Chennai, India 5 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Explore Central Chennai

  • Mahabalipuram (Mamallapuram): Start your journey with a day trip to Mahabalipuram, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s about an hour drive from Chennai. Explore the rock-cut temples and monuments, such as Arjuna’s Penance, Krishna Mandapa, and the Shore Temple.

  • Lunch: Enjoy South Indian Thali at A2B Restaurant, Mahabalipuram or Saravana Bhavan, a popular vegetarian restaurant chain in Chennai.

  • Marina Beach: Return to Chennai and visit Marina Beach, one of the longest urban beaches in the world. Enjoy the sunset and local street food.

  • Dinner: Try North Indian cuisine at Buhari Ka Dhaba near Mint Road or Chennai Astoria on Cathedral Road.

  • Accommodation: Stay at The Leela Palace Chennai, Taj Coromandel Chennai, or ITC Grand Chola for a luxurious experience. For budget travelers, Zostel Chennai and Hosteling International are good options.

Day 2: Heritage & Culture

  • Kapaleeshwarar Temple: Start your day with a visit to the Kapaleeshwarar Temple, one of the oldest temples in Chennai.

  • Lunch: Savor authentic Chettinad cuisine at Tekka Restaurant or Raagam.

  • San Thome Cathedral: Visit this 16th-century cathedral built over the tomb of St. Thomas, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ.

  • Government Museum and Madras Crocodile Bank Trust & Centre for Herpetology: Spend your afternoon learning about the region’s history and wildlife at these two attractions.

  • Dinner: Dine at Anand Bhavan or Vidyarthi Bhavan, popular eateries serving South Indian cuisine.

Day 3: Modern Chennai

  • Guindy National Park: Early morning visit to this unique urban national park. It’s home to various bird species and Indian bison.

  • Lunch: Relish North Indian food at Punjab House or South Indian dishes at Cream Centre.

  • Kalakshetra: Visit this renowned cultural institution for its traditional South Indian art, music, dance, and handicrafts.

  • Museum of Modern Art (MOMA) Chennai: Spend your evening exploring contemporary Indian and international artwork.

  • Dinner: Head to Alwa’s Café or The Tulip Tree for a unique dining experience that combines modern cuisine with traditional flavors.

Day 4: Day at Mahabalipuram (Optional) or Visit to Kanchipuram

  • Kanchipuram: Drive approximately 75 km from Chennai to visit Kanchipuram, the City of Thousand Temples. Explore the Ekambareswara Temple and the Kamakshi Amman Temple. Don’t forget to buy silk sarees for which Kanchipuram is famous.

  • Lunch: Enjoy lunch at Mayura Restaurant in Kanchipuram, offering a variety of South Indian dishes.

Day 5: Leisure & Shopping

  • Geeta Ashram: Visit this spiritual ashram to learn about the life and teachings of Bhagavan Sri Ramana Maharshi.

  • Lunch: Try local street food at George Town or head to Buhari Ka Dhaba for North Indian dishes once again.

  • Chennai Central Market (Parthasarathy Puram Market): Spend your afternoon exploring the bustling markets of Chennai, especially Parthasarathy Puram Market, where you can find everything from textiles to jewelry.

  • Fort St. George & St. Mary’s Church: Visit these historical landmarks in the evening before heading back to your hotel.

  • Dinner: Have a farewell dinner at Dakshin or Annam, offering exquisite South Indian cuisine, or The Fat Cat Bistro for Western dishes.

Things to Know:

  • Tamil Nadu state holiday is observed on Sundays, so ensure you plan your visits accordingly.
  • Chennai’s weather can be hot and humid throughout the year; carry appropriate clothing and sunscreen.
  • Traffic in Chennai can be heavy, so allow extra travel time.
  • Cash is still widely used in India, but many places also accept credit/debit cards.
  • Be respectful of local customs and traditions, especially when visiting temples.

Transportation:

  • Auto-rickshaws are the most common mode of transportation within the city. Negotiate the fare before starting your journey.
  • Local buses are also available but can be crowded and confusing for tourists.
  • Taxis are a convenient option, especially Ola or Uber services.