Exploring Chennai in 3 Days

Day 1: Beach and Temples

Chennai, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Murugan Idli Shop

Start your day with a delicious South Indian breakfast at Murugan Idli Shop, known for its fluffy idlis and crispy dosas.
$, 1 hour

9:30AM

Marina Beach

Head to Marina Beach, the second-longest urban beach in the world, and take a leisurely stroll along the shore.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Annalakshmi Restaurant

Enjoy a traditional vegetarian South Indian thali for lunch at Annalakshmi Restaurant, offering a variety of authentic dishes.
$$, 1 hour

2:00PM

Kapaleeshwarar Temple

Visit the historic Kapaleeshwarar Temple, known for its Dravidian architecture and vibrant religious activities.
$, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Vivekananda House

Explore Vivekananda House, a cultural heritage museum dedicated to Swami Vivekananda, offering insights into his life and teachings.
$, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Murugan Idli Shop

End your day with another delightful meal at Murugan Idli Shop, savoring their specialty idlis and chutneys.
$, 1 hour

Day 2: Museums and Nature

Chennai, India

8:30AM

Breakfast at Sangeetha Restaurant

Indulge in a hearty breakfast at Sangeetha Restaurant, known for its diverse menu of South Indian and North Indian dishes.
$, 1 hour

10:00AM

Government Museum

Visit the Government Museum, one of the oldest museums in India, housing a rich collection of art, archaeology, and numismatics.
$, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Amethyst Cafe

Enjoy a relaxed lunch at Amethyst Cafe, set in a charming colonial bungalow with a garden ambiance and delectable food.
$$, 1 hour

3:00PM

San Thome Basilica

Explore the majestic San Thome Basilica, built over the tomb of St. Thomas the Apostle, showcasing stunning Gothic architecture.
$, 1 hour

5:00PM

Guindy National Park

Spend the evening at Guindy National Park, a green oasis in the heart of the city, perfect for nature walks and bird watching.
$, 2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Murugan Idli Shop

Round off your day with a satisfying dinner at Murugan Idli Shop, enjoying their signature South Indian delicacies.
$, 1 hour

Day 3: Cultural Villages and Beaches

Chennai, India

9:00AM

Breakfast at The Farm

Start your day with a wholesome breakfast at The Farm, known for its organic and farm-to-table offerings in a serene setting.
$$, 1 hour

10:30AM

DakshinaChitra

Explore DakshinaChitra, a living history museum showcasing the cultural heritage of South India through traditional arts and crafts.
$, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Moonrakers

Enjoy a seafood lunch at Moonrakers, a beachfront restaurant offering a variety of fresh catch and coastal delicacies.
$$, 1 hour

3:00PM

Mahabalipuram

Visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Mahabalipuram, known for its ancient rock-cut temples and shore temple overlooking the Bay of Bengal.
$, 3 hours

7:00PM

Covelong Beach

Relax at Covelong Beach, a serene stretch of golden sand perfect for unwinding and enjoying the sunset over the Arabian Sea.
Free, 2 hours

9:00PM

Dinner at Bay View Restaurant

Indulge in a delicious dinner at Bay View Restaurant, offering a mix of local and international cuisines with a stunning view of the sea.
$$, 1 hour