Start your Chennai trip with a visit to the Kapaleeshwarar Temple, an ancient temple devoted to Lord Shiva. The temple has Dravidian architecture, colorful gopurams (towers), and intricate carvings. You can witness the traditional rituals and experience the local culture. The temple is located in the busy neighborhood of Mylapore, and there are several shops and restaurants around the temple. Make sure to try some local street foods while shopping for souvenirs.
The Government Museum is a great place to explore the history and culture of Chennai. It has various galleries exhibiting collections of bronzes, sculptures, paintings, and weapons. The gallery of South Indian bronzes is particularly noteworthy as it has a wide range of Chola and Pallava sculptures. The museum also has a children's museum, a natural history museum, and an outdoor theater. Beware of pickpockets while you're here.
No visit to Chennai is complete without visiting the Marina Beach, the longest urban beach in India. You can take a leisurely stroll, watch the sunset, or try some street food. The beach gets crowded in the evening and has several entertainment options like camel rides, horse rides, and beachside games. The beach also offers a fantastic view of the Bay of Bengal.
On the second day, head to Fort St. George, the first English fortress in India. It was built in the seventeenth century and now houses the state government offices and the Fort Museum. The museum has a wide collection of artifacts from the British era, including weapons and portraits. The fort has St. Mary's Church, which is the first Anglican church in India.
The Santhome Basilica is a beautiful church built on the tomb of St.Thomas, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ, who is said to have been martyred in Chennai. The church has an awe-inspiring neo-gothic architecture and stained-glass windows. It is an important spiritual center for Catholics and a popular tourist attraction. You can take a guided tour of the church to know more about its history and religious significance.
If you have more time, you can also visit other places like the Arignar Anna Zoological Park, the Guindy National Park, and the Cholamandal Artists' Village. If you have less time, you can skip the Government Museum or the Santhome Basilica based on your interest. Beware of the pickpockets and carry a sufficient amount of water with you, especially during the summer months.