Four Days in Chennai - City Experiences

  1. Day 1: Explore Kapaleeswarar Temple and Government Museum
    20 minutes (7.8 km) from Chennai airport

    Start your day by visiting the Kapaleeswarar Temple. The temple is a fine example of Dravidian architecture, dedicated to lord Shiva. After exploring the temple, head to the Government Museum, where you can admire a collection of Roman antiquities, sculptures, coins, and bronzes.

  2. Day 2: Discover Santhome Cathedral and Fort St. George
    14 minutes (6.4 km) from Kapaleeswarar Temple

    Begin your day at Santhome Cathedral, a white Neogothic-style Catholic church where the tomb of St. Thomas is located. Afterwards, visit the Fort St. George - a colonial British-era fort, now houses Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly. End your day at Marina Beach - a long urban sandy beach along the Bay of Bengal.

  3. Day 3: Visit Arignar Anna Zoological Park and Mahabalipuram
    54 minutes (35 km) from Chennai city centre

    Spend your day with wildlife at Arignar Anna Zoological Park. The park is home to many exotic species including Indian rhinoceros and Bengal tiger. Later, head to Mahabalipuram - an ancient historic town, well-known for its rock-cut temples, carvings, and sculptures.

  4. Day 4: Shop at Pondy Bazaar, Eat at Amethyst Cafe, and Visit Ramanujan Museum
    32 minutes (11.6 km) from Mahabalipuram

    Your final day in Chennai should be spent shopping for souvenirs at Pondy Bazaar where you can haggle for traditional Indian sarees, jewellery, and spices. Enjoy lunch at Amethyst Cafe - a beautiful cafe with a courtyard garden, located in a restored colonial house. After lunch, visit the Ramanujan Museum dedicated to the life and works of Indian mathematician Srinivasa Ramanujan.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Kapaleeswarar Temple (1 hour, Free admission)
  • Government Museum (2 hours, INR 15 per person)
  • Santhome Cathedral (1 hour, Free admission)
  • Fort St. George (2 hours, INR 10 per person)
  • Arignar Anna Zoological Park (4-5 hours, INR 30 per person)
  • Mahabalipuram (4-5 hours, INR 600 per person, including cab fare)
  • Pondy Bazaar (2-3 hours, bring cash to negotiate prices)
  • Amethyst Cafe (1-2 hours, INR 800 for two people)
  • Ramanujan Museum (1 hour, Free admission)
  • Total Estimated Costs: INR 1,455 per person

Useful Tips

If you have an extra day, visit Chennai's temples such as Vadapalani Murugan Temple, Anjaneya Temple, and Shirdi Sai Baba Temple. If you have less time, prioritize a visit to Santhome Cathedral, Fort St. George, and Marina Beach, and skip Mahabalipuram. Don't forget to taste the delicious south Indian cuisine and drink the famous filter coffee.

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