1 Week travel plan for Chennai

1-Week Travel Plan for Chennai

Chennai, the capital of Tamil Nadu, is a vibrant city with a rich cultural heritage, beautiful beaches, historical landmarks, and delicious cuisine. Here’s a one-week itinerary to explore Chennai’s major attractions.

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Day 1: Arrival & Explore the City’s Heritage

Morning: Arrival & Check-in

Arrive at Chennai International Airport and check into your hotel. Staying near areas like T Nagar, Mylapore, or Egmore offers easy access to attractions.

Afternoon: San Thome Basilica

Start your exploration with a visit to San Thome Basilica, a beautiful white Gothic church located on the site where St. Thomas, one of the apostles of Jesus Christ, is believed to be buried.

Take a walk around the church and its surroundings.

Evening: Marina Beach

Visit Marina Beach, the longest urban beach in India. Spend time enjoying the sunset, strolling along the promenade, and indulging in street food like sundal (spicy chickpeas) and kebabs.

Dinner:

Have dinner at The Raintree Hotel or Kailash Parbat for a mix of Indian and continental dishes.

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Day 2: Temples & Culture

Morning: Kapaleeshwarar Temple

Visit the Kapaleeshwarar Temple, a beautiful 7th-century Dravidian-style Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in Mylapore.

Explore the intricate carvings and the vibrant temple tank.

Afternoon: Government Museum & Art Gallery

Head to the Government Museum in Egmore, which houses an extensive collection of archaeological artifacts, sculptures, and paintings.

Also, visit the National Art Gallery nearby for a collection of traditional South Indian paintings and artworks.

Evening: Shopping at T Nagar

Explore T Nagar, one of Chennai's busiest shopping areas, famous for its traditional Tamil Nadu sarees, jewelry, and handicrafts.

You can shop at stores like Saravana Stores, Pothys, and Nalli Silks.

Dinner:

Enjoy a traditional South Indian dinner at Sangeetha Restaurant or Saravana Bhavan, famous for their vegetarian fare and thali meals.

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Day 3: Historical Sites and Local Markets

Morning: Fort St. George

Visit Fort St. George, built by the British East India Company in 1644. The fort houses a museum showcasing the city’s colonial past, as well as the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly.

Afternoon: St. Thomas Mount

Head to St. Thomas Mount, a hillock where St. Thomas is believed to have been martyred. The chapel at the top offers panoramic views of Chennai and its surroundings.

Enjoy a peaceful moment at the chapel.

Evening: Visit to Parry’s Corner and George Town

Explore Parry’s Corner, a bustling commercial area where you can shop for spices, textiles, and souvenirs.

Wander through the George Town area, known for its colonial-era buildings and vibrant street markets.

Dinner:

For a local experience, head to Sukh Sagar or Annalakshmi for vegetarian South Indian delicacies.

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Day 4: Day Trip to Mahabalipuram

Full-Day Trip: Mahabalipuram

Take a day trip (around 60 km) to Mahabalipuram, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its ancient rock-cut temples and monuments.

Visit the Shore Temple, Pancha Rathas, and the Arjuna’s Penance relief sculpture.

Explore the Mahabalipuram Beach and enjoy fresh seafood from local eateries.

Dinner:

Head back to Chennai in the evening and dine at The Marina, located near the beach, for a relaxing meal.

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Day 5: Nature, Parks & Beaches

Morning: Guindy National Park

Visit the Guindy National Park, a unique urban national park that is home to various animals and birds. Take a walk through the park or visit the nearby Snake Park to see various species of reptiles.

Afternoon: Theosophical Society & Adyar

Visit the Theosophical Society in Adyar, a serene place known for its lush greenery and the giant banyan tree, which is over 450 years old.

Spend time exploring the peaceful surroundings.

Evening: Besant Nagar Beach (Elliot’s Beach)

Visit Besant Nagar Beach, also known as Elliot’s Beach, a quieter and less crowded beach than Marina. It’s a good spot for a relaxing evening by the sea.

Visit the Ashtalakshmi Temple located nearby.

Dinner:

Try Bay View at The Leela Palace for a luxurious seafood dinner with an ocean view.

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Day 6: Explore Religious Sites & Nature

Morning: Sri Parthasarathy Temple

Visit the Sri Parthasarathy Temple in Triplicane, dedicated to Lord Krishna. It’s one of the oldest temples in Chennai, known for its intricate architecture and peaceful atmosphere.

Afternoon: Valluvar Kottam

Explore Valluvar Kottam, a monument dedicated to the Tamil poet and philosopher Thiruvalluvar. The monument features a life-sized statue of the poet and inscriptions of his teachings.

Evening: Semmozhi Poonga

Spend the evening at Semmozhi Poonga, a well-maintained botanical garden with lush greenery, flowers, and walking paths. It’s a peaceful place to relax and enjoy the natural surroundings.

Dinner:

Head to Dindigul Thalappakatti for a delicious South Indian biryani or Kareem’s Restaurant for Mughlai cuisine.

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Day 7: Relax and Unwind

Morning: Cholamandal Artists’ Village

Visit Cholamandal Artists’ Village, located on the outskirts of Chennai. It’s an artists' commune where you can explore contemporary Indian art and meet local artists.

Spend time exploring the art galleries and workshops.

Afternoon: Chennai Rail Museum

Explore the Chennai Rail Museum, a small but interesting museum dedicated to the history of Indian railways. You’ll see vintage locomotives, carriages, and railway memorabilia.

Evening: Relax at The Anna Centenary Library

Spend a peaceful evening at Anna Centenary Library, one of the largest in India, with an extensive collection of books. It’s a great place to unwind before the end of your trip.

Dinner:

For your last meal in Chennai, enjoy a luxurious dinner at The French Restaurant at The Residency Towers or The Dakshin at Meraas for traditional South Indian and Chettinad cuisine.

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Budget Estimate for 2 People for 1 Week

1. Accommodation (7 nights):

Budget: ₹2,000-₹4,000 per night

Mid-range: ₹5,000-₹8,000 per night

Luxury: ₹12,000-₹20,000 per night

Total: ₹14,000-₹56,000 (Budget) to ₹84,000-₹1,40,000 (Luxury)

2. Meals (7 days):

Budget meals: ₹200-₹500 per meal per person

Mid-range meals: ₹600-₹1,500 per meal per person

Total: ₹4,200-₹10,500

3. Transportation:

Local Transport (Auto, Cabs, Buses): ₹3,000-₹5,000

Day Trips (Mahabalipuram): ₹3,000-₹8,000

Total: ₹6,000-₹13,000

4. Activities and Entrance Fees:

Cultural Sites, Parks, Museums: ₹4,000-₹8,000

Day Trips and Tours: ₹6,000-₹12,000

Total: ₹10,000-₹20,000

5. Total Estimated Cost for 2 People (1 Week):

Budget: ₹34,200-₹89,500

Mid-range: ₹89,500-₹1,35,500

Luxury: ₹1,45,000-₹2,23,000

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Best Time to Visit:

The best time to visit Chennai is during the winter months (November to February), when the weather is cooler and more pleasant.

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This 1-week itinerary allows you to explore Chennai’s cultural heritage, natural beauty, and nearby attractions, while also indulging in some relaxation and shopping. Enjoy your trip!