Architectural Delights of Chennai

Day 1: Beachfront Serenity

Marina Beach, Chennai, India

8:00AM

Morning Cycling at Marina Beach

Start your day with a refreshing cycling session along the beautiful coastline of Marina Beach, enjoying the sunrise and cool sea breeze.
Rent a bicycle or bring your own to Marina Beach. It's a 30-minute cycle from the city centre.
£5, 1 hour

10:00AM

Marina Lighthouse

Climb up the Marina Lighthouse for panoramic views of the city and the Bay of Bengal, offering a perfect vantage point to appreciate Chennai's architectural landscape.
Walk to the lighthouse entrance from the cycling spot. Entry fee is £2.
£2, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Murugan Idli Shop

Indulge in authentic South Indian cuisine at Murugan Idli Shop, known for its delicious idlis and dosas.
Take a 15-minute auto-rickshaw ride from Marina Beach to the restaurant.
£8, 1 hour

2:00PM

Chennai Light House Museum

Explore the Chennai Light House Museum adjacent to the lighthouse, showcasing maritime history and the evolution of navigation aids.
Walk from the restaurant to the museum. Entry fee is £3.
£3, 1 hour

4:00PM

Relax at Elliot's Beach

Wind down your day by relaxing at Elliot's Beach, another popular beach in Chennai, and take in the serene sunset views.
Take a 20-minute auto-rickshaw ride from the museum to Elliot's Beach.
Free, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Annalakshmi Restaurant

Enjoy a vegetarian feast at Annalakshmi Restaurant, offering a variety of traditional Indian dishes in a serene ambience.
Take a 30-minute auto-rickshaw ride from Elliot's Beach to the restaurant.
£12, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Colonial Heritage Exploration

Fort St. George, Chennai, India

9:00AM

Guided Tour of Fort St. George

Embark on a guided tour of Fort St. George, the first English fortress in India, to delve into Chennai's colonial history and admire the architectural grandeur.
Take a 40-minute auto-rickshaw ride from your accommodation to Fort St. George.
£6, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Amethyst Cafe

Dine at Amethyst Cafe, housed in a restored colonial mansion, offering a blend of European and Indian cuisine in a charming setting.
Walk from Fort St. George to Amethyst Cafe. Lunch costs approximately £10.
£10, 1 hour

2:00PM

Government Museum

Visit the Government Museum, showcasing a diverse range of exhibits including archaeological and numismatic collections, providing insights into India's rich heritage.
Take a 15-minute auto-rickshaw ride from the cafe to the Government Museum. Entry fee is £4.
£4, 2 hours

5:00PM

Evening Stroll at Marina Beach

Conclude your day with a leisurely evening stroll at Marina Beach, observing the vibrant local life against the backdrop of stunning architecture.
Take a 30-minute auto-rickshaw ride from the museum back to Marina Beach.
Free, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at The Marina

Savour a seafood dinner at The Marina, a renowned restaurant offering a wide selection of fresh coastal delicacies.
Take a 10-minute walk from Marina Beach to The Marina restaurant.
£15, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Spiritual Awakening

Kapaleeshwarar Temple, Chennai, India

8:00AM

Morning Pooja at Kapaleeshwarar Temple

Participate in the morning pooja (prayer) ritual at Kapaleeshwarar Temple, a Dravidian architectural masterpiece dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Take a 20-minute auto-rickshaw ride from your accommodation to the temple.
£3, 1 hour

10:00AM

Explore Mylapore

Stroll through the vibrant streets of Mylapore, known for its cultural heritage, ancient temples, and traditional architecture.
Walk from the temple to Mylapore. Consider hiring a local guide for a more insightful experience.
£10 (guide), 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Saravana Bhavan

Savour a delectable vegetarian meal at Saravana Bhavan, a popular restaurant chain offering authentic South Indian cuisine.
Take a 15-minute auto-rickshaw ride from Mylapore to Saravana Bhavan.
£8, 1 hour

3:00PM

San Thome Basilica

Visit the San Thome Basilica, a majestic church built over the tomb of St. Thomas, reflecting Neo-Gothic architectural style.
Take a 10-minute auto-rickshaw ride from the restaurant to San Thome Basilica. Entry is free.
Free, 1 hour

5:00PM

Shopping at T Nagar

Indulge in some retail therapy at T Nagar, a bustling shopping district known for its traditional silk sarees, jewellery, and handicrafts.
Take a 30-minute auto-rickshaw ride from San Thome Basilica to T Nagar.
Variable, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Murugan Idli Shop

Return to Murugan Idli Shop for dinner and savour their signature idlis and crispy dosas once again.
Take a 20-minute auto-rickshaw ride from T Nagar to Murugan Idli Shop.
£10, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Cultural Village Experience

DakshinaChitra, Chennai, India

9:00AM

Explore DakshinaChitra

Spend the day exploring DakshinaChitra, a heritage village showcasing the art, architecture, and culture of South India through traditional homes and crafts.
Take a 1-hour bus ride from your accommodation to DakshinaChitra.
£5, 3 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at DakshinaChitra Cafe

Enjoy a cultural meal at DakshinaChitra Cafe, offering a taste of authentic regional dishes in a rustic setting.
Dine at the on-site cafe within DakshinaChitra.
£7, 1 hour

2:00PM

Craft Workshops

Participate in traditional craft workshops at DakshinaChitra to learn about pottery, weaving, and other indigenous art forms.
Attend the workshops organised within DakshinaChitra premises.
£5, 2 hours

4:00PM

Relaxation at Muttukadu Backwaters

Wind down with a serene boat ride at Muttukadu Backwaters, a picturesque spot offering tranquillity amidst nature.
Take a 30-minute auto-rickshaw ride from DakshinaChitra to Muttukadu Backwaters.
£8, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Azzuri Bay

Conclude your day with a delightful dinner at Azzuri Bay, a lakeside restaurant serving delicious seafood and continental dishes.
Take a 20-minute auto-rickshaw ride from Muttukadu Backwaters to Azzuri Bay.
£20, 1.5 hours
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