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This itinerary covers 3 days in Chennai, which is a great amount of time to explore the main highlights. Depending on your pace and interests, you could extend or shorten the trip.

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Plan your perfect 3 days trip to Chennai. This detailed travel itinerary includes daily activities, local recommendations, and insider tips to make your journey unforgettable.

3-Day Adults-Only Cultural and Culinary Escape in Chennai, India

Viewed by 98 travelers

Day 1: Heritage & Beach

Chennai, India on May 26, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Saravana Bhavan

Start your day with an authentic South Indian breakfast featuring dosas and filter coffee at Saravana Bhavan, a Chennai staple open from 7:00am to 11:00pm.

INR300, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Kapaleeshwarar Temple

Explore this iconic 7th-century Dravidian temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, known for its intricate gopuram and vibrant local rituals. Open from 6:00am to 12:00pm and 4:30pm to 8:30pm.

Free, 1h30m

11:30am

Stroll along Marina Beach

Enjoy a leisurely walk on the world’s second-longest urban beach, taking in views of the Bay of Bengal and local life. Accessible 24/7 and free of charge.

Free, 1h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Fisherman's Wharf

Savor coastal South Indian seafood fare in a lively setting near the beach. Open 12:00pm to 11:00pm.

INR800, 1h30m

3:00pm

Visit Government Museum

Discover Chennai’s rich history and art through impressive archeological and colonial era exhibits. Open 9:30am to 5:00pm.

INR15, 2h0m

6:00pm

Evening Drinks at The Flying Elephant

Relax with signature cocktails in a chic rooftop ambiance at The Park hotel, open from 5:00pm onwards.

INR500, 1h30m

8:00pm

Dinner at Peshawri Chennai

Indulge in authentic North Indian kebabs and rustic flavors in an upscale setting, open from 7:00pm to 11:30pm.

INR1500, 1h30m

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Day 2: Spiritual & Market

Chennai, India on May 27, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Sangeetha Veg Restaurant

Enjoy fresh idlis, vadas, and a variety of vegetarian South Indian options. Open from 7:00am to 10:30pm.

INR350, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit San Thome Basilica

Visit this beautiful 16th-century Roman Catholic basilica built over the tomb of Saint Thomas, offering peaceful architecture and history. Open 6:00am to 6:00pm.

Free, 1h0m

11:00am

Explore Fort St. George

Tour the historic British fort, now a museum showcasing Chennai’s colonial past. Open 10:00am to 5:00pm.

INR25, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Anjappar Chettinad Restaurant

Taste authentic Chettinad cuisine known for its rich spices, open from 12:00pm to 11:00pm.

INR700, 1h30m

3:00pm

Shopping at T Nagar

Spend the afternoon browsing textiles, gold jewelry, and handicrafts in this bustling shopping district open till 9:00pm.

Variable expenses depending on purchases, 2h30m

6:00pm

Evening Coffee at Amethyst Café

Relax in a heritage house turned café with fresh coffee and light snacks. Open 8:00am to 8:00pm.

INR200, 1h0m

8:00pm

Dinner at Southern Spice

Dine on flavorful South Indian dishes with a modern twist at this elegant restaurant, open 7:00pm to 11:00pm.

INR1400, 1h30m

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Day 3: Art & Relaxation

Chennai, India on May 28, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at The Brew Room

Start with specialty coffees and well-crafted Western breakfast options in a stylish café, open 8:00am to 8:00pm.

INR450, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Cholamandal Artists' Village

Explore one of India’s largest artist communes exhibiting modern Indian art in a serene setting. Open 9:00am to 5:00pm.

INR50, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Dakshin

Enjoy premium South Indian cuisine representing the four southern states in an elegant atmosphere, open from 12:30pm to 3:30pm and 7:00pm to 11:00pm.

INR1300, 1h30m

2:00pm

Relax at Elliot’s Beach

Wind down your trip at a quieter beach than Marina, perfect for relaxation and sunset views, accessible 24/7.

Free, 2h0m

5:00pm

Visit DakshinaChitra Museum

Discover South Indian heritage through living history exhibits, crafts demonstrations, and cultural programs. Open 9:30am to 5:30pm.

INR100, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Bay View

Conclude with a waterfront dinner featuring seafood and contemporary Indian cuisine, with a lovely atmosphere, open till 10:30pm.

INR1600, 1h30m

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Itinerary created by Plantrip Team May 25, 2025 AI-assisted, human-reviewed

Step 1 Outline Preview:

3-Day Adults-Only Cultural and Culinary Escape in Chennai, India

Day 1: Heritage & Beach

8:00am

9:30am

11:30am

1:00pm

3:00pm

6:00pm

8:00pm

Day 2: Spiritual & Market

8:00am

9:30am

11:00am

1:00pm

3:00pm

6:00pm

8:00pm

Day 3: Art & Relaxation

8:00am

9:30am

12:00pm

2:00pm

5:00pm

7:00pm

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