Chennai, known for its rich cultural heritage, beautiful temples, stunning beaches, and mouthwatering South Indian cuisine, offers plenty to explore. This 2-day itinerary ensures a balanced experience of history, spirituality, shopping, nature, and entertainment.
Day 1: Heritage, Temples & Beaches
Morning (6:30 AM – 10:30 AM) – Spiritual & Historical Start
- Kapaleeshwarar Temple(6:30 AM – 8:00 AM)
- Start your day at this ancient Dravidian-style temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.
- Enjoy the artistic gopuram (tower) and spiritual ambiance.
- Santhome Basilica(8:15 AM – 9:00 AM)
- A beautiful Gothic-style church built over the tomb of Saint Thomas, one of Jesus’ apostles.
- Breakfast at Ratna Cafe (9:00 AM – 9:30 AM)
- Enjoy authentic South Indian idlis, dosas, and filter coffee.
- Marina Beach (9:45 AM – 10:30 AM)
- Stroll along the world’s second-longest beach, witness fishermen at work, and enjoy the sea breeze.
Midday (11:00 AM – 2:00 PM) – Museums & Culture
- Fort St. George & Museum (11:00 AM – 12:30 PM)
- Visit this 17th-century British fort and explore the museum with colonial-era artifacts.
- Lunch at Murugan Idli Shop (12:45 PM – 1:30 PM)
- Savor authentic Tamil Nadu-style meals.
Afternoon (2:30 PM – 5:00 PM) – Nature & Shopping
- Government Museum & National Art Gallery (2:30 PM – 4:00 PM)
- A treasure trove of historical artifacts, bronze sculptures, and paintings.
- Shopping at T Nagar – Pondy Bazaar (4:15 PM – 5:00 PM)
- One of Chennai’s best shopping streets for silk sarees, jewelry, and souvenirs.
Evening (5:30 PM – 9:00 PM) – Relaxing by the Beach & Entertainment
- Elliot’s Beach (5:30 PM – 6:30 PM)
- A less crowded alternative to Marina Beach, perfect for sunset views.
- Dinner at The Marina (7:00 PM – 8:30 PM)
- Enjoy delicious seafood at this coastal restaurant.
Day 2: Adventure, Parks & Entertainment
Morning (7:00 AM – 11:00 AM) – Nature & Wildlife
- Guindy National Park & Snake Park (7:00 AM – 9:00 AM)
- Explore Chennai’s green oasis with spotted deer, blackbucks, and exotic birds.
- Visit the adjacent Snake Park to see cobras, pythons, and other reptiles.
- Breakfast at Adyar Ananda Bhavan (9:15 AM – 9:45 AM)
- Try ghee pongal, masala dosa, and traditional South Indian sweets.
- Birla Planetarium (10:00 AM – 11:00 AM)
- Experience an immersive space show at Tamil Nadu’s top science center.
Midday (11:30 AM – 2:30 PM) – Heritage & Local Markets
- DakshinaChitra Museum (11:30 AM – 1:00 PM)
- A living museum showcasing the art, culture, and traditions of South India.
- Lunch at Annalakshmi (1:15 PM – 2:30 PM)
- A fine-dining restaurant offering traditional South Indian thali.
Afternoon (3:00 PM – 6:00 PM) – Amusement & Beach Drive
- VGP Universal Kingdom (3:00 PM – 5:00 PM)
- An amusement park with water rides, adventure activities, and a theme village.
- Drive along East Coast Road (5:00 PM – 6:00 PM)
- Enjoy a scenic drive along Chennai’s most picturesque coastal road.
Evening (6:30 PM – 9:00 PM) – Food & Nightlife
- Phoenix Marketcity Mall (6:30 PM – 8:00 PM)
- Luxury shopping, entertainment, and food all in one place.
- Dinner at Peshawri – ITC Grand Chola (8:15 PM – 9:30 PM)
- Experience an upscale North Indian dining experience at one of Chennai’s top hotels.
Table For Top Places in Chennai (Ranked by Popularity)
| Rank | Place | Average Time Spent | Entry Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Marina Beach | 1-2 hours | Free |
| 2 | Kapaleeshwarar Temple | 1-1.5 hours | Free |
| 3 | Santhome Basilica | 30-45 mins | Free |
| 4 | Government Museum | 1.5-2 hours | ₹15 (Indian), ₹250 (Foreigners) |
| 5 | Elliot’s Beach | 1 hour | Free |
| 6 | Guindy National Park | 1 hour | ₹20 (Adults), ₹5 (Children) |
| 7 | DakshinaChitra Museum | 1 hour | ₹120 (Indian), ₹250 (Foreigners) |
| 8 | T Nagar – Pondy Bazaar | 1.5 hours | Free |
| 9 | Birla Planetarium | 1 hour | ₹50 (Adults), ₹20 (Children) |
| 10 | Fort St. George Museum | 1 hour | ₹5 (Indian), ₹100 (Foreigners) |
| 11 | Phoenix Marketcity Mall | 1.5-2 hours | Free |
| 12 | Anna Centenary Library | 1 hour | Free |
| 13 | Snake Park | 45 mins – 1 hour | ₹30 (Adults), ₹10 (Children) |
| 14 | VGP Universal Kingdom | 2 hours | ₹600-₹800 (Varies by package) |
| 15 | East Coast Road (Drive) | 1 hour | Free |
🎯 Final Thoughts
This 2-day Chennai itinerary ensures a perfect mix of history, spirituality, nature, adventure, shopping, and food. It allows you to experience the city’s essence without feeling rushed.