7-Day Family-Friendly Itinerary in Chennai

1. Day 1: Marina Beach
   30 minutes (11.4 km) from Chennai International Airport

   Dive into the world of the Bay of Bengal, take a stroll down the longest beach in India, and watch the sunrise or sunset over the water.

2. Day 2: Fort St. George
   20 minutes (5.6 km) from Marina Beach

   Visit India's first and oldest fort, stroll around to see the colonial architecture, and learn about Chennai's rich history and culture.

3. Day 3: Government Museum
   15 minutes (4.4 km) from Fort St. George

   Explore the vast collection of art, archaeology, numismatics, and more at one of India's oldest museums.

4. Day 4: Arignar Anna Zoological Park
   1 hour 10 minutes (35.5 km) from Government Museum

   Experience a wildlife safari, see over 138 species of animals and birds, and take a toy train ride around the park.

5. Day 5: Mahabalipuram
   1 hour 25 minutes (55 km) from Arignar Anna Zoological Park

   Discover the UNESCO World Heritage Site of ancient rock-cut temples, monuments, and sculptures by the beach.

6. Day 6: VGP Universal Kingdom
   1 hour 10 minutes (30 km) from Mahabalipuram

   Get an adrenaline rush with amusement park rides, a water park, and live performances for all ages.

7. Day 7: Kapaleeswarar Temple
   1 hour 5 minutes (19.1 km) from VGP Universal Kingdom

   Conclude your trip at an ancient Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva with colorful gopurams, traditional architecture, and festive ambiance.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Marina Beach (2-3 hours, free)
• Fort St. George (1-2 hours, INR 236 per person for foreigners)
• Government Museum (2-3 hours, INR 50 per person for Indians, INR 600 per person for foreigners)
• Arignar Anna Zoological Park (3-4 hours, INR 30 per person for Indians, INR 150 per person for foreigners)
• Mahabalipuram (4-5 hours, free)
• VGP Universal Kingdom (6-7 hours, INR 750 per person for adults, INR 550 per person for children)
• Kapaleeswarar Temple (1-2 hours, free)

Total Estimated Costs: INR 1586 per person for foreigners.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, add a trip to Pondicherry for sightseeing and French cuisine. If you have less time, skip VGP Universal Kingdom and visit the nearby Birla Planetarium instead.