Romantic 8-Night Chennai Itinerary for Couples

Day 1: Arrival & Orientation

Chennai, India on May 12, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Saravana Bhavan

Start your trip with a classic South Indian breakfast at Saravana Bhavan, famed for its idli, dosa, and filter coffee, setting a delicious tone for your visit.
INR250, 1h

11:00am

Check-in and Rest

Check into your centrally located hotel in Chennai, allowing you to freshen up and relax after your journey.
Varies, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at The Marina Restaurant

Enjoy a seaside lunch with fresh seafood and traditional Tamil Nadu dishes at The Marina Restaurant near the beach.
INR700, 1h

3:00pm

Visit Fort St. George

Explore Fort St. George, the first British fortress in India, featuring a museum showcasing colonial artifacts and history. Open 9:00am–5:00pm.
INR15, 1h30m

5:00pm

Walk along Marina Beach

Relax by taking a romantic walk along Marina Beach, the longest urban beach in India, perfect for sunset views.
Free, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Bay View

Dine at Bay View restaurant, known for its lovely beach views and a mix of Indian, Chinese, and continental cuisines.
INR1000, 1h30m
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Day 2: Cultural Tour

Chennai, India on May 13, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Murugan Idli Shop

Enjoy a traditional South Indian breakfast of soft idlis and piping hot sambhar at this popular local spot.
INR200, 1h

9:30am

Visit Kapaleeshwarar Temple

Explore this beautiful Dravidian-style temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, noted for its colorful gopuram and spiritual ambiance. Open from 5:30am to 12:00pm and 4:00pm to 9:00pm.
Free, 1h

11:00am

Walk through Mylapore Market

Experience the local culture by shopping and browsing through the vibrant Mylapore market filled with flowers, spices, and handicrafts.
Varies, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at Anjappar Chettinad Restaurant

Indulge in flavorful Chettinad cuisine, famous for its aromatic spices and rich taste, providing an authentic Tamil meal.
INR600, 1h

3:00pm

Visit Government Museum

Discover South Indian art, archaeology, and natural history in India's second oldest museum, open from 9:30am to 5:00pm.
INR15, 2h

6:00pm

Evening Tea at The Tea World

Share a cozy afternoon tea moment together, sampling local and international tea varieties in a quiet setting.
INR300, 1h

8:00pm

Dinner at Southern Spice

Savor sumptuous South Indian dishes in a refined atmosphere at The Taj Hotel's Southern Spice restaurant.
INR1500, 1h30m
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Day 3: Historic & Shopping Day

Chennai, India on May 14, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Cafe Coffee Day

Begin with a casual breakfast and coffee at this popular café chain across India.
INR250, 1h

10:00am

Visit Santhome Basilica

Visit this historic Roman Catholic basilica built over the tomb of Saint Thomas the Apostle, open 6:00am to 7:00pm.
Free, 1h

11:30am

Shopping at T Nagar

Explore T Nagar, Chennai’s famous shopping district for textiles, jewelry, and souvenirs to bring back home.
Varies, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Ratna Cafe

Enjoy crispy dosas and other South Indian staples at Ratna Cafe, a local favorite with excellent budget-friendly meals.
INR400, 1h

3:00pm

Stroll at Elliot's Beach

Relax or take a gentle stroll along this quieter beach in Besant Nagar, perfect for romantic moments.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at The Flying Elephant

Experience eclectic dishes and innovative cuisine at The Flying Elephant, known for its stylish ambiance.
INR1800, 2h
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Day 4: Day Trip to Mahabalipuram

Mahabalipuram, India on May 15, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Early breakfast to prepare for a day trip to nearby Mahabalipuram, known for its historic temples and sculptures.
Included in stay, 1h

8:00am

Travel to Mahabalipuram

Embark on a 1-1.5 hour journey south from Chennai to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Mahabalipuram.
INR1500 by car, 1h30m

9:30am

Explore Shore Temple & Pancha Rathas

Visit the iconic Shore Temple and the five Rathas, carved monolithic rock structures dating back to the 7th century.
INR200, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Moonrakers

Enjoy fresh seafood and South Indian specialities at Moonrakers, a popular seaside restaurant.
INR800, 1h

1:30pm

Crooked Beach and Sculpture Walk

Leisurely walk along the beach viewing open-air sculptures and rock-cut caves.
Free, 1h

3:00pm

Return to Chennai

Travel back to Chennai to rest or explore local neighborhoods in the evening.
INR1500, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Peshawri

Savor the flavors of North-West Frontier cuisine at Peshawri in ITC Grand Chola, known for its rustic and hearty dishes.
INR2000, 1h30m
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Day 5: Leisure & Art

Chennai, India on May 16, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at The Brew Room

Enjoy a mix of artisanal coffee and continental breakfast options in this cozy café.
INR350, 1h

10:00am

Visit Cholamandal Artists’ Village

Explore India's largest artists’ commune showcasing modern Indian art and sculpture, open 10:00am-6:00pm, closed Mondays.
INR100, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Café Essai

Relax at this cafe with light meals and good coffee near the artists’ village.
INR500, 1h

3:00pm

Visit Dakshinachitra Museum

Experience South Indian heritage, folk arts, and crafts in this cultural center open 9:30am – 5:30pm.
INR150, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Southern Aroma

Enjoy authentic Chettinad and South Indian delicacies, known for spicy and hearty meals.
INR1200, 1h30m
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Day 6: Nature & Relaxation

Chennai, India on May 17, 2025

7:30am

Early Breakfast at Hotel

Quick breakfast before a day dedicated to nature and relaxation.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Explore Guindy National Park

Visit this protected national park in the city, home to deer and bird species. Open from 9:30am to 4:30pm, closed Monday.
INR40, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Chamiers Cafe

Enjoy a garden-side meal at this charming venue near the park, offering a mix of Indian and continental dishes.
INR700, 1h

2:00pm

Spa & Wellness

Relax with a couples spa treatment at a reputable Chennai spa such as Angsana or O2 Spa.
INR4000, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Dakshin

Enjoy fine dining specializing in South Indian cuisine in a romantic setting at The Crowne Plaza.
INR1500, 1h30m
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Day 7: Temple & Heritage

Chennai, India on May 18, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Start with a relaxed breakfast at the hotel before a cultural day.
Included, 1h

9:30am

Visit Parthasarathy Temple

Explore this historic 8th-century temple dedicated to Lord Krishna, noted for its architecture and peaceful environment. Open 6:00am to 12:00pm and 4:00pm to 8:30pm.
Free, 1h

11:00am

Visit Valluvar Kottam

See this auditorium and monument dedicated to Tamil poet Thiruvalluvar, featuring a grand chariot-like structure. Open 10:00am to 6:00pm.
Free, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at Buhari Hotel

Sample biryani and other Hyderabadi and Tamil dishes at this veteran restaurant.
INR700, 1h

3:00pm

Visit Theosophical Society Gardens

Relax at these expansive, tranquil gardens featuring unique flora and the historic Adyar Banyan tree.
Free, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at The Raintree

Enjoy a romantic dinner with diverse Indian and international cuisines at The Raintree restaurant.
INR1600, 1h30m
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Day 8: Relax & Farewell

Chennai, India on May 19, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Madras Coffee House

Enjoy traditional filter coffee and light breakfast to start your last full day in Chennai.
INR250, 1h

10:00am

Relaxing Day at Elliot's Beach

Spend your morning unwinding by the calm Elliot’s Beach, perfect for intimate talks and peaceful moments.
Free, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Vel's Hotel

Indulge in authentic Tamil Nadu meals for a final taste of local cuisine.
INR600, 1h

3:00pm

Souvenir Shopping at Express Avenue Mall

Pick up last-minute gifts and souvenirs at this popular shopping mall in Chennai.
Varies, 1h30m

7:00pm

Farewell Dinner at Above Sea Level

Enjoy a romantic rooftop dinner with panoramic city views, perfect to celebrate your trip.
INR2500, 2h
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Day 9: Departure Day

Chennai, India on May 20, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast & Checkout

Have a quick breakfast at your hotel and prepare for checkout.
Included, 1h

8:30am

Travel to Chennai Airport

Head to the airport for your onward journey, reflecting on wonderful memories made in Chennai.
INR1000 by taxi, 1h
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