Explore Chennai in 7 Days

Day 1: City Center Delights

Chennai, India

8:00AM

Marina Beach

Start your day with a stroll along Marina Beach, one of the longest urban beaches in the world. Enjoy the sea breeze and watch the locals go about their morning routines.
Marina Beach is located in the heart of Chennai. It's a 30-minute drive from the airport or central railway station.
Free, 2 hours

11:00AM

Kapaleeshwarar Temple

Visit the Kapaleeshwarar Temple, an ancient Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Admire the Dravidian architecture and intricate sculptures.
The temple is a 20-minute drive from Marina Beach.
Free, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Murugan Idli Shop

Indulge in a South Indian culinary experience at Murugan Idli Shop known for its delicious idlis and dosas.
The restaurant is a 10-minute drive from Kapaleeshwarar Temple.
INR 300, 1 hour

3:00PM

Government Museum

Explore the Government Museum, home to a diverse collection of artifacts including archaeological finds, numismatics, and art pieces.
The museum is a 15-minute drive from Murugan Idli Shop.
INR 50, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Annalakshmi Restaurant

Enjoy a vegetarian feast at Annalakshmi Restaurant offering traditional Indian dishes in a serene setting.
The restaurant is a 15-minute drive from Government Museum.
INR 700, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: City Center Exploration

Chennai, India

9:00AM

Theosophical Society

Visit the Theosophical Society, a peaceful oasis in the midst of the city known for its lush gardens and historical significance.
The society is a 30-minute drive from the city center.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Saravana Bhavan

Have a traditional South Indian meal at Saravana Bhavan, a popular restaurant chain known for its authentic flavors.
The restaurant is a 15-minute drive from Theosophical Society.
INR 400, 1 hour

2:00PM

Express Avenue Mall

Shop at Express Avenue Mall, one of the largest shopping malls in Chennai, housing a variety of international and local brands.
The mall is a 20-minute drive from Saravana Bhavan.
Variable, 2 hours

5:00PM

Marina Lighthouse

Climb up the Marina Lighthouse for panoramic views of the city and coastline during sunset.
The lighthouse is a 15-minute drive from Express Avenue Mall.
INR 20, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Murugan Mess

Savor a traditional Chettinad meal at Murugan Mess, known for its flavorful dishes and warm hospitality.
The restaurant is a 10-minute drive from Marina Lighthouse.
INR 500, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Historical Charm

Chennai, India

8:30AM

Fort St. George

Explore the historical Fort St. George, the first English fortress in India, and visit the Fort Museum to learn about Chennai's colonial past.
Fort St. George is a 20-minute drive from the city center.
INR 100, 2 hours

11:00AM

San Thome Basilica

Visit the San Thome Basilica, a Roman Catholic basilica built over the tomb of St. Thomas the Apostle.
The basilica is a 15-minute drive from Fort St. George.
Free, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Ente Keralam

Enjoy a Kerala-style meal at Ente Keralam, offering a variety of authentic dishes from God's Own Country.
The restaurant is a 10-minute drive from San Thome Basilica.
INR 600, 1 hour

3:00PM

MGR Film City

Explore the MGR Film City, a popular film studio complex where you can see sets, props, and learn about the Tamil film industry.
The film city is a 30-minute drive from Ente Keralam.
INR 250, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at The Cascade

Dine at The Cascade, a rooftop restaurant offering stunning views of the city skyline and delicious fusion cuisine.
The restaurant is a 20-minute drive from MGR Film City.
INR 800, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Colonial Heritage

Chennai, India

9:00AM

DakshinaChitra

Visit DakshinaChitra, an outdoor cultural museum showcasing the heritage and architecture of South India through traditional houses and artifacts.
DakshinaChitra is a 1-hour drive from the city center.
INR 250, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Amethyst Cafe

Relish a meal at Amethyst Cafe, a charming cafe housed in a restored colonial bungalow offering a mix of global cuisines.
The cafe is a 30-minute drive from DakshinaChitra.
INR 700, 1 hour

3:00PM

Cholamandal Artists' Village

Explore the Cholamandal Artists' Village, a cooperative of artists and sculptors showcasing contemporary Indian art.
The artists' village is a 15-minute drive from Amethyst Cafe.
INR 100, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at The Flying Elephant

Dine at The Flying Elephant, a luxury dining spot known for its gourmet cuisine and elegant ambiance.
The restaurant is a 20-minute drive from Cholamandal Artists' Village.
INR 1200, 2 hours
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Day 5: Nature Escape

Chennai, India

8:00AM

Guindy National Park

Embark on a morning safari at Guindy National Park, a protected area home to diverse flora and fauna within the city limits.
Guindy National Park is a 30-minute drive from the city center.
INR 20, 3 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Junior Kuppanna

Enjoy a traditional Chettinad meal at Junior Kuppanna, a popular restaurant known for its spicy and flavorful dishes.
The restaurant is a 15-minute drive from Guindy National Park.
INR 500, 1 hour

2:00PM

Arignar Anna Zoological Park

Explore Arignar Anna Zoological Park, one of the largest zoos in South Asia, housing a variety of animals in a natural setting.
The zoo is a 20-minute drive from Junior Kuppanna.
INR 50, 2 hours

5:00PM

Semmozhi Poonga

Stroll through Semmozhi Poonga, a botanical garden in the heart of Chennai, featuring diverse plant species and landscaped lawns.
The garden is a 15-minute drive from the zoo.
INR 50, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Absolute Barbecues

Indulge in a barbecue feast at Absolute Barbecues, offering a wide range of grilled dishes and unlimited servings.
The restaurant is a 10-minute drive from Semmozhi Poonga.
INR 1000, 2 hours
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Day 6: Coastal Exploration

Chennai, India

9:00AM

Covelong Beach

Relax at Covelong Beach, a serene coastal stretch known for its golden sands and water sports activities.
Covelong Beach is a 1-hour drive from the city center.
Free, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Fisherman's Fare

Savor fresh seafood at The Fisherman's Fare, a beachside eatery offering a variety of coastal delicacies.
The restaurant is located at Covelong Beach.
INR 800, 1 hour

3:00PM

DakshinaChitra

Visit DakshinaChitra again to explore the coastal heritage section, showcasing the traditional life of fishing communities.
DakshinaChitra is a 30-minute drive from Covelong Beach.
INR 250, 2 hours

6:00PM

Sunset Boat Ride

Embark on a sunset boat ride along the Marina Beach coastline, witnessing the changing colors of the sky over the Arabian Sea.
Boat rides can be arranged at Covelong Beach or Marina Beach.
INR 500, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Dinner at Bay View Restaurant

Enjoy dinner with a view at Bay View Restaurant, offering a range of coastal delicacies and panoramic vistas of the sea.
The restaurant is a 30-minute drive from Marina Beach.
INR 1000, 2 hours
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Day 7: Day Trip to Mahabalipuram

Chennai, India

8:00AM

Shore Temple

Start your day with a visit to the Shore Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its architectural beauty and seaside location.
Mahabalipuram is a 2-hour drive from Chennai city center.
INR 600, 2 hours

11:00AM

Pancha Rathas

Explore the Pancha Rathas, a group of monolithic rock-cut temples showcasing intricate carvings and unique architectural styles.
The Pancha Rathas are a 10-minute drive from the Shore Temple.
INR 250, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Moonrakers

Dine at Moonrakers, a restaurant overlooking the Bay of Bengal, offering a mix of Indian and Continental cuisine.
The restaurant is located near the Pancha Rathas.
INR 800, 1 hour

3:00PM

Mahabalipuram Beach

Relax at Mahabalipuram Beach, a picturesque stretch of sand with ancient shore temples in the backdrop.
The beach is a short walk from the restaurant.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Return to Chennai

Head back to Chennai and relax after a day of exploring the historical wonders of Mahabalipuram.
Drive back to Chennai, approximately 2 hours.
N/A, 2 hours
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