Chennai, India-5-day-itinerary

Day 1: Marina Beach and Fort St. George

Morning

  • 8:00 am: Start the day with a visit to Marina Beach, one of the longest urban beaches in the world. Take a leisurely walk along the beach, enjoy the sunrise, and take in the sights and sounds of the bustling city.
  • 9:30 am: Head to Fort St. George, the oldest British-built structure in India. Explore the fort’s rich history and architecture.

Lunch

  • 12:00 pm: Grab lunch at Saravana Bhavan, a popular South Indian restaurant chain known for its delicious dosas, idlis, and vadas.

Afternoon

  • 1:30 pm: Visit the National Art Gallery, which features an impressive collection of Indian art from ancient times to modern day.
  • 4:00 pm: Explore the charming streets of Triplicane, a historic neighborhood with many colonial-era buildings, shops, and restaurants.

Dinner

  • 7:30 pm: Enjoy dinner at Murugan Idli Shop, a popular restaurant serving delicious South Indian cuisine.

Day 2: Kapaleeswarar Temple and Elliot’s Beach

Morning

  • 8:00 am: Visit the beautiful Kapaleeswarar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva. Marvel at its stunning architecture and vibrant colors.
  • 10:00 am: Head to Elliot’s Beach, a picturesque beach with a long promenade, perfect for a leisurely walk or some light shopping.

Lunch

  • 12:30 pm: Have lunch at Anna Nagar Market, a bustling street food market offering a wide range of South Indian delicacies.

Afternoon

  • 2:00 pm: Visit the Theosophical Society, a historic building that showcases ancient artifacts, sculptures, and manuscripts.
  • 4:00 pm: Explore the vibrant streets of T. Nagar, known for its shopping malls, restaurants, and street food stalls.

Dinner

  • 7:30 pm: Enjoy dinner at Komala Vilas, a popular South Indian restaurant with many branches in Chennai.

Day 3: MGR Film City and Anna University

Morning

  • 9:00 am: Visit the fascinating MGR Film City, which showcases the life and legacy of the legendary actor-politician M.G. Ramachandran.
  • 11:30 am: Head to Anna University, one of India’s premier technical universities, with a beautiful campus and impressive architecture.

Lunch

  • 1:00 pm: Have lunch at The Park, a stylish restaurant serving international cuisine in the heart of Chennai.

Afternoon

  • 2:30 pm: Visit the Valluvar Kottam, a historic monument dedicated to the Tamil poet Thiruvalluvar. Explore its architecture and take in the beautiful views.
  • 4:00 pm: Take a stroll through the serene Chetput Lake Park.

Dinner

  • 7:30 pm: Enjoy dinner at Dish Restaurant, a popular eatery with many branches in Chennai, serving delicious international cuisine.

Day 4: VGP Universal Kingdom and MGM Dizzee World

Morning

  • 9:00 am: Visit the thrilling VGP Universal Kingdom theme park, which features roller coasters, water rides, and other attractions.
  • 12:00 pm: Head to MGM Dizzee World, another popular theme park with a range of exciting rides and games.

Lunch

  • 1:30 pm: Grab lunch at the in-park restaurants or food stalls.

Afternoon

  • 3:00 pm: Continue exploring the theme parks, enjoying the various attractions and shows.
  • 5:00 pm: End the day with a visit to VGP Golden Beach, a beautiful beach with crystal-clear waters.

Day 5: Mylapore and Santhome

Morning

  • 8:00 am: Visit the historic Mylapore, one of Chennai’s oldest neighborhoods, known for its ancient temples, markets, and colonial-era buildings.
  • 10:00 am: Head to Santhome, a former Portuguese settlement with many historical landmarks, including the Basilica of San Thome Cathedral.

Lunch

  • 12:30 pm: Have lunch at Murugan Idli Shop or Saravana Bhavan, popular South Indian restaurants in Chennai.

Afternoon

  • 2:00 pm: Visit the Santhome Museum, which showcases artifacts, sculptures, and manuscripts related to the Portuguese presence in India.
  • 4:00 pm: Take a leisurely walk through the charming streets of Mylapore.

Dinner

  • 7:30 pm: Enjoy dinner at Dish Restaurant, a popular eatery serving delicious international cuisine.

Tips and Essentials

  • Getting Around: Chennai has an extensive public transportation system, including buses, autorickshaws, and taxis. You can also use ride-hailing apps like Ola or Uber.
  • Weather: Chennai experiences hot and humid weather during the summer months (March to May) and mild temperatures in winter (November to February). Pack accordingly.
  • Language: Tamil is the official language of Chennai, but English is widely spoken. You can also try using Google Translate for assistance.
  • Currency: Indian Rupee (INR) is the local currency. Credit cards are widely accepted at most restaurants, shops, and tourist attractions.
  • Safety: As with any city, take necessary precautions to ensure your safety, especially at night. Be mindful of pickpocketing in crowded areas.

Accommodation

Chennai offers a wide range of accommodations to suit all budgets, from luxury hotels to budget-friendly guesthouses and hostels. Some popular options include:

  • The Park: A stylish hotel with modern rooms and international cuisine.
  • Ibis Chennai: A budget-friendly hotel with clean and comfortable rooms.
  • Treebo Trend: A mid-range hotel with cozy rooms and a relaxed atmosphere.

Other Tips

  • Respect Local Customs: Chennai is a conservative city, so dress modestly when visiting temples or attending cultural events.
  • Try Local Cuisine: Experiment with the diverse South Indian cuisine, which includes dosas, idlis, vadas, and more.
  • Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated in the hot Chennai weather.

Emergency Contacts

In case of an emergency, you can contact:

  • Police: 100
  • Ambulance: 102
  • Fire Service: 101

I hope this itinerary helps you plan your trip to Chennai and enjoy all that this vibrant city has to offer!