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5-Day Chennai Itinerary: Cultural Exploration and Coastal Delights

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Day 1: Heritage and History

Chennai, India on May 10, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Saravana Bhavan

Enjoy a traditional South Indian breakfast with crisp dosas and aromatic filter coffee at this iconic eatery, open from 7:00am to 10:00pm.
INR200, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Fort St. George

Explore the historic fort museum and learn about Chennai’s colonial past and administrative history, open 9:00am to 5:00pm.
INR15, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at The Marina

Savor fresh seafood and authentic Tamil cuisine at this renowned restaurant close to the beach, open 11:00am to 11:00pm.
INR500, 1h30m

2:00pm

Visit Government Museum

Discover extensive collections of archaeology and art at one of India’s oldest museums, open 9:30am to 5:00pm except Fridays.
INR15, 2h0m

4:30pm

Relax at Marina Beach

Take a leisurely walk along Marina Beach, the longest urban beach in India, perfect to enjoy the sunset and local street food vendors.
Free, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Buhari Hotel

Relish the famous Chettinad dishes and biryanis in this historic restaurant that offers great local flavors, open from 12:00pm to 11:00pm.
INR400, 1h30m
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Day 2: Temples and Coastline

Chennai, India on May 11, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Saravana Bhavan

Start with a light, traditional breakfast of idli and vada served with chutneys and sambar, open from 7:00am.
INR200, 1h0m

9:00am

Visit Kapaleeshwarar Temple

Explore this vibrant 7th-century Dravidian-style temple dedicated to Lord Shiva in Mylapore, open 6:00am to 12:00pm and 4:00pm to 9:00pm.
Free, 1h30m

11:00am

Visit San Thome Basilica

Tour this historic church built over the tomb of Saint Thomas, featuring Gothic architecture and peaceful surroundings, open 6:00am to 7:00pm.
Free, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at The Wharf

Enjoy a variety of fresh seafood dishes and continental fare in a relaxed environment near the waterfront, open 12:00pm to 11:00pm.
INR600, 1h30m

2:30pm

Elliot’s Beach

Spend a peaceful afternoon at this less crowded beach, great for a walk or just to enjoy the sea breeze.
Free, 2h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Peshawri

Dine on robust North Indian kebabs and traditional dishes in this upscale restaurant within ITC Grand Chola, open 7:30pm to 11:30pm.
INR1500, 1h30m
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Day 3: Art and Market Exploration

Chennai, India on May 12, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Amethyst Cafe

Enjoy a health-conscious breakfast in a charming garden cafe serving fresh juices and baked goods, open 8:00am to 10:00pm.
INR450, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Cholamandal Artists' Village

Experience contemporary Indian art at this artists’ commune showcasing paintings, sculptures, and a unique cultural atmosphere, open 10:00am to 5:30pm.
INR50, 3h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Dakshin

Savor authentic South Indian regional specialties from Kerala, Karnataka, Andhra, and Tamil Nadu at this elegant restaurant, open 12:30pm to 3:00pm and 7:00pm to 11:00pm.
INR1200, 1h30m

3:00pm

Shopping at T. Nagar Market

Shop for traditional silk sarees, jewelry, and handicrafts at Chennai’s busiest shopping district.
Variable, 3h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Copper Chimney

Experience north and south Indian delicacies in a cozy setup, open from 7:00pm to 11:30pm.
INR700, 1h30m
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Day 4: Nature and Relaxation

Chennai, India on May 13, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at The Brew Room

Start your day with artisan coffee and continental breakfast options in this trendy cafe, open 8:00am to 9:00pm.
INR400, 1h0m

9:00am

Visit Guindy National Park

Enjoy a walk in this urban park with a small zoo and natural forest area, home to blackbucks and numerous bird species, open 5:30am to 8:00am and 4:00pm to 6:30pm.
INR20, 2h0m

11:30am

Explore Snake Park

Visit the adjoining Snake Park to see a variety of snakes and reptiles responsibly maintained, open 9:00am to 5:00pm.
INR20, 1h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Woodlands

Enjoy a vegetarian feast in this popular South Indian restaurant serving delicious thalis, open 12:00pm to 10:30pm.
INR400, 1h30m

3:00pm

Relax at Elliot’s Beach

Unwind with an afternoon stroll or a quiet read by the water at this calm beach.
Free, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Southern Spice

Experience exquisite South Indian dishes with a contemporary twist at this top hotel restaurant, open 7:30pm to 11:30pm.
INR1300, 1h30m
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Day 5: Shopping and Local Flavors

Chennai, India on May 14, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Cafe Coffee Day

Have a quick and casual breakfast with coffee and sandwiches, open from 7:00am.
INR250, 1h0m

9:00am

Shopping at Pondy Bazaar

Explore this bustling shopping district offering clothes, accessories, and street foods popular with locals.
Variable, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Anjappar Chettinad Restaurant

Delight in fiery Chettinad chicken and other spicy Tamil Nadu specialties, open 11:30am to 10:30pm.
INR600, 1h30m

2:30pm

Visit St. George Fort Market

Browse traditional shops and stalls for souvenirs and handmade items near the historic fort area.
Free to browse, 2h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at The Raintree

Enjoy your farewell dinner featuring South Indian and continental dishes in a lovely garden setting, open 7:00pm to 11:00pm.
INR1400, 1h30m
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