Start your journey at the Kapaleeshwarar Temple in Chennai. This beautiful temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is over 300 years old. Afterward, head to the Government Museum, one of the oldest and largest museums in India. Its collection includes rare sculptures, bronzes, and paintings.
Next, visit the Marina Beach, a 6-km stretch of golden sand overlooking the Bay of Bengal. You can take a dip in the sea, go for a horse ride, or relax under an umbrella. Finally, drive to Mahabalipuram, a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its rock-cut temples and sculptures. The Shore Temple and the Pancha Rathas are must-visit attractions.
Start your day with a drive to Pondicherry, a former French colony on the Coromandel Coast. Begin with the Sri Aurobindo Ashram, a spiritual community founded by Sri Aurobindo and his followers. The ashram promotes a synthesis of yoga and modern science.
Afterward, walk down the charming Promenade Beach. It is a perfect place to relish the beautiful sunrise or sunset. The opposite side of the sea has a scenic road stretching for over a kilometer, known by the name "Goubert Avenue", carved out by the French and locally known as the "Rock Beach".
Later, visit the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, a magnificent church built in the Gothic style. Another attraction is the Auroville, an experimental township founded in 1968 with the aim of realizing human unity.
If you have more time, you can add more attractions in Chennai like the Fort St. George and the St. Mary's Church. The Arignar Anna Zoological Park in Chennai is another popular attraction that one can visit with a whole day.
If you have less time, you can skip visiting the Government Museum in Chennai and Promenade Beach in Pondicherry. Moreover, if you're traveling during the weekends, avoid the crowds and start early in the morning.