One Week Cultural and Culinary Exploration of Chennai, India

Day 1: Heritage and History

Chennai, India on June 20, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Saravana Bhavan

Start your day with traditional South Indian breakfast items like idli and dosa at this iconic vegetarian restaurant open from 7am to 11pm.
INR300, 1h

9:30am

Visit Kapaleeshwarar Temple

Explore this stunning Dravidian style temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, known for its vibrant architecture and religious significance. Open from 6am to 12pm and 4pm to 9pm.
Free, 1h30m

11:00am

Walk around Mylapore neighborhood

Stroll through this historic area to appreciate colonial buildings, local markets, and street food vendors.
Free, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Murugan Idli Shop

Enjoy authentic idlis and chutneys and experience the local favorite dishes at this popular eatery open 6am-10pm.
INR200, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Government Museum and Art Gallery

Discover Chennai’s rich history, art, and archaeology in this museum, open 9:30am to 5pm except Mondays and public holidays.
INR15, 2h

5:00pm

Sunset at Marina Beach

Relax and watch the spectacular sunset at one of the longest urban beaches in the world. Open all day and free entry.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at The Marina

Dine on fresh seafood and Tamil Nadu specialties at this beachside restaurant, open from 12pm to 11pm.
INR800, 1h30m
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Day 2: Spiritual and Traditional Arts

Chennai, India on June 21, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel Saravana Bhavan

Begin with a filling South Indian breakfast including sambhar and chutneys; open from 7am to 11pm.
INR300, 1h

9:00am

Visit San Thome Basilica

Explore the historic Catholic cathedral built over the tomb of Saint Thomas, open between 5:30am to 8:30pm.
Free, 1h30m

11:00am

Explore DakshinaChitra Heritage Museum

Learn about South Indian culture, crafts, and craftspeople at this living-history museum open from 10am to 5pm.
INR300, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Woodlands

Taste classic vegetarian South Indian and Punjabi cuisine in a refined setting; open 11am to 11pm.
INR500, 1h

3:00pm

Watch a Bharatanatyam dance performance

Attend a traditional Indian classical dance show at Kalakshetra Foundation; check schedule and book tickets in advance. Performances generally offered in the evening.
INR400, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Ponnusamy Hotel

Indulge in traditional Tamil non-vegetarian dishes such as Chettinad chicken in a family-run restaurant open until 11pm.
INR700, 1h30m
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Day 3: Beach and Shopping

Chennai, India on June 22, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Ratna Cafe

Taste classic idli, vada, and coffee at this popular Chennai eatery, open 6am-11:30pm.
INR250, 1h

9:30am

Relax at Elliot’s Beach

Enjoy a quieter beach experience and local cafes, ideal for a morning walk; open all day and free entry.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Sea Grill

Savor fine coastal seafood dishes at this upscale restaurant located in the Taj Coromandel Hotel, open from noon to 3pm for lunch.
INR1200, 1h30m

2:00pm

Shopping at T Nagar

Explore one of Chennai’s busiest shopping districts for textiles, jewelry, and local sweets; shops generally open 10am to 9pm.
Varies, 3h

6:30pm

Evening Tea at Amethyst

Enjoy tea and light snacks in a charming garden cafe, open 10am to 10pm.
INR400, 1h

8:00pm

Dinner at Anjappar Chettinad Cuisine

Try authentic Chettinad spicy dishes with rich flavors, open until 11pm.
INR600, 1h30m
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Day 4: Modern Chennai and Cultural Centers

Chennai, India on June 23, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Café Coffee Day

Enjoy coffee, sandwiches, and light breakfast items at this casual chain open from 7am.
INR250, 1h

9:00am

Visit the Chennai Rail Museum

Explore the history of Indian railways with interactive exhibits and vintage engines; open 9am to 5pm.
INR20, 2h

11:30am

Visit Santhome Museum

Discover Christian relics and local history in this small museum adjacent to San Thome Basilica, open 9am-5pm.
INR30, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at The Marina

Return to this favorite spot for light seafood or vegetarian dishes alongside the beach.
INR700, 1h

3:00pm

Visit Kalakshetra Foundation

Tour the famous arts academy and explore exhibitions on Indian dance and music, open Mon-Sat 9am-5pm.
INR150, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at Dakshin

Dine on regional South Indian delicacies in a sophisticated environment at the Crowne Plaza hotel, open till 10:30pm.
INR900, 1h30m
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Day 5: Religious Sites and Local Markets

Chennai, India on June 24, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Sangeetha Veg Restaurant

Enjoy a variety of dosas and filter coffee at this local favorite spot open from 6am to 11pm.
INR200, 1h

8:30am

Visit Parthasarathy Temple

Explore this ancient temple dedicated to Lord Krishna, showcasing traditional Dravidian architecture. Open 5am-11am and 4pm-9pm.
Free, 1h30m

10:30am

Street Shopping at Pondy Bazaar

Shop for clothes, accessories, and souvenirs in this lively market district; shops open 10am to 9pm.
Varies, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Gokul Vegetarian Restaurant

Dine on delicious vegetarian South Indian meals, including thali platters; open 11am to 10pm.
INR400, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Valluvar Kottam

Admire this monument honoring Tamil poet-philosopher Thiruvalluvar, featuring a large auditorium and peaceful gardens. Open 9am-6pm.
Free, 1h30m

5:00pm

Enjoy filter coffee at Cafe Mirch Masala

Savor Chennai’s trademark filter coffee and light snacks in a relaxed setting open until late evening.
INR150, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Buhari Hotel

Taste popular Andhra and Tamil dishes at this long-standing restaurant known for biryanis, open till 11pm.
INR700, 1h30m
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Day 6: Nature and Relaxation

Chennai, India on June 25, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at The Brew Room

Kickstart your day with freshly brewed coffee and continental-style breakfast options; open 8am to 8pm.
INR350, 1h

9:30am

Visit Guindy National Park

Enjoy a nature walk in this protected forest reserve located within city limits, home to deer and birds. Open 8am-6pm.
INR50, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Ratna Cafe

Return for savory South Indian staples accompanied by fresh filter coffee.
INR250, 1h

1:30pm

Relax at Elliot’s Beach

Unwind with a leisurely beach walk or chilling at local cafes.
Free, 2h

4:00pm

Visit the Birla Planetarium

Explore astronomy exhibits and catch a show about stars and planets, open 10am-5:30pm except Mondays.
INR60, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Copper Chimney

Enjoy North Indian tandoori dishes and curries in a refined atmosphere, open till 11pm.
INR900, 1h30m
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Day 7: Final Cultural Immersion

Chennai, India on June 26, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Saravana Bhavan

Relish your last breakfast with a variety of dosa and idli varieties at this well-loved chain, open 7am to 11pm.
INR300, 1h

9:00am

Visit the Fort St. George Museum

Tour this historic fortress and museum showcasing colonial artifacts and Chennai’s early history, open 9am-5pm except Mondays.
INR40, 2h

11:30am

Shopping for souvenirs at Express Avenue Mall

Find handicrafts, clothing, and gifts in one of the largest shopping malls in Chennai, open 10am-10pm.
Varies, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Southern Spice

Savor authentic regional dishes representing five South Indian states in an elegant setting at Taj Coromandel, open for lunch 12pm to 3pm.
INR1200, 1h30m

3:30pm

Relax in the Vivanta Pool & Spa

Unwind with a spa treatment or by the pool in your hotel to prepare for departure.
Varies, 2h

7:00pm

Farewell Dinner at Bay View, Taj Fisherman's Cove

Enjoy a scenic seaside dinner with fresh seafood and seasonal specialties as you reflect on your trip, open until 11pm.
INR1500, 2h
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