Ultimate 1-Day Itinerary in Chennai

Day 1: Explore Chennai

Chennai, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Ratna Cafe

Start your day with a delicious South Indian breakfast at Ratna Cafe, famous for its crispy dosas and filter coffee, setting the tone for your culinary adventure.
Located in the Mylapore area, it's a short auto-rickshaw ride from most central accommodations.
INR 200, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Kapaleeshwarar Temple

After breakfast, head to the iconic Kapaleeshwarar Temple, an exquisite example of Dravidian architecture with colourful gopurams and a serene atmosphere.
A 10-minute walk from Ratna Cafe; the temple is a major landmark in Mylapore.
Free, 1.5 hours

11:30AM

Explore San Thome Basilica

Next, visit the San Thome Basilica, a stunning church built over the tomb of St. Thomas, offering a unique blend of history and spirituality.
A short 10-minute auto-rickshaw ride from the temple.
Free, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at the Marina Beach Area

Enjoy a delightful lunch at the nearby Marina Beach area, where you can savour some fresh seafood at Shoola, known for its coastal delicacies.
A 15-minute auto-rickshaw ride from the church.
INR 600, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Stroll Along Marina Beach

After lunch, take a refreshing stroll along Marina Beach, the second longest beach in the world, where you can watch locals enjoying outdoor activities.
Directly accessible from the lunch spot.
Free, 1 hour

4:30PM

Visit Government Museum

Continue your journey by visiting the Government Museum, which houses an impressive collection of archaeological artifacts and art, showcasing Tamil heritage.
Take an auto-rickshaw; it's about a 20-minute drive inland.
INR 50, 1.5 hours

6:30PM

Explore T Nagar for Shopping

Experience the vibrant shopping culture in T Nagar where you can shop for silk sarees, jewellery, and handicrafts, a perfect place to pick up souvenirs.
A quick 15-minute auto-rickshaw ride from the museum.
Variable, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Dinner at Ponnusamy Hotel

End your day with a hearty dinner at Ponnusamy Hotel, renowned for its Chettinad cuisine, where you can indulge in biriyani and spicy curries.
A short 10-minute ride from T Nagar.
INR 800, 1.5 hours

9:30PM

Evening Walk at Nungambakkam

Finish your day with a peaceful walk in the Nungambakkam area, where the lively streets offer a pleasant wind-down atmosphere.
A quick auto-rickshaw ride to unwind before heading back.
Free, 1 hour
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