Family-Friendly Itinerary for a Day in Chennai, July 2023

  1. 9:00 AM: Marina Beach
    Located in the heart of the city

    Start your day with a morning stroll at Marina Beach, the longest beach in the country. The scenic views of the Bay of Bengal, cool sea breeze, and scrumptious street food stalls at the beach make it a perfect spot for tourists of all ages.

  2. 11:00 AM: Government Museum
    15 minutes (3 miles) from Marina Beach

    The Government Museum at Egmore, established in 1851, houses some of the finest collections of South Indian Bronze sculptures, traditional artifacts, and Tamil Nadu's archaeological works. The museum is an excellent way to introduce your children to Indian culture and history.

  3. 1:00 PM: Kapaleeswarar Temple
    20 minutes (4.5 miles) from Government Museum

    Visit the ancient and holy Kapaleeswarar Temple situated in the Mylapore area for a soulful and cultural experience. The temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati charms devotees and tourists with its unique architecture, vibrant colours, and religious practices.

  4. 2:30 PM: Birla Planetarium
    10 minutes (2.5 miles) from Kapaleeswarar Temple

    The Birla Planetarium is a great spot for families to relax and learn more about the universe. The planetarium has regular shows that offer a virtual experience of the stars and planets, making the learning experience of astronomy a fun one for children.

  5. 4:00 PM: Vandalur Zoo
    1 hour (20 miles) from Birla Planetarium

    The Vandalur Zoo, located on the outskirts of the city, offers an opportunity to get closer to nature and wildlife. The zoo has various animal species, including lions, tigers, cats, and bears, as well as a separate butterfly park. It's a perfect place to end your day with the family.

Time and Cost Estimates

  • Marina Beach (2 hours, Rs. 0)
  • Government Museum (2 hours, Rs. 100 per person)
  • Kapaleeswarar Temple (1.5 hours, Rs. 0)
  • Birla Planetarium (1.5 hours, Rs. 80 per person)
  • Vandalur Zoo (2 hours, Rs. 50 per person)
  • Total Estimated Costs (per person): Rs. 230

Useful Tips

If you have more time, you can visit other tourist attractions like Fort St. George or Guindy National Park. Conversely, if you have less time, you could skip the planetarium to make the most of your day at the zoo. It's also advisable to carry a sunscreen, water bottle, and dress appropriately

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