Chennai, India-2-day-itinerary
Day 1: Friday
Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM)
Kapaleeswarar Temple
Start your day with a visit to the Kapaleeswarar Temple, a sacred Shiva temple known for its beautiful architecture and historic significance. The temple is located on the Marina Beach Road and is easily accessible by taxi or auto-rickshaw.
Marina Beach
After visiting the temple, take a stroll along the famous Marina Beach. This 13-kilometer-long beach is perfect for a leisurely walk and offers stunning views of the Bay of Bengal. You can also try your hand at water sports like jet-skiing or parasailing.
Lunch (12:00 PM - 1:30 PM)
Mysore Cafe For lunch, head to Mysore Cafe, a popular eatery that serves delicious South Indian dishes. Try their famous Mysore masala dosa and filter coffee for a true Chennai experience.
Afternoon (2:00 PM - 5:00 PM)
Government Museum
Visit the Government Museum, which houses an impressive collection of artifacts from ancient India. The museum is home to some rare and fascinating exhibits, including a sculpture of Lord Buddha and a collection of ancient coins.
Fort St George
Next, head to Fort St George, a historic fort that was built by the British East India Company in 1644. Take a guided tour of the fort to learn about its rich history and significance.
Dinner (6:00 PM - 7:30 PM)
Murugan Idli Shop For dinner, try Murugan Idli Shop, a popular eatery that serves delicious idlis (steamed rice cakes) and dosas. This is a must-visit for any foodie in Chennai.
Evening (8:00 PM - 10:00 PM)
Take a stroll along the Marina Beach After dinner, take another leisurely walk along the Marina Beach to enjoy the cool evening breeze and stunning sunset views.
Day 2: Saturday
Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM)
Santhome Basilica
Visit the Santhome Basilica, a beautiful church that is built on the spot where Saint Thomas, one of Jesus’ apostles, is said to have been buried. The church is an impressive example of Gothic architecture and features stunning stained-glass windows.
Lunch (12:00 PM - 1:30 PM)
Saravana Bhavan For lunch, try Saravana Bhavan, a popular restaurant that serves delicious South Indian dishes. This is another must-visit for any foodie in Chennai.
Afternoon (2:00 PM - 5:00 PM)
Elliot’s Beach
Visit Elliot’s Beach, a beautiful beach that is perfect for a leisurely walk or water sports like surfing or paddleboarding.
Chennai Lighthouse
Next, head to the Chennai Lighthouse, which offers stunning views of the city and the Bay of Bengal. The lighthouse is also home to a museum that showcases the history of navigation in India.
Dinner (6:00 PM - 7:30 PM)
Veggie Zone For dinner, try Veggie Zone, a popular restaurant that serves delicious vegetarian dishes.
Evening (8:00 PM - 10:00 PM)
Take a sunset cruise along the Marina Beach Finish your day with a sunset cruise along the Marina Beach. This is a perfect way to relax and enjoy the stunning views of the city and the Bay of Bengal.
Things to Know
- Language: Tamil, English
- Currency: Indian Rupee (INR)
- Weather: Hot and humid during summer months, mild during winter months
- Safety: Be mindful of your belongings in crowded areas, avoid carrying large amounts of cash
Transportation
- Metro: Chennai Metro is an efficient way to travel within the city.
- Bus: City buses are another affordable option for traveling around the city.
- Auto-Rickshaw: These three-wheeled vehicles are a popular mode of transportation in Chennai.
Tips and Tricks
- Be prepared for crowds: Chennai is a bustling city, be prepared for crowded streets and markets.
- Try local cuisine: Try your hand at local dishes like idlis, dosas, and vadas.
- Respect local customs: Be respectful of local customs and traditions.
Other Things to Do
- Visit the VGP Universal Kingdom: A popular amusement park that offers a range of thrill rides and attractions.
- Explore the Adyar River: Take a leisurely walk along the Adyar River, which is home to several parks and gardens.
- Visit the Thousand Lights Mosque: A beautiful mosque that is known for its stunning architecture.