Budget-Friendly 4-Day Itinerary in Chennai, India

Day 1: Cultural Exploration

Chennai, India

7:30 AM

Breakfast at Murugan Idli Shop

Start your day with the famous soft idlis and sambar at Murugan Idli Shop, a quintessential South Indian breakfast.
Located in multiple places, choose the one closest to your accommodation.
INR 100, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Visit Kapaleeshwarar Temple

After breakfast, immerse yourself in the stunning Dravidian architecture at Kapaleeshwarar Temple, a spiritual centerpiece of Mylapore.
Take an auto-rickshaw from the breakfast spot; it should take about 15 minutes.
Free, 1.5 hours

11:00 AM

Explore the Mylapore Market

Wander through Mylapore Market, where you can experience the vibrant local culture and shop for affordable souvenirs.
Easily walkable from the temple.
Free, 1 hour

12:30 PM

Lunch at Kanjeevaram Idli

Savor traditional Kanjeevaram idlis, which are spiced up with local flavors, for lunch.
A short auto-rickshaw ride will take you there in about 10 minutes.
INR 150, 1 hour

2:00 PM

Visit San Thome Basilica

Next, visit the serene San Thome Basilica, built over the tomb of St. Thomas the Apostle.
It's about 2 kilometers away, can be reached by walking or cycling.
Free, 1 hour

3:30 PM

Relax at Marina Beach

Head to Marina Beach for a leisurely afternoon stroll along one of the longest beaches in the world.
Take a local bus or auto-rickshaw.
Free, 2 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at KFC or Local Undertaking

You can either grab an affordable meal at KFC or try a local dish like Dosa from a nearby eatery.
There are several options close to the beach.
INR 200, 1 hour
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Day 2: Historic Insights

Chennai, India

7:00 AM

Breakfast at Aasai Dosa

Enjoy a crispy dosa with chutney at Aasai Dosa for an energy-boosting start.
Located a short walk from your accommodations.
INR 80, 1 hour

8:30 AM

Visit Fort St. George

After breakfast, explore Fort St. George and its museum, a significant landmark of British colonial history.
Take public transportation, about 15 minutes from breakfast.
INR 20, 2 hours

10:30 AM

Explore St. Mary's Church

Visit St. Mary’s Church, located within Fort St. George, to admire its beautiful architecture.
On foot from the fort.
Free, 1 hour

12:00 PM

Lunch at Hotel Saravana Bhavan

Indulge in a hearty vegetarian lunch at the iconic Hotel Saravana Bhavan for a taste of authentic South Indian cuisine.
Take an auto-rickshaw, around 15 minutes away.
INR 150, 1.5 hours

1:30 PM

Visit the Government Museum

Discover Chennai's rich history and art collection at the Government Museum, which houses artifacts from ancient civilizations.
About 10 minutes by local bus.
INR 15, 2 hours

3:30 PM

Explore Egmore Railway Museum

Visit the fascinating Egmore Railway Museum to learn about the heritage of Indian railways.
Quick walk from the Government Museum.
INR 5, 1.5 hours

5:00 PM

Dinner at A2B (Adyar Ananda Bhavan)

Enjoy a simple and delicious vegetarian dinner at A2B with a variety of homemade sweets.
A short local bus ride
INR 150, 1 hour
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Day 3: Local Life and Nature

Chennai, India

7:30 AM

Breakfast at New Ratna Cafe

Fuel your day with a traditional South Indian breakfast: pongal and filter coffee at New Ratna Cafe.
Easily accessible near your accommodation.
INR 90, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Visit Semmozhi Poonga

Stroll through the beautiful Semmozhi Poonga, a well-maintained botanical garden to unwind.
Take a local bus to the garden.
INR 20, 1.5 hours

10:30 AM

Explore Thousand Lights Mosque

Visit the stunning Thousand Lights Mosque, known for its incredible architecture and peaceful ambiance.
A rickshaw ride from the garden.
Free, 1 hour

12:00 PM

Lunch at Parida Hotel

Try the famous biryani at Parida Hotel, popular among locals for its affordable pricing.
About 20 minutes by auto-rickshaw.
INR 150, 1 hour

1:30 PM

Visit Chennai’s Snake Park

Witness India’s diverse snakes and reptiles at Chennai’s Snake Park, which is both educational and fascinating.
Short auto-rickshaw ride from the lunch spot.
INR 50, 1.5 hours

3:00 PM

Visit Vandalur Zoo

Spend the afternoon experiencing the wildlife at Vandalur Zoo, India’s first public zoo.
Take a local bus or auto-rickshaw which will take about 30 minutes.
INR 50, 2.5 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at Namma Veedu Vasanta Bhavan

Conclude your day with a fulfilling dinner at Namma Veedu Vasanta Bhavan, famous for its thalis.
Head back to the city center by bus.
INR 150, 1 hour
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Day 4: Shopping and Farewell

Chennai, India

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Sangeetha Veg Restaurant

Enjoy a simple breakfast buffet at Sangeetha Veg Restaurant before a day of shopping.
Located within the shopping district.
INR 120, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Shopping at T. Nagar

Spend the morning shopping for textiles, traditional attire, and souvenirs in one of Chennai’s busiest shopping districts.
Short auto-rickshaw ride from breakfast spot.
Free, 2 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Saravana Bhavan - T. Nagar Branch

Grab lunch at Saravana Bhavan again while you are in T. Nagar, known for its consistency and quality.
Easily walk to the restaurant.
INR 150, 1 hour

1:30 PM

Explore Pondy Bazaar

Wander through the bustling lanes of Pondy Bazaar, where you can find trendy clothes and street snacks.
Just a short walk from lunch.
Free, 2 hours

4:00 PM

Indulge in Snacks at Ranganathan Street

Savor delicious local snacks from vendors along Ranganathan Street before wrapping up your trip!
Easily walk there from Pondy Bazaar.
INR 100, 1 hour

5:00 PM

Farewell Dinner at Kumar's

Conclude your Chennai adventure with a farewell dinner, enjoying a thali meal at Kumar's.
It's a short walk or rickshaw ride away.
INR 200, 1 hour
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