Family-Friendly 1-Day Itinerary in Chennai (May 2023)

  1. 9:00AM: Mahabalipuram Beach
    1 hour (34km) from Chennai city center

    Start the day early by heading to Mahabalipuram Beach, a calm and serene location, perfect for families who want to relax and enjoy the beauty of the coast. Take a leisurely stroll on the beach, enjoy the local seafood, or watch the sunrise over the Bay of Bengal.

  2. 11:00AM: Dakshina Chitra
    35 mins (26km) from Mahabalipuram Beach

    Explore the rich cultural heritage of South India by visiting Dakshina Chitra, a living museum which showcases the culture, architecture, and crafts of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh. Enjoy the traditional dance performances and workshops on pottery, weaving, and painting.

  3. 1:00PM: The Marina
    1 hour (24km) from Dakshina Chitra

    Visit The Marina, one of the longest urban beaches in the world, which offers a variety of activities for families. Take a horse or camel ride, enjoy a picnic lunch, or indulge in the local street food, such as sundal, vada pav, and roasted corn.

  4. 3:00PM: Vivekananda House
    18 mins (6km) from The Marina

    Explore the life and teachings of Swami Vivekananda, a great spiritual leader who played a significant role in the Indian Independence movement. Learn about his philosophy of Vedanta and yoga, and visit the meditation room for a peaceful experience.

  5. 5:00PM: Birla Planetarium
    25 mins (8km) from Vivekananda House

    End the day by stargazing at the Birla Planetarium, an astronomical observatory that features a 360-degree sky theatre and a cosmic adventure show. Learn about the constellations, galaxies, and space missions, and explore the interactive exhibits.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Mahabalipuram Beach (1 hour, free)
  • Dakshina Chitra (2 hours, INR 100 for adults and INR 50 for children)
  • The Marina (2 hours, free)
  • Vivekananda House (2 hours, INR 20 for adults and INR 10 for children)
  • Birla Planetarium (1 hour, INR 100 for adults and INR 60 for children)
  • Total Estimated Costs: INR 330

Useful Tips

If you have more time, visit the Arignar Anna Zoological Park, one of the largest zoos in South Asia, or the Government Museum, which houses ancient artifacts and art pieces from South India. For a shorter itinerary, skip Dakshina Chitra and head straight to The Marina in the morning, or visit only one or two locations depending on your interests. Don't forget to carry enough water and sunscreen, and respect the local customs and traditions.

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