Start your trip in Chennai by exploring the Guindy National Park, a 2.82 square km park located in the heart of the city. This park is home to a variety of flora and fauna, including blackbucks, spotted deer, foxes, and jackals. You will also find a variety of birds like parrots and peacocks. Don't miss visiting the Children's Park and Snake Park inside the national park. The Children's Park is a perfect place to unwind, and the Snake Park features a wide range of snakes and other reptiles.
After lunch, head over to Covelong Beach, a beautiful shoreline about an hour's drive from Chennai. This serene beach is well known for windsurfing and also has a few water sports activities that one can explore. Take a stroll and unwind on the beach, visit the beautiful Dutch Fort nearby, or indulge in some seafood at the beachside shacks. Don't forget to capture the lovely sunset on the beach.
On day two, start your journey early and visit the Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary, which is known for being one of the oldest bird sanctuaries in India. This place is famous for its migratory birds from Siberia, Australia, and other regions. You can sight the birds like painted storks, pelicans, egrets, ibises, and herons. There is also a watchtower inside the sanctuary where you can enjoy the bird's eye view.
In the afternoon, head over to the scenic Pulicat Lake, India's second-largest saltwater lagoon. The lake is located on the border of Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh and is home to a variety of flora and fauna. Take a boat ride and explore the lake and spot the variety of birds like flamingos, pelicans, and painted storks. You can also visit the beautiful Dutch cemetery and Dutch fort nearby.
If you have more time to spare in Chennai, you can explore other places like the Arignar Anna Zoological Park, Mylapore neighbourhood, and Marina Beach. For those who want to explore more natural surroundings, you can explore the Crocodile Bank, Mudumalai National Park, and Dhanushkodi.
If you have less time, you can consider skipping Pulicat Lake or Covelong Beach. Always carry enough cash, sunscreen lotion, water, and comfortable walking shoes as Chennai has hot weather throughout the year.