Chennai, India 7 Day Itinerary

Title: 7-Day Itinerary for Exploring Chennai, India

Day 1 - Arrival & Marina Beach

  • Arrive at Chennai International Airport (MAA). You can pre-book a taxi or use apps like Ola/Uber.
  • Check-in at your hotel, we recommend the Taj Coromandel or ITC Grand Chola for luxury stays, or The Residency Tower or Chariot Beach and Palace for mid-range options.
  • Visit Marina Beach, the second longest urban beach in the world. Enjoy the sunset and local street food.

Day 2 - Museums & Fort St. George

  • Start your day with a visit to Kapaleeshwarar Temple in Mylapore, dedicated to Lord Shiva.
  • Head to Museum of Modern Art, Government Museum, and Madras Crocodile Bank Trust and Centre for Herpetology.
  • Visit Fort St. George, the first British fortress in India, built in 1644. Don’t miss St. Mary’s Church within the fort complex.
  • Evening visit to Mahabalipuram, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its rock-cut temples and sculptures.

Day 3 - Religious & Cultural Sites

  • Visit Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple in Srirangam, a temple town located on an island formed by the twin rivers Cauvery and Coleroon. It’s one of the largest temples in the world.
  • Return to Chennai and explore Kancheepuram, famous for its temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu and the handloom sarees made with mica.

Day 4 - Shopping & Local Life

  • Visit Pondy Bazaar for shopping local textiles, jewelry, and electronics. Try the filter coffee at Coco’s Corner.
  • Head to T. Nagar for sarees and accessories, also known as ‘Sari Sillam’. Don’t forget to haggle!
  • Explore the bustling George Town area and immerse yourself in the local culture and street food.

Day 5 - Guindy National Park & Phoenix MarketCity

  • Spend your morning at Guindy National Park, home to a variety of bird species and a small population of blackbucks.
  • In the afternoon, visit Phoenix MarketCity for shopping, dining, and entertainment.

Day 6 - Mahabalipuram Day Trip & Beach Relaxation

  • Return to Mahabalipuram for a relaxing day at Covelong Beach, a hidden gem with water sports activities available.
  • Enjoy fresh seafood at local beachside shacks.

Day 7 - Departure

  • Spend your last hours in Chennai exploring any missed spots or revisiting favorite ones.
  • Head to the airport for your departure. Don’t forget to buy some handloom products as souvenirs!

Things to Know:

  • Indian currency is INR (Indian Rupee). It’s recommended to exchange money at banks or authorized money changers.
  • English is widely spoken, especially in tourist areas.
  • Chennai can get quite hot during the day, so carry water and wear comfortable clothing.
  • Respect local customs and dress modestly, particularly when visiting temples.
  • Taxis are readily available, but using apps like Ola/Uber is cheaper and safer.
  • Indian food can be spicy; inform your server if you prefer less spice.

Enjoy your trip to Chennai!