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A Week in Chennai: October 12-18, 2023

Thursday, October 12: Exploring Historic Chennai

Start your trip by visiting Fort St. George, the city's historical landmark. Learn about the colonial past while exploring the museum and admiring the architecture. For lunch, head to Marina Beach and enjoy local street food stalls. In the afternoon, immerse yourself in the spirituality of Kapaleeshwarar Temple. As the evening sets in, take a stroll along the iconic Besant Nagar Beach.

  • Fort St. George: INR 200, 2 hours
  • Marina Beach: Free, 1 hour
  • Kapaleeshwarar Temple: Free, 2 hours
  • Besant Nagar Beach: Free, 1 hour
Friday, October 13: Cultural Delights

Start your day with a visit to the Government Museum to explore its extensive collection of art and antiquities. Afterward, head to DakshinaChitra, a living museum that showcases the cultural heritage of South India. In the evening, catch a traditional dance performance at Kalakshetra Foundation.

  • Government Museum: INR 150, 2 hours
  • DakshinaChitra: INR 250, 3 hours
  • Kalakshetra Foundation: INR 300, 2 hours
Restaurants
  • For a delicious breakfast, head to Murugan Idli Shop where you can indulge in fluffy idlis and crispy dosas. Average cost for a meal is about ₹150 per person.
  • For a satisfying lunch, try the traditional South Indian thali at Ponnusamy Restaurant. Enjoy a variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. Average cost for a meal is about ₹300 per person.
  • For a memorable dinner, visit Anjappar Chettinad Restaurant for authentic Chettinad cuisine. Try their spicy chicken or mutton curry paired with fluffy appams. Average cost for a meal is about ₹500 per person.
Saturday, October 14: Serene Temples and Nature

Start your day at the magnificent Sri Parthasarathy Temple, known for its intricate carvings. Afterward, head to Guindy National Park and indulge in a peaceful walk amidst nature. In the afternoon, visit the Birla Planetarium to learn about the wonders of the universe.

  • Sri Parthasarathy Temple: Free, 1 hour
  • Guindy National Park: INR 20, 2 hours
  • Birla Planetarium: INR 80, 1 hour
Sunday, October 15: Day Trip to Mahabalipuram

Take a day trip to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Mahabalipuram, famous for its ancient rock-cut temples. Explore the architectural marvels like Shore Temple, Pancha Rathas, and Krishna's Butter Ball. Enjoy a seafood lunch by the beach and soak in the scenic beauty.

  • Transportation to Mahabalipuram: INR 500 round trip, 2 hours each way
  • Entry to Mahabalipuram monuments: INR 600, 4 hours
Monday, October 16: Modern Chennai

Visit the iconic Valluvar Kottam, a memorial dedicated to the poet and philosopher Thiruvalluvar. Explore the contemporary art scene at the Chennai Rail Museum and the Government College of Fine Arts. In the evening, shop for traditional crafts and souvenirs at Pondy Bazaar.

  • Valluvar Kottam: INR 50, 1 hour
  • Chennai Rail Museum: INR 100, 2 hours
  • Government College of Fine Arts: Free, 1 hour
  • Pondy Bazaar: Variable, 2 hours
Tuesday, October 17: Chennai's Culinary Delights

Embark on a food tour to sample Chennai's diverse cuisine. Start with a traditional South Indian breakfast at Murugan Idli Shop. Stroll through George Town and taste local street food delights like Murukku Sandwich, Kothu Parotta, and Filter Coffee. In the evening, savor a seafood dinner at a beachside restaurant.

  • Food tour: INR 1000, 4 hours
  • Seafood dinner: Variable
Wednesday, October 18: Chennai Shopping Extravaganza

Spend your last day exploring Chennai's vibrant markets. Start at T. Nagar, known for its saree shops and jewelry stores, and indulge in some retail therapy. In the afternoon, explore the unique boutiques and handicraft shops at Mylapore. End your trip with a sunset visit to the iconic San Thome Basilica.

  • T. Nagar shopping: Variable
  • Mylapore shopping: Variable
  • San Thome Basilica: Free, 1 hour

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

For a lesser-known attraction, visit the Theosophical Society, a serene oasis offering beautiful gardens and a peaceful ambiance. Don't miss the street food at Sowcarpet, a bustling neighborhood known for its culinary delights. To experience traditional Tamil Nadu village life, take a short trip to Dakshinachitra Heritage Museum.

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