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Exploring Chennai in 7 Days

Viewed by 161 travelers

Day 1: Beach and History

Chennai, India

8:00AM

Marina Beach

Start your day with a refreshing walk along the shores of Marina Beach, the second longest urban beach in the world.
NA, 2 hours

11:00AM

Fort St. George

Visit Fort St. George, the first English fortress in India, and explore the museum to learn about the colonial history of Chennai.
INR 50, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Sea Shell Restaurant

Enjoy a delicious seafood lunch at Sea Shell Restaurant, known for its fresh and flavorful coastal cuisine.
INR 800, 1 hour

3:00PM

Napier Bridge

Take a leisurely stroll across the historic Napier Bridge and admire the scenic views of the Coovum River.
NA, 1 hour

5:00PM

Evening at Marina Beach

Relax and soak in the vibrant atmosphere of Marina Beach as the sun sets, with numerous street vendors and activities to enjoy.
NA, 2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Southern Spice

Indulge in a traditional South Indian dinner at Southern Spice, known for its authentic flavors and elegant ambiance.
INR 1200, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Spiritual Journey

Chennai, India

9:00AM

Kapaleeshwarar Temple

Begin your day with a visit to the ancient Kapaleeshwarar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, and admire its Dravidian architecture.
NA, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Santhome Cathedral

Explore the majestic Santhome Cathedral, built over the tomb of St. Thomas, and appreciate its historical and religious significance.
NA, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Murugan Idli Shop

Savor a traditional South Indian meal at Murugan Idli Shop, known for its delectable idlis and authentic flavors.
INR 300, 1 hour

3:00PM

Marina Lighthouse

Climb to the top of Marina Lighthouse for panoramic views of the city and the coastline, offering a perfect photo opportunity.
INR 20, 1 hour

5:00PM

Evening at Elliot's Beach

Relax at Elliot's Beach, also known as Besant Nagar Beach, and enjoy the serene ambiance and beautiful sunset views.
NA, 2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Annalakshmi Restaurant

Feast on a vegetarian dinner at Annalakshmi Restaurant, offering a delectable spread of traditional South Indian dishes.
INR 1000, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Art and Culture

Chennai, India

10:00AM

Government Museum

Immerse yourself in history and art at the Government Museum, home to a remarkable collection of sculptures, paintings, and archaeological exhibits.
INR 250, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Amethyst Cafe

Dine at Amethyst Cafe, set in a charming colonial bungalow, and enjoy a delightful fusion of global and Indian cuisines.
INR 700, 1 hour

3:00PM

Egmore Railway Museum

Explore the fascinating exhibits at Egmore Railway Museum, showcasing the heritage of Indian Railways through vintage locomotives and artifacts.
INR 100, 1.5 hours

5:30PM

Shopping at Pondy Bazaar

Spend your evening browsing and shopping at Pondy Bazaar, known for its vibrant street shopping experience and a variety of products.
Variable, 2 hours

8:00PM

Dinner at Murugan Mess

Relish a hearty Chettinad meal at Murugan Mess, famous for its authentic Chettinad cuisine and traditional flavors.
INR 800, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Nature and Wildlife

Chennai, India

9:00AM

Arignar Anna Zoological Park

Spend the day at Arignar Anna Zoological Park, home to a diverse range of wildlife species and offering a captivating safari experience.
INR 50, 4 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at The Rain Tree

Enjoy a leisurely lunch at The Rain Tree, known for its picturesque ambiance and an array of delectable international cuisines.
INR 1000, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Guindy National Park

Explore the tranquil surroundings of Guindy National Park, known for its diverse flora, fauna, and bird-watching opportunities.
INR 20, 2 hours

6:00PM

Evening at IIT Madras Campus

Take a peaceful stroll around the scenic IIT Madras campus, surrounded by lush greenery and architectural marvels.
NA, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Dinner at Absolute Barbecue

Indulge in a sumptuous barbecue dinner at Absolute Barbecue, offering a wide array of grilled delights and live cooking stations.
INR 1500, 2 hours
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Day 5: Heritage and Leisure

Chennai, India

9:00AM

DakshinaChitra

Embark on a cultural journey at DakshinaChitra, an open-air museum showcasing the heritage, art, and architecture of South India.
INR 300, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Bay View Restaurant

Relish a delightful lunch with panoramic sea views at Bay View Restaurant, offering a delectable mix of coastal and global cuisines.
INR 1200, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Muttukadu Boat House

Enjoy a serene boat ride at Muttukadu Boat House, surrounded by scenic backwaters and lush greenery, offering a perfect escape into nature.
INR 300, 2 hours

6:00PM

Evening at VGP Universal Kingdom

Experience the thrill of amusement rides and entertainment at VGP Universal Kingdom, a perfect way to unwind and have fun.
INR 1000, 3 hours

9:00PM

Dinner at Kipling Cafe

Dine at Kipling Cafe, offering a charming ambiance and an array of global culinary delights, perfect for a relaxing evening meal.
INR 800, 2 hours
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Day 6: Historical Excursion

Mahabalipuram, India

9:00AM

Mahabalipuram

Embark on a day trip to Mahabalipuram, a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its ancient rock-cut temples and monuments.
INR 500 (for transportation), Full day

1:00PM

Lunch at Moonrakers Restaurant

Savor a scrumptious lunch at Moonrakers Restaurant, offering a delightful coastal dining experience with a range of seafood delicacies.
INR 1000, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Shore Temple

Explore the iconic Shore Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a masterpiece of ancient Dravidian architecture, offering stunning sunset views.
INR 40, 2 hours

6:00PM

Evening at Mahabalipuram Beach

Unwind at Mahabalipuram Beach, known for its tranquil shores and the famous Five Rathas rock-cut temples, perfect for a leisurely evening.
NA, 2 hours

8:00PM

Dinner at Le Yogi Restaurant

Enjoy a delightful dinner at Le Yogi Restaurant, offering a fusion of Indian and global cuisines with a cozy and relaxed setting.
INR 900, 1.5 hours
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Day 7: Cultural Immersion

Chennai, India

10:00AM

Valluvar Kottam

Begin your day with a visit to Valluvar Kottam, a monument dedicated to the classical Tamil poet-saint Thiruvalluvar, showcasing Dravidian architecture and cultural heritage.
INR 20, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Saravana Bhavan

Indulge in a traditional South Indian thali meal at Saravana Bhavan, offering an authentic culinary experience with a range of delectable dishes.
INR 500, 1 hour

2:00PM

Theosophical Society

Explore the serene surroundings of Theosophical Society, with its lush gardens, the Adyar River, and the historical shrines, offering a peaceful retreat.
INR 100, 2 hours

5:00PM

Boat Ride at Adyar River

Take a relaxing boat ride along the tranquil waters of Adyar River, surrounded by lush greenery and serene natural beauty.
INR 200, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Ente Keralam

Treat yourself to an authentic Kerala cuisine dinner at Ente Keralam, offering a wide array of delectable dishes from the coastal state.
INR 1000, 1.5 hours
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