Explore the Best of Chennai in Three Days

  1. Day 1: Fort St. George and Marina Beach
    20 minutes (5.8 km) from Chennai International Airport

    Fort St. George is India's first fortress built by the British in 1644. The fort also houses St. Mary's Church, one of the oldest Anglican churches in India. After visiting the fort, take a stroll at Marina Beach, the second-largest beach in the world.

  2. Day 2: Kapaleeswarar Temple, Mahabalipuram, and DakshinaChitra Heritage Museum
    1 hour 15 minutes (15.9 km) from Marina Beach

    Start your day with a visit to the Kapaleeswarar Temple, a Hindu temple built in the 7th century. Next, take a day trip to the Mahabalipuram to witness the rock-cut temples and caves like Pancha Rathas, Arjuna's Penance, and the Shore Temple. Finally, end your day by exploring the DakshinaChitra Heritage Museum to experience South Indian culture and art.

  3. Day 3: Government Museum, Spencer Plaza, and Chennai Central Railway Station
    35 minutes (6.8 km) from DakshinaChitra Heritage Museum

    Start your final day by visiting the Government Museum, one of India's oldest museums. The museum has a diverse collection of art, archaeology, and natural history artifacts. Next, shop for souvenirs at Spencer Plaza, one of the oldest shopping malls in India. Finally, depart from the historic Chennai Central Railway Station, one of the main railway hubs of South India.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Fort St. George (1-2 hours, free)
  • Marina Beach (1-2 hours, free)
  • Kapaleeswarar Temple (1-2 hours, free)
  • Mahabalipuram (4-5 hours, INR 600 for entry into 5 monuments)
  • DakshinaChitra Heritage Museum (2-3 hours, INR 200 for adults)
  • Government Museum (2-3 hours, INR 75 for adults)
  • Spencer Plaza (1-2 hours, cost varies based on shopping)
  • Chennai Central Railway Station (30 minutes, free)
  • Total Estimated Costs: INR 875-1175 per person

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider visiting the Arignar Anna Zoological Park, the second-largest zoo in India, or taking a day trip to Kanchipuram, a city famous for its silk sarees and ancient temples. However, if you have less time, skip DakshinaChitra Heritage Museum or Government Museum. Additionally, to avoid the crowds, visit Marina Beach early in the morning and the Kapaleeswarar Temple in the evening.

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