Chennai, a city of culture, heritage, and modern attractions, has something for every traveler. This 3-day itinerary covers temples, beaches, museums, adventure parks, shopping, and delicious South Indian cuisine, ensuring a well-rounded experience.
Day 1: Spiritual, Heritage & Beachside Experience
Morning (6:30 AM – 10:30 AM) – Temples & History
- Kapaleeshwarar Temple(6:30 AM – 8:00 AM)
- Start your trip with a visit to this iconic Dravidian-style temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.
- Santhome Basilica(8:15 AM – 9:00 AM)
- A neo-Gothic church built over the tomb of Saint Thomas, one of Jesus’ apostles.
- Breakfast at Ratna Cafe (9:00 AM – 9:30 AM)
- Enjoy idlis drenched in their famous sambar and filter coffee.
- Fort St. George & Museum (10:00 AM – 11:00 AM)
- A historic fort built by the British East India Company with an insightful museum.
Midday (11:30 AM – 2:30 PM) – Cultural & Art Exploration
- Government Museum & National Art Gallery (11:30 AM – 1:00 PM)
- Explore ancient artifacts, bronze statues, and paintings from South India.
- Lunch at Murugan Idli Shop (1:15 PM – 2:30 PM)
- A must-visit for soft idlis, podi dosa, and South Indian meals.
Afternoon (3:00 PM – 6:00 PM) – Beach & Shopping
- Shopping at T Nagar – Pondy Bazaar (3:00 PM – 4:30 PM)
- Chennai’s busiest shopping hub for silk sarees, jewelry, and souvenirs.
- Marina Beach (5:00 PM – 6:00 PM)
- Stroll along the world’s second-longest beach and enjoy the sea breeze.
Evening (7:00 PM – 9:30 PM) – Fine Dining & Relaxation
- Dinner at The Marina (7:00 PM – 8:30 PM)
- Enjoy seafood specialties with a coastal ambiance.
Day 2: Nature, Science & Adventure
Morning (7:00 AM – 11:00 AM) – Wildlife & Space Science
- Guindy National Park & Snake Park (7:00 AM – 9:00 AM)
- Enjoy spotting deer, blackbucks, and rare reptiles in the heart of the city.
- Breakfast at Adyar Ananda Bhavan (9:15 AM – 9:45 AM)
- Famous for ghee pongal and crispy masala dosa.
- Birla Planetarium (10:00 AM – 11:00 AM)
- Experience a 360-degree immersive space show and science exhibits.
Midday (11:30 AM – 2:30 PM) – Heritage & Lunch
- DakshinaChitra Museum (11:30 AM – 1:00 PM)
- A heritage museum showcasing South Indian architecture, art, and traditions.
- Lunch at Annalakshmi (1:15 PM – 2:30 PM)
- A fine-dining South Indian restaurant offering a cultural experience.
Afternoon (3:00 PM – 6:00 PM) – Adventure & 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)
- A scenic drive along Chennai’s coastal route.
Evening (6:30 PM – 9:30 PM) – Shopping & Dinner
- Phoenix Marketcity Mall (6:30 PM – 8:00 PM)
- Luxury shopping, entertainment, and gaming in one place.
- Dinner at Peshawri – ITC Grand Chola (8:15 PM – 9:30 PM)
- Experience rich North Indian cuisine in a grand setting.
Day 3: Offbeat & Relaxing
Morning (7:30 AM – 11:00 AM) – Hidden Gems & Temples
- Breakfast at Sangeetha Veg Restaurant (7:30 AM – 8:00 AM)
- Try their delicious medu vada and filter coffee.
- Ashtalakshmi Temple (8:30 AM – 9:30 AM)
- A unique temple dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi, located near the beach.
- Cholamandal Artists’ Village (10:00 AM – 11:00 AM)
- Visit one of India’s oldest artists’ communities featuring paintings and sculptures.
Midday (11:30 AM – 2:30 PM) – Books & Local Market
- Anna Centenary Library (11:30 AM – 12:30 PM)
- Explore one of India’s largest libraries, a paradise for book lovers.
- Lunch at The Flying Elephant (1:00 PM – 2:30 PM)
- A stylish multi-cuisine restaurant in Park Hyatt.
Afternoon (3:00 PM – 6:00 PM) – Beachside Leisure & Cafés
- Thiruvanmiyur Beach (3:00 PM – 4:00 PM)
- A peaceful beach, ideal for relaxation.
- Amethyst Café (4:30 PM – 6:00 PM)
- A charming garden café perfect for coffee and pastries.
Evening (7:00 PM – 9:30 PM) – Sunset & Farewell Dinner
- Broken Bridge (7:00 PM – 7:45 PM)
- A hidden spot to watch a stunning sunset over the Adyar River.
- Dinner at Bay View – Taj Fisherman’s Cove (8:00 PM – 9:30 PM)
- A fine-dining experience with fresh seafood by the Bay of Bengal.
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 | Phoenix Marketcity Mall | 1.5-2 hours | Free |
| 9 | Birla Planetarium | 1 hour | ₹50 (Adults), ₹20 (Children) |
| 10 | Fort St. George Museum | 1 hour | ₹5 (Indian), ₹100 (Foreigners) |
| 11 | VGP Universal Kingdom | 2 hours | ₹600-₹800 (Varies by package) |
| 12 | Cholamandal Artists’ Village | 1 hour | ₹20 (Adults), ₹5 (Children) |
This 3-day itinerary gives a perfect mix of history, spirituality, beaches, shopping, adventure, and food, making your Chennai trip memorable!