Fort St. George is a must-visit attraction that is both historical and cultural. It was built in 1644 by the British East India Company and served as the company's headquarters until 1858. In the morning, take a stroll around the fort to learn about its history and significance. Then, head to the nearby St. Mary's Church, the oldest Anglican church in India, built-in 1680. In the afternoon, visit the Fort Museum, which houses various artefacts from the British era, including weapons, coins, medals, and uniforms. Finally, the evening can be spent at the Marina Beach, which is just a 10-minute drive from the fort, enjoying the sunset and the local street food.
Mahabalipuram is a UNESCO World Heritage site that is renowned for its historical temples and architecture. In the morning, visit the Shore Temple, which was built-in the 8th century and is dedicated to Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu. Then, visit the Pancha Rathas, a group of five monolithic temples, each carved from a single granite block. In the afternoon, head to the nearby Mahabalipuram Beach, which offers breathtaking views of the Bay of Bengal and several water activities. In the evening, enjoy dinner at Moonrakers, a beachfront restaurant known for its seafood and authentic Indian cuisine.
If you have an extra day, you can visit the Kapaleeswarar Temple, one of the oldest and most famous temples in Chennai. Additionally, you could take a trip to Pulicat Lake, which is just a 2-hour drive from Chennai, and enjoy bird watching, boating, and local seafood cuisine.