Two-Day Itinerary for Chennai

1. Day 1: Marina Beach
   15 minutes (5.3 km) from Chennai Central Railway Station

   Start your day with a visit to Marina Beach, the longest natural urban beach in India. Take a stroll along the shore, watch the fishermen in action, and enjoy the lively atmosphere. Don't forget to try some local street food like sundal and murukku.

2. Day 1: Kapaleeshwarar Temple
   25 minutes (8.5 km) from Marina Beach

   Next, head to Kapaleeshwarar Temple, a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Admire the Dravidian-style architecture, intricate carvings, and colorful gopuram (gateway tower). Take part in a puja (worship ritual) and learn about Hindu traditions and beliefs.

3. Day 1: Fort St. George
   20 minutes (6.5 km) from Kapaleeshwarar Temple

   Finish your day at Fort St. George, a British-built fortress that now houses a museum and the Tamil Nadu legislative assembly. Learn about the history of Chennai and India under British rule, see the colonial artifacts and paintings, and enjoy the scenic views of the Bay of Bengal.

4. Day 2: Government Museum
   15 minutes (5.5 km) from Chennai Central Railway Station

   Start your day with a visit to Government Museum, one of the oldest and largest museums in India. Explore the galleries of archaeology, numismatics, zoology, and art, and see the famous Bronze Gallery and National Art Gallery. Learn about the rich cultural heritage of South India and its contribution to science, art, and literature.

5. Day 2: San Thome Basilica
   20 minutes (6.5 km) from Government Museum

   Next, head to San Thome Basilica, a Catholic church built over the tomb of St. Thomas, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ. Admire the neo-gothic architecture, stained-glass windows, and white marble statue of St. Thomas. Learn about the history of Christianity in India and the interfaith harmony of Chennai.

6. Day 2: Birla Planetarium
   20 minutes (7 km) from San Thome Basilica

   Finish your day at Birla Planetarium, a popular science museum and planetarium. Explore the interactive exhibits on astronomy, space science, and technology, and enjoy the audio-visual shows on the cosmos and the universe. Learn about the latest discoveries and innovations in science and technology.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Marina Beach (2 hours, free)
• Kapaleeshwarar Temple (1.5 hours, free)
• Fort St. George (2 hours, INR 500 for foreigners)
• Government Museum (2 hours, INR 35 for Indians, INR 650 for foreigners)
• San Thome Basilica (1 hour, free)
• Birla Planetarium (2 hours, INR 60 for Indians, INR 100 for foreigners)
Total Estimated Costs: INR 1250 for Indians, INR 1250 + extra charges for foreigners