Family Fun in Chennai: A 5-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Beach Day at Marina & Historical Exploration at Fort St. George

Chennai, India

9:00AM

Breakfast at Murugan Idli Shop

Start your day with delicious South Indian breakfast dishes like idlis and dosas at this iconic eatery.
Located near Marina Beach, easily accessible by cab or auto-rickshaw.
INR 300, 1 hour

10:30AM

Marina Beach

Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the longest urban beach in India, indulge in local snacks like sundal or ice cream, and engage in beach activities like pony rides or kite flying.
Just a short walk from Murugan Idli Shop.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Annalakshmi Restaurant

Relish a traditional South Indian thali meal at this vegetarian restaurant known for its authentic flavors and serene ambiance.
A quick taxi ride from Marina Beach to the restaurant.
INR 800, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Fort St. George

Explore the historical significance of the first English fortress in India, visit the Fort Museum, and walk through St. Mary's Church within the premises.
A short drive from the restaurant to Fort St. George.
INR 100, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Murugan Idli Shop

End your day with another round of delicious South Indian fare at Murugan Idli Shop before heading back to your accommodation.
Conveniently located near Fort St. George for a quick meal.
INR 400, 1 hour
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Day 2: Wildlife Adventure at Arignar Anna Zoological Park

Chennai, India

9:00AM

Breakfast at Saravana Bhavan

Fuel up for the day with a hearty breakfast of crispy dosas and filter coffee at this popular South Indian restaurant chain.
Take a cab to reach Saravana Bhavan from your accommodation.
INR 500, 1 hour

10:30AM

Arignar Anna Zoological Park

Embark on a safari to see majestic animals like lions and tigers, visit the bird sanctuary, and enjoy a picnic amidst nature.
A short drive from Saravana Bhavan to the zoo.
INR 100 (adult), INR 50 (child), 3 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at UDH Biriyani House

Savor flavorful biryani and kebabs at this local restaurant known for its authentic Hyderabadi cuisine.
A quick taxi ride from the zoo to the restaurant.
INR 700, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Relax at Besant Nagar Beach

Unwind by the sea, let the kids play in the sand, and treat yourself to tasty street food like corn on the cob or ice-cold tender coconut water.
A short drive from the restaurant to the beach for a leisurely afternoon.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Dindigul Thalappakatti Restaurant

Indulge in authentic Chettinad cuisine with a variety of spicy and aromatic dishes at this renowned restaurant.
Head to the restaurant for dinner, easily accessible from Besant Nagar Beach.
INR 800, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Cultural Heritage Tour at DakshinaChitra & Mahabalipuram

Chennai, India

9:00AM

Breakfast at Sangeetha Restaurant

Start your day with a mix of North and South Indian breakfast delights like poori bhaji and filter coffee at this inviting eatery.
Take a taxi or auto-rickshaw to reach Sangeetha Restaurant.
INR 400, 1 hour

10:30AM

DakshinaChitra Heritage Museum

Immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of South India through art, craft displays, traditional homes, and artisan demonstrations at this living museum.
Drive to DakshinaChitra from the restaurant for an enriching experience.
INR 300, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Moonrakers Restaurant

Enjoy a delicious seafood meal with coastal flavors and stunning ocean views at this restaurant known for its fresh catch of the day.
A scenic drive from DakshinaChitra to Moonrakers Restaurant for lunch with a view.
INR 1000, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Explore Mahabalipuram

Discover ancient rock-cut temples, intricate sculptures, and the iconic Shore Temple by the sea, offering a glimpse into the region's architectural marvels.
Take a scenic drive from the restaurant to Mahabalipuram for a historical exploration.
INR 250 (entry fee), 3 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Shiraz Art Cafe

End your day with a fusion of Mediterranean and Indian cuisines at this artsy cafe known for its vibrant ambiance and creative dishes.
Head to Shiraz Art Cafe for dinner, located conveniently near Mahabalipuram.
INR 700, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Nature Escape at Guindy National Park & Cultural Visit to Valluvar Kottam

Chennai, India

9:00AM

Breakfast at Fruit Shop on Greams Road

Start your day with a healthy dose of fresh fruit juices, smoothies, and fruit salads at this popular health food joint.
Take a cab to reach the Fruit Shop on Greams Road from your accommodation.
INR 500, 1 hour

10:30AM

Guindy National Park

Embark on a nature walk through the lush greenery, spot wildlife like deer and birds, and enjoy a serene escape from the bustling city within this urban national park.
A short drive from the fruit shop to Guindy National Park for a morning in nature.
INR 20 (entry fee), 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Prems Graama Bhojanam

Treat yourself to a traditional South Indian meal served on a banana leaf at this rustic restaurant offering authentic flavors and a cultural dining experience.
A quick taxi ride from Guindy National Park to Prems Graama Bhojanam.
INR 600, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Valluvar Kottam

Visit the memorial dedicated to the classical Tamil poet, Thiruvalluvar, featuring his statue and inscriptions of his renowned work, Thirukkural.
Drive from the restaurant to Valluvar Kottam for an insightful cultural visit.
INR 20 (entry fee), 1 hour

5:00PM

Relax at Nageswara Rao Park

Unwind in the serene surroundings of this peaceful park, let the kids play on the playground, and enjoy some quiet family time amidst nature.
A short drive from Valluvar Kottam to Nageswara Rao Park for a relaxing evening.
Free, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Dialogue in the Dark

Experience dining in pitch darkness with visually impaired guides assisting you in a unique sensory experience where taste and touch take center stage.
Head to Dialogue in the Dark for a memorable dinner experience, located near Nageswara Rao Park.
INR 1000, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Stargazing at Birla Planetarium & Beach Fun at Elliot's Beach

Chennai, India

9:00AM

Breakfast at Amma Unavagam

Start your day with a budget-friendly South Indian breakfast at this government-run canteen offering tasty dishes at affordable prices.
Take a taxi to reach Amma Unavagam for breakfast.
INR 200, 1 hour

10:30AM

Birla Planetarium

Embark on a cosmic journey through interactive exhibits, astronomy shows, and celestial insights at this planetarium dedicated to science education and space exploration.
Drive from the canteen to Birla Planetarium for an educational experience.
INR 80 (entry fee), 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Anjappar Chettinad Restaurant

Enjoy a flavorful Chettinad meal with spicy curries and biryanis at this popular restaurant chain known for its authentic Tamil cuisine.
A short drive from Birla Planetarium to Anjappar Chettinad Restaurant for lunch.
INR 800, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Stroll at Elliot's Beach

Spent a relaxing afternoon on the sandy shores of Elliot's Beach, let the kids build sandcastles, and enjoy local street snacks like bhajjis and fresh fruit juice.
A quick drive from the restaurant to Elliot's Beach for a leisurely stroll.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Snack at Murugan Singh Graden Restaurant

Treat yourself to tasty street snacks like chaats, samosas, and cold falooda at this casual eatery near Elliot's Beach.
Head to Murugan Singh Garden Restaurant for some evening snacks and cool beverages.
INR 300, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at The Marina

End your day with a sumptuous seafood dinner offering coastal flavors and fresh catch of the day at The Marina restaurant.
Conclude your beach day with a delightful dinner at The Marina, a short walk from Elliot's Beach.
INR 1000, 1.5 hours
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