In the morning, explore the famous Fort St. George. Built-in 1644, this fort served as the British East India Company's first stronghold in India. Visit the St. Mary's Church, the oldest Anglican church in India, and the Fort Museum, which houses various artifacts from the British era. Enjoy the afternoon at Marina Beach, the second-longest urban beach in the world, located 20 minutes (5 km) from the fort. Stroll along the beach or try some local street food. In the evening, visit the Kapaleeswarar Temple, which is a 25-minute (7 km) drive from Marina Beach. This ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is one of the most famous landmarks of Chennai.
On the second day, take a day trip to Mahabalipuram, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the Shore Temple, Pancha Rathas, and the Krishna's Butter Ball, an enormous boulder balanced on a slope. Enjoy the beautiful sea view from the Shore Temple. Spend the afternoon at Mahabalipuram beach, where you can relax and enjoy the scenic beauty of the Bay of Bengal. Head back to Chennai in the evening.
Start your day by visiting the Government Museum, one of India's oldest museums with an incredible collection of art and artifacts. The museum has a vast collection of bronze sculptures from the Chola Dynasty, ancient coins, and a natural history section. In the afternoon, indulge in some retail therapy at T Nagar, Chennai's shopping hub, which is a 15-minute (6 km) drive from the museum. Browse through the numerous shops and street markets and haggle for a good bargain. In the evening, visit the Vivekananda House, located 15 minutes (5 km) from T. Nagar. Also known as the Ice House, this museum displays various exhibits related to Swami Vivekananda's life.
If you have time, visit the Guindy National Park, which is home to various flora and fauna. You can also watch a cricket match at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium or the Chepauk Stadium, which is a memorable experience for sports enthusiasts. Take a food tour of Chennai and try South Indian delicacies such as dosas and idlis. If you have an extra day, take a day trip to Kanchipuram, known for its beautiful temples and silk sarees.