Chennai India 7 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration of Marina Beach

  • Arrive at Chennai International Airport
  • Take a taxi or bus ( approx. ₹50) to your hotel
  • Check-in to your hotel:
  • Visit Marina Beach (free admission), one of the longest urban beaches in the world
  • Lunch at Murugan Idli Cafe, famous for its traditional South Indian idlis and dosas
  • Evening stroll along the beach, enjoy street food and live music

Day 2: History and Culture

  • Visit Fort St. George (free admission), a 17th-century British fort that now houses the Chennai Archives Museum
  • Explore the adjacent San Thome Basilica (free admission), a beautiful Catholic church built on the site where Saint Thomas is believed to have been buried
  • Lunch at Briyaniwala, a popular restaurant serving delicious Biryani and other South Indian dishes
  • Visit the National Gallery of Art ( ₹10 entry fee), featuring a collection of Indian art and artifacts
  • Dinner at Komala Vilas, a vegetarian restaurant famous for its South Indian cuisine

Day 3: Temples and Traditional Crafts

  • Visit the Kapaleeswarar Temple (free admission), a beautiful Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva
  • Explore the nearby Kalakshetra Foundation (₹100 entry fee), a center for traditional arts and crafts
  • Lunch at Hotel Saravana Bhavan, famous for its South Indian cuisine and desserts
  • Visit the Egmore Museum of Art ( ₹10 entry fee), featuring a collection of Indian art and artifacts
  • Dinner at Veggie Burger, a popular restaurant serving vegetarian burgers and other dishes

Day 4: Parks and Gardens

  • Visit the Guindy National Park (₹10 entry fee), a beautiful park with a variety of flora and fauna
  • Explore the nearby Sri Ramachandra University Botanical Garden (free admission), featuring a collection of rare plants and trees
  • Lunch at The Square, a popular restaurant serving international cuisine
  • Visit the Anna Nagar Park (free admission), a beautiful park with walking trails, gardens, and a lake
  • Dinner at Zam Zam Restaurant, famous for its South Indian cuisine

Day 5: Markets and Shopping

  • Visit the T. Nagar Market (free admission), one of the largest shopping districts in Chennai
  • Explore the nearby Avenue Road, a popular street for shopping and dining
  • Lunch at Saravana Bhavan, famous for its South Indian cuisine
  • Visit the Spencer’s Plaza Mall (free admission), featuring a variety of shops, restaurants, and entertainment options
  • Dinner at Nataraj Restaurant, famous for its South Indian cuisine

Day 6: Day Trip to Mahabalipuram

  • Take a day trip to Mahabalipuram (₹50 return by bus or ₹500 by car), a beautiful coastal town with ancient temples and beaches
  • Visit the Pancha Rathas Temple (free admission), a collection of five rock-cut temples
  • Explore the nearby Beach (free admission), famous for its sunrise and sunset views
  • Lunch at Hotel Sea Breeze, a popular restaurant serving South Indian cuisine
  • Return to Chennai in the evening

Day 7: Departure

  • Spend the morning shopping for souvenirs or visiting any last-minute attractions
  • Check-out of your hotel and head to the airport for your departure flight

Things to Know:

  • Weather: Chennai has a hot and humid climate, with temperatures ranging from 25-35°C (77-95°F).
  • Language: Tamil is the official language, but English is widely spoken.
  • Currency: Indian Rupee (₹) is the local currency.
  • Tipping: Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated for good service.

Transportation:

  • Metro: Chennai has a metro system with two lines (Line 1 and Line 2).
  • Bus: Bus services are available throughout the city, with buses running frequently during peak hours.
  • Taxi: Taxis are widely available, with options like Ola and Uber.

Tips and Reminders:

  • Hydrate: Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day.
  • Respect Local Customs: Dress modestly when visiting temples or mosques.
  • Be Prepared for Crowds: Popular tourist spots can be crowded, so plan accordingly.
  • Try Street Food: Try local street food, but make sure to eat at popular stalls with good reviews.