day 2: Marina Beach
   30 minutes (7 km) from Kapaleeswarar Temple

   Enjoy the sunrise at the 2nd longest urban beach in the world. Take a stroll along the promenade and enjoy the local food and street shopping.

3. Day 3: Fort St. George
   40 minutes (11.5 km) from Marina Beach

   Visit the oldest British-built fortress in India which houses an interesting museum, St. Mary's Church and the Wellesley House.

4. Day 4: Government Museum and National Art Gallery
   20 minutes (5 km) from Fort St. George

   Explore the extensive collection of art, sculpture, and artifacts at one of the oldest museums in India, including the famous Bronze Gallery.

5. Day 5: Birla Planetarium
   25 minutes (7.4 km) from Government Museum

   Stargaze at the Chennai Planetarium and witness the mysteries of the universe in a show of Science, facts, and fun.

6. Day 6: Guindy National Park and Snake Park
   35 minutes (11 km) from Birla Planetarium

   Discover the wilderness and rich variety of flora and fauna at the area's only national park, and acquaint with the diverse range of snakes in an adjacent park for a thrilling experience.

7. Day 7: Mahabalipuram
   1 hour 30 min (58 km) from Guindy National Park

   Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site that showcases the Dravidian art and sculpture at rock-cut temples and carved shrines dating back to the 7th century.

8. Day 8: DakshinaChitra Heritage Museum
   45 minutes (25.4 km) from Mahabalipuram

   Observe the rich cultural heritage of Southern India and its art, craft, architecture, and lifestyle among the different micro-cultures, rural-urban threads.

9. Day 9: San Thome Basilica
   1 hour (16 km) from DakshinaChitra Heritage Museum

   Visit the Roman Catholic minor basilica that has the sepulchre of Saint Thomas, who is believed to have preached in Chennai during the 1st century AD.

10. Day 10: VGP Universal Kingdom
    40 minutes (14 km) from San Thome Basilica

    End your trip with fun and excitement at the amusement park that offers a variety of exciting rides, water games, and entertainment.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Kapaleeswarar Temple (1-2 hours, free)
• Marina Beach (2-3 hours, free)
• Fort St. George (2-3 hours, INR 50)
• Government Museum and National Art Gallery (2-3 hours, INR 20)
• Birla Planetarium (1-2 hours, INR 50)
• Guindy National Park and Snake Park (2-3 hours, INR 20 each)
• Mahabalipuram (4-5 hours, INR 40)
• DakshinaChitra Heritage Museum (2-3 hours, INR 250 weekdays/INR 300 weekends)
• San Thome Basilica (1-2 hours, free)
• VGP Universal Kingdom (5-6 hours, INR 700 weekdays/INR 900 weekends)
Total Estimated Costs: INR 1400 per person

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider attending a classical Indian dance or music performance, trying local delicacies like Vada pav, dosa, and sambar or shopping at Pondy Bazaar for traditional sarees, jewels, and handicrafts. If you have less time, skip places that do not match your interest.