Start your trip by visiting the world's second-longest beach, Marina Beach. Take in the beautiful sunrise and enjoy a morning walk while watching the fishermen bring in their catch. After that, head to the aquarium to learn about the marine life of the Bay of Bengal. For lunch, try some local street food at the beachside stalls. In the afternoon, visit the Fort St. George, which was built in 1644 and now serves as the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly. End your day by watching the sunset at the beach.
Visit the Kapaleeswarar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, which is one of the oldest and most famous temples in Chennai. Take a guided tour to learn about the history and architecture of the temple. For lunch, go to the Saravana Bhavan restaurant nearby and try some authentic South Indian cuisine. In the afternoon, visit the Government Museum, which houses a vast collection of artifacts, including bronze sculptures, ancient pottery, and traditional arts and crafts. End your day by enjoying some street food at the nearby Usman Road.
Take a day trip to Mahabalipuram, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for its ancient temples and rock-cut sculptures. Start your day by visiting the Shore Temple, which is one of the oldest temples in South India and overlooking the Bay of Bengal. After that, take a stroll through the Five Rathas, a group of rock-cut temples, each dedicated to a different Hindu God. For lunch, head to the nearby Moonrakers restaurant, which serves seafood and other local delicacies. In the afternoon, visit the Arjuna's Penance, a massive bas-relief that depicts the story of the Hindu epic, Mahabharata. End your day by watching the sunset at the beach.
Visit the Birla Planetarium, which is a great place to learn about astronomy and space science. Take in a show at the sky theatre and explore the exhibits on display. For lunch, go to the nearby Murugan Idli Shop, which is known for its delicious South Indian food. In the afternoon, visit the St. Thomas Mount, which is believed to be the place where St. Thomas, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ, was martyred. Enjoy the panoramic view of the city from the top of the mount. End your day by shopping at the T Nagar market, which is known for its textiles, jewelry, and sarees.
If you have time, consider taking a trip to Pondicherry, which is famous for its French architecture and cuisine and is located about 160 km from Chennai. You can also visit the Pulicat Lake Bird Sanctuary, which is about 60 km north of Chennai and is a great place to see migratory birds. To maximize your fun, try taking a cooking class to learn how to make some traditional South Indian dishes or go on a food tour to try different types of street food. Finally, don't forget to try some filter coffee, which is a specialty of South India.
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