- Best time
- Nov–Feb
- How long
- 1–2 days
- Stay a night
- ₹1,000–10,000
- Food a day
- ₹300–2,000
- Nearest railhead
- 0 km away
- Nearest airport
- 15 km away
Plan Chennai in a minute. Day-by-day plan, stays, budget and trains — free on JrnyLoop.
Plan this tripAbout Chennai
Tamil Nadu’s capital — the Marina, Mylapore’s temples and tiffin rooms, colonial George Town and the December music season.
Things to do in Chennai
Marina Beach
Marina Beach is a natural urban beach in Chennai stretching along the Bay of Bengal. It is a prominent landmark and one of the most crowded beaches in the country.
Tip: Bathing and swimming are legally prohibited due to dangerous and turbulent undercurrents
Kapaleeshwarar Temple
A 17th-century Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva located in Mylapore, Chennai. It is a classic example of South Indian Dravidian architecture with numerous shrines, including those of Kapaleeshwarar and Karpagambal.
Tip: Dress modestly by covering your shoulders and legs before entering
Fort St George
Fort St George is the first English fortress in India, founded in 1639 at the coastal city of Chennai. It sparked the growth of the surrounding city and today houses the Tamil Nadu legislative assembly along with a museum.
Tip: Check ahead which government buildings are open to visitors since it houses active official offices.
Government Museum, Egmore
Government Museum, Egmore is the second oldest museum in India, started in 1851 within a complex in Chennai. It features superb Chola bronzes, a large collection of bronze idols dating to 1000 BCE, and the largest collection of Roman currency outside Europe. The premises also house the National Art Gallery and the Museum Theatre.
Tip: Check out the rare European and Asian paintings by Raja Ravi Varma in the National Art Gallery
San Thome Basilica
San Thome Basilica is a prominent historical church in Chennai built over the tomb of St Thomas the Apostle. It features striking neo-Gothic architecture and a peaceful interior for prayer and quiet reflection.
Tip: Dress modestly with shoulders and knees covered before entering
Besant Nagar Beach
Besant Nagar Beach, also known as Elliot's Beach, is an upscale coastal neighbourhood in South Chennai along the Bay of Bengal. It is a popular spot for both youngsters and elders, featuring many upmarket restaurants, cafes, and boutiques.
Tip: Check out the nearby boutiques and upmarket cafes while you are in the neighbourhood.
T Nagar Shopping
T Nagar is a bustling shopping district in Chennai known for silk saris and gold. It features retail chains selling readymade clothes, footwear, utensils, toys, and stationery along Ranganathan Street, Usman Road, and Pondy Bazaar.
Tip: Wear comfortable footwear as you will need to walk a lot through the crowded streets.
Where to stay in Chennai
Mylapore
Old Chennai near temples and tiffin rooms.
Egmore & T Nagar
Budget hotels and shopping.
ECR & Besant Nagar
Beach resorts and cafes.
What to eat
Ratna Cafe
Sambar-drenched idlis in Triplicane.
Saravana Bhavan
South Indian meals everywhere in the city.
Buhari
Said to be the birthplace of Chicken 65.
Filter coffee
At any darshini in Mylapore.
Good to know
- October–December brings the northeast monsoon; the Margazhi music season runs through December.
Going to Chennai? Build the plan, split costs with your group and keep tickets in one place.
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