Start your Chennai trip by visiting the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Mahabalipuram. Located along the coastline, it is known for its rock-cut temples and sculptures. The Shore Temple, Pancha Rathas, and Arjuna's Penance are must-see attractions. The Shore Temple is an ancient structure with intricate carvings of Hindu deities and figures. The Pancha Rathas consist of five chariot-shaped monuments, each dedicated to a Pandava prince from the epic Mahabharata. Arjuna's Penance, a bas-relief sculpture, depicts scenes from Hindu mythology.
After exploring Mahabalipuram, head to DakshinaChitra, a living museum that showcases the art, architecture, and culture of South India. You can see traditional houses, crafts, and art forms from different states in South India. They also conduct workshops on traditional crafts like pottery, weaving, and puppetry. The museum has a serene ambience, and the staff are knowledgeable and friendly. You can grab a bite at their cafe, which serves delicious South Indian food.
Start your second day in Chennai by visiting Marina Beach, the second-longest beach in the world. It is a popular spot for locals and tourists to relax, jog, and watch the sunrise or sunset. You can also take a stroll on the promenade, which has statues of Tamil poets and leaders. The beach has several food stalls selling street food like bhajji, sundal, and ice cream. It can get crowded on weekends, so plan to visit early in the morning or on weekdays.
After spending time at the beach, head to the Government Museum, one of the oldest and largest museums in India. It has a vast collection of art, artefacts, and antiquities from South India, including bronze sculptures, coins, textiles, and pottery. The museum also has a natural history section, which has exhibits on flora and fauna. The highlight of the museum is the National Art Gallery, which has a collection of Tanjore paintings, Mughal and Rajasthani miniature paintings, and European oil paintings.