Unmissable 3-Day Chennai Itinerary: Explore Culture, Cuisine, and Heritage

Day 1: Beach and History

Chennai, India on June 6, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Saravana Bhavan

Enjoy a classic South Indian breakfast of idlis, dosas, and filter coffee at this famous vegetarian restaurant open from 6am to 10pm.
INR250, 1h

9:00am

Marina Beach

Start your day with a walk along the world's second longest urban beach. The morning is perfect for a peaceful stroll and catching local scenes of fishermen and vendors.
Free, 2h

11:30am

Visit Fort St. George

Explore the historic fort established by the British in 1644, now housing a museum that showcases Chennai’s colonial history. Open from 9:30am to 5:30pm.
INR15, 1.5h

1:30pm

Lunch at The Marina

Dine on authentic Tamil seafood specialties right by Marina Beach. The restaurant is open from 12pm to 11pm and offers a great ocean view.
INR600, 1h

3:00pm

Napier Museum and Promenade Walk

Enjoy a leisurely walk along the promenade and visit nearby cultural landmarks, soaking in local art and architecture.
Free, 1.5h

7:00pm

Dinner at Anjappar Chettinad Restaurant

Savour the famous Chettinad cuisine with its bold spices and flavours in this popular Chennai eatery open till 11pm.
INR500, 1h
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Day 2: Temples and Art

Chennai, India on June 7, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Ratna Cafe

Try their renowned idli and sambar to start your day authentically. Open from 6am to 11am daily.
INR200, 1h

9:00am

Kapaleeshwarar Temple

Visit this ancient 7th-century Dravidian-style temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, a prime example of Tamil architecture and spirituality. Open from 6am to 12pm and 4pm to 8:30pm.
Free, 2h

11:30am

Government Museum, Chennai

Explore South India’s oldest museum featuring archeological finds, art, and bronzes. Open from 9:30am to 5pm.
INR15, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Buhari Hotel

Enjoy a mix of North and South Indian dishes including their famous biryani. Open from 11am to 10:30pm.
INR400, 1h

3:00pm

Arulmigu Parthasarathy Temple

Visit this historic temple in Triplicane dedicated to Lord Krishna, rich in mythological history and stunning carvings.
Free, 1.5h

7:00pm

Dinner at Southern Spice, Taj Coromandel

Indulge in refined traditional Tamil Nadu cuisine in an elegant setting open till 11pm.
INR1500, 1h
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Day 3: Heritage and Culture

Chennai, India on June 8, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Café Coffee Day

Grab a quick coffee and South Indian snack combo here, open from 7am to 10pm.
INR150, 30m

8:30am

San Thome Basilica

Visit this beautiful Gothic-style cathedral built over the tomb of Saint Thomas the Apostle, an important Christian pilgrimage site. Open from 6am to 6pm.
Free, 1.5h

10:30am

Dakshinachitra Heritage Museum

Explore this living-history museum showcasing South Indian arts, crafts, and traditional architecture. Open from 10am to 6pm.
INR200, 3h

2:00pm

Lunch at Dakshinachitra Café

Enjoy authentic South Indian home-style meals served on banana leaves inside the museum premises. Open with museum hours.
INR400, 1h

4:00pm

Shopping at T Nagar

Experience the vibrant shopping district famed for silk sarees, gold jewellery, and handicrafts before ending the trip.
Varies, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Ponnusamy Hotel

Cap off your trip with classic Tamil non-vegetarian fare, especially their spicy mutton dishes. Open till 11pm.
INR600, 1h
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