In the morning, visit the ancient Kapaleeswarar Temple to admire the beautiful Dravidian architecture and explore its fascinating history. In the afternoon, head to the nearby Santhome Cathedral Basilica, which is believed to be built on the tomb of St. Thomas. In the evening, take a stroll along the Marina Beach, the second-largest beach in the world, and enjoy the stunning views of the Bay of Bengal.
Start your morning by visiting the Fort St. George, a British-era fort that now houses the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly and the Secretariat. In the afternoon, head to the Government Museum, one of the oldest and largest museums in India, to explore its vast collection of art, archaeology, and natural history exhibits. In the evening, drive to the Mahabalipuram UNESCO World Heritage Site to witness the ancient rock-cut temples and sculptures.
Start your morning by visiting DakshinaChitra, a living museum that showcases the traditional architecture, crafts, and lifestyles of South India. In the afternoon, head to the Crocodile Bank, a conservation center that houses over 2,000 crocodiles and alligators of various species. In the evening, take a boat ride at the Pulicat Lake to see the migratory birds and natural beauty of the wetlands.
Other local attractions to consider include the Valluvar Kottam monument, the Theosophical Society, and the Guindy National Park. For side trips, you can plan a day trip to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Gangaikonda Cholapuram or the temple town of Tiruvannamalai. To maximize your fun, try the local cuisine at the famous Saravana Bhavan restaurant, go shopping at the Pondy Bazaar or Phoenix MarketCity malls, and catch a movie at the historic Albert Theatre.
For hotels and flights, click here.