Chennai India 6 Day Itinerary

July 10, 2024

Chennai, India 6-Day Travel Itinerary (Markdown Format)

Day 1: Arrival & Marina Beach

Arrive at Chennai International Airport - Check-in at your hotel (Recommended: The Leela Palace Chennai or ITC Grand Chola)
Lunch: Start with some authentic South Indian cuisine at Saravanaa Bhavan, a popular chain restaurant offering a wide variety of dishes.
Afternoon: Visit Marina Beach, the second longest urban beach in the world. Enjoy the sea breeze, watch street performers or take a horseback ride along the shore.
Evening: Explore Elliot’s Beach and its vibrant neighborhood, Besant Nagar. Have dinner at one of the beachside eateries.

Morning: Visit Kapaleeshwarar Temple in Mylapore, a historic Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Nearby, explore San Thome Cathedral and St. Mary’s Church.
Lunch: Savor some North Indian cuisine at Buhari, a landmark restaurant near the Kapaleeshwarar Temple.
Afternoon: Head to Government Museum and Egmore Railway Museum to delve into Chennai’s rich history and culture.
Evening: Take a leisurely stroll along the beautiful Anna Salai (Kamarajar Salai) and enjoy street food at R. K. Salai, known for its variety of eateries.

Morning: Visit Mahabalipuram, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, approximately 60 km from Chennai. Explore the rock-cut temples and monuments dating back to the 7th century.
Lunch: Have lunch at a local restaurant in Mahabalipuram.
Afternoon: Head to Kanchipuram, another historic city, famous for its temples and silk sarees. Visit Kailasanathar Temple, Ekambaranathar Temple, and explore the bustling silk markets.
Return to Chennai - Evening at leisure. Have dinner at a restaurant of your choice.

Morning: Visit the Muttukadu Boat House for water sports activities like speed boating, sailing, and windsurfing (optional).
Lunch: Enjoy a lunch box picnic by the sea at Muttukadu.
Afternoon: Return to Mahabalipuram and explore more temples or relax on the beach.
Evening: Head back to Chennai. Spend the evening exploring local markets or relax at your hotel.

Morning: Visit Guindy National Park, one of the smallest national parks in the world located within the city limits. It’s a great place for birdwatching and spotting sambar deer.
Lunch: Have lunch at a nearby restaurant.
Afternoon: Head to Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary (approx. 130 km from Chennai), home to tigers, elephants, gaurs, and various bird species. Opt for a guided jeep safari or jungle walk (optional).
Return to Chennai - Evening at leisure. Have dinner at a restaurant of your choice.

Morning: Spend the morning at leisure, shopping for souvenirs or visiting any remaining attractions you missed during your stay in Chennai.
Lunch: Enjoy a final meal at one of Chennai’s iconic restaurants before heading to the airport for your departure.

Transportation: Taxis and auto-rickshaws are widely available in Chennai. It’s recommended to download ride-hailing apps like Ola or Uber for a more convenient experience.
Weather: Be prepared for hot and humid weather throughout the year. Carry adequate sun protection.
Currency & ATMs: Indian Rupee (INR) is the local currency. Many places accept credit cards, but it’s always good to carry cash as well. ATMs are widely available in Chennai.
Language: While English is widely spoken, it’s helpful to know some basic Tamil phrases for a more immersive experience.
Etiquette & Customs: Dress modestly, especially when visiting temples and religious sites. Remove shoes before entering temples and cover your legs and shoulders.
Food & Water: It’s recommended to stick to bottled water when drinking tap water. Be cautious of street food vendors that may not adhere to hygiene standards.
Stay Safe: Always keep your belongings secure, especially in crowded areas. Avoid visiting unfamiliar or deserted places at night.