The Kapaleeshwarar Temple is an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva built in the 7th century in the Dravidian style of architecture. It is one of the famous landmarks in Chennai that still preserves the cultural, historical and architectural heritage of the city. Visitors can take a darshan of the deities, admire the intricate carvings and sculptures and walk around the temple pond. It is recommended to visit in the early morning to avoid crowds.
The Fort St. George was built by the British East India Company in the 17th century and served as the administrative center for Tamil Nadu. Today, it serves as the legislative assembly of the state and houses a museum showcasing paintings, coins, porcelain, and weapons. Visitors can also explore the nearby Marina Beach, one of the longest urban beaches in the world, known for its silver sands, fresh breeze and stunning sunset view.
If you have extra time, you can also visit the San Thome Basilica, a beautiful church known for its Gothic architecture and stained-glass windows, or the Government Museum, which houses a vast collection of objects from Indian art, archaeology, and zoology. Foodies can also indulge in the local street food such as vada pav, masala dosa, samosa and filter coffee. Nightlife lovers can head to the Pasha nightclub or the 10 Downing Street pub. However, if you are short on time, it is best to skip Marina Beach or the Government Museum.