3-Day Cultural and Coastal Exploration in Chennai, India

Day 1: Historic & Beach

Chennai, India on May 8, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Saravana Bhavan

Start the day with a traditional South Indian breakfast of dosas and filter coffee at the iconic Saravana Bhavan, open from 7am.
INR200, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Fort St. George

Explore the historic Fort St. George, housing the Tamil Nadu legislative assembly and a museum showcasing colonial history, open 9am-5pm.
INR20, 2h0m

12:00pm

Walk along Marina Beach

Enjoy a leisurely walk on India's longest urban beach, famous for its vibrant atmosphere and street food stalls. Best in the afternoon till sunset.
Free, 1h30m

1:30pm

Lunch at Marina Food Court

Sample local coastal delicacies and snacks at the Marina Food Court near the beach, open till 9pm.
INR350, 1h0m

3:00pm

Relax at hotel or local café

Take a break to refresh before evening activities.
Varies, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at The Raintree, St. Mary’s Road

Enjoy elegant dining with a focus on South Indian and international cuisine at this well-reviewed restaurant, open till 11pm.
INR1200, 1h30m
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Day 2: Temples & History

Chennai, India on May 9, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Murugan Idli Shop

Savor authentic idlis and chutneys at this local favorite, open from 6am to 2pm.
INR150, 1h0m

9:00am

Visit Kapaleeshwarar Temple

Explore this Dravidian-style temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, famous for architecture and vibrant gopuram, open from 6am to 12pm and then 4pm to 8:30pm.
Free, 1h30m

11:00am

Visit San Thome Basilica

Tour the Roman Catholic basilica built over the tomb of Saint Thomas the Apostle, open 9am to 5pm.
Free, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Mathura Vegetarian Restaurant

Enjoy simple, tasty vegetarian South Indian meals, open till 3pm.
INR250, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Mahabalipuram (Day trip)

Drive to Mahabalipuram (about 1.5h one way) to see ancient shore temples and rock carvings UNESCO World Heritage Site, open 9am to 5pm.
INR40, 4h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Sea Shell, Mahabalipuram

Relish fresh seafood at this popular beachfront restaurant, open till 10pm.
INR1000, 1h0m

9:00pm

Return to Chennai

Drive back to Chennai for overnight rest.
Transport costs vary, 1h30m
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Day 3: Museums & Shopping

Chennai, India on May 10, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at The Brew Room

Start with a relaxed western style breakfast and excellent coffee in a cozy café, open from 8am.
INR400, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Government Museum, Egmore

Explore Chennai’s largest museum showcasing art, archeology, and natural history, open from 9:30am to 5pm, closed on Mondays.
INR15, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Madras Pavilion, Taj Coromandel

Indulge in refined South Indian dishes in a classic ambiance, open noon to 3pm.
INR1500, 1h0m

1:30pm

Shopping at T Nagar

Shop for silk sarees, jewelry, and local handicrafts at Chennai’s busiest commercial district, open till late evening.
Varies, 3h0m

5:00pm

Tea or snack break at Pasha, Hyatt Regency

Relax with tea and snacks before your departure, open till 7pm.
INR600, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Buhari, Mount Road

Try Chennai’s famous biryani and other Mughlai dishes in a casual setting, open till 11pm.
INR700, 1h0m
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