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Discovering Chennai in 7 Days

Viewed by 115 travelers

Day 1: City Exploration

Chennai, India

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Murugan Idli Shop

Start your day with a traditional South Indian breakfast of steaming hot idlis and crispy dosas at Murugan Idli Shop, a local favorite.
Murugan Idli Shop is located in T. Nagar, a bustling neighborhood in Chennai. It's a 30-minute drive from the city center.
INR 200, 1 hour

10:00 AM

Marina Beach

Head to Marina Beach, one of the longest urban beaches in the world. Take a leisurely stroll along the sandy shore and enjoy the sea breeze.
Marina Beach is a 20-minute drive from T. Nagar. You can take a taxi or hire an auto-rickshaw.
Free, 2 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Annalakshmi Restaurant

Savor a delicious vegetarian lunch at Annalakshmi Restaurant, known for its authentic South Indian cuisine served in a traditional setting.
Annalakshmi Restaurant is located in Egmore, a 30-minute drive from Marina Beach.
INR 500, 1.5 hours

3:00 PM

Kapaleeshwarar Temple

Visit the Kapaleeshwarar Temple, a historic Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Admire the intricate Dravidian architecture and colorful gopurams.
Kapaleeshwarar Temple is a 20-minute drive from Egmore. You can hire a taxi or take a local bus.
Free, 1 hour

6:00 PM

Dinner at Ente Keralam

Enjoy a dinner of authentic Kerala cuisine at Ente Keralam, featuring a variety of flavorful dishes such as appam and Kerala-style biryani.
Ente Keralam is located in Alwarpet, a 30-minute drive from Kapaleeshwarar Temple.
INR 800, 2 hours
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Day 2: Day Trip to Mahabalipuram

Mahabalipuram, India

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Moonrakers

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Moonrakers, a cozy cafe known for its delicious pancakes and coffee.
Moonrakers is located in Mahabalipuram, a 2-hour drive from Chennai. You can hire a private car or take a bus.
INR 300, 1 hour

10:00 AM

Shore Temple

Explore the UNESCO World Heritage site of Shore Temple, an ancient stone temple complex located by the sea. Marvel at the intricate carvings and architecture.
Shore Temple is a 10-minute walk from Moonrakers cafe.
INR 500, 2 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Le Yogi

Enjoy a vegetarian lunch at Le Yogi, a serene restaurant offering healthy and organic dishes with a focus on sustainability.
Le Yogi is located near the Shore Temple complex.
INR 400, 1.5 hours

3:00 PM

Pancha Rathas

Visit the Pancha Rathas, a group of monolithic rock-cut temples representing the unique architectural style of the Pallava dynasty.
Pancha Rathas are a short walk from Shore Temple.
INR 200, 1 hour

6:00 PM

Return to Chennai

Head back to Chennai in the evening and relax after a day of exploring Mahabalipuram.
Drive back to Chennai, it takes around 2 hours. You can hire a private car or take a bus.
INR 500, 2 hours
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Day 3: Cultural Day in Chennai

Chennai, India

9:00 AM

Breakfast at Sangeetha Restaurant

Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Sangeetha Restaurant, known for its wide range of South Indian delicacies.
Sangeetha Restaurant is located in Mylapore, a 30-minute drive from the city center.
INR 250, 1 hour

11:00 AM

Kalakshetra Foundation

Visit the Kalakshetra Foundation, dedicated to the preservation of traditional Indian art forms. Explore the cultural center and watch a dance or music performance.
Kalakshetra Foundation is a 20-minute drive from Mylapore. You can hire a taxi or take an auto-rickshaw.
INR 100, 2 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Dakshin

Enjoy a sumptuous lunch at Dakshin, a renowned restaurant offering a wide range of traditional South Indian dishes from different states.
Dakshin is located in Alwarpet, a 15-minute drive from Kalakshetra Foundation.
INR 600, 1.5 hours

3:00 PM

Government Museum

Explore the Government Museum, one of the oldest museums in India, housing a diverse collection of art, artifacts, and archaeological finds.
Government Museum is a 10-minute drive from Alwarpet. You can take a taxi or use a ride-sharing service.
INR 200, 2 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at Absolute Barbecue

Indulge in a barbecue feast at Absolute Barbecue, where you can grill your own kebabs and enjoy a variety of starters and main courses.
Absolute Barbecue is located in Teynampet, a 20-minute drive from Government Museum.
INR 1000, 2 hours
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Day 4: Relaxation Day at Covelong Beach

Covelong Beach, India

9:00 AM

Breakfast at The Farmhouse

Start your day with a leisurely breakfast at The Farmhouse, a charming cafe offering organic and healthy breakfast options.
The Farmhouse is located near Covelong Beach.
INR 300, 1 hour

11:00 AM

Beach Activities

Spend the morning relaxing on the sandy shores of Covelong Beach. You can try water sports activities like surfing or simply soak up the sun.
Covelong Beach is a short walk from The Farmhouse.
INR 500 (for water sports), 3 hours

2:00 PM

Lunch at Bay View Restaurant

Enjoy a seafood lunch with a view at Bay View Restaurant, overlooking the beach. Try fresh catch of the day and traditional coastal dishes.
Bay View Restaurant is located on Covelong Beach.
INR 800, 1.5 hours

4:00 PM

Ayurvedic Massage at Spa by the Sea

Treat yourself to a relaxing Ayurvedic massage at Spa by the Sea, located near Covelong Beach. Unwind and rejuvenate amidst serene surroundings.
Spa by the Sea is a short walk from Bay View Restaurant.
INR 1500, 1 hour

7:00 PM

Dinner at The Fisherman's Fare

Enjoy a seafood dinner at The Fisherman's Fare, a cozy eatery offering a variety of fresh seafood dishes cooked in traditional coastal flavors.
The Fisherman's Fare is located near Covelong Beach.
INR 700, 2 hours
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Day 5: Historical Exploration

Kanchipuram, India

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Arya Bhavan

Start your day with a traditional South Indian breakfast at Arya Bhavan, a popular eatery known for its delicious filter coffee and authentic dishes.
Arya Bhavan is located in Kanchipuram, a 2-hour drive from Chennai. You can hire a private car or take a bus.
INR 200, 1 hour

10:00 AM

Kanchi Kudil

Explore Kanchi Kudil, a traditional house museum that showcases the architectural and cultural heritage of Kanchipuram. Learn about local customs and lifestyle.
Kanchi Kudil is a 10-minute walk from Arya Bhavan.
INR 100, 2 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Saravana Bhavan

Enjoy a vegetarian lunch at Saravana Bhavan, a well-known restaurant chain serving delicious South Indian meals in a comfortable setting.
Saravana Bhavan is located in Kanchipuram.
INR 400, 1.5 hours

3:00 PM

Kanchipuram Temples

Visit the famous temples of Kanchipuram, known for their intricate architecture and religious significance. Explore Kailasanathar Temple, Ekambareswarar Temple, and more.
The temples are within walking distance from Saravana Bhavan.
INR 200, 2 hours

6:00 PM

Return to Chennai

Head back to Chennai in the evening and relax after a day of exploring Kanchipuram.
Drive back to Chennai, it takes around 2 hours. You can hire a private car or take a bus.
INR 500, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Kanchipuram

Day 6: Beach Day at Elliot's Beach

Elliot's Beach, India

9:00 AM

Breakfast at Murugan Bhavan

Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Murugan Bhavan, a popular restaurant known for its crispy medu vada and filter coffee.
Murugan Bhavan is located near Elliot's Beach.
INR 250, 1 hour

11:00 AM

Beach Relaxation

Spend the morning relaxing on the sandy shores of Elliot's Beach. Watch the waves, take a leisurely stroll, or simply unwind under the sun.
Elliot's Beach is a short walk from Murugan Bhavan.
Free, 2 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Bay Watch

Enjoy a seafood lunch at Bay Watch, a beachside restaurant offering a variety of fresh catch and coastal delicacies with a view of the sea.
Bay Watch is located on Elliot's Beach.
INR 700, 1.5 hours

3:00 PM

Kart Attack

Experience go-karting and fun activities at Kart Attack, a popular go-karting track near Elliot's Beach. Feel the adrenaline rush as you race around the track.
Kart Attack is a short walk from Bay Watch.
INR 500, 1 hour

6:00 PM

Dinner at The Farm

Indulge in a farm-to-table dining experience at The Farm, offering organic and locally sourced ingredients in a rustic setting near Elliot's Beach.
The Farm is located near Elliot's Beach.
INR 900, 2 hours
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Day 7: Temple Tour and Shopping

Chennai, India

9:00 AM

Breakfast at Murugan Idli Shop

Enjoy a final breakfast at Murugan Idli Shop before starting your day of temple visits and shopping in Chennai.
Murugan Idli Shop is located in T. Nagar, a 30-minute drive from the city center.
INR 200, 1 hour

11:00 AM

Ashtalakshmi Temple

Visit the Ashtalakshmi Temple, dedicated to the eight forms of Goddess Lakshmi. Admire the architectural beauty and serene surroundings of the temple.
Ashtalakshmi Temple is a 30-minute drive from T. Nagar. You can hire a taxi or take a local bus.
Free, 1.5 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Murugan Mess

Enjoy a traditional South Indian lunch at Murugan Mess, a popular eatery known for its authentic flavors and homely ambiance.
Murugan Mess is located near Ashtalakshmi Temple.
INR 300, 1 hour

3:00 PM

Shopping at T. Nagar

Explore the bustling streets of T. Nagar, known for its vibrant shopping scene. Shop for traditional silk sarees, jewelry, handicrafts, and souvenirs.
T. Nagar is a shopping hub in Chennai, easily accessible by taxi or auto-rickshaw.
Variable, 2 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at Murugan Idli Shop

End your day with a farewell dinner at Murugan Idli Shop, savoring the flavors of South Indian cuisine one last time before departing.
Murugan Idli Shop is located in T. Nagar.
INR 250, 1.5 hours
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