Exploring Chennai in 5 Days

Day 1: Beach Day

Chennai, India

8:00AM

Marina Beach

Start your day with a visit to Marina Beach, the second-longest urban beach in the world. Enjoy a morning stroll along the shore and witness the vibrant local life.
Marina Beach is located in the heart of Chennai and can be easily reached by taxi or public bus from most parts of the city. It takes approximately 30 minutes to reach from the city center.
Free, 2 hours

11:00AM

Breakfast at Murugan Idli Shop

Indulge in a South Indian breakfast at the famous Murugan Idli Shop near Marina Beach. Try their delicious idlis and filter coffee.
A short walk from Marina Beach.
INR 200, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Annalakshmi Restaurant

Head to Annalakshmi Restaurant for a traditional vegetarian lunch buffet with a variety of South Indian dishes.
A 20-minute taxi ride from Marina Beach.
INR 800, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Explore Santhome Cathedral

Visit the Santhome Cathedral, a beautiful white church built over the tomb of St. Thomas. Admire the stunning architecture and peaceful ambiance.
Santhome Cathedral is a 15-minute drive from Annalakshmi Restaurant.
Free, 1 hour

5:00PM

Relax at Besant Nagar Beach

Wind down your day at Besant Nagar Beach, popularly known as Elliot's Beach. Enjoy the sea breeze and witness a mesmerizing sunset.
Besant Nagar Beach is a 20-minute drive from Santhome Cathedral.
Free, 2 hours
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Day 2: Cultural Exploration

Chennai, India

8:00AM

Kapaleeshwarar Temple

Begin your day with a visit to Kapaleeshwarar Temple, a Dravidian-style Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Explore the intricate architecture and witness the morning rituals.
Kapaleeshwarar Temple is a 30-minute drive from the city center.
Free, 2 hours

11:00AM

Breakfast at Saravana Bhavan

Enjoy a delicious breakfast at Saravana Bhavan, known for its authentic South Indian cuisine and filter coffee.
A 10-minute walk from Kapaleeshwarar Temple.
INR 300, 1 hour

1:00PM

Visit Fort St. George

Explore the historical Fort St. George, the first English fortress in India. Discover the colonial architecture and visit the Fort Museum.
Fort St. George is a 20-minute drive from Saravana Bhavan.
INR 100, 2 hours

3:30PM

Lunch at Ponnusamy Restaurant

Head to Ponnusamy Restaurant for a traditional Chettinad cuisine lunch with flavorful dishes and spices.
Ponnusamy Restaurant is a 15-minute drive from Fort St. George.
INR 700, 1.5 hours

5:30PM

Evening Walk at Marina Beach

Conclude your day with a leisurely walk at Marina Beach, soaking in the evening atmosphere and enjoying the local street food.
A 30-minute drive from Ponnusamy Restaurant.
Free, 1 hour
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Day 3: Heritage and Culture

Chennai, India

8:00AM

DakshinaChitra

Embark on a cultural journey at DakshinaChitra, a living history museum showcasing the heritage of South India through traditional houses and artifacts.
DakshinaChitra is a 1-hour drive from the city center.
INR 300, 3 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Adayar Ananda Bhavan

Savor a vegetarian lunch at Adayar Ananda Bhavan, known for its delectable dosas and sweets.
Adayar Ananda Bhavan is a 30-minute drive from DakshinaChitra.
INR 400, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Mahabalipuram

Explore the UNESCO World Heritage site of Mahabalipuram, known for its ancient rock-cut temples and sculptures by the sea.
Mahabalipuram is a 1.5-hour drive from Adayar Ananda Bhavan.
INR 500, 4 hours

6:00PM

Watch the Sunset at Mahabalipuram Beach

Witness a breathtaking sunset at Mahabalipuram Beach, a perfect end to your day of exploring heritage and culture.
A short walk from the Mahabalipuram monuments.
Free, 1 hour
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Day 4: Wildlife Adventure

Chennai, India

8:00AM

Arignar Anna Zoological Park

Start your day with a visit to Arignar Anna Zoological Park, one of the largest zoos in South Asia. Explore the diverse wildlife and enjoy a safari ride.
Arignar Anna Zoological Park is a 1-hour drive from the city center.
INR 1000, 4 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Wild Garden Cafe

Enjoy a relaxing lunch amidst nature at Wild Garden Cafe inside the zoo, offering a variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian options.
Located within Arignar Anna Zoological Park.
INR 600, 1 hour

1:30PM

Guindy National Park

Explore the Guindy National Park, a protected area within the city limits known for its diverse bird species and greenery.
Guindy National Park is a 30-minute drive from the zoo.
INR 50, 2 hours

4:00PM

Evening Tea at Amethyst Cafe

Relax with a cup of tea at Amethyst Cafe, a charming cafe housed in a restored heritage building in the heart of the city.
Amethyst Cafe is a 20-minute drive from Guindy National Park.
INR 300, 1 hour
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Day 5: Art and History

Chennai, India

9:00AM

Government Museum

Start your day with a visit to the Government Museum, home to a diverse collection of art, archaeology, and numismatics. Explore the rich cultural heritage of India.
Government Museum is a 20-minute drive from the city center.
INR 250, 3 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Copper Chimney

Indulge in a North Indian feast at Copper Chimney, known for its tandoori dishes and biryanis.
Copper Chimney is a 10-minute walk from the Government Museum.
INR 700, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Valluvar Kottam

Visit Valluvar Kottam, a memorial dedicated to the classical Tamil poet-saint Thiruvalluvar. Admire the architectural grandeur and learn about Tamil culture.
Valluvar Kottam is a 15-minute drive from Copper Chimney.
INR 50, 1 hour

4:00PM

Shopping at T Nagar

Explore the bustling streets of T Nagar, known for its vibrant shopping scene offering traditional silk sarees, jewelry, and handicrafts.
T Nagar is a 20-minute drive from Valluvar Kottam.
Variable, 2 hours
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