Start your first day in Chennai with a visit to Marina Beach, the second-largest urban beach in the world. Take a stroll along the beach and enjoy the cool breeze from the Bay of Bengal. You can also indulge in activities such as horse riding, camel riding and taking a dip in the sea. Children can have fun building sandcastles. Make sure to grab some street food such as roasted corn, sundal, or ice cream from the vendors on the beach.
After spending some quality time at the beach, head to the Kapaleeswarar Temple, one of the oldest and most famous temples in Chennai. Built-in the 7th century, this temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Admire the Dravidian architecture, intricate carvings, and colourful sculptures. You can also participate in the daily poojas and rituals conducted at the temple. The temple is surrounded by shops where you can buy souvenirs or traditional silk sarees.
Begin your second day in Chennai with a visit to the Government Museum, the second oldest museum in India with a wide range of artefacts. The museum has 46 galleries with exhibits ranging from prehistoric to modern times like archaeological finds, ancient weapons, sculptures, paintings and much more. The museum also houses a children's museum, where kids can learn about dinosaurs, coins, and other interesting things.
After visiting the museum, head to The Birla Planetarium, an astronomical education center that has shows on time, stars, planets, and spacecraft. It is a fun and interactive experience for the whole family. Witness the wonders of the universe and learn about space through the audio-visual shows. The planetarium has a science center that has interesting exhibits on space science and astronomy.
If you have more time, visit the Fort St. George Museum, which showcases the British history in India and the Sri Parthasarathy Temple which is one of the oldest temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Also, don't forget to try the local food like idli, dosa, and filter coffee. If you have less time, you can skip the Birla Planetarium or the Government Museum depending on your interests.