Make this trip your own
Create your own free, personalized itinerary in seconds — then sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version
Viewed by 52 travelers

A Shoestring Budget Day in Chennai

  1. 9:00AM: Kapaleeswarar Temple
    10 minutes (1.3 km) from Marina Beach

    This is one of the oldest temples in Chennai, dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple architecture is Dravidian and has beautiful sculptures, frescoes, and inscriptions. The temple also has a tank, which is used for the Thiruvizha festival.

  2. 10:30AM: Government Museum
    15 minutes (2.3 km) from Kapaleeswarar Temple

    This museum has a vast collection of artifacts ranging from archeological finds, numismatics, zoology, and botany. The museum also has a section dedicated to the history of Tamil Nadu.

  3. 12:00PM: Santhome Basilica
    10 minutes (1.2 km) from Government Museum

    The Santhome Basilica is a Catholic minor basilica built in the Gothic style of architecture. It is located on the site where St. Thomas, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus, is believed to be buried.

  4. 1:30PM: Dakshin Chitra
    30 minutes (12.6 km) from Santhome Basilica

    Dakshin Chitra is a living museum of art, architecture, crafts, and performing arts of South India. Visitors can see traditional houses, craftspeople at work, and attend workshops and cultural programs.

  5. 3:30PM: Vandalur Zoo
    45 minutes (15.5 km) from Dakshin Chitra

    This zoo is home to a variety of animals like tigers, lions, elephants, and giraffes. The zoo also has a separate section for birds and reptiles. Visitors can also take a safari ride to see the animals.

  6. 5:30PM: Marina Beach
    30 minutes (19.6 km) from Vandalur Zoo

    Marina Beach is one of the longest beaches in the world, stretching for 6 km along the Bay of Bengal. Visitors can take a stroll, watch the sunset, and try local street food like Sundal and Murukku.

Recommendations

If you have time, you can also visit the Fort St. George, which was built by the British East India Company, and the Valluvar Kottam, a monument dedicated to the Tamil poet and philosopher, Thiruvalluvar. For a side trip, you can take a train to the nearby town of Mahabalipuram, which has UNESCO World Heritage Sites like the Shore Temple and the Pancha Rathas.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Kapaleeswarar Temple (1 hour, free)
  • Government Museum (1.5 hours, INR 20)
  • Santhome Basilica (1 hour, free)
  • Dakshin Chitra (2 hours, INR 250)
  • Vandalur Zoo (2 hours, INR 60)
  • Marina Beach (1 hour, free)
  • Total Estimated Costs: INR 330
0
Like this trip? Make your own version.
A free, personalized itinerary in seconds — sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version