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Discovering Chennai in 4 Days

Viewed by 68 travelers

Day 1: Beach and Temples

Chennai, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at a local South Indian restaurant

Start your day with traditional dosa and filter coffee to experience the local flavors.
Head to Marina Beach via cab or public bus from your accommodation. It takes about 30 minutes.
INR 200, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit Marina Beach

Take a leisurely stroll along the sandy shores of Marina Beach, the second longest urban beach in the world.
Walk or take a short auto-rickshaw ride to Kapaleeshwarar Temple, approximately 20 minutes away.
Free, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at a local restaurant near Kapaleeshwarar Temple

Enjoy a delicious South Indian meal with a variety of vegetarian dishes.
Walk to the nearby restaurant for a tasty meal.
INR 300, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore Kapaleeshwarar Temple

Marvel at the Dravidian style architecture and intricate carvings of this ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Take a cab or public bus to your next destination.
INR 50, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

End of Day 1

Head back to your accommodation and relax after a day of exploring Chennai's cultural highlights.
Take a cab or public transport back to your hotel.
INR 100, 1 hour
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Day 2: Historical Sites

Chennai, India

9:00AM

Breakfast at a local eatery

Fuel up for the day with a hearty South Indian breakfast.
Head to Fort St. George via taxi or public bus. The journey will take around 45 minutes.
INR 150, 1 hour

10:00AM

Explore Fort St. George

Discover the history of the first English fortress in India and visit the Fort Museum for insights into colonial times.
From Fort St. George, take a short ride to the Government Museum, approximately 15 minutes away.
INR 100, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at a nearby restaurant

Savor a traditional Tamil Nadu meal at a local restaurant near the museum.
Walk or take a quick taxi to the restaurant for lunch.
INR 250, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit Government Museum

Explore a diverse collection of art, archaeology, and numismatics at one of the oldest museums in India.
Take a cab or public bus back to your accommodation.
INR 50, 2 hours

5:00PM

End of Day 2

Relax and unwind after a day of immersing yourself in Chennai's history and culture.
Head back to your hotel via taxi or public transport.
INR 100, 1 hour
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Day 3: Spiritual and Wildlife

Chennai, India

8:30AM

Breakfast at a local cafe

Start your day with a light breakfast before heading out for spiritual and wildlife adventures.
Take a taxi or public bus to San Thome Basilica, which is around 30 minutes away.
INR 150, 1 hour

10:00AM

Explore San Thome Basilica

Visit this Gothic-style Roman Catholic basilica built over the tomb of St. Thomas, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus.
From San Thome Basilica, travel to Arignar Anna Zoological Park by taxi, which will take approximately 1 hour.
INR 200, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at a zoo cafe

Enjoy a quick meal at one of the cafes inside the zoo premises.
Dine at the zoo cafe before heading back to the city center.
INR 150, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit Arignar Anna Zoological Park

Explore the diverse wildlife and conservation efforts at one of the largest zoos in India.
Take a taxi or public bus back to your accommodation.
INR 100, 3 hours

6:00PM

End of Day 3

Reflect on the spiritual and natural beauty experienced today as you return to your hotel.
Head back to your hotel via taxi or public transport.
INR 100, 1 hour
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Day 4: Cultural Village and Heritage

Chennai, India

9:00AM

Breakfast at a local cafe

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before embarking on a cultural exploration.
Take a taxi or rent a car to DakshinaChitra, located about 1.5 hours away from the city center.
INR 500, 2 hours

11:30AM

Explore DakshinaChitra

Step into a living museum showcasing the heritage, art, and architecture of South India through traditional houses and handicrafts.
From DakshinaChitra, proceed to Mahabalipuram by taxi, which is around 30 minutes away.
INR 300, 2 hours

2:30PM

Lunch at a seaside restaurant in Mahabalipuram

Indulge in fresh seafood while enjoying a view of the Bay of Bengal.
Dine at a beachside restaurant before exploring the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Mahabalipuram.
INR 500, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Explore Mahabalipuram

Discover ancient rock-cut temples, cave sanctuaries, and intricately carved sculptures by the sea.
After exploring Mahabalipuram, head back to Chennai by taxi or public bus.
INR 200, 2 hours

7:00PM

End of Day 4

Conclude your Chennai journey with memories of cultural richness and historical wonders.
Return to Chennai via taxi or public transport and reminisce about your time in this vibrant city.
INR 150, 2 hours
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