Start your day by visiting the Kapaleeshwarar Temple, an ancient Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Next, visit the Fort St. George, a British-built fortress that now serves as the headquarters of the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly. Afterwards, head to Marina Beach, the second-longest beach in the world, and take a stroll along the promenade. End your day with a visit to the Government Museum, which houses a collection of artifacts from ancient Tamil Nadu, including bronze sculptures and coins.
Take a day trip to Puducherry, a former French colony on the East coast of India. Visit Sri Aurobindo Ashram, a spiritual community founded by the philosopher Sri Aurobindo and his collaborator, a French woman known as “The Mother”. Afterwards, walk along Promenade Beach, a popular spot for locals to watch the sunset. End your day by exploring the French Quarter, filled with charming yellow buildings and colonial-era architecture.
Begin your day by visiting the Santhome Basilica, a beautiful Roman Catholic church that houses the tomb of St. Thomas, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ. Next, head to the Chennai Music Academy, a non-profit organization that promotes and preserves Carnatic music, a classical form of music popular in South India. Afterwards, visit the Kalakshetra Foundation, a school of dance and music where you can watch performances and attend workshops. End your day by visiting the Madras High Court, a historic building known for its impressive architecture and rich history.
For those with more time, make a visit to Chidambaram Nataraja Temple, a stunning temple complex devoted to Shiva Nataraja, the lord of dance. Alternatively, a trip to Mahabalipuram would be a great addition. There you can marvel at the monolithic structures and ancient temples. For those with less time, consider skipping the French Quarter in Puducherry, or the Government Museum in Chennai. Both can be time-consuming, and there are other attractions in the area that can be seen more quickly.