Make this trip your own
Create your own free, personalized itinerary in seconds — then sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version

Discovering Chennai in 5 Days

Viewed by 86 travelers

Day 1: Exploring Chennai's Heritage

Chennai, India on September 22, 2024

8:00AM

Marina Beach

Start your day at Marina Beach, the second-longest urban beach in the world, to witness the sunrise and feel the vibrant energy of Chennai.
Take a taxi to Marina Beach.
Free, 2 hours

10:00AM

Kapaleeshwarar Temple

Visit the stunning Kapaleeshwarar Temple, a significant Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, showcasing Dravidian architecture.
Short taxi ride to the temple.
INR 100, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Breakfast at Murugan Idli Shop

Savor a traditional South Indian breakfast at Murugan Idli Shop, known for its delicious and authentic idlis and dosas.
Walk to the restaurant.
INR 200, 1 hour

1:30PM

Vivekananda House

Explore Vivekananda House, a historic landmark where Swami Vivekananda stayed and gave his famous Chicago speech in 1893.
Short taxi ride to Vivekananda House.
INR 50, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Lunch at Annalakshmi Restaurant

Indulge in a vegetarian buffet at Annalakshmi Restaurant, offering a variety of authentic South Indian dishes in a serene setting.
Walk to the restaurant.
INR 500, 1.5 hours

5:30PM

Government Museum

End your day at the Government Museum, one of the oldest in India, housing a diverse collection of art, archaeology, and numismatics.
Short taxi ride to the museum.
INR 100, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Chennai

Day 2: Cultural Exploration

Chennai, India on September 23, 2024

8:00AM

DakshinaChitra

Start your day at DakshinaChitra, an outdoor museum showcasing the heritage, art, and architecture of South India through exhibits and workshops.
Take a taxi to DakshinaChitra.
INR 250, 2 hours

10:30AM

Crocodile Bank

Visit the Crocodile Bank, a conservation center housing various species of crocodiles and other reptiles, promoting awareness and research.
Short taxi ride to the Crocodile Bank.
INR 150, 1.5 hours

12:30PM

Breakfast at Sangeetha Restaurant

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at Sangeetha Restaurant, known for its authentic South Indian cuisine and cozy ambiance.
Walk to the restaurant.
INR 300, 1 hour

2:00PM

Covelong Beach

Relax at Covelong Beach, a picturesque coastal spot offering water sports, beachside shacks, and stunning views of the Bay of Bengal.
Short taxi ride to Covelong Beach.
Free, 2 hours

4:00PM

Lunch at Moonrakers

Enjoy a seafood lunch at Moonrakers, a beachfront restaurant known for its fresh catch of the day and laid-back atmosphere.
Walk to the restaurant.
INR 800, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Mahabalipuram Shore Temple

Visit the iconic Shore Temple in Mahabalipuram, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with beautiful rock-cut temples and intricate carvings.
Short taxi ride to Mahabalipuram.
INR 250, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Chennai

Day 3: Wildlife and Nature

Chennai, India on September 24, 2024

8:00AM

Arignar Anna Zoological Park

Explore Arignar Anna Zoological Park, one of the largest zoos in India, home to a diverse range of exotic animals and a butterfly house.
Take a taxi to the zoo.
INR 150, 3 hours

11:00AM

Guindy National Park

Visit Guindy National Park, a green oasis in the city, with a variety of flora and fauna, making it an ideal spot for nature lovers.
Short taxi ride to Guindy National Park.
INR 50, 1.5 hours

12:30PM

Breakfast at Hotel Saravana Bhavan

Enjoy a traditional Tamil Nadu breakfast at Hotel Saravana Bhavan, renowned for its crispy dosas and filter coffee.
Walk to the restaurant.
INR 250, 1 hour

2:00PM

Theosophical Society

Visit the Theosophical Society, a peaceful retreat with gardens, a library, and the Adyar River, promoting spiritual and cultural understanding.
Short taxi ride to Theosophical Society.
INR 100, 2 hours

4:00PM

Lunch at Adyar Ananda Bhavan

Indulge in a delicious vegetarian meal at Adyar Ananda Bhavan, known for its South Indian delicacies and sweets.
Walk to the restaurant.
INR 400, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Elliot's Beach

End your day at Elliot's Beach, a serene shoreline to relax, watch the sunset, and enjoy the cool breeze of the Bay of Bengal.
Short taxi ride to Elliot's Beach.
Free, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Chennai

Day 4: Art and Culture

Chennai, India on September 25, 2024

8:00AM

Kalakshetra Foundation

Discover the Kalakshetra Foundation, a cultural academy preserving and promoting Indian classical dance, music, and arts.
Take a taxi to Kalakshetra Foundation.
INR 200, 2 hours

10:00AM

Valluvar Kottam

Visit Valluvar Kottam, a monument dedicated to the classical Tamil poet-saint Thiruvalluvar, featuring an auditorium and a chariot structure.
Short taxi ride to Valluvar Kottam.
INR 50, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Breakfast at Murugan Idli Shop

Enjoy a classic Southern Indian breakfast at Murugan Idli Shop, renowned for its soft idlis and flavorful chutneys.
Walk to the restaurant.
INR 200, 1 hour

1:30PM

Birla Planetarium

Explore the wonders of the universe at the Birla Planetarium, offering fascinating shows and exhibitions on astronomy and space science.
Short taxi ride to the planetarium.
INR 100, 2 hours

3:30PM

Lunch at Ponnusamy Restaurant

Savor a flavorful Chettinad meal at Ponnusamy Restaurant, known for its spicy and aromatic dishes from the Chettinad region.
Walk to the restaurant.
INR 600, 1.5 hours

5:30PM

Fort St. George

Visit the historic Fort St. George, the first English fortress in India, housing a museum with colonial artifacts and insights into Chennai's past.
Short taxi ride to Fort St. George.
INR 200, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Chennai

Day 5: Historical and Shopping Delights

Chennai, India on September 26, 2024

8:00AM

Ripon Building

Start your day at Ripon Building, a stunning example of Indo-Saracenic architecture, serving as Chennai's municipal corporation office.
Take a taxi to Ripon Building.
Free, 1.5 hours

10:00AM

Parthasarathy Temple

Visit Parthasarathy Temple, an ancient Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Krishna, showcasing intricate carvings and religious significance.
Short taxi ride to Parthasarathy Temple.
INR 50, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Breakfast at Sangeetha Restaurant

Enjoy a delicious breakfast at Sangeetha Restaurant, known for its range of South Indian and North Indian delicacies.
Walk to the restaurant.
INR 300, 1 hour

1:30PM

St. Thomas Mount National Shrine

Visit the St. Thomas Mount National Shrine, a historic site where St. Thomas the Apostle is believed to have been martyred, offering panoramic views of Chennai.
Short taxi ride to St. Thomas Mount.
INR 50, 2 hours

3:30PM

Lunch at Ente Keralam

Enjoy a taste of Kerala cuisine at Ente Keralam, known for its authentic flavors and traditional dishes from the southern state.
Walk to the restaurant.
INR 500, 1.5 hours

5:30PM

Shopping at T Nagar

Explore the bustling shopping district of T Nagar, known for its vibrant street markets, boutiques, and traditional silk saree stores.
Take a taxi to T Nagar.
Variable, 3 hours
Find Hotels in Chennai
0
Like this trip? Make your own version.
A free, personalized itinerary in seconds — sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version

More About Chennai

Best India Travel Deals
Travel Deals
Trip Packing List: Chennai (late February)
Packing List
Chennai → Goa Road Trip (by car) — Oct 1–5, 2025
Packing List
Chennai Weather Guide: Seasons, Humidity & Monsoon Cycles
Weather Guide
Essential Guide: What to Know Before Visiting Chennai
Travel Expert
Itinerary created by AI-assisted, human-reviewed

Plan Your Chennai Trip

Cost Estimator
Estimate your trip budget
Packing List
Get a custom checklist
Weather Expert
Check weather & best time to go