Exploring Chennai in 7 Days

Day 1: City Exploration

Chennai, India

8:00AM

Visit Fort St. George

Begin your journey by exploring the historic Fort St. George, which houses the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly and a museum showcasing colonial-era artifacts.
Take a taxi from your accommodation to Fort St. George. The journey will take approximately 30 minutes.
INR 50, 2 hours

11:00AM

Explore Government Museum

Head to the Government Museum to marvel at its diverse collection of art, archaeology, and numismatics.
It's a 15-minute taxi ride from Fort St. George to the museum.
INR 30, 2 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Murugan Idli Shop

Savor a traditional South Indian meal at Murugan Idli Shop known for its delicious idlis and dosas.
Murugan Idli Shop is a short walk from the Government Museum.
INR 200, 1 hour

3:30PM

Visit Marina Beach

Spend the evening at Marina Beach, the second-longest urban beach in the world, enjoying the sea breeze and local snacks.
Take a taxi from the museum to Marina Beach, which will take around 20 minutes.
Free, 3 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Annalakshmi Restaurant

Relish a vegetarian dinner at Annalakshmi, offering a variety of South Indian dishes in a serene ambiance.
Annalakshmi Restaurant is a 30-minute taxi ride from Marina Beach.
INR 500, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Nature and Wildlife

Chennai, India

8:00AM

Visit Guindy National Park

Start your day with a visit to Guindy National Park, a green oasis in the heart of the city, home to diverse flora and fauna.
Take a taxi from your accommodation to the park, which will take around 40 minutes.
INR 20, 3 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Ente Keralam

Enjoy a traditional Keralite lunch at Ente Keralam, known for its authentic flavors and warm hospitality.
Ente Keralam is a 20-minute drive from Guindy National Park.
INR 400, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Explore Arignar Anna Zoological Park

Visit the Arignar Anna Zoological Park, one of the largest zoos in South Asia, and witness a wide range of animal species.
From Ente Keralam, it's a 30-minute drive to the zoo.
INR 50, 2 hours

5:00PM

Relax at Besant Nagar Beach

Wind down your day at Besant Nagar Beach, a popular spot among locals to watch the sunset and unwind.
A 20-minute taxi ride will take you from the zoo to Besant Nagar Beach.
Free, 2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at The Flying Elephant

Indulge in a fine dining experience at The Flying Elephant, known for its panoramic views and delectable international cuisine.
The Flying Elephant is a 15-minute drive from Besant Nagar Beach.
INR 1000, 2 hours
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Day 3: Spiritual Journey

Chennai, India

8:00AM

Visit Kapaleeshwarar Temple

Begin your day with a visit to the Kapaleeshwarar Temple, a revered Dravidian-style temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Take a taxi from your accommodation to the temple, which will take around 30 minutes.
Free, 2 hours

11:00AM

Explore Mylapore

Stroll through the vibrant neighborhood of Mylapore, known for its cultural heritage, ancient temples, and bustling streets.
Mylapore is a short walk from Kapaleeshwarar Temple.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Saravana Bhavan

Enjoy a traditional South Indian thali at Saravana Bhavan, a popular vegetarian restaurant chain.
Saravana Bhavan is a 10-minute walk from Mylapore.
INR 300, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit San Thome Basilica

Explore the architectural marvel of San Thome Basilica, a Gothic-style church built over the tomb of St. Thomas.
A 15-minute auto-rickshaw ride will take you from Saravana Bhavan to San Thome Basilica.
Free, 1 hour

4:00PM

Relax at Marina Beach

Spend the evening at Marina Beach, soaking in the lively atmosphere and enjoying local street food.
From San Thome Basilica, it's a 10-minute auto-rickshaw ride to Marina Beach.
Free, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Murugan Idli Shop

End your day with a light dinner at Murugan Idli Shop, famous for its fluffy idlis and crispy vadas.
Murugan Idli Shop is a short walk from Marina Beach.
INR 150, 1 hour
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Day 4: Cultural Exploration

Chennai, India

8:00AM

Visit Valluvar Kottam

Start your day by exploring Valluvar Kottam, a monument dedicated to the classical Tamil poet-saint Thiruvalluvar.
Take a taxi from your accommodation to Valluvar Kottam. The journey will take around 40 minutes.
INR 20, 2 hours

11:00AM

Explore Kalakshetra Foundation

Immerse yourself in Indian classical arts at the Kalakshetra Foundation, known for its dance, music, and art performances.
A 10-minute auto-rickshaw ride will take you from Valluvar Kottam to Kalakshetra Foundation.
INR 100, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Murugan Idli Shop

Enjoy a quick lunch at Murugan Idli Shop, known for its authentic South Indian flavors.
Murugan Idli Shop is a 20-minute drive from Kalakshetra Foundation.
INR 200, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit DakshinaChitra

Explore DakshinaChitra, an outdoor museum showcasing the rich heritage and culture of South India through traditional artifacts and crafts.
From Murugan Idli Shop, it's a 30-minute drive to DakshinaChitra.
INR 250, 2 hours

5:00PM

Shop at T Nagar

Indulge in some retail therapy at T Nagar, one of the busiest shopping districts in Chennai, offering a variety of clothing, jewelry, and accessories.
A 20-minute taxi ride will take you from DakshinaChitra to T Nagar.
Variable, 2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Prems Graama Bhojanam

Relish a traditional South Indian dinner at Prems Graama Bhojanam, known for its authentic flavors and rustic ambiance.
Prems Graama Bhojanam is a 15-minute drive from T Nagar.
INR 400, 2 hours
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Day 5: Historical Marvels

Chennai, India

8:00AM

Visit Mahabalipuram

Embark on a day trip to Mahabalipuram, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its ancient rock-cut temples and sculptures.
Take a private car or hire a taxi for a 1.5-hour journey from Chennai to Mahabalipuram.
INR 1000, Full Day

1:00PM

Lunch at Moonrakers

Enjoy a seaside lunch at Moonrakers, a cozy restaurant offering fresh seafood and scenic views of the Bay of Bengal.
Moonrakers is located near the Shore Temple in Mahabalipuram.
INR 800, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Explore Shore Temple

Discover the iconic Shore Temple, a structural complex overlooking the sea, known for its architectural grandeur.
The Shore Temple is a short walk from Moonrakers.
INR 250, 2 hours

5:00PM

Visit Pancha Rathas

Marvel at the monolithic rock-cut sculptures of the Pancha Rathas, representing the Pandava brothers from the epic Mahabharata.
Pancha Rathas is located within walking distance from the Shore Temple.
INR 250, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Sea La Vie

Conclude your day with a sumptuous dinner at Sea La Vie, offering a fusion of Indian and global culinary delights.
Sea La Vie is a 5-minute drive from Pancha Rathas.
INR 600, 2 hours
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Day 6: Beach Day

Chennai, India

8:00AM

Relax at Elliot's Beach

Spend a leisurely day at Elliot's Beach, a serene and less crowded alternative to Marina Beach, perfect for sunbathing and beach activities.
Take a taxi from your accommodation to Elliot's Beach, which will take around 45 minutes.
Free, Full Day

1:00PM

Lunch at That Madras Place

Enjoy a quirky lunch experience at That Madras Place, a charming café known for its fusion dishes and cozy ambiance.
That Madras Place is a 10-minute walk from Elliot's Beach.
INR 500, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Water Sports at Covelong Beach

Head to Covelong Beach for a dose of adventure with water sports like surfing, kayaking, and jet skiing.
A 30-minute drive from Elliot's Beach will take you to Covelong Beach.
INR 1000, 3 hours

6:00PM

Relax at Kipling Café

Unwind with a refreshing drink at Kipling Café, overlooking the Covelong Beach and offering a tranquil setting.
Kipling Café is located near Covelong Beach.
INR 300, 1 hour

7:30PM

Dinner at Bay View Restaurant

Enjoy a delightful dinner with a view at Bay View Restaurant, known for its seafood specialties and panoramic vistas.
Bay View Restaurant is a 5-minute walk from Kipling Café.
INR 800, 2 hours
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Day 7: Cultural Heritage

Chennai, India

8:00AM

Visit DakshinaChitra

Explore DakshinaChitra, an open-air museum that showcases the diverse cultural heritage of South India through traditional arts and crafts.
Take a taxi from your accommodation to DakshinaChitra, which will take around 1 hour.
INR 250, 3 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Aaha Andhra

Savor an authentic Andhra meal at Aaha Andhra, known for its spicy delicacies and rich flavors.
Aaha Andhra is a 15-minute drive from DakshinaChitra.
INR 400, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit Cholamandal Artists' Village

Explore the Cholamandal Artists' Village, a hub for contemporary Indian art with galleries showcasing paintings, sculptures, and handicrafts.
Cholamandal Artists' Village is a 10-minute drive from Aaha Andhra.
INR 100, 2 hours

4:00PM

Shopping at Express Avenue

Indulge in some retail therapy at Express Avenue, a premier shopping mall in Chennai offering a wide range of brands and stores.
Express Avenue is a 20-minute drive from Cholamandal Artists' Village.
Variable, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Absolute Barbecue

Treat yourself to a barbecue feast at Absolute Barbecue, known for its live grills and unlimited buffet options.
Absolute Barbecue is located within Express Avenue.
INR 800, 2 hours
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