Chennai, India 3 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Exploring Historical Chennai

  • Morning:

    • Start your day with a hearty South Indian breakfast at Idli Kadai (Multiple locations, average cost per meal: INR 200).
    • Visit the Kapaleeshwarar Temple (Temple Street, Mylapore, average visit duration: 1 hour) to immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of Chennai.
    • Next, head over to San Thome Cathedral (Santhome High Road, average visit duration: 30 minutes).

  • Afternoon:

    • Lunch at Park Sheraton Hotel’s Chutneys Restaurant (Average cost per meal: INR 1500).
    • Spend the afternoon visiting Fort St. George and St. Mary’s Church (Lighthouse Road, average visit duration: 2 hours).
    • Explore the Government Museum (Kamarajar Salai, average visit duration: 1 hour).

  • Evening:

    • Head to Marina Beach (Marina Beach Road) for a beautiful sunset and enjoy local street food like bhel puri and boiled corn.
    • Dinner at The Tanglin Hotel’s Bayleaf Restaurant (Average cost per meal: INR 1500).

Day 2: Discovering Contemporary Chennai

  • Morning:

    • Breakfast at your hotel or try out Dunkin’ Donuts or Cafe Coffee Day for a quick bite (Multiple locations, average cost per meal: INR 300).
    • Visit the Madras Crocodile Bank Trust and Centre for Herpetology (Villupuram Main Road, Guindy, average visit duration: 2 hours).

  • Afternoon:

    • Lunch at The Residency Towers’ The Chipstead (Average cost per meal: INR 1500).
    • Spend the afternoon exploring Phoenix MarketCity (L&T Tower, Velachery), Chennai’s biggest shopping mall.

  • Evening:

    • Head to Mahabalipuram (around 60 km from Chennai, around 2 hours by car) for an evening visit to the ancient monuments.
    • Dinner at a local restaurant in Mahabalipuram.

Day 3: Nature and Leisure

  • Morning:

    • Breakfast at your hotel or try out Bakery’s (Multiple locations, average cost per meal: INR 300).
    • Visit Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary (15 km from Chennai, around 30 minutes by car) for a unique birdwatching experience.

  • Afternoon:

    • Lunch at The Mango Grove or similar restaurants near the bird sanctuary.
    • Spend the afternoon relaxing and shopping at Besant Nagar Beach (Elliot’s Beach Road, Besant Nagar).

  • Evening:

    • Farewell dinner at Tutto Bene Ristorante Italiano (Kasturi Ranga Road, average cost per meal: INR 2000).

Where to Stay:

  • The Taj Coromandel (Mum’s Kitchen for a taste of authentic South Indian cuisine)
  • The Leela Palace Chennai (Cafe Flo at The Leela for all-day dining)
  • ITC Grand Chola (Peshawari for North-West Frontier Cuisine)

Things to Know:

  • Chennai’s weather is hot and humid year-round, so pack light cotton clothing.
  • Taxis are widely available but negotiate the fare before starting your journey.
  • English is widely spoken in Chennai.
  • Be respectful of local customs and dress modestly when visiting temples or other religious sites.

Tips:

  • Carry small bills as change can be hard to come by.
  • Avoid drinking tap water and stick to bottled water instead.
  • Try the local street food for an authentic experience.