Exploring Chennai in 6 Days

Day 1: Beach Day

Marina Beach, Chennai, India

8:00AM

Morning Walk at Marina Beach

Start your day with a refreshing morning walk along the shores of Marina Beach, the second-longest urban beach in the world.
Marina Beach is easily accessible by public bus or taxi from most parts of Chennai. It takes approximately 30 minutes to reach from the city center.
Free, 2 hours

10:30AM

Breakfast at Murugan Idli Shop

Indulge in a South Indian breakfast at Murugan Idli Shop known for its delicious idlis and chutneys.
A short walk from Marina Beach, it's a popular local spot.
INR 200, 1 hour

12:00PM

Visit Fort St. George

Explore the historic Fort St. George, the first English fortress in India, and learn about Chennai's colonial past.
A 20-minute drive from Marina Beach, you can take a taxi to reach the fort.
INR 50, 2 hours

3:00PM

Lunch at Dindigul Thalappakatti Restaurant

Enjoy a traditional Tamil Nadu meal at Dindigul Thalappakatti, known for its biryanis and authentic flavors.
Located near Fort St. George, it's a 10-minute walk from the fort.
INR 500, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Shopping at Pondy Bazaar

Shop for souvenirs and traditional items at Pondy Bazaar, a bustling market offering a variety of goods.
A short taxi ride from the restaurant, it takes around 15 minutes to reach Pondy Bazaar.
Variable, 2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Saravana Bhavan

End your day with a scrumptious dinner at Saravana Bhavan, a popular chain known for its vegetarian South Indian dishes.
There are multiple outlets in Chennai. Choose one convenient from Pondy Bazaar.
INR 400, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Temple Exploration

Kapaleeshwarar Temple, Chennai, India

9:00AM

Visit Kapaleeshwarar Temple

Explore the magnificent Dravidian architecture of Kapaleeshwarar Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, a significant Hindu pilgrimage site.
Located in Mylapore, you can reach the temple by bus or taxi from the city center. It takes around 45 minutes.
INR 100, 2 hours

11:30AM

Brunch at Sangeetha Restaurant

Savor a delicious brunch at Sangeetha Restaurant offering a variety of vegetarian South Indian dishes.
A short walk from the temple, it's a popular dining spot in Mylapore.
INR 300, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Explore San Thome Basilica

Visit the majestic San Thome Basilica, a Roman Catholic basilica built over the tomb of St. Thomas, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus.
A 10-minute drive from Kapaleeshwarar Temple, you can hire a taxi to reach the basilica.
Free, 1 hour

3:00PM

Shopping at T Nagar

Shop for silk sarees, jewelry, and traditional Indian clothing at the vibrant shopping district of T Nagar.
A 20-minute drive from San Thome Basilica, you can take a taxi to T Nagar.
Variable, 2 hours

6:00PM

Relax at Besant Nagar Beach

Unwind at Besant Nagar Beach, also known as Elliot's Beach, and enjoy the serene sunset views.
A 30-minute drive from T Nagar, you can hire a taxi to reach the beach.
Free, 2 hours

8:00PM

Dinner at The Marina

Dine at The Marina, a popular seafood restaurant by the beach, offering a variety of fresh seafood dishes.
Located near Besant Nagar Beach, it's a great place to end the day with a delicious meal.
INR 800, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Cultural Day

Government Museum, Chennai, India

9:30AM

Explore Government Museum

Discover a vast collection of art, archaeological artifacts, and numismatics at the Government Museum, one of the oldest museums in India.
Situated in Egmore, you can reach the museum by bus or taxi from the city center. It takes around 30 minutes.
INR 250, 2.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Buhari Hotel

Enjoy a traditional Chettinad meal at Buhari Hotel, a renowned restaurant serving authentic South Indian cuisine.
Located near the museum, it's a short walk from the museum premises.
INR 400, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit Kalakshetra Foundation

Immerse yourself in Indian classical arts at Kalakshetra Foundation, a cultural academy dedicated to preserving traditional art forms.
A 20-minute drive from the museum, you can hire a taxi to reach Kalakshetra Foundation.
INR 100, 2 hours

4:30PM

Tea at Amethyst Café

Relax with a cup of tea at the charming Amethyst Café housed in a heritage bungalow, known for its serene ambiance.
Located in Royapettah, a 15-minute drive from Kalakshetra Foundation, you can take a taxi to the cafe.
INR 300, 1 hour

6:00PM

Evening Stroll at Marina Beach

Wind down your day with a leisurely evening stroll at Marina Beach, enjoying the sea breeze and sunset views.
A 30-minute drive from Amethyst Café, you can hire a taxi to reach Marina Beach.
Free, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Dinner at Annalakshmi Restaurant

Indulge in a satvik dining experience at Annalakshmi Restaurant, offering pure vegetarian meals served in a traditional way.
Located in Egmore, it's a short drive from Marina Beach, offering a serene dining environment.
INR 600, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Historical Exploration

Valluvar Kottam, Chennai, India

9:00AM

Explore Valluvar Kottam

Visit Valluvar Kottam, a monument dedicated to the classical Tamil poet and philosopher Thiruvalluvar, showcasing traditional Tamil architecture.
Located in Nungambakkam, you can reach Valluvar Kottam by bus or taxi from the city center. It takes around 45 minutes.
INR 50, 2 hours

11:30AM

Brunch at Murugan Mess

Enjoy a hearty brunch at Murugan Mess, a local favorite known for its authentic Chettinad cuisine.
A short drive from Valluvar Kottam, you can hire a taxi to reach the restaurant.
INR 300, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Visit Ripon Building

Explore the historic Ripon Building, an architectural marvel built in the Indo-Saracenic style, showcasing Chennai's colonial heritage.
Located in the heart of the city, you can take a short taxi ride from Murugan Mess to reach Ripon Building.
Free, 1 hour

3:00PM

Shopping at Express Avenue

Shop for branded and local products at Express Avenue, a popular shopping mall offering a range of shopping and dining options.
A 15-minute drive from Ripon Building, you can hire a taxi to reach Express Avenue.
Variable, 2 hours

6:00PM

Relax at Semmozhi Poonga

Spend a relaxing evening at Semmozhi Poonga, a botanical garden featuring a variety of flora and fauna amidst the cityscape.
Located near Express Avenue, you can walk to Semmozhi Poonga within a few minutes.
INR 50, 2 hours

8:00PM

Dinner at Murugan Idli Shop

End your day with a light dinner at Murugan Idli Shop, known for its fluffy idlis and delicious chutneys.
There are multiple outlets in the city. Choose one convenient from Semmozhi Poonga.
INR 200, 1 hour
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Day 5: Wildlife Adventure

Arignar Anna Zoological Park, Chennai, India

8:30AM

Explore Arignar Anna Zoological Park

Embark on a wildlife adventure at Arignar Anna Zoological Park, home to a variety of animals and bird species in a natural habitat.
Located in Vandalur, you can reach the zoo by public bus or taxi. It takes around 1 hour from the city center.
INR 50, 3 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Aasife Biriyani

Enjoy a flavorful biryani lunch at Aasife Biriyani, a popular eatery known for its aromatic rice dishes.
Located near the zoo, you can walk or take a short taxi ride to Aasife Biriyani.
INR 400, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit Guindy National Park

Explore the green oasis of Guindy National Park, a protected area within the city limits, ideal for nature walks and bird watching.
A 20-minute drive from the zoo, you can hire a taxi to reach Guindy National Park.
INR 20, 2 hours

4:30PM

Tea at Chamiers Cafe

Relax with a cup of tea at Chamiers Cafe, a cozy spot offering a selection of beverages and snacks.
Located near Guindy National Park, you can walk to Chamiers Cafe within a few minutes.
INR 150, 1 hour

6:00PM

Shopping at Phoenix Marketcity

Indulge in some retail therapy at Phoenix Marketcity, a premium shopping mall with luxury brands and entertainment options.
A 15-minute drive from Chamiers Cafe, you can hire a taxi to reach Phoenix Marketcity.
Variable, 2 hours

8:00PM

Dinner at Jonah's Bistro

End your day with a delightful dinner at Jonah's Bistro, known for its fusion cuisine and cozy ambiance.
Located in Phoenix Marketcity, it's a great place to unwind after a day of exploration.
INR 700, 1.5 hours
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Day 6: Day Trip to Mahabalipuram

Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu, India

8:00AM

Visit Shore Temple

Start your day by exploring the ancient Shore Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its architectural grandeur.
Located in Mahabalipuram, you can hire a car for a day trip or take a bus from Chennai to reach Shore Temple.
INR 250, 2 hours

10:30AM

Explore Pancha Rathas

Discover the rock-cut temples of Pancha Rathas, a monolithic wonder showcasing exquisite craftsmanship.
Pancha Rathas is a short walk from Shore Temple, allowing you to explore on foot.
INR 100, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Moonrakers

Enjoy a seafood lunch at Moonrakers Restaurant, a beachside eatery offering fresh catches and ocean views.
Located near the temples, you can walk to Moonrakers for a delicious meal.
INR 600, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit Arjuna's Penance

Witness the impressive rock carving of Arjuna's Penance depicting scenes from Indian mythology, a marvel of ancient art.
A short walk from Pancha Rathas, you can easily explore Arjuna's Penance on foot.
INR 50, 1 hour

3:30PM

Relax at Mahabalipuram Beach

Unwind at Mahabalipuram Beach, soaking in the sun and sea breeze amidst the picturesque coastal setting.
A short walk from the temples, you can reach Mahabalipuram Beach easily on foot.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Return to Chennai

Travel back to Chennai after a day of exploration in Mahabalipuram, reminiscing about the ancient wonders you witnessed.
You can hire a car or take a bus back to Chennai, ensuring a comfortable journey back.
INR 500, 2 hours
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