In the morning, visit the ancient Kapaleeshwarar Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is one of the important landmarks of Chennai and is known for its intricate Dravidian architecture. Afterward, you can explore the surrounding streets filled with shops selling traditional handicrafts and clothing. In the afternoon, head to the nearby Marina Beach which is one of the longest urban beaches in the world. You can take a stroll, try local snacks at the food stalls or take a dip in the sea. In the evening, attend the sunset ceremony at Vivekananda House. The ceremony includes a meditation session and a performance of the traditional aarti.
Start your day by visiting Fort St. George, a colonial-era fort that currently houses the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly and other official buildings. You can explore the museum inside the fort which showcases historic artefacts and exhibits. In the afternoon, head to the Government Museum which has a collection of art, archaeology, natural history and numismatics. End your day by visiting the St. Thomas Mount which is a hill with a church on the top. The church is believed to be built over the tomb of St. Thomas, one of the 12 apostles of Jesus Christ.
Take a day trip to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Mahabalipuram, known for its ancient rock-cut temples and carvings. Visit the Shore Temple, a 7th-century temple facing the Bay of Bengal, and the Pancha Rathas, five monolithic temples carved out of a single rock. You can also visit the Arjuna's Penance which is a massive relief carving on a rock depicting scenes from Hindu mythology. In the evening, head back to Chennai and enjoy a traditional South Indian meal at one of the many local restaurants.
Start your day by visiting the Guindy National Park which is one of the few national parks located within a city. The park has a variety of flora and fauna including blackbucks, spotted deer, and over 130 species of birds. In the afternoon, visit the Kalakshetra Foundation which is a centre for classical dance and music. You can attend a show or take a workshop to learn about the art forms. End your day by visiting the Phoenix Marketcity Mall which has a variety of shops, restaurants and a cinema.
If you have more time, visit the Cholamandal Artists' Village which is a community of artists and sculptors. You can also take a day trip to the Pulicat Lake which is a serene location for birdwatching and boating. To maximize your fun, try local street food like idli, dosa and filter coffee. You can also visit the local beaches like Elliot's Beach and Covelong Beach. For a side trip, take a drive to the temple town of Kanchipuram which is known for its silk sarees and ancient temples.
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