3-Day Itinerary for Chennai, India (MAA)

Day 1: Explore Chennai

Chennai, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Ratna Cafe

Start your day with a traditional South Indian breakfast at Ratna Cafe, famous for its crispy dosas and aromatic filter coffee.
After breakfast, head towards the Kapaleeshwarar Temple, which is just a 10-minute drive.
INR200, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Kapaleeshwarar Temple

Explore the intricate architecture of this iconic temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, and soak in the spiritual ambiance.
It’s a short 5-minute drive to the next destination.
Free, 1 hour

11:00AM

Stroll at Marina Beach

Enjoy a walk along the sandy stretches of Marina Beach, one of the longest urban beaches in the world.
A seamless 15-minute drive from the temple gets you there.
Free, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Bayview

Savor delicious coastal cuisine with a view of the sea at Bayview Cafe located at the Promenade.
After lunch, a quick 10-minute drive will take you to the Government Museum.
INR1000, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore Government Museum

Visit this museum to see an extensive collection of bronze sculptures and ancient artifacts.
From here, it's a 20-minute ride to the next location.
INR200, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at The Saffron Tree

Wrap up the day with dinner at The Saffron Tree, renowned for its fusion Indian dishes.
Located about 15 minutes from the museum.
INR1500, 2 hours
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Day 2: Day Trip to Mahabalipuram

Mahabalipuram, India

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at your hotel to fuel up for the day ahead.
Start your journey which is about an hour's drive to Mahabalipuram.
INR500, 1 hour

8:30AM

Visit Shore Temple

Marvel at the stunning Shore Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site overlooking the Bay of Bengal.
The temple is easily accessible and just a 10-minute drive from the town center.
INR300, 1.5 hours

10:00AM

Explore Pancha Rathas

Discover the Pancha Rathas, a group of monolithic rock-cut temples that illustrate rock-cut architecture.
It’s a 15-minute drive from the Shore Temple.
INR100, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Hotel Mamalla

Enjoy a delicious South Indian meal at Hotel Mamalla, known for its local delicacies.
Just a 5-minute drive from the Pancha Rathas.
INR900, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Arjuna's Penance

Take in the grandeur of Arjuna's Penance, a massive bas-relief sculpture depicting scenes from the Mahabharata.
It’s a brief 10-minute drive from the restaurant.
Free, 1 hour

4:00PM

Return to Chennai

After a fulfilling day, make your way back to Chennai to unwind.
The journey back will also take about an hour.
INR500, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Southern Spice

Conclude your day with a luxurious dinner at Southern Spice, offering authentic South Indian cuisine.
Located in your hotel or nearby.
INR2000, 2 hours
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Day 3: Shop and Relax

Chennai, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Tamil Nadu Hotel

Savor a traditional South Indian breakfast at The Tamil Nadu Hotel before your last day activities.
The hotel is centrally located.
INR300, 1 hour

9:30AM

Shopping at Pondy Bazaar

Dive into the vibrant local culture and shop for textiles, handicrafts, and souvenirs at Pondy Bazaar.
Just a 10-minute drive or a short walk from the hotel.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Saravana Bhavan

Indulge in vegetarian South Indian fare at Saravana Bhavan, known for its sumptuous thalis.
Located a short 5-minute drive from the bazaar.
INR800, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit Valluvar Kottam

Take a leisurely visit to Valluvar Kottam, a memorial honoring the great Tamil poet and philosopher Tiruvalluvar.
This poignant site is about a 20-minute drive from the restaurant.
INR50, 1 hour

3:00PM

Relax at DakshinaChitra

Experience the cultural heritage of South India at DakshinaChitra, a living museum showcasing traditional crafts.
A scenic 30-minute drive south of the city.
INR300, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Peshawri

End your trip with a delightful dinner at Peshawri, specializing in North Indian tandoori dishes.
Return to Chennai city center for dinner, about a 40-minute drive.
INR2500, 2 hours
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