Chennai, India-6-day-itinerary

Chennai, India - 6 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Exploring the City

  • Morning: Arrive at Chennai International Airport (MAA)
  • Transportation: Hire a taxi or take an auto-rickshaw to your hotel
  • Hotel Recommendation: Hotel Raintree, St.Mary’s Road or similar
  • Breakfast: Start your day with a traditional South Indian breakfast at Saravana Bhavan, a popular chain of restaurants (Rs. 50-100 per person)
  • Places to Visit:
    • Fort St. George (9:30 AM - 5 PM) - A historic fort and museum that showcases the city’s colonial past
    • Santhome Church (10 AM - 5 PM) - A beautiful Catholic church built in the 16th century
    • Marina Beach (10 AM - 6 PM) - One of the longest beaches in India, perfect for a leisurely walk or relaxation
  • Lunch: Try some delicious Chennai street food at Katti Bhaat, near Fort St. George (Rs. 20-50 per person)
  • Evening: Take a stroll along the beach and enjoy the sunset

Day 2: Cultural Experiences

  • Morning: Visit the Government Museum, Egmore (9:30 AM - 5 PM) - A vast museum showcasing the city’s history, art, and culture
  • Places to Visit:
    • Theosophical Society (10 AM - 6 PM) - A unique cultural and spiritual organization that offers a glimpse into Chennai’s intellectual heritage
    • National Art Gallery (11 AM - 5 PM) - A museum featuring an impressive collection of Indian art
  • Lunch: Enjoy a traditional South Indian meal at Murugan Idli Cafe, a popular eatery near the Government Museum (Rs. 50-100 per person)
  • Evening: Attend a cultural performance or concert at the Madras Music Academy ( tickets available online)

Day 3: Historical and Architectural Wonders

  • Morning: Visit the Kapaleeswarar Temple, Mylapore (9 AM - 6 PM) - A beautiful Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva
  • Places to Visit:
    • The Ashtalakshmi Temple, Besant Nagar (10 AM - 5 PM) - A stunning temple complex featuring a beautiful statue of Goddess Lakshmi
    • The Valluvar Kottam, Mylapore (11 AM - 6 PM) - A historic monument built in memory of the Tamil poet Thiruvalluvar
  • Lunch: Try some delicious South Indian cuisine at Saravana Bhavan, a popular restaurant with multiple outlets (Rs. 50-100 per person)
  • Evening: Explore the vibrant streets of Mylapore and enjoy some street food

Day 4: Nature Escapes

  • Morning: Visit the Chennai Zoological Park, Vandalur (9 AM - 5 PM) - A large zoo featuring a wide variety of animals
  • Places to Visit:
    • The Guindy National Park, Adyar (10 AM - 6 PM) - A beautiful national park with lush green forests and lakes
    • The Arignar Anna Zoological Park, Vandalur (11 AM - 5 PM) - A large zoo featuring a wide variety of animals
  • Lunch: Enjoy some delicious street food at the Chennai Zoo (Rs. 20-50 per person)
  • Evening: Take a leisurely walk in the Guindy National Park and enjoy the scenic views

Day 5: Markets and Shopping

  • Morning: Visit the T.Nagar Market, T.Nagar (9 AM - 6 PM) - A bustling market featuring a wide range of shops selling clothing, jewelry, and electronics
  • Places to Visit:
    • The Pondy Bazaar, Mylapore (10 AM - 6 PM) - A popular shopping street featuring a variety of shops selling clothing, accessories, and souvenirs
    • The Kasi Viswanathar Temple, Mylapore (11 AM - 5 PM) - A beautiful Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva
  • Lunch: Try some delicious South Indian cuisine at Saravana Bhavan, a popular restaurant with multiple outlets (Rs. 50-100 per person)
  • Evening: Explore the vibrant streets of T.Nagar and enjoy some street food

Day 6: Departure

  • Morning: Visit any last-minute attractions or do some shopping
  • Transportation: Hire a taxi or take an auto-rickshaw to the airport for your departure flight

Tips and Essentials

  • Weather: Chennai has a hot and humid climate. Be sure to stay hydrated and carry sunscreen.
  • Currency: The Indian Rupee (Rs.) is the local currency. Credit cards are widely accepted, but it’s always a good idea to have some cash on hand.
  • Language: Tamil and English are the primary languages spoken in Chennai. Hindi is also widely understood.
  • Clothing: Lightweight clothing suitable for warm weather is recommended.
  • Food: South Indian cuisine is known for its delicious and spicy dishes. Be sure to try some of the local street food and restaurants.

Additional Recommendations

  • Visit the Chennai Central Bus Station (Koyambedu): This bustling bus station is a great place to experience the city’s energy and see the variety of people from different regions.
  • Take a day trip to Mahabalipuram: This historic town is famous for its ancient temples, beaches, and rock-cut sculptures.
  • Explore the Chennai Museum Campus: This complex features several museums, including the Government Museum, the National Art Gallery, and the Museum of Natural History.

Note: The above itinerary is just a suggestion, and you can adjust it according to your interests and preferences. Be sure to research each attraction thoroughly before visiting to ensure that they are open on the days you plan to visit.