How many days do you need in Chennai?

This itinerary covers 5 days in Chennai, which is a great amount of time to explore the main highlights. Depending on your pace and interests, you could extend or shorten the trip.

What is the best itinerary for Chennai?

Plan your perfect 5 days trip to Chennai. This detailed travel itinerary includes daily activities, local recommendations, and insider tips to make your journey unforgettable.

Chennai Adventure

Day 1: City Exploration

Chennai, India

8:00AM

Marina Beach

Start your day with a refreshing morning walk along the picturesque Marina Beach, one of the longest urban beaches in the world.

Free, 2 hours

11:00AM

Kapaleeshwarar Temple

Visit the beautiful Kapaleeshwarar Temple, known for its stunning Dravidian architecture and intricate carvings.

INR 50, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Saravana Bhavan

Indulge in a traditional South Indian thali at the iconic Saravana Bhavan for a delicious lunch experience.

INR 300, 1 hour

3:00PM

Fort St. George

Explore the historic Fort St. George, the first English fortress in India, and visit the Fort Museum to learn about its colonial past.

INR 100, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Annalakshmi Restaurant

Enjoy a serene dinner at Annalakshmi Restaurant, known for its authentic vegetarian Chettinad cuisine and soothing ambience.

INR 500, 1.5 hours

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Day 2: Mahabalipuram Day Trip

Mahabalipuram, India

9:00AM

Shore Temple

Embark on a day trip to Mahabalipuram and start with a visit to the ancient and intricately carved Shore Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

INR 500 (including entry to other monuments), 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Moonrakers

Relish a seafood feast at Moonrakers, a beachside restaurant offering delectable dishes with a stunning view of the Bay of Bengal.

INR 800, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Pancha Rathas

Explore the Pancha Rathas, a group of five monolithic rock-cut temples, each created in different architectural styles, providing a glimpse into ancient Indian architecture.

INR 250, 1 hour

6:00PM

Beach Activities

Spend a relaxing evening by the beach, indulging in activities like beach volleyball, camel rides, and watching the beautiful sunset.

INR 300, 2 hours

8:00PM

Dinner at Le Yogi

Enjoy a fusion dining experience at Le Yogi, known for its innovative dishes and vibrant ambience, perfect to end the day with a delightful dinner.

INR 1000, 1.5 hours

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Day 3: Pondicherry Day Trip

Pondicherry, India

9:00AM

Auroville

Embark on a day trip to the experimental township of Auroville, known for its sustainable living and the Matrimandir, an architectural marvel.

INR 200 (for the Matrimandir viewing point), 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Tanto Pizzeria

Savor wood-fired oven pizzas and delectable Italian cuisine at Tanto Pizzeria in the heart of Pondicherry for a delightful lunch experience.

INR 600, 1 hour

3:00PM

Promenade Beach

Stroll along the picturesque Promenade Beach, enjoy the sea breeze, and witness the vibrant colors of the sunset for a serene beach experience.

Free, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Explore White Town

Wander through the charming streets of White Town, admiring the French colonial architecture, quaint cafes, and vibrant boutiques.

Free, 2 hours

8:00PM

Dinner at Rendezvous Cafe

Indulge in an alfresco dining experience at Rendezvous Cafe, known for its delectable French cuisine and cozy ambiance, perfect for a relaxing dinner.

INR 800, 1.5 hours

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Day 4: Kanchipuram Day Trip

Kanchipuram, India

9:00AM

Kanchi Kudil

Begin your day with a visit to Kanchi Kudil, a traditional heritage house that provides insights into the culture and lifestyle of Kanchipuram.

INR 100, 1.5 hours

11:30AM

Kanchipuram Temples

Explore the famous Kanchipuram temples, such as Ekambareswarar Temple and Kailasanathar Temple, known for their exquisite architecture and spiritual significance.

INR 200 (combined entry fees), 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Murugan Idli Shop

Relish a traditional South Indian meal at Murugan Idli Shop, known for its delectable idlis, dosas, and authentic Tamil cuisine.

INR 400, 1 hour

3:30PM

Kanchipuram Silk Shopping

Indulge in a shopping spree for exquisite Kanchipuram silk sarees, known for their rich colors, intricate designs, and traditional weaving techniques.

Variable, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Sree Gupta Bhavan

Savor a flavorsome dinner at Sree Gupta Bhavan, known for its authentic South Indian vegetarian dishes and warm hospitality.

INR 500, 1.5 hours

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Day 5: Relaxing Day at Marina Beach

Chennai, India

9:00AM

Breakfast at Murugan Idli Shop

Start your day with a delicious South Indian breakfast at Murugan Idli Shop, known for its delectable idlis, vadas, and filter coffee.

INR 300, 1 hour

11:00AM

Beach Yoga and Meditation

Participate in a rejuvenating beach yoga and meditation session to start your day with a sense of calm and tranquility.

Free, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Marina

Enjoy a sumptuous seafood lunch at The Marina, a beachfront restaurant offering a variety of fresh seafood dishes with a stunning view of the Bay of Bengal.

INR 1000, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Beach Activities

Engage in various beach activities such as kite flying, beach volleyball, or simply sunbathing and enjoying the ocean breeze.

Variable, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Buhari Hotel

Relish a delightful dinner at Buhari Hotel, known for its delectable Chettinad cuisine and warm hospitality, perfect for a satisfying end to your adventure.

INR 600, 1.5 hours

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Step 1 Outline Preview:

Chennai Adventure

Day 1: City Exploration

8:00AM

11:00AM

1:00PM

3:00PM

7:00PM

Day 2: Mahabalipuram Day Trip

9:00AM

12:00PM

3:00PM

6:00PM

8:00PM

Day 3: Pondicherry Day Trip

9:00AM

1:00PM

3:00PM

6:00PM

8:00PM

Day 4: Kanchipuram Day Trip

9:00AM

11:30AM

1:30PM

3:30PM

6:00PM

Day 5: Relaxing Day at Marina Beach

9:00AM

11:00AM

1:00PM

3:00PM

6:00PM

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