Discovering Chennai in May 2023: A 2-Day Itinerary

1. Day 1: Kapaleeswarar Temple
   Distance: 30-minute drive (6 miles) from Chennai Central

   Start your day exploring Chennai's oldest and most famous temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva. Admire its impressive Dravidian-style architecture with a towering gopuram (gateway) and colorful sculptures. Marvel at the sacred tank, where worshippers take purifying dips. Take a guided tour to learn about the temple's history and significance. Don't miss the flower market outside, where you can buy fragrant garlands and offer them to the deities inside the temple.

2. Day 1: Elliot's Beach
   Distance: 20-minute drive (5 miles) from Kapaleeswarar Temple

   Escape the city's hustle and bustle and head to this serene and clean beach, named after a former governor of Madras. Relax on the sand, swim in the sea, or take a stroll on the promenade, lined with palm trees and street food stalls. Savor local delicacies like Sundal (steamed lentils with spices) and Murukku (crispy rice and lentil snacks). Catch the sunset, which paints the sky in a kaleidoscope of colors, and watch local families fly kites.

3. Day 2: Government Museum
   Distance: 15-minute drive (3 miles) from Chennai Central

   Get a glimpse into India's rich cultural heritage and history at this iconic museum, established in 1851. Explore its galleries, which display a vast collection of art, archaeology, numismatics, zoology, and geology. Admire ancient relics from the Indus Valley civilization, exquisite bronze idols from South India, and rare paintings by Raja Ravi Varma. Don't miss the kids' corner, where you can learn through interactive exhibits and games.

4. Day 2: Fort St. George
   Distance: 10-minute drive (2 miles) from Government Museum

   Step back in time and visit the first English fortress in India, founded in 1644. Admire its sturdy ramparts, gateways, and bastions, which still bear scars from the colonial battles. Visit the museum inside, which showcases artifacts, weapons, and documents from the British Raj. See the St. Mary's Church, the oldest Anglican church in India, where Robert Clive was married and which has a historic cemetery. Watch the changing of the guard ceremony, held at noon every day.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Kapaleeswarar Temple (1-2 hours, free)
• Elliot's Beach (2-3 hours, $5 for snacks)
• Government Museum (2-3 hours, $1 for Indian citizens, $8 for foreigners)
• Fort St. George (2-3 hours, $2 for Indians, $5 for foreigners)
• Total Estimated Costs: $16 for Indian citizens, $30 for foreigners

Useful Tips

If you have more time, you can add these popular attractions to your itinerary:

• Marina Beach: the longest urban beach in India, with a lively promenade, street food, and pony rides; a 20-minute drive from Elliot's Beach.
• Sri Parthasarathy Temple: an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Krishna, with stunning murals and carvings; a 10-minute drive from Kapaleeswarar Temple.
• Santhome Basilica: a Gothic church built on the tomb of St. Thomas, the apostle of Jesus who arrived in India in the 1st century CE; a 10-minute drive from Kapaleeswarar Temple.

If you have less time, you can skip these and focus on the main attractions. Alternatively, you can split the itinerary into two half-days, visiting Kapaleeswarar Temple and Elliot's Beach on Day 1, and Government Museum and Fort St. George on Day 2.