places to visit in chennai with family in 2 days

2-Day Chennai (Madras) Itinerary

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• Chennai (Madras) in 2 days
• 1-Day Chennai (Madras) Itinerary
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Table of contents

Day 1: most popular attractions, day 2: west side of town, nexus vijaya mall.

Arulmigu Vadapalani Murugan Temple

Semmozhi Poonga

Government museum chennai, where to eat, the park chennai, mathsya egmore, copper chimney, kailash kitchen.

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M. a. chidambaram stadium, dr mgr memorial, marina beach, arulmigu sri parthasarathy perumal temple tiruvallikeni, wild garden, writer's cafe - egmore.

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Popular road trips from Chennai (Madras)

What's the weather like in chennai (madras).

It depends on when you visit! We've compiled data from NASA on what the weather is like in Chennai (Madras) for each month of the year: see the links below for more information.

• Weather in Chennai (Madras) in January
• Weather in Chennai (Madras) in February
• Weather in Chennai (Madras) in March
• Weather in Chennai (Madras) in April
• Weather in Chennai (Madras) in May
• Weather in Chennai (Madras) in June
• Weather in Chennai (Madras) in July
• Weather in Chennai (Madras) in August
• Weather in Chennai (Madras) in September
• Weather in Chennai (Madras) in October
• Weather in Chennai (Madras) in November
• Weather in Chennai (Madras) in December

All road trips from Chennai (Madras)

• Chennai (Madras) to Bengaluru drive
• Chennai (Madras) to Mumbai drive
• Chennai (Madras) to Pondicherry drive
• Chennai (Madras) to Hyderabad drive
• Chennai (Madras) to New Delhi drive
• Chennai (Madras) to Mysuru (Mysore) drive
• Chennai (Madras) to Kochi (Cochin) drive
• Chennai (Madras) to Jaipur drive
• Chennai (Madras) to Munnar drive
• Chennai (Madras) to Ooty (Udhagamandalam) drive
• Chennai (Madras) to Tirupati drive
• Chennai (Madras) to Agra drive
• Chennai (Madras) to Kodaikanal drive
• Chennai (Madras) to Pune drive
• Chennai (Madras) to Kolkata (Calcutta) drive
• Chennai (Madras) to Kathmandu drive
• Chennai (Madras) to Udaipur drive
• Chennai (Madras) to Madurai drive
• Chennai (Madras) to Thekkady drive
• Chennai (Madras) to Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum) drive
• Chennai (Madras) to Hampi drive
• Chennai (Madras) to Panjim drive
• Chennai (Madras) to Visakhapatnam drive
• Chennai (Madras) to Kalpetta drive
• Chennai (Madras) to Rameswaram drive
• Chennai (Madras) to Ahmedabad drive
• Chennai (Madras) to Yercaud drive
• Chennai (Madras) to Varanasi drive
• Chennai (Madras) to Kanyakumari drive

Explore nearby places

• Chennai (Madras)
• Thirumazhisai
• Sriperumbudur
• Hanumanthapuram
• Mahabalipuram
• Chengalpattu
• Thirukalukundram
• Kanchipuram
• Samayapuram
• Thiruputkuzhi
• Uttiramerur
• Brahmadesam
• Melmaruvathur
• Acharapakkam
• Srikalahasti

All related maps of Chennai (Madras)

• Map of Chennai (Madras)
• Map of Manali
• Map of Poompuhar
• Map of Thirumazhisai
• Map of Tambaram
• Map of Muttukadu
• Map of Covelong
• Map of Kovalam
• Map of Pulicat
• Map of Sriperumbudur
• Map of Tiruvallur
• Map of Hanumanthapuram
• Map of Mahabalipuram
• Map of Chengalpattu
• Map of Thirukalukundram
• Map of Arakkonam
• Map of Kanchipuram
• Map of Samayapuram
• Map of Thiruthani
• Map of Thiruputkuzhi
• Map of Uttiramerur
• Map of Brahmadesam
• Map of Melmaruvathur
• Map of Acharapakkam
• Map of Sholinghur
• Map of Cheyyar
• Map of Srikalahasti
• Map of Renigunta
• Map of Ranipet
• Map of Tirupati
• Map of Tindivanam

Chennai (Madras) throughout the year

• Chennai (Madras) in January
• Chennai (Madras) in February
• Chennai (Madras) in March
• Chennai (Madras) in April
• Chennai (Madras) in May
• Chennai (Madras) in June
• Chennai (Madras) in July
• Chennai (Madras) in August
• Chennai (Madras) in September
• Chennai (Madras) in October
• Chennai (Madras) in November
• Chennai (Madras) in December

Looking for other day-by-day itineraries in Chennai (Madras)?

Check out our other curated itineraries that are also filled with jam-packed days:

Day itineraries for nearby cities

• 2-Day Tirupati Itinerary
• 2-Day Mahabalipuram Itinerary

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• Optimize your route
• Offline access on mobile
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The Perfect Chennai Itinerary: The BEST things to do in Chennai in 2 days

Chennai will surprise you. This megacity lacks this history of Delhi, the culture of Kolkata, and the glamour of Mumbai. But it more than makes up for it with charm and opportunities for off-the-beaten-path adventure. You can design the perfect Chennai itinerary for just two days.

This city’s magic is not so much the headline attractions. It’s more the charming neighborhoods, local temples, and friendly vibe that make Chennai one of India’s most unexpectedly alluring destinations for backpackers.In this post, you’ll discover the best things to do in Chennai, from eating the world’s best biryani at a street stall to learning about an important religious icon to watching the sunset on one of the longest urban beaches in the world.

Strap on a good pair of walking shoes — Chennai is spread-out — and let’s dive in!

Note: This post contains affiliate links. If you decide to purchase through these links, I receive a percentage of the sale at no additional cost to you.

Chennai itinerary FAQ’s

When you first get off your train/bus/plane in Chennai, you might feel a little overwhelmed. After all, this city is almost as large as New York. But instead of concentrating all its people into skyscrapers, it sprawls for miles and miles.

What’s more, once you get off the main streets, the neighborhoods turn into confusing mazes of alleyways. It’s definitely worth downloading an offline Google map onto your phone in advance to help you get oriented.

Here are a few other tips to make sure you arrive safely and comfortably.

When is the best time for Chennai tours?

Chennai, like most of southern  India , is hot and humid year-round. The heat can feel extra unbearable here due to the crowds.

The coolest and driest time of year in south India is December-March. Highs are in the 80’s, lows are in the high 60’s, and rain is occasional. I visited in January and stayed dry.

It’s worth avoiding June-August if you can. This is monsoon season in India. It only rains for a couple hours each day, but since Chennai is both a coastal and river city, floods are very common.

Where to stay in Chennai

You’re spoiled for choice when it comes to Chennai accommodation. Pick from luxury hotels, swanky hostels, or cheapie guesthouses.

The best choice for travelers on a moderate budget is  Zostel Chennai . This hostel caters to the flashpacker crowd, with dorm beds starting at $14 a night. But it has great, clean facilities and is very social.

For cheaper digs, wander around the area near Egmore Train Station. As always, solo women should be cautious to make sure your door locks when choosing a train-station-adjacent hotel. I snagged a dorm bed at the YWCA, which ran just $4 a night and was very safe.

How to get around Chennai

Chennai is not the most walkable city. It’s very big and very spread-out, and most of the best things to do in Chennai are far apart from each other. If you have time and don’t mind walking 10+km a day, you could walk to everything in this itinerary. Otherwise you’ll need some kind of local transport.

The easiest way to get around is with the metro system. You can buy a one-day unlimited use card for just 100 rupees. The system is efficient and easy to use as a visitor. All stations have signs in English.

If you’re feeling brave, you could try hopping on a local bus. Fares are ridiculously cheap — like, 5 rupees cheap. But the system is confusing unless you know the city well.

Finally, you’ll find taxi and rickshaw drivers waiting for passengers all over the city. Remember to bargain the fare before hopping in!

What should I wear in Chennai?

People in Chennai dress pretty much however they want. You’ll see folks in tight skirts and t-shirts alongside folks in traditional dress.

Women visiting the city may feel more comfortable if you cover your shoulders and knees. And like everywhere in south India, if you choose to buy local clothes (tunics and pants), it’ll be a great conversation starter with local women.

Is Chennai safe for solo female travelers?

As a 7+-million-person city, Chennai has its share of problems. But they’re not likely to impact you as a tourist.

Solo female travelers may get the occasional cat call or flirty guy sauntering up next to them at a bar. And you should always keep your valuables close in big crowds — pickpocketing or petty theft is the biggest risk.

As long as you don’t wander around late at night, you have very little to worry about in terms of violent crime when visiting Chennai.

The BEST 2 day Chennai tour itinerary

Start your day off with breakfast from a street stall. Idly and vada (rice pancakes and fried lentil dough) with lentil broth (sambar) and coconut chutney is the classic way to start your day. It’ll cost you less than 30 rupees including chai. Just make sure the vada are hot so you don’t get sick! Then get started on the day’s activities.

On your first day, stay in the city center. Remember — this itinerary is short on must-see attractions because I want to leave you plenty of time to wander around the neighborhoods. Take your time and drink plenty of chai along the way!

1. Visit St. Andrew’s Church

In the middle of one of the busiest parts of the city, St. Andrew’s Church is an oasis. This whitewashed 19th century church features typical South Indian Christian architecture.

The churchyard is amazingly green, considering it’s in the middle of one of the most congested neighborhoods in Chennai. This is a great place to relax for a few minutes when you need a break from the hustle and bustle.

Definitely peak inside if you visit outside of service times. The columned architecture is unique for the region.

Price:  Free

Hours:  10 am-5 pm, closed Fridays

Location:  Right in the middle of Egmore

2. Check out the mosques in the city center

One of the most fascinating neighborhoods in Chennai is the majority-Muslim area between Lic metro station and the beach. This winding maze of alleys hosts over 10 mosques, dozens of streetside biryani joints, and a generally historical vibe that feels ages away from the mega-malls on the main boulevards.

Most mosques do not allow non-Muslims to visit. But you can still admire them from the outside. Masjid-e-Hujjathul Qayam is a beautiful shade of blue. Walajah Big Mosque has a palm-tree-lined campus.

Don’t miss the opportunity to grab a biryani from one of the vendors here — it may be the best one you try in India. Lamb is the local specialty, but everyone offers veggie options too. This area doesn’t cater to tourists, so expect to eat your meal off a banana leaf with your hands. A biryani runs 50-80 rupees.

Hours:  All day — the neighborhood is especially lively after evening prayers

Location: Between Lic metro and the beach

3. Visit the Government Museum

The Chennai Government Museum may not sound that exciting. But it’s the city’s top museum and a great place to learn about Indian folklore and history.

The Bronze Gallery is the museum’s highlight. It contains bronzes from the region dating back to the 7th century. All items are signed in English, and many have longer explanations delving into their deeper meanings. If you aren’t familiar with the Ramayana before visiting, you will be after.

Other galleries include sculpture and art dating back to the beginning of south India’s civilizations up through today. You could spend half a day exploring the archaeological rooms alone.

Go ahead and skip the natural history rooms — it’s mostly taxidermy animals and dated scientific displays. The one thing in this section worth seeing is a small collection of tribal artifacts.

Price:  15 rupees

Hours:  9:30 am-5 pm, closed Fridays

Location:  Inconveniently located 25 minutes’ walking from three metro stops: Nehru Park, Egmore, and Lic

4. Eat a thali at Junior Kuppanna

Thalis are the ultimate Indian meal. You get a huge serving of rice, usually some bread, and small servings of a variety of curries, curds and pickles. Sometimes you get dessert too.

Plus, everything comes with free refills! Although chances are you’ll be too full after the first round to take advantage of that.

Eating a thali in Chennai is the best way to sample a variety of local dishes that you might not know how to order otherwise. Usually a couple of the curries contain legumes and the rest are vegetables. You can sometimes order a meat or fish option, but most places in Chennai are veg-only.

A word of warning: Tamil thalis are spicy. And those pickles innocently perching on the corner of your banana leaf are the spiciest parts of all. Order a lassi to wash it all down.

Price:  200 rupees

Hours:  6:30-11 pm

Location:  A 5-minute walk from Kodambakkam Train Station

That wraps up your first day of this Chennai trip plan.

On Day 2, head for the beach! The coastal neighborhoods are even more charming. And you’ll find a few important churches, temples, and historical sites woven in.

1. Go for a walk on Marina Beach

Marina Beach is a 12-km-long, gorgeous stretch of coastline. The water isn’t suitable for swimming — it’s too polluted and there are dangerous currents right offshore. But it’s a great place for an early-morning stroll.

You can easily find a place to grab a quick breakfast as you walk along. Street vendors serve idly, vada, omelets with toast, chai, and instant coffee. If you want more of a splurge, there are a couple of Cafe Coffee Day branches within a couple blocks of the beach.

A string of monuments dots the coast along the boardwalk. You’ll see Gandhi, of course, along with famous and important locals.

Hours:  24/7. Very crowded in the afternoon and evening.

Location:  The closest metro is Tiruvallikeni

2. Check out the University of Madras campus

The University of Madras is one of the oldest universities in India. It was established during British rule. Today it’s a large public university.

The campus’s buildings are reminiscent of churches — red brick with steeple-like structures. It’s a beautiful area to wander around for awhile.

Bonus: Since college kids love cheap food, there are plenty of street snack opportunities around!

Hours:  24/7

3. Admire the architecture at Vivekananda House

Swami Vivekananda was known as the “wandering monk.” He played a key role in bringing yoga and other Hindu spiritual practices to Western cultures. And he lived in this 19th-century house in Chennai while preaching here for a few years. When you tour the Vivekananda House, you’ll learn about his teachings and his life.

Additionally, the house is built with a unique architectural style — it’s circular. It was originally built this way to store imported ice before refrigeration was common.

The house contains a meditation room, which you are welcome to use as a traveler. Just be respectful (i.e. silent) and don’t take photographs.

Price:  20 rupees

Hours:  10 am-12:30 pm and 3-7 pm. Closed Sunday and Monday.

4. Explore Mylapore

Mylapore was one of the first places people settled in Chennai — it predates the colonial city. Today, it’s a neighborhood where hawkers compete for your attention on the main streets — but the dusty back rounds are filled with kids playing and monks hustling by.

Mylapore houses a couple of the top attractions in Chennai. The first is Sri Ramakrishna Math. This is a popular place for monks to come to train, and you’ll see plenty of them milling about. They’re often keen to chat with tourists. There’s a temple on-site, as well as space for meditation. All are welcome, but you must be Hindu to visit the temple’s inner sanctum.

The other main attraction in Mylapore is Kapaleeshwarar Temple. This is Chennai’s most impressive temple, and a must-visit when you travel to the city. It was built sometime after the 15th century and truly anchored the neighborhood around it for the next 500 years. It’s dedicated to Shiva and is a fine display of Tamil architecture. As always, only Hindus can visit the inner sanctum.

Hours: Temples are generally open in the early morning, close for lunch, and open again around 2 pm.

Location: 5 minutes’ walk from Thirumayilai metro

5. Eat a dosa at Saravana Bavan

When in Tamil Nadu, eat traditional Tamil food. And that usually means dosas.

Dosas are paper-thin lentil flour pancakes stuffed with veggies and served with sambar and chutney. You tear the pancake apart with your hands, scoop up some of the filling, dip it into the sauces, and stuff it in your mouth.

You’ll encounter many varieties of dosas, but my favorite is the masala dosa. These are filled with spicy potatoes — they have a little bit of a kick, but it’s not overwhelming.

If you’ve been traveling in India for awhile and you’re sick of dosas, consider trying uttapam instead. These pancakes are similar to dosas, but a little thicker, and the fillings are cooked into the batter.

Saravana Bavan is a one-stop shop for all your South Indian foodie needs. It’s a great place to try dosas or uttapam (or thali or veggie curries). Meals run around 100 rupees here.

Price:  100-150 rupees

Hours: Noon-4 pm and 6 pm-11 pm

Location: Locations all over the city

With that, your 2 days in Chennai will come to a close. Hop directly on a night train if your next destination is far away, or call it an early night.

A few random Chennai travel tips to make the most of visit

• The staff at the Foreign Tourist Cell of the train booking office are the most helpful miracle workers in the entire country. They got me tickets on not one, but two fully booked trains. If you need to book tickets on any train for any part of your trip to India, it’s totally worth the 15-minute stop.
• The awful smell you can’t seem to escape when walking around the city? It’s the river. Definitely don’t drink tap water in Chennai.
• Tamil Nadu is the only Indian state where you’ll find coffee vendors as often as chai vendors. They brew it with chicory, milk and sugar and charge about 10 rupees a cup. It’s great!
• Chennai makes a good base for day trips throughout Tamil Nadu. Check out the best day trips from Chennai here !

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Carrie is the founder of Trains, Planes and Tuk Tuks. For more than seven years, she's been solo-backpacking around the world to places few other tourists dare to explore -- from Ethiopia to Nicaragua to Jordan and beyond. When she's not on the road, you can find her hiking in the Blue Ridge Mountains and eating the world's best barbecue in her home city of Asheville, NC.

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2 Days Chennai Itinerary: A Perfect Plan for Sightseeing

Budget Hotels > Travel Blog > Destinations > Chennai > 2 Days Chennai Itinerary: A Perfect Plan for Sightseeing

Located on the Coromandel Coast of India, Chennai is aptly called the Cultural Capital of South India. The city showcases its rich heritage through an amazing array of temples, churches, historical buildings, monuments, and museums. Equally fascinating are its golden sandy beaches and lip-smacking cuisine that includes fluffy idlis , aromatic filter coffee, tasty pongal , and melt-in-the-mouth masala dosas . There is no dearth of towering skyscrapers, amusement parks, shopping malls, and other modern attractions as well in Chennai, which paint the city in a very different light.

However, if you have just 48 hours to explore all these attractions, planning your sightseeing schedule could be an overwhelming task. Need some help? Here’s a comprehensive itinerary to experience the best of Chennai’s attractions in 2 days.

6.00 am – 8.15 am: Watch the sunrise at Marina Beach followed by a quintessential South Indian breakfast at Triplicane

Marina Beach | 2 Days Itinerary Chennai

How about starting your first day with an early morning visit to the famous Marina Beach, one of the most popular beaches in Chennai ? Stroll down the sandy shore and explore some of the man-made attractions dotting this longest natural urban beach in India.

• Watch a glorious sunrise
• Visit the lighthouse and enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the city
• Take a look at some of the statues and monuments like the Labour Statue, Kannagi Statue, Bharathiar Statue, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Statue, Mahatma Gandhi Statue, G U Pope Statue, etc.
• Visit the resting places of Tamil Nadu’s former chief ministers – M.G. Ramachandran, Anna Durai, K. Karunanidhi, and J. Jayalalitha

Now it’s time to head towards Triplicane, a busy commercial hub located near the beach, and relish a typical South Indian breakfast at a restaurant there.

• By road: 5 minutes’ drive

Where to eat

• Sangeetha Veg Restaurant
• Ananda Bhavan
• Vishwanathan Chettinadu Restaurant
• Bharathi Mess

After a satiating breakfast, proceed to explore some of the religious attractions in the city, located at a short distance from Triplicane.

• By walk: 8 to 10 minutes

8.30 am – 11.30 am: Visit Sri Parthasarathy and other iconic religious attractions

Sri Parthasarathy Temple | 2 Days Itinerary Chennai

Chennai is home to many magnificent places of worship that are known as much for their religious and historical significance as for their architectural beauty. Spend a couple of hours exploring some of these religious structures. Your first stop should be Sri Parthasarathy Temple, one of the oldest temples of Chennai known for its history and architecture. It is located in Triplicane, so you can even walk your way to the temple.

• Timings: 00 am to 12.00 pm and 4.00 pm to 9.00 pm; every day
• Entry fee: Free

Once you have explored the temple and its premises, head off to visit two other key religious attractions in the city, namely:

• Santhome Cathedral Basilica ( 10 minutes’ drive from Sri Parthasarathy Temple)
• Thousand Lights Mosque ( 15 to 20 minutes’ drive from Santhome Cathedral Basilica)

Santhome Church, also known as St. Thomas Cathedral Basilica, is among the must-visit churches in Chennai and features a white façade, naturally lit interiors, and Neo-Gothic architectural style. The Thousand Lights Mosque, a multi-domed mosque that showcases elements of medieval architectural style, is no less stunning.

Now that you have seen the spiritual side of the city, how about exploring its history and culture a bit? Your next stop is the Government Museum, the second oldest museum in India.

• By road: 10 to 12minutes’ drive (from Thousand Lights Mosque)

12.00 pm – 2.00 pm: Take a tour of the Government Museum followed by lunch

Government Museum | 2 Days Itinerary Chennai

The Government Museum in Chennai offers fine insight into Tamil Nadu’s culture, art, and natural heritage. Constructed in the Indo-Saracenic style, the museum houses rich collections of archaeological artifacts, coins, bronze idols, Roman antiquities, and rare paintings by Asian and European artists, among other things.

• Timings : 9.30 am to 5.00 pm; closed on Fridays and National Holidays
• Entry fee : ₹ 15 for Indian adults; ₹10 for Indian kids; ₹ 250 for foreign adults; ₹ 125 for foreign kids
• Camera charges: ₹ 200 for photography; ₹ 500 for videography

The tour through the museum will leave you famished for sure. Take a break and treat yourself to a filling lunch at a nearby restaurant.

• Palmshore Restaurant
• Annalakshmi Restaurant

After lunch, make your way to Fort St. George, another structure steeped in the city’s rich colonial history.

• By road: 20 minutes’ drive
• Accommodation: Budget hotels near chennai airport | Budget Hotels near egmore railway station

2.30 pm – 4.00 pm: Soak in the history of Fort St. George

Fort St. George | 2 Days Itinerary Chennai

The magnificent Fort St. George once served as the headquarters for the British rulers on the Coromandel Coast. Currently, the fort houses the legislative assembly of Tamil Nadu and also has a church and museum within its compound.

• Timings : 9.00 am to 5.00 pm; closed on Fridays
• Entry Fee : ₹ 5 for Indians; ₹ 100 for foreigners

What to see

• Mary’s Church
• The Flag Staff

Had enough of history and historical structures? Move towards Burma Bazaar, one of the popular shopping places in Chennai .

• By road: 10 minutes’ drive

4.15 pm onwards: Head to Burma Bazaar for some budget shopping followed by an early dinner

Burma Bazaar | 2 Days Itinerary Chennai

One of the old market areas of Chennai, Burma Bazaar is a place where you can shop for a variety of items at pocket-friendly prices. Gadgets, perfumes, apparels or stationery items, you can find them all here. Make sure to use your bargaining skills and shop all you want!

• Timings : 11.00 am to 10.00 pm; every day

Burma Bazar is speckled with several restaurants as well. End your day with an early dinner at one of these restaurants and retire to your room.

• Al Bismi Hotel
• Hotel Zum Zum
• Chennai Woodlands
• Al Arz Restaurant
• Hotel National
• Kalyana Bhavan Hotel
• Top Form Restaurant

10.00 am – 3.30 pm: Explore the cultural and culinary delights of Mylapore

Mylapore | 2 Days Itinerary Chennai

After a relaxed breakfast at the hotel, start your second day of sightseeing with a visit to Mylapore – the cultural hub of the city. Speckled with temples, tree-lined avenues, traditional eateries, and a host of shopping spots, the neighborhood will keep you engaged for hours.

• Kapaleeshwarar Temple
• Adi Kesava Perumal Temple
• Sri Vedantha Desikar Devasthanam
• Madhava Perumal Temple
• Ramakrishna Math
• Old houses on Mada Street

Don’t forget to take out some time from your sightseeing and enjoy an authentic South

Indian lunch at one of the eateries dotting the area.

• Nithya Amritam
• Mylai Karpagambal Mess
• Rayar’s Mess

After exploring the cultural and culinary delights of Mylapore, it’s time to visit one of the top religious and architectural splendors of Chennai – the Marundeeswarar Temple.

• By road: 30 minutes’ drive

4.00 pm – 5.00 pm: Witness the architectural beauty of Marundeeswarar Temple

Marundeeswarar Temple | 2 Days Itinerary Chennai

It is believed that Marundeeswarar Temple, where Lord Shiva is worshipped as the God of Medicines, relieves people of their health issues. The current structure of the temple was built by Chola kings in the 9 th century and later expanded by the rulers of the Vijayanagar Empire. Adorned with two huge seven-tiered gateway towers, the spellbinding temple exhibits the Dravidian style of architecture.

• Timings : 5.00 am to 12.00 pm and 4.00 pm to 9.00 pm; every day

Once you are done exploring the temple, head towards Elliot Beach for some relaxed moments.

• By road: 15 minutes’ drive

5.15 pm – 6.30 pm: Watch the sunset at Elliot Beach

Elliot Beach | 2 Days Itinerary Chennai

Elliot Beach aka Besant Nagar Beach is one of the cleanest beaches in Chennai. Bathed in tranquility, it is a great place to relax and watch the sun bid adieu to the day. Do not miss out on exploring some of the structures adorning the beach. Also, spend a few moments to pamper your taste buds with a quick bite or two from the beach stalls.

• Relax on the sandy shores
• Go for a long walk
• Explore the Velankanni Church
• Visit Ashtalakshmi Temple
• Stroll down to the Karl Schmidt Memorial
• Eat some delicious grubs at one of the beach stalls

Now get ready for some retail therapy at one of the most happening shopping hubs of Chennai. Yes, the one and only T. Nagar!

7.00 pm onwards: Shop till you drop at T. Nagar followed by dinner

T. Nagar | 2 Days Itinerary Chennai

Famous as a shopaholic’s paradise, Thyagaraya Nagar aka T. Nagar is the largest shopping hub in the city where you can shop for everything from clothes and jewelry to knick-knacks and accessories. Add to that the pocket-friendly prices and you have the perfect excuse to shop till you drop!

• Timings : 10.00 am to 9.00 pm; every day

With all that shopping and walking around, it is natural that you feel hungry. But worry not! T. Nagar has several eateries to cater to the foodie in you. Once you are done shopping, go for a relaxed dinner at one of these restaurants to end your Chennai trip on a ‘delicious’ note.

• Coal Barbecues
• AB’s – Absolute Barbecues
• Barbeque Nation
• 3B’s – Buddies, Bar & Barbecue
• Hotel Junior Kuppanna
• Courtallam Border Rahmath Kadai
• Dindigul Thalappakatti

Had a good time? Finally, call it a day and depending on your schedule, head towards your hotel or the airport.

[showhotelbycity hotelcity=’Chennai’]

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Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India The perfect 2 days itinerary

Chennai, the capital city of Tamil Nadu, is known for its rich history, cultural heritage, and architectural splendor. The city is a perfect blend of traditional and modern, with a number of historical landmarks, beautiful temples, bustling markets, and pristine beaches. Chennai is also famous for its unique cuisine, vibrant arts scene, and classical Indian dance and music performances. Let's dive into the itinerary for your 2-day trip to this fascinating city.

What to do in Chennai?

This 2 days itinerary is the perfect guide to the best things to see in Chennai. It includes day-by-day activities, travel tips, and the top places to visit.

Day 1: Explore the Historical and Cultural Landmarks

Start your day with a visit to the Kapaleeshwarar Temple , a beautiful Dravidian-style temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Take a short walk to the nearby San Thome Basilica , a Roman Catholic minor basilica built in the 16th century by Portuguese explorers.

Head to the Government Museum , home to a vast collection of archaeological and numismatic collections. Visit the National Art Gallery , located within the museum complex, to admire a fine collection of paintings and sculptures.

Stroll along Marina Beach , the second longest urban beach in the world. Enjoy a beautiful sunset and indulge in some local street food.

Day 2: Discover Chennai's Arts and Shopping Scene

Visit the Kalakshetra Foundation , a centre for the study and performance of Indian arts, especially dance and music. Attend a classical Indian dance or music performance if available.

Explore the bustling markets of T. Nagar , Chennai's shopping district. Visit Ranganathan Street and Pondy Bazaar for a variety of clothing, jewellery, and household items.

End your trip with a visit to the Guindy National Park , a unique park located within the city limits. Explore the park's diverse flora and fauna, and visit the Snake Park located within the premises.

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Best Places to visit with Family in Chennai

You will find here a recommended list of Places to visit with Family in Chennai, that you must visit.

Anjaneyar Temple, Chennai

Anjaneyar Temple, also known as Nanganallur Anjaneyar Temple, is a famous Hindu temple in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. It is dedicated to the monkey god Lord Hanuman, who is worshiped here in the form of Anjaneyar. Read more..

Arignar Anna Zoological Park, Chennai

Arignar Anna Zoological Park, commonly known as Vandalur Zoo, is a famous zoological park located in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. It is one of the largest and most diverse zoos in India, offering a wide range of wildlife species and an enjoyable experience for visitors of all ages.

Ashtalakshmi Temple, Chennai

Ashtalakshmi Temple is dedicated to eight avatars of goddess Lakshmi. It is located along the shorelines of Elliot Beach in Besant Nagar. Read more..

Breezy Beach, Chennai

Breezy Beach, located in the bustling city of Chennai, is an attractive and relatively lesser-known coastal destination. This tranquil beach offers a peaceful escape from the urban hustle and bustle and is a favorite among locals and tourists seeking a tranquil shoreline experience. Read more..

Connemara Public Library, Chennai

Connemara Library Named after the former governor of Madras Lord Connemara the library is a part of the majestic Madras Museum Complex on the Pantheon Road, Egmore. With a humungous collection of over 600,000 books, it has been declared as the National Depository Library by the Central Government of India. Read more..

Dakshinachitra, Chennai

Dakshinachitra, literally means a picture of the South. It is one of the living-history museums in India set up with a mission of promoting and exhibiting the south Indian culture. Read more..

Elliot's Beach, Chennai

Elliot's beach popularly also known as Bessie is set towards the southern endpoint of Marina beach shore. The beach has been named after Edward Elliot, former Chief Magistrate and Superintendent of police. Read more..

Fort St. George, Chennai

Fort St. George is a historical fort located in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. Read more..

Government Museum, Chennai

The Government Museum famed as Egmore Museum or the Madras Museum is the second oldest museum in India. It offers a peek into human history, tradition, art, and culture. Read more..

Guindy National Park, Chennai

This destination tops the itinerary list of most of the visitors. The park was formerly called "Guindy Lodge " and was the official residence of the governor of Tamil Nadu. Read more..

ISKCON Temple, Chennai

ISKCON Temple, also known as Sri Sri Radha Krishna Temple, is a spiritual and cultural site located in Chennai. This temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna and is a place of devotion, spirituality and cultural enrichment. Read more..

Kapaleeswarar Temple, Chennai

Dedicated to Lord Shiva known as Kapaleeswarar and his consort Goddess Parvati is known as Karpagambal (goddess of the wish yielding tree) the temple is a 7th-century exquisite specimen of Dravidian architecture. It is located in Mylapore and according to the legend Shakti worshipped Shiva in the form of a peacock here. Read more..

Madras Crocodile Bank Trust, Chennai

Madras Crocodile Bank Trust and Center for Herpetology, commonly known as Crocodile Bank, is a famous reptile zoo and conservation center located in Mamallapuram, on the outskirts of Chennai, Tamil Nadu. It is one of the largest reptile zoos in India and plays an important role in the conservation and breeding of various endangered reptile species.

Madras War Cemetery, Chennai

The Madras War Cemetery, located at Nandambakkam, Chennai, is a solemn and historic cemetery dedicated in honor of the soldiers who lost their lives during the Second World War. This cemetery is one of the many war cemeteries in India that serve as the final resting place for soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice during the war.

Marundeeswarar Temple, Chennai

It is a 1300-year-old temple, located in Thiruvanmiyur, with Lord Shiva as the main deity. It leaves the visitors awestruck by its astounding unique architectural style of architecture showing traces from the Chola and The Pallava dynasties. Read more..

MGM Dizzee World, Chennai

MGM Dizzy World is a popular amusement park and entertainment complex located in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. It is one of the largest and most loved amusement parks in South India, offering a wide range of exciting rides, attractions and entertainment options for visitors of all ages. Read more..

MGR Film City, Chennai

MGR Film City is a massive film studio and entertainment complex that includes various facilities for film and television production as well as attractions for visitors. It is an important center for the Tamil film industry and is named in honor of MG Ramachandran, popularly known as MGR.

MGR Museum, Chennai

The MGR Museum, officially known as the MG Ramachandran Memorial in T. Nagar, Chennai, is a museum dedicated to the life and legacy of Marudur Gopalan Ramachandran, fondly known as MGR. Read more..

Parthasarathyswamy Temple, Chennai

Parthasarathyswami Temple is an iconic Hindu temple located in Triplicane, a historic neighborhood of Chennai. Dedicated to Lord Krishna in the role of Parthasarathy (charioteer of Arjuna in Mahabharata), this temple is a major religious site and architectural masterpiece. Read more..

Pebble Beach, Chennai

Pebble Beach, a lesser-known coastal gem located in Chennai, offers a unique and distinctive beach experience due to its rocky coastline. Unlike normal sandy beaches, Pebble Beach is covered with an array of smooth, colorful pebbles and stones, making it a picturesque and unconventional destination for nature lovers and beach visitors.

Santhome Cathedral Basilica, Chennai

Santhome Cathedral Basilica, also known as San Thome Basilica, is an important religious and historical site located in the Mylapore neighborhood of Chennai, Tamil Nadu. It is a Roman Catholic cathedral and basilica dedicated to Saint Thomas, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ, and is believed to be the final resting place of his remains. Read more..

Semmozhi Poonga, Chennai

Established in 2010 it happens to be the first Botanical garden in Chennai, located on Cathedral Road, Anna Salai junction. It is an ideal place to spend leisure time with friends and family while immersing one's soul in the beauty of nature. Read more..

Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centers & Ashram, Chennai

Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Center and Ashram in Chennai is a renowned spiritual and yoga center affiliated with the International Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centres. It provides a serene and spiritual environment for individuals wishing to explore and practice the teachings of yoga, meditation and Vedanta philosophy. Read more..

Sri Parthasarathy Temple, Chennai

Situated at Tiruvallikeni, Tamil Nadu the temple has its roots attached to the 8th century Pallava dynasty. It is an existent testimony to India's glorious past. Read more..

St Mary's Church, Chennai

St. Mary's Church, located in Fort St. Read more..

St Thomas Mount National Shrine, Chennai

The St. Thomas Mount National Shrine, located in the southern part of Chennai, is an iconic religious site and an important pilgrimage site for Christians. Read more..

Thiruvanmiyur Beach, Chennai

Thiruvanmiyur Beach, located along the picturesque coastline of Chennai, is a tranquil and popular destination for both locals and tourists. This pristine beach is known for its golden sand, calm waters and stunning views of the Bay of Bengal. Read more..

Thousand Lights Mosque, Chennai

The Thousand Lights Mosque located in the heart of Chennai is a prominent and historic place of worship for the Muslim community. It is famous for its architectural beauty, religious significance and the spiritual atmosphere it provides to the visitors. Read more..

Vadapalani Murugan Temple, Chennai

Vadapalani Murugan Temple, located in the Vadapalani neighborhood of Chennai, is a famous Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Murugan, the Hindu god of war. It is one of the most frequently visited temples in Chennai, attracting devotees and tourists alike. Read more..

Valluvar Kottam, Chennai

An architectural marvel erected to commemorate the contributions of a distinguished poet, philosopher and saint Thiruvalluvar. Built under the aegis of architect V.Ganapati Sthapati the monument is designed in the shape of a temple chariot housing the life-size effigy of saint Thiruvalluvar. Read more..

2 Days in Chennai | Best Places to visit in Chennai in Two Days

Places to Visit in Chennai

Chennai City Tour Packages

Chennai Local Sightseeing Tours

1 Day Chennai Tour Packages

Experience the richness of Chennai with our Chennai tour packages to enjoy your visit to the fullest. Known as the cultural capital of South India, Chennai is a vivacious city that presents a fine blend of history, heritage, and culture to its visitors. It is a kind of tourist destination that inspires people with its architectural marvels on one side and natural attractions on the other side. Based on your area of interest, you can choose to explore the side you like the most.

Tracing its history back to over 400 years ago, Chennai delights people of all types and has something to keep you occupied all the time. So, whether you’re looking for a relaxed vacation, a fun-filled weekend outing, or an educational tour, you can surely pay a visit to this bustling city to make the most of your time. If you are here for 2 days, you can go through the below list of places to visit in Chennai in 2 days . Make the best of your 2-day trip to Chennai by visiting the below places:

Chennai Places to Visit in 2 days

Day 1 chennai places to visit.

• Ashtalakshmi Temple
• Arignar Anna Zoological Park
• Pulicat Lake
• Marina Beach

Day 2 Chennai Places to Visit

• Semmozhi Poonga Park
• Government Museum
• MGR Film City

1. Ashtalakshmi Temple

Counted as a must-visit tourist place to visit in Chennai , the Ashtalakshmi Temple is a Hindu temple that is known for its holy vibes and tranquil ambiance. It was built in 1976 by the famous spiritual leader – Sri Jayendra Saraswathi Swamigal and is situated on the shores of the Bay of Bengal.

Dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi, the Ashtalakshmi Temple houses eight different forms of the presiding deity, each of which stands for its own aspect of well-being. These include the Goddess of Wealth, Goddess of Success, Goddess of Bravery, Goddess of Prosperity, Goddess of Knowledge, Goddess of Courage, Goddess of Food, and Goddess of Progeny.

The architecture of the Ashtalakshmi Temple is influenced by South Indian temple styles with intricate carvings and ornate decorations adorning the various shrines and halls. Visitors can bow their heads in faith and seek blessings from the eight different forms of the Goddess Lakshmi in separate sanctums located within the temple complex.

Try planning a getaway to this temple during the annual festival of Navaratri, which is celebrated with great zest and endeavor by devotees from all across the nation. It is an occasion of nine days that usually falls in the month of October every year.

2. Arignar Anna Zoological Park

Heaven for wildlife enthusiasts, the Arignar Anna Zoological Park welcomes everyone who wishes to see the wildlife creatures from close. It is the first-ever zoo in India that provides shelter to over 500 different species of animals in their natural habitat.

Located at a distance of 32 km from the heart of the city, the Arignar Anna Zoological Park or Vandalur Zoo is a place where you can spot the lions, deer, elephants, Himalayan brown bears, Indian civet cats, panthers, hyenas, jaguars, blackbucks, white tiger, Asiatic wolf, ostriches, bison, etc., at one place.

One can also head to the reptile house, amphibian house, butterfly house, and aquarium to make the most of their visit to the sanctuary.

Try your hand at a safari to have a closer look at these animals. Depending on your mood and holiday budget, you can choose from a lion safari, deer safari, elephant safari, and gaur safari. There is also a children’s park with an education center that organizes various programs to educate people about wildlife conversation.

The entry fee to visit the Arignar Anna Zoological Park is INR 50 per person for adults and INR 20 per person for children between 2 and 12 years of age. If you’re traveling with an infant, you don’t need to pay anything for him/her.

3. Pulicat Lake

Surrender yourself to the unparalleled charm and aura at Pulicat Lake in Chennai. Widely renowned for its picturesque beauty, Pulicat Lake is a must-visit tourist attraction for a relaxing outing.

Boating is the prime activity here that catches the attention of people from far and wide. You can go boating in the waters of this quaint lake to explore its surroundings in your comfort. It takes nearly 2-3 hours to enjoy the boat ride and the price is nearly INR 700 for the same.

Other interesting things such as fishing, trekking, and photography can also be enjoyed here at the lake if you wish to enjoy your visit to the fullest.

The Pulicat Lake is a popular spot for birdwatchers as well as it serves as a home to the Pulicat Bird Sanctuary. In this sanctuary, you can see thousands of pink flamingos with Reef Herons, Grey Pelicans, Spoon Bills, Painted Storks, Egrets, Open Billed Stork, and many more.

December is considered the best month to head to this location. Why? Because this is the time when the Flamingo Festival is organized here for a span of 3 days. During this festival, many cultural programs such as dance, music, and other activities are also hosted to attract tourists in large numbers every year.

4. Marina Beach

Your Chennai tour won’t be complete without paying a visit to Marina Beach. It’s the 2nd largest beach in the world that enables you to enjoy a quick escapade away from the maddening crowd of city life.

The expansive shoreline, glittering golden sand, and the sound of the tidy waves make it a perfect place for locals as well as tourists to de-stress their nerves, attain peace of mind and create some unforgettable memories with their near and dear ones.

Surrounded by beautiful palm trees, Marina Beach draws a huge influx of visitors every day due to the wide range of activities it offers to everyone. From strolling around the beach to witnessing the mesmerizing sunrise/sunset and indulging in various activities like windsurfing, beach volleyball, fishing, snorkeling, jet skiing, etc., you can be as active or as lazy as you want at this beach.

Don’t forget to relish the taste of lip-smacking traditional South Indian snacks whenever you’re at Marina Beach as the beach provides shelter to several local food vendors, cafes, and fine-dining restaurants serving a range of food items to cater to everyone’s mood.

5. Semmozhi Poonga Park

If you’re tired of seeing man-made buildings and looking for something that can take you one step closer to mother nature, then Semmozhi Poonga Park can be an ideal location for you.

Sprawling over an area of 20 acres of land, the Semmozhi Poonga Park boasts a serene setting with a laid-back atmosphere for people to relax and unwind in utmost tranquility. It is a well-maintained botanical garden where you can look over an exotic collection of flora that is a sight to behold. Here you can also capture scenic landscapes through your camera lens to return home with a bucket full of memories.

Opened to the public in 2010, the Semmozhi Poonga Park is a great spot for individuals, couples, and families wanting to keep themselves occupied all day long as it has numerous interesting sections to explore throughout your visit. These include the Butterfly Park, a Fern Garden, a Rock Garden, and many other themed sections for your enjoyment.

Visitors can also bring a picnic basket with them to spend a delightful evening at this park on their 2-day visit to Chennai with our all-inclusive Chennai tour packages.

6. Government Museum

Take a step back into the rich history and cultural past of the region with a visit to the Government Museum. It is amongst the best sightseeing places in Chennai that deserve to be explored by history buffs at least once (if not twice).

Established in the year 1851, the Government Museum impresses people with an exquisite collection of ancient and modern South Indian sculptures that belonged to the 10-13th century. What makes it more interesting is the Amaravathi Gallery which boasts marble sculptures related to the everyday lifestyle of Gautam Buddha. There is also a Children’s Museum, a Natural History Section, and a Museum Theatre with a capacity to accommodate at least 600 people.

Featuring Colonial architecture, the Government Museum is divided into 5 different sections named as Zoology, Geology, Archaeology, Botany, and Numismatics. Depending on your interest, you can explore the section you like the most. Each section of the museum has something unique to offer to its visitors.

It would be worth noting that you need to spare at least 3-4 hours from your busy schedule to explore each of its sections. Also, the entry fee for visitors is minimal and the Government Museum remains closed every Friday and on national holidays.

7. MGR Film City

All those who are die-hard fans of South Indian movies can head to the MGR Film City on their 2-day visit to Chennai to experience the best of the recreational world in their utmost comfort.

Named after M.G. Ramachandran who was the former CM of Tamil Nadu, the MGR Film City promises to offer a fun-filled day out to families who are in search of unlimited fun and entertainment on their Chennai tour.

It is amongst the largest film studios in South India that transports you to a dreamy world where you can see the replicas of villages and urban areas with many indoor and outdoor shooting locations used for the production of several Tamil films over the years. Here you can also take a tour of the banquet halls and conference rooms with majestic waterfalls, lush forests, and landscaped gardens designed in Japanese, Italian, and Mughal styles.

Overall, we can say that MGR Film City is an important institution in the Tamil film industry and a major landmark in Chennai. Its contribution to the growth and development of Tamil cinema over the years has been significant, and it continues to play an important role in the film industry and the cultural life of the city.

Explore the aforementioned places in Chennai to have a great time on your trip. Not only do these points of interest let you discover its real essence in its true form but also enable you to ensure a peaceful travel experience.

You can also add a few more tourist attractions to your itinerary list if time permits. These include the Kapaleeswarar Temple, Breezy Beach, Covelong Beach , National Art Gallery, Connemara Public Library, Little Mount Shrine, and Madras War Memorial. Adding to these sightseeing places are the Thiruvanmiyur Beach, George Town, Thousand Lights Mosque , Madras Crocodile Bank Trust, Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health, and San Thome.

Book an all-inclusive Chennai tour package with us to enjoy your visit to Chennai at pocket-friendly prices. We at Chennai Tourism, a division of Holidays DNA , strive to offer the best of our services to our diverse clientele. Depending on your 1-day, 2-day, and 3-day visit, our all-inclusive packages can also be altered as per your choice. A list of top car rental companies in Chennai to book a private cab is also available with us. Please fill out the Contact Us form to get in touch with our professionals soon.

Travel Gosh | A Travel Blog

14 Fun Loving Best Places in Chennai to Hang Out with Friends and Family

Chennai, the most sought-after tourist destination is set on the coast of the Bay of Bengal and is growing exponentially. Yet, modern day Chennai is deep-rooted in reflections of a rich heritage and a beautiful cultural past. So, if you are taking a trip to this beautiful place with your friends and family, check out these astonishing places for a little flavor of well-deserved pampering.

Table of Contents

Marina Beach

Government museum, fort st. george, mgr memorial, guindy national park, sri ramakrishna math chennai, panagal park, edward elliot’s beach, valluvar kottam, chennai snake park trust, anna centenary library, statue of thomas munro, birla planetarium.

Marina Beach is a natural urban beach in the city of Chennai that runs from Fort St. George to Besant Nagar, making it the longest natural urban beach in the country. In Marina Beach, bathing and swimming are legally banned due to high risk and turbulent undercurrent. Furthermore, it is the most crowded beach in the India as during weekends it attracts about 30,000 visitors a day and on holidays, it attracts 50,000 visitors a day.

Egmore Museum is known as the Madras Museum and is the second oldest museum in India, located in Egmore, Chennai. The museum has the largest collection of Roman antiquities and some archaeological and numismatic collections outside Europe. There are lots of buildings on the Museum campus that are more than 100 years old. Among all those buildings, the colossal Museum Theatre is the most impressive one. It is built in the Indo-Saracenic style and includes rare works of the prominent artists like Raja Ravi Varma. The National Art Gallery is also present in the museum premises.

The Madras Light House is a famous landmark located at the Marina Beach, which was built by the East Coast Constructions and Industries in Chennai the year 1976. However, it was opened in the year 1977. This lighthouse is facing the Bay of Bengal on the east coast of the Indian Subcontinent.

Founded in 1644 at the coastal city of Madras, Fort St George is the name of the first English fortress in the city of Chennai. The fort currently houses the Tamil Nadu legislative assembly and other official buildings. It is one of the 163 notified areas in Tamil Nadu. Furthermore, the fort provided the impetus for further settlements and trading activity.

MGR memorial is a memorial structure built on the Marina beach in Chennai. It was built in memory of former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, M. G. Ramachandran, over the area of 8.25 acres. The memorial is located adjacent to the Anna Memorial. Also, it has the highest footfall on the seafront.

Guindy National Park is the 8th smallest National Park of India located in Chennai, South India and one of the very few national parks situated inside a city. It extends deep inside the governor’s estate, enclosing beautiful forests, scrublands, streams, and lakes. It is an extension of the grounds surrounding Raj Bhavan, formerly known as the ‘Guindy Lodge’, the official residence of the Governor of Tamil Nadu, India.

Ramakrishna Math was started in the year 1897 by Swami Ramakrishnananda, one of the direct disciples of Ramakrishna. Besides Swami Ramakrishnananda, the Math was visited by Holy Mother Sri Sarada Devi, Swami Brahmananda, Swami Shivananda, Swami Nirmalananda, Swami Abhedananda, Swami Trigunatitananda, Swami Premananda, Swami Niranjanananda, and Swami Vijnanananda. The motto of the Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission is: “For one’s own salvation, and for the welfare of the world”.

Panagal Park is named after the Raja of Panagal, the Chief Minister of Madras Presidency who created the park. It is an important junction and a locality in T Nagar.

Located in Besant Nagar, Chennai, Edward Elliot’s Beach forms the end-point of the Marina Beach shore and is named after the Governor of Madras, Edward Elliot. In the colonial era, it was a fairly exclusive place limited to expatriates. Moreover, it has the Velankanni Church and the Ashtalakshmi Kovil closely connected.

Valluvar Kottam is a popular monument in Chennai, located at the intersection of the Kodambakkam High road and the Village road. It was constructed by M. Karunanidhi. Now, it stands at the point which was the deepest point of a lake which was located in the area.

The Chennai Snake Park Trust is located at the former home of the Madras Crocodile Bank Trust. The park is home to a wide range of snakes such as adders, pythons, vipers, cobras and other reptiles. The park gained statutory recognition as a medium zoo from the Central Zoo Authority in 1995. In addition, it is also known as Guindy Snake Park.

The Anna Centenary Library (ACL) is an established state library located at Kotturpuram, Chennai. Built at a cost of 172 crores, it is one of the largest libraries in Asia. It was constructed under the governance of M. Karunanidhi. Between January and October 2011, the average number of persons who visited the library is around 26,500, compared to the monthly average of 20,000 in 2010.

The statue of Thomas Munro is an equestrian statue of Thomas Munro, one of the popular landmarks in Chennai. The statue was sculpted by Francis Chantrey in the United Kingdom in 1834 and shipped to Madras in 1839. The absence of stirrups is one of the peculiarities of the statue and thus, it is also referred to as “The Stirrupless Majesty”.

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Built-in the year 1988 in the memory of the great industrialist and visionary of India B. M. Birla, the B. M. Birla Planetarium is a large planetarium in Chennai providing a virtual tour of the night sky and holding cosmic shows on a specially perforated hemispherical aluminum inner dome. Located at Kotturpuram in the Periyar Science and Technology Centre campus, it houses eight galleries, namely, Physical Science, Life Science, Electronics and Communication, Energy, International Dolls and Children, Innovation, Transport, and Materials Science, with more than 500 exhibits.

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Home • Kid • Play And Activities

30 Famous Places To Visit In Chennai With Your Kids

The coastal city packs several surprises and awe-inspiring picturesque locations to explore.

Harshita is a graduate in commerce and holds a PG Diploma in Patent and Copyrights Law from NALSAR University. She has also pursued CA and has more than three years of internship experience in auditin... read full bio

Deepa Rachel Thomas holds a master’s degree in English from the English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad. She has done a certification course in Child Development and worked as a mentor for... read full bio

Image: MomJunction Design Team

The largest library in South Asia, second longest beach in the world, the birthplace of South Indian cinema, Detroit of India, cultural capital of India – ring a bell?

You got it right! We are talking about the city of Chennai in Tamil Nadu, which stands among the top 50 largest urban centers in the world.

Chennai, also known as the “Gateway to South India,” is a city full of exciting places to visit for kids. From forts to zoos to art galleries and shopping centers, there’s something for every child to enjoy.

Nicknamed The Gateway to South India, Chennai plays the self-appointed keeper of the South Indian traditions and culture . The city has numerous temples, malls, amusement parks, museums, beaches, parks and historical monuments that make up the must-to-visit tourist attractions in Chennai.

MomJunction gives you a list of places to visit in Chennai with your children.

Beaches In Chennai

Image: Shutterstock

The warm and friendly city of Chennai lies along the Coromandel coast, which makes it privy to some of the prettiest beaches in the region. A trip to one or more of these beaches is one such prior things to do in Chennai on your vacation.

1. Marina Beach

The Marina is perhaps the most visited beaches in Chennai. The world’s first natural urban beach, Marina promenade stretches to 6.5km or 4 miles . The total length of the beach is 13km, which makes it the second largest natural urban beach in the world. Approximately 30,000 people visit the beach every day.

Where: From Fort St. George to Foreshore Estate, Chennai

Attractions: An aquarium near the beach, walk along the beach, horseback riding, and water sports.

Hours: Recommended time of visit – 6am to 7pm

Entry fee: Nil

Amenities: Car parking, food stalls

Things to consider: The undercurrents of the Marina beach are pretty strong, so take extra care with kids. Do not leave them unattended in the water.

Prakalya Prakash, a blogger, shares his experience of staying in Chennai for three days for business reasons. He says, “I stayed in Nungampakkam which is very close to the iconic ‘Valluvar Kotam’. It is a historical monument honoring Thiruvalluvar, a Tamil poet who wrote Thirukural, a work of 1330 verses divided into 130 chapters. Mr. M. Karunanidhi constructed it in the 1970s. The place is known for its magnificent chariot which is 40m in height.I also made time to visit the ICF (Indian coach factory) museum set up by Indian Railways. Couple of other places I visited were — Besant nagar beach, Marina beach and the lighthouse. I would say the Besant nagar beach is a must visit if you are planning for Chennai ( i ).”

2. VGP Golden Beach

A private beach managed by the VGP Universal Kingdom amusement park, the VGP Golden Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Chennai. The beach has been one of the most preferred locations for movie shooting. It is a safe place to go swimming under the watchful eye of the guides. It is also one of the cleanest beaches in Chennai.

Where: Injambakkam, Chennai

Attractions: The private stretch of the marina is beautiful and clean. Rides in the Aqua Kingdom, Panneer fort, and statue man (see if you can move him), VGP 2000 millennium tower are other tourist attractions.

Hours: 11am to 7:30pm

Entry fee: Rs.350 for adults and Rs. 300 for kids for the VGP Universal Kingdom, Rs. 475 for adults and Rs. 375 for children for the Universal Kingdom and the Aqua Kingdom

Amenities: Car parking, food stalls, restrooms

Things to consider: If you are looking for an economical and comfortable way to spend the entire day at the beach, the VGP Golden Beach is it.

3. Covelong Beach

Covelong is a serene fishing village and another best place to visit in Chennai. The beach stretches along the Bay of Bengal, towards Mahabalipuram . The blue and white sea waters and the white, shiny sand make for a picturesque view on a bright, sunny day.

Where: 40km from Chennai

How to reach: Private vehicles, taxis, and buses

Attractions: Adventure sports, walk along the beach, ruins of a Dutch fort and fishing

Amenities: Parking, restaurants with restrooms

Things to consider: It is a quiet beach ideal for relaxing. You might want to consider visiting it only if you have time to spare.

4. Breezy Beach

An isolated beach in the vicinity of Chennai, Breezy Beach is a great spot for a quick swim or a quiet picnic with the family. If you do not want to spend too much time here, just be there at sunset to have a breathtaking view.

Where: Valmiki Nagar, Chennai

Attractions: Sunset point, boat rides are sometimes offered by local fishermen

Amenities: Parking on the roadside

Things to consider: While Breezy beach is one of the best beaches in the city, it may not be the most exciting beach to take your kids to in Chennai.

5. Elliot’s Beach

Elliot Beach is another quiet beach that people in Chennai visit to get away from the noisy city. The beach is beautiful and has several food stalls around, with ample parking space. If you visit the beach early in the morning, you can spot flamingos and pond herons.

Where: Besant Nagar, Chennai

Attractions: The beach is quiet and makes an ideal spot for a relaxing evening.

Amenities: Parking, food stalls

Things to consider: If your plan is to spend some time at the beach, Elliot’s Beach is a better and less-crowded alternative to the Marina beach.

Museums In Chennai

Does history intrigue you? Do you want to learn about the history of Chennai or Tamil Nadu? Then make sure you include one or more of these best places to visit in Chennai with family.

6. Government Museum

The second oldest museum in the country, the Government Museum or the Madras Museum has more than 40 galleries dedicated to archeology, numismatics, geology, botany, art, anthropology, and zoology. The museum complex, which is an architectural marvel in itself, opened in 1854 and has the largest collection of Roman antiques outside of Europe .

Where: Egmore, Chennai

Attractions: Children’s Museum and Dolls gallery are favorites among kids. The Roman antiques gallery, contemporary arts gallery that showcases art history of Tamil Nadu and Tanjore painting gallery are a must see.

Days open: All days except Fridays and National Holidays

Hours: 9:30am to 5pm

Entry fee: For Indians – Rs.15 per adult and Rs.10 per child, Rs. 5 for bonafide students, Foreign nationals – $5 per adult, $2.5 per child and $1.5 for bonafide students

Amenities: Parking and guide services

Things to consider: The museum is huge – it can take you over half-a-day to visit all the galleries.

7. Dakshinachitra

Image: IStock

For a thorough understanding of the culture and traditions of southern India, a visit to Dakshinachitra is a must. The living museum of performance arts, crafts and culture showcases the lifestyles of people in the four southern states of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu.

Where: Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu

Attractions: Vernacular architecture – regional houses from the four states recreated for visitors; folk performances, glass blowing demo

Days open: All days, except Tuesdays and Diwali

Hours: 10am to 6pm

Entry fee: For Indians Rs. 100 per adult, Rs. 30 per child, Rs. 50 for students, Foreign nationals Rs. 250 for adults, Rs. 70 for students

Amenities: Parking, restaurant.

Things to consider: Dakshinachitra also organizes workshops for kids and adults. Check their calendar online to know more.

8. Railway Museum

Image: Chennai Rail Museum

Trains excite kids, which makes the Chennai Railway Museum one of the places you should visit with children. From running models to miniature rail networks and souvenirs, the museum features a variety of exhibits that appeal to kids. The museum also has a children’s park and vintage engine models on display.

Where: Villivakkam, Chennai

Attractions: Joyrides, AV shows, Fowler ploughing engine, and scaled models of several trains from India, before and after Independence.

Days open: All days, except Mondays

Entry fee: Rs. 10 per person

Amenities: Car Parking

Things to consider: Try and make it to one of the AV presentations that the museum has every hour.

9. National Art Gallery

The National Art Gallery is one of the museums in the Government Museum, Chennai. The gallery has a wide collection of arts and crafts, especially paintings from the 14th and 15th centuries. Children would love the rock and cave art showcased in this gallery. The museum also displays paintings of renowned painter Raja Ravi Varma.

Attractions: Thanjavur paintings, Ravi Varma paintings, Bronze sculptures, rock and cave art and ancient manuscripts

Days open: All days, except Friday

Hours: 10am to 5pm

Things to consider: This is purely for art and craft lovers. It could be an inspiration to aspiring artists.

10. Vivekananda House

Swami Vivekananda is a source of immense inspiration to the young. Visit the Vivekananda House, a landmark in Chennai, where Swami Vivekananda stayed for nine days after his return from the US . The house is now a museum that showcases the rich Indian culture and the life of Swami Vivekananda when he stayed there.

Where: Triplicane, Chennai

Attractions: Experience Vivekananda initiative, an excellent way to understand the man and what he stood for.

Days open: All days except Mondays

Hours: 10am to 12:15pm and 3pm to 7pm

Entry fee: Rs.10 per adult, Rs. 5 per child

Amenities: Limited parking

Things to consider: The museum is opposite Marina beach. You can club your visits to the beach and the museum to save time.

Historical Places In Chennai

The city’s rich history is evident from the many historical monuments it houses. Here are some of the Chennai’s tourist attractions you should visit with kids.

11. Fort St. George

St. George Fort is the first English fortress that was built in India, in 1644. The fort is an architectural marvel and currently houses the Tamil Nadu legislative assembly. The fort also has a museum that showcases medallions, coins, paintings and letters belonging to the East India Company personnel who lived here.

Where: Rajaji Salai, Chennai

Attractions: St. Mary’s Church, the oldest Anglican Church in India, and the St. George Museum

Hours: 9am to 5pm

Entry fee: Rs. 5 per person for Indian citizens and $2 for foreign nationals (entry free for children up to 15 years of age)

Amenities: Parking, restrooms, food stalls/canteens

Things to consider: The visit to the fort can be an educational trip for your kids. It can be an exciting experience but not a place to have fun or folly (the Tamil Nadu Assembly is in the same building!)

12. Alamparai Fort

The Alamparai Fort was built in the 17th century by the Mughal Empire, and is another good place to visit near Chennai. The French later seized the fort and then the British empire, when it was partly demolished. At present, you can only see the ruins of the fort with the beautiful backwaters of the Bay of Bengal on one side.

Where: 100km from Chennai

Attractions: Picturesque backwaters and the ruins, which have made it a favorite spot for filmmakers, bird-watching, photography, and boating.

Days open: All days

Hours: Recommended time of visit – 9am to 5pm

Amenities: Parking on roadside

Things to consider: The Alamparai Fort is in a secluded area that makes it less ideal for families and kids. Go there during daytime for a good view of the backwaters.

13. Tranquebar

Tranquebar, now known as Tharangambadi, is home to Dansborg, a 400-year-old fort built by the Danish invaders. An erstwhile port city for the rulers Cholas and Pandyas, the small port town is now a tourist hub with resorts and other facilities. In addition to the fort, there is a 300-year-old church and a museum that the kids may be interested in.

Where: 270km from Chennai

How to reach: Buses, private vehicles, and taxis

Attractions: The Dansborg Fort, the Town Gate, Zion Church and the Ziegenbalg Museum Complex

Hours: Overnight stay is necessary to cover all the sights in the region

Amenities: Accommodation, restaurants

Things to consider: It takes nearly eight hours to reach Tranquebar from Chennai. Unless you have that kind of time, this place should not be on the itinerary.

14. Valluvar Kottam

A favorite monument in Chennai, Valluvar Kottam is a memorial to a famous Tamil poet, philosopher and saint Thiruvallur. The monument is a 39-meter high chariot that houses a statue of the saint. It is a tribute to the poet’s work called Thirukkal, which has 133 chapters with ten verses each. There is also an auditorium that often hosts classical programs.

Where: Nungambakkam, Chennai

Attractions: The monument stands on a lake and was built without a pillar for a base. The magnificently carved stone chariot appeals to kids and adults alike.

Hours: 8:30am to 5:30pm

Amenities: Parking, restrooms, food stalls

Things to consider: While the kids may be fascinated by the size of the stone chariot, they may not comprehend the importance of the monument or the poet’s works.

15. Kolli hills

Kolli Hills, also known as Kolli Malai, is a small mountain range situated in central Tamil Nadu, spanning across the Namakkal district and Tiruchirapalli District of India. The range derives its name, Kolli Malai, from the goddess Etukkai Amman (also referred to as Kollipavai), who is believed to guard the hills with her divine protection. The Kolli hills are prominently mentioned in various classical Tamil literary works, and the area was ruled by Valvil Ori, who is considered to be one of the seven great philanthropists of ancient Tamil Nadu in around 200 CE.

Where:  330 km from Chennai

How to reach: Trains (Salem is the nearest railway station), private vehicles and buses.

Attractions: Agaya Gangai waterfall, Arappaleeswarar temple, Masila falls, Namma Aruvi falls, Botanical garden

Days open:  All days

Hours: 6 am to 6 pm. Overnight stay at the resorts can give a better experience.

Amenities: Shops, resorts

Things to consider: You have to climb a total of 1302 steps up and down to see Agaya Gangai waterfall. So, the journey might be a little difficult and tiring as the steps are steep.

Malls And Entertainment Places In Chennai

There is no dearth of malls or amusement parks in this metropolitan city. Here are our picks for malls and amusement or entertainment places to see in Chennai.

16. Forum Vijaya Mall

A mall is a perfect place to unwind after a long day of sightseeing or traveling. Forum Vijaya Mall is huge and has a spacious food court that serves different cuisines to tickle your taste buds. The mall also has a play area for kids with mini slides, basketball, and cars. The play area and the food court are divided by a glass wall, allowing parents to watch over their children while they eat.

Where: Vadapalani, Chennai

Attractions: Play Zone has video games, mini rides for kids, crane and puzzle games and other redemption games. The mall also has a toy train ride for younger kids.

Hours: 10am to 10pm

Amenities: Parking, restrooms and restaurants

Things to consider: Kids will have a gala time playing in the Fun Zone, but there are only so many games you can play there.

17. Spencer Plaza

Image: flickr.com creativecommons.org

A modern mall that was built back in the days of the British Raj, Spencer Plaza is India’s oldest shopping mall and a landmark in Chennai. The old-fashioned mall is home to many brand stores, private banks and organizations, and restaurants. The mall also has over 15 Sri Lankan brand stores where you can get the finest Ceylon tea, spices, clothing, and footwear.

Where: Anna Salai, Chennai

Attractions: Good food for less, one place where you can bargain and get good stuff at lower prices.

Amenities: Parking, restrooms, restaurants

Things to consider: Spencer Plaza is the oldest mall in the country and was made purely for business. There may not be a lot of things that appeal to kids here.

18. Express Avenue Mall

The Express Avenue Mall is one your kids will love as it has the largest gaming arcade in South India. The mall has a play area called Fun City, which has more than the usual rides you find in a mall. Express Avenue also has a 5D movie theater that older kids may enjoy. Other than that, the restaurants are great, and there is so much to buy that you can shop till you drop.

Where: Roypettah, Chennai

Attractions: Fun City

Hours: 10:30am to 9:30pm

Amenities: Parking, restaurants and restrooms

Things to consider: If you have a day to spare between sightseeing and traveling around, use it to visit the Express Avenue. Your kids will love it.

19. Queens Land

Image: creativecommons.org

Queens Land is an amusement park in Chennai that has over 50 rides. In addition to the joy rides, the amusement park has all the amenities that make it an excellent place for a fun family time. Of the 50 rides, 18 are for kids, and that means your day at the park will have no wasted time!

Where: Chembarambakkam, 13.3 km from Chennai

Attractions: Cable Cars, Himalayan Water Ride, Wave Pool, Bumper Cars, Orchestra, Go Karting, Frog Slide and Thumbrole.

Hours: 9:30am to 6pm

Entry fee: Rs. 550 for adults, Rs. 450 for children

Things to consider: The amusement park is huge and spread over an area of 70 acres. You may not be able to complete all the rides in one day. So choose wisely.

20. MGM Dizzee World

MGM is a household name in Chennai. The Dizzee World is one of the largest amusement parks in Chennai and offers more than 35 fabulous joy rides for kids and adults. The park also has an amphitheater, and an exclusive children’s zone called Marryworld. The park also offers hot air balloon rides for the entire family!

Where: Muttukadu, Chennai

Attractions: Hot air balloon rides, boating, MGM express, wave pool, splash pool and a simulator ride called Imagine.

Hours: Weekdays – 10:30am to 6:30pm Weekends and public olidays – 10:30am to 7:30pm

Entry fee: Rs. 599 per adult, Rs. 499 per child (includes all rides and water park access)

Amenities: Parking, food court, restrooms, first aid

Things to consider: Avoid the adult rides for kids – they may be highly exhilarating for you, but scary for kids.

21. VGP Universal Kingdom

Once popular as VGP Gardens, the VGP Universal Kingdom is an amusement park along the Marina Beach. The proximity to the beach and a convenient location makes it an ideal hangout spot for locals and tourists alike. The park has a wide choice of joy rides for children, teens, adults and families. If you are lucky, you could spot a movie star or two in shooting a scene at the park.

Where: Injambakam, Chennai

Attractions: Statue Man, Dashing Car, Roller Coast, Water Chute, Jungle Car, and the Doll Kingdom. If you’re bored with the rides, you can go to the beach!

Hours: From 11am to 7.30pm on weekdays and till 8pm on weekends

Entry fee: Rs. 350 per adult and Rs.300 per child for the amusement park, Rs. 475 per adult and Rs. 375 per child for the amusement park and water park

Amenities: Parking, restaurant, restrooms, locker facility

Things to consider: Plan a visit to the VGP beach and the amusement park on the same day.

Lakes And Parks In Chennai

Lakes or parks – do they fascinate you? Look on for those beautiful visiting places in Chennai, which is a home to some rare birds and animals found in their natural habitats around the city or in the enclosed parks.

22. Arignar Anna Zoological Park

Chennai has a lot of firsts, including the first public zoo – the Arignar Anna Zoological Park or the Vandalur Zoo. The park is home to over 2000 species of plants and animals. It is also the largest zoo in India and has close to 50 species of mammals, 63 bird species, 31 reptile species, and a variety of fishes, amphibians and insects.

Where: Vandalur, Kanchipuram, 38.8km from Chennai

How to reach: Buses, private cars and taxis. Trains until Vandalur railway station

Attractions: Deer safari, Shark Aquarium, Nocturnal animal house, water birds habitat, lion safari, and serpentaria.

Days open: All days except Tuesdays

Entry fee: Rs. 30 per adult and Rs. 10 per child. Additional cost for safari vehicles

Amenities: Parking, food stalls, restrooms, and vehicle to tour the zoo

Things to consider: Touring the entire zoo will take at least four hours.

23. Semmozhi Poonga

Image: commons.wikimedia.org creativecommons.org

A relatively recent addition to Chennai’s list of parks, the Semmozhi Poonga is a botanical garden with over 300 species of plants. The park was developed around 80 trees that were in the area for years. Some of these trees are over 100 years old. Introduce your kids to a variety of plants including the cacti, bamboo and ficus varieties from China.

Where: Teynampet, Chennai

Attractions: The pond with ducks, the poonga at night, with colorful lights and the old trees that found a home in the garden.

Hours: 10am to 7pm

Entry fee: Rs. 5 per person

Amenities: Parking and restrooms; eatables or plastic bags are not allowed

Things to consider: This is a botanical garden, and may not be of appeal to all kids.

24. Pulicat Lake And Bird Sanctuary

The Pulicat Lake is the second largest saltwater lake in India. A significant portion of the lake lies in the state of Andhra Pradesh, with only 3% of it in Tamil Nadu. There is a bird sanctuary in the lake that attracts migratory birds like pelicans, painted stork, flamingos, and other birds every year.

Where: 93.3km from Chennai

Attractions: The scenic view of the lake combined with the variety of birds you can find there.

Hours: Recommended time of visit – 6am to 5pm. Best time to visit: November to February to see the migratory birds

Amenities: Parking

Things to consider: The Pulicat lake is under the threat of drying up completely in the next 100 years, due to pollution and silt. A trip to the lake can educate your kids about such ecological issues.

25. Muttukadu Lake

A picturesque lake in the city, Muttukadu Lake is known for its floating boat house. The facility is made of bamboo and is run by the Tamil Nadu tourism department and offers boating to explore the lake. You can also try speed boat rides and high-speed aqua scooter rides in the backwaters.

Attractions: Row boating, pedal boating and speed water biking, the TTDC sometimes conducts boat races here.

Entry fee: Nil; Visitors need to buy tickets for boat and scooter rides

Amenities: Parking, restaurant and restrooms

Things to consider: This is a great place for boating for families.

26. Odiyur Lake

The Odiyur Lake is enroute Mahabalipuram. The Mudaliarkuppam Boat House, established on the banks of the lake, is known for water-based activities like row boating, speed boating, kayaking and more. The facility is managed by the Tamil Nadu tourism department and has over 50 varieties of boats that you can try.

Where: 90km from Chennai

Attractions: Kayaking is a great option for adventurers. There are row boats, pedal boats and speed scooters for kids and families. Also, look for pretty pink flamingos, little grebe and different varieties of kingfishers.

Hours: 9am to 6pm

Entry fee: Nil; Tickets

Amenities: Parking, restaurants

Things to consider: The Mudaliarkuppam Boat House is farther than some of the other boat houses near Chennai. Carry binoculars to spot birds.

27. Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary

If bird watching and identifying is your favorite pastime, the Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary is a place you’ll love. Developed around the Vedanthangal lake, the sanctuary is home to grebes, egrets, cormorants, pintails, pond herons and sandpipers. The sanctuary also hosts migratory birds like the Australian gray pelicans, the glossy ibises and snake birds from Sri Lanka, painted storks from Siberia, spoonbills from Burma, open-billed storks from Bangladesh and the spot-billed ducks.

Where: 75km from Chennai

How to reach: Buses, private vehicles and taxis; train till Chengalpattu (24.4km from the sanctuary)

Attractions: Excellent place for bird watching – an estimated 5,000 birds fly into the sanctuary throughout the year.

Hours: Recommended time to visit – during day, early morning and before dusk

Entry fee: Rs. 5

Amenities: Parking on roadside, guides

Things to consider: You can also spot mammals like the wild boar, jackal and jungle cat here. This place is for wildlife enthusiasts and bird watchers.

Other Kid-Friendly Places In Chennai

In addition to the ones mentioned above, these are a few other best places to visit in Chennai that will interest your kids.

28. Birla Planetarium

One of the few planetariums built by the Birla Foundation, the Birla Planetarium in Chennai is a great place to spend time with kids. It has eight galleries that are dedicated to physical science, innovation, transportation and energy among others. The planetarium also has two science shows frequently repeated during the day – one in English and the other in Tamil.

Where: Kotturpuram, Chennai

Attractions: The planetarium shows, rocket model in the science park

Days open: All days, except Republic Day, Independence Day and Gandhi Jayanthi

Hours: 10am to 5:45pm

Entry fee: Rs. 45 for adults and Rs.25 for children for complete planetarium package

Amenities: Parking, restrooms

Things to consider: If your kids have already been to a planetarium, they might not find this visit exciting.

29. The Theosophical Society

The Theosophical Society in Chennai is an interesting place for kids . Consider a visit to the society as an educational tour. You can visit the many temples within the premises, the old banyan tree, and the library filled with knowledge by world teachers like Jiddu Krishnamurti.

Where: Adyar, Chennai

Attractions: The sprawling Huddleston gardens on the premises and the Great Banyan Tree that occupies 40,000sft and is 450 years old.

Days open: All days except Sundays and public holidays

Hours: 8:30am to 4pm

Amenities: Parking and restrooms

Things to consider: If you are taking your kids there, you might want to know about the society beforehand.

30. Tada Falls

Tada Falls is a weekend getaway for many Chennai residents. The place is ideal for a small trek or hike with the kids, and the waterfall is a beautiful sight. The path to the falls is well developed and easy for kids to walk. You can even take a dip in the final pool if you feel like.

Where: 95km from Chennai

How to reach: Local trains, private vehicles and buses

Attractions: The waterfall and the small hike can be fun for kids and adults. You can even camp there if you have the gear.

Hours: Recommended time of visit – during the day

Amenities: Parking near the falls, no restrooms or food stalls

Things to consider: The trek may be tiring for younger kids.

A Brief History Of Chennai

The city was first formed as a Portuguese colony in the 1500s. The Dutch later ruled it, followed by the British and the French invaders, before Independent India made it the capital of Tamil Nadu state in 1956. It is believed that the name Chennai was derived from the name Damarla Chennappa Nayakudu, a Telugu king. Some say it is derived from the name of Lord Chenna Kesava Perumal. The city was later called Madraspattinam, which was a fishing village near the first English Fort.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is famous in Chennai to eat?

Chennai is a metro city that has people from all over the country. While you can find several dishes from around the world to eat in Chennai, this popular city is famous for its traditional foods. Idli, Dosa, Sambhar, Vada, Uttapam, Paniyaram, Appam, and Puttu are some delicious foods one can relish when visiting Chennai.

2. Which sweet is famous in Chennai?

Payasam is the traditional Tamil dish famous in Chennai. It’s usually made with rice, milk, sugar, coconut, and sometimes dry fruit. However, this sweet can also be made with other ingredients like vermicelli and broken wheat. Some other sweets one can devour while staying in Chennai are Mysore pak and Kozhukkatta.

3. What are some popular shopping destinations in Chennai for traditional and modern items?

In Chennai, several shopping destinations cater to both traditional and modern items. Places like T. Nagar, Pondy Bazaar, and Mylapore are known for their traditional products, such as textiles, jewelry, and handicrafts. On the other hand, Phoenix MarketCity and Express Avenue are popular malls offering a diverse range of national and international brands for modern shopping.

These were some of the most loved places to visit in Chennai. To see most of these sites, you’ll have to stay for at least 15 days. However, if you only have a short stay, you might not be able to see all of these attractions. You can also consider visiting Chennai’s best attractions, such as beaches, animal sanctuaries, and amusement parks. Plan a trip to Chennai with your children and family; you will always cherish your time spent in the port city. Do not be surprised if it turns out to be one of your favorite destinations in India to visit.

Key Pointers

• Chennai is known as the cultural capital of India because of its deeply entrenched traditions.
• Chennai is famous for its beaches, museums, eateries, malls, and lakes.
• Kid-friendly places like Theosophical Society and Birla Planetarium teach children new things in a fun way.

Image: Stable Diffusion/MomJunction Design Team

Explore the best tourist places to visit in Chennai, India! From ancient temples to modern malls, there’s something for everyone. Come join us on this journey!

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MomJunction articles include first-hand experiences to provide you with better insights through real-life narratives. Here are the sources of personal accounts referenced in this article.

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41 BEST 2-DAY TRIPS NEAR CHENNAI

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Have 72 Hours in Chennai? This Handy Itinerary Will Be Your Guide!

Cultural experiences, beautiful temples, gorgeous colonial buildings, calming churches, beach fun and retail therapy – name it and Chennai has it for you! With so much to do, Chennai is definitely bucket-list worthy for the diverse experiences it has to offer. There are a lot of interesting weekend getaway options from Chennai as well, including Pulicat Lake, Tirupati, Kanchipuram, Mahabalipuram and more. While three days are good to explore the city, a weekend getaway is a great idea if you can manage a few more days.

Here are our top recommendations if you’re planning to spend 72 hours in the city itself.

Visit Kapaleeshwarar Temple, among the most popular things to do in Chennai, on the first day of your trip. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this temple dates back to the 7th century and boasts of colourful Dravidian style architecture that will leave you awestruck.

Credit: Wikimedia Commons

Credit: Richard Mortel/flickr

Post lunch, make a beeline for one of Chennai’s most visited attractions, the Government Museum. Extremely popular for its vast collections from many centuries, this museum is you go-to place if you wish to learn more about the rich history and culture and Chennai. The second oldest museum in India, it boasts of the largest collection of Roman antiquities outside of Europe, rare artworks of Raja Ravi Varma and the fascinating Bronze Gallery with artefacts from the 7th-century Pallava era.

From there, head to San Thome Cathedral. Believed to have been built on the grave of St. Thomas, the church has been declared as a National Shrine. It is among the most beautiful churches in the city and an oft visited tourist attraction.

San Thome Cathedral | Credit: Wikimedia Commons

Fort St George, home to the legislative assembly and the secretariat of Tamil Nadu, is next on your list. Spend some time admiring the colonial architecture of the building, before you head to the museum inside.

For dinner, head to the charming Crimson Chakra, where you can opt for a relaxing candle-light dinner with your loved one. Alternatively, you can also book yourself a spot at their pet-friendly rooftop lounge, the perfect place to enjoy some puppy therapy as you feast on North Indian and South Indian cuisine.

Begin Day 2 in Chennai with a visit to India’s largest beach, Marina Beach. An early morning stroll here is definitely a good idea and a great way to rejuvenate before you get busy exploring the many things to do in Chennai. Witness a beautiful sunrise, build sand castles or simply laze around gazing at the unending sea. Recreational activities you can indulge in at the beach include picnics, kite flying, beach cricket, skating and more.

As you prepare to leave, don’t miss out on the many buildings boasting of English architecture on the Marina Beach road. Some of them are Senate-House, Chepauk Palace, Presidency College, P.W.D office and the building of the University of Madras.

For lunch, head to Hotel Sarvana Bhawan, 5 mins away. Dig in to delicious South Indian fare and the oh-so-popular filter coffee at the restaurant, before you head back to Marina Beach to enjoy a game of cricket or beach volleyball.

Indulge in delicious South Indian cuisine at Sarvana Bhawan. | Credit: Wikimedia Commons

After a fun day at the beach, a memorable dining experience awaits you at the one-of-its-kind Ciclo Café. This cycle-themed restaurant serves everything from sandwiches, burgers and crepes to pizzas and pastas to satisfy the food lover in you. You can also rent a bike or opt for one of the fun-filled workshops organized here.

Chennai is also home to Sri Sundara Varadaraja Perumal Temple, one of the 108 shrines of Lord Vishnu. Begin the day as you pay your respects at the temple believed to have been visited by the 12 great poet saints.

The Ripon Building, flaunting the Neoclassical style of architecture, is the seat of the Greater Chennai Corporation in the city and your next stop for today. A short distance from here is the bustling Georgetown Bazaar where you can spend hours together without even realizing so. Shop for knick-knacks, buy souvenirs for friends back home, interact with locals and soak in the vibe of the city – there’s lots to keep you busy at this lively market. A lot of local operators such as Chennai Magic and StoryTrails organize walking tours through the Georgetown market, which is an interesting way to get to know about the little secrets of the place.

Shop for pretty little things at Georgetown Bazaar!

If you have time left, you must add Birla Planetarium to your itinerary, for its unique cosmic shows and virtual tours of the night sky.

Dinner at the popular restaurant Dakshin will be a wonderful end to your trip. Cuisine from Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh can be enjoyed along with live music here. While you are at it, don’t forget to try their sinful Andhra fish curry!

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Top Things to Do in Chennai (Madras), India

Places to visit in chennai (madras).

• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Nungambakkam
• Nungambakkam/Marina Beach
• Budget-friendly
• Good for Kids
• Good for Big Groups
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Good for Couples
• Hidden Gems
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Honeymoon spot
• Adventurous
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Kapaleeshwarar Temple

2. Snow Kingdom

3. Besant Nagar Beach

4. Marina Beach

5. San Thome Church

6. Express Avenue Mall

7. Arulmigu Thiruvallikeni Parthasarathy Temple

8. Mylapore

10. Indian Institute Of Technology

11. Vadapalani Murugan Temple

12. Shirdi Sai Baba Temple

13. The Huddleston Gardens of Theosophical Society

14. Arignar Anna Zoological Park

15. VGP Marine Kingdom

16. Ananthaa Padmanabha Swaamy Temple

17. Pondy Bazaar

18. Ramakrishna Temple

19. Guindy Snake Park

20. Viswaroopa Adhivyadhihara Sri Bhaktha Anjaneyaswami Temple

21. Marundeeswarar Temple

22. The Anna Centenary Library

23. Chennai Central Railway Station

24. Kalikambal Temple

25. Elliot's Beach

26. Kamakshi Amman Temple

27. ISKCON Chennai

28. VGP Universal Kingdom

29. Ashtalakshmi Temple

30. St. Thomas Mount National Shrine

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14 Best Sightseeing Places to Visit in Chennai for 1 Day Outing

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"Sleep, eat, work, repeat." Sounds like your routine? Well, then this is an indication that you need a break. Chennai is a good place to just take a one-day break from everything and transport yourself to a place where you have time to breathe, to feel every moment, giving yourself the chance to immerse in a peaceful and enriching experience. Chennai, formerly known as Madras, is a vibrant city in the southern part of India with a rich cultural heritage and a variety of attractions to explore. Although one day outing in Chennai isn't enough to cover all that this city has to offer, in this blog, we will help you figure out the top places to visit in Chennai in 1 day to get the most out of your time. Your secret trick to a successful 1 day plan in Chennai includes a good strategy and a budget-friendly hotel to stay. Upar Hotels is the best hotel in Chennai to make your one day sightseeing in Chennai a memorable experience.

The secret sauce to a successful one-day trip to Chennai includes a good plan and a convenient place to stay. Upar Hotels is the best hotel in Chennai to make your trip a memorable one. 

Beautiful Sightseeing Places to Visit in Chennai in One Day

1. marina beach.

Start your day with a visit to the iconic Marina Beach, the second-longest urban beach in the world or you can even immerse yourself in the beauty of the sunset in the evening. The leisurely walk along the shore and sea breeze make it one of the best places to visit in Chennai in 1 day.

Location: Triplicane, Chennai, Tamil Nadu

Timings: 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Entry Fee: No Fee

Best Time to Visit: 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM to 12:00 PM

2. Kapaleeshwarar Temple

Kapaleeshwarar Temple is the best place to visit in Chennai in one day with family especially due to its spiritual significance. The stunning Dravidian architecture, vibrant atmosphere, the temple's intricate design and the rituals that take place here offer a unique cultural experience, making it an ideal thing to do in Chennai in one day.

Location: Vinayaka Nagar Colony, Mylapore, Chennai, Tamil Nadu

Timings: 5:00 AM to 11:00 AM; 04:00 PM to 09:30 PM

Best Time to Visit: Early in the morning to avoid crowd

There are many more must-visit temples in Chennai. For your next trip remember to stop by these 6 oldest temples in Chennai . 

3. Santhome Basilica

Santhome Basilica is a must-visit place in Chennai on a 1-day trip for its historical and religious significance. This is definitely an easy place to visit in Chennai in 1 day as you can explore the Basilica's majestic architecture and serene ambience, and then continue your Chennai adventure with other nearby attractions.

Location: 38, Santhome High Rd, Dummingkuppam, Mylapore, Chennai, Tamil Nadu

Timings: 06:00 AM to 09:00 PM

4. Government Museum and National Art Gallery

Appreciation is important to reinforce a sense of positivity in your life when you feel stuck or hopeless. Visiting the Government Museum and National Art Gallery in Chennai will help you do just that with its region's art, history and culture. You can include this stop in your one-day visit to Chennai by allocating a couple of hours late in the morning to explore it fully.

Location: Pantheon Rd, Egmore, Chennai, Tamil Nadu

Timings: 09.30 AM to 05.00 PM (Closed on Fridays)

Indians: ₹15 per adult and ₹10 per kid below 12 yrs 

Foreigners: ₹250

5. Fort St. George

To visit Fort St. George in Chennai in one day, start your journey here to explore its historical significance, museums, and colonial architecture. It's an ideal place to visit in Chennai in one day with family and friends, offering a blend of educational and recreational experiences.

Location: Rajaji Salai, Near Legislature and Secretariat, Fort St George, Chennai, Tamil Nadu

Timings: 09.00 AM to 05.00 PM (Closed on Fridays)

Indians: ₹5 per person

Foreigners: ₹5 per person

Best Time to Visit: Weekdays and mornings

6. Chennai High Court

Chennai High Court is one of the best places for a one-day outing in Chennai because of its stunning Indo-Saracenic and rich history. It offers a glimpse into the city's legal system and rich heritage. A brief visit to the Chennai High Court is recommended to carry a unique experience back home.

Location: High Ct Rd, Parry's Corner, George Town, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 

Timings: 10:00 AM to 5:45 PM (Closed on Saturdays and Sundays)

7. Vivekananda House

Vivekananda House, where Swami Vivekananda stayed, is one of the best places to visit in Chennai in 1 day. Explore this museum to learn about the life and teachings of this revered spiritual leader and gain insight into the essence of his philosophy. It's a place that offers a profound and thought-provoking experience for visitors of all backgrounds.

Location: Kamarajar Salai, Triplicane, Chennai, Tamil Nadu

Timings: 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM and 03:00 PM to 07:30 PM (Closed on Mondays)

Entry Fee: ₹10 per kid and ₹20 per adult

8. Valluvar Kottam

Valluvar Kottam is a popular place to visit in Chennai in 1 day, honouring the classical Tamil poet Thiruvalluvar. Its significance lies in the stupendous stone monument dedicated to his work, the Thirukkural. It's an educational and cultural stop suitable for those looking for places to visit in Chennai with family in one day, offering insights into Tamil literature and heritage.

Location: Tirumurthy Nagar, Nungambakkam, Chennai, Tamil Nadu

Timings: 08.30 AM to 05.30 PM

Entry Fee: ₹10

Best Time to Visit: Early mornings and winter to enjoy the pleasant weather while exploring

Looking for a budget hotel in Nungambakkam? Book your stay with Upar Hotels in Nungambakkam and enjoy your trip at ease with all the luxurious amenities and facilities.

9. Thousand Lights Mosque

Thousand Lights Mosque is a notable place in Chennai to visit in one day with family to learn about its historical significance and appreciate its architectural beauty. Including this mosque in your plan of “one-day trip places in Chennai” will allow you a glimpse into the city's cultural diversity and heritage, creating a well-rounded experience for all members of the family. 

Location: Royapettah, Peter's Rd, Peters Colony, Thousand Lights, Chennai, Tamil Nadu

Timings: 5:30 AM to 8:30 PM

10. Phoenix Market City

Phoenix Market City is one of the top destinations for one-day sightseeing in Chennai, boasting the distinction of being one of the largest malls in the city. Visitors can expect a diverse range of shopping options, dining experiences, entertainment, and even art installations. It's a one-stop destination offering a mix of retail therapy, culinary delights, and entertainment for a memorable one-day outing in Chennai.

Location: Velachery Rd, Indira Gandhi Nagar, Velachery, Chennai, Tamil Nadu

Timings: 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM

11. Guindy National Park

Guindy National Park is among the top places to visit in Chennai for a one-day nature retreat. Apart from the lush greenery, serene lakes, and diverse wildlife you can also enjoy bird-watching, picnicking, and guided nature walks, making it an ideal escape for nature enthusiasts and families. 

Location: Rangeguindy, Chennai, Tamil Nadu

Timings: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM

Entry Fee: ₹20 per adult and ₹5 per kid 

Book your stay with Upar Hotels in Ashok Nagar and access all the city's popular tourist places. 

12. Birla Planetarium

Birla Planetarium offers an enriching experience for those seeking one-day sightseeing in Chennai. Devote a couple of hours to exploring its fascinating astronomy exhibits and captivating sky shows. You will be spellbound by how there is so much to explore about the universe. 

Location: Gandhi Mandapam Rd, Duraisamy Nagar, Kotturpuram, Chennai, Tamil Nadu

Timings: 9 AM to 6 PM

Entry Fee: ₹20 for adults and ₹10 for kids

13. MGR Film City

MGR Film City is a sprawling cinematic haven, making it a fantastic place for a one-day Chennai trip with family and friends. Covering over 70 acres, it provides a glimpse into the world of Indian cinema with film sets, studios, and engaging exhibits. Visitors can explore the magic of filmmaking, from iconic movie sets to taking a tour of the studios, creating unforgettable memories.

Location: Kazhikundram, Tharamani, Chennai, Tamil Nadu

Timings: 08:00 AM to 08:00 PM

Entry Fee: ₹25 

Chennai is a land of beauty and enjoyment. Visit these popular picnic spots in Chennai the next time you plan a trip here with your family.

14. Semmozhi Poonga

Semmozhi Poonga is a serene botanical garden that should be on your one-day plan in Chennai, offering a peaceful escape from the city's hustle and bustle. Stroll through lush landscapes, themed gardens, and a variety of plant species, making it an ideal spot for nature enthusiasts and families. Enjoy a peaceful time at this park in the evening to fully appreciate the natural beauty on display.

Location: Ellaiamman Colony, Teynampet, Chennai, Tamil Nadu

Timings: 10:00 AM to 07:30 PM (Closed on Tuesdays)

Entry Fee: ₹15

Best Time to Visit: Evenings

Book yourself a room with Upar Hotels in T. Nagar to stay near the popular attractions spot and enjoy your trip without having to spend most of your time travelling across the city. 

Exploring the best places to visit in Chennai in 1 day is like diving into a treasure trove of experiences. Despite the time constraints, Chennai offers a plethora of sights and experiences to savour. From the awe-inspiring Kapaleeshwarar Temple to the serene Marina Beach and the vibrant Semmozhi Poonga, each destination we've explored provides a glimpse into the soul of this dynamic metropolis. Whether you're drawn to the rich heritage, the delicious South Indian cuisine, or the vibrant arts scene, there are some of the famous places to visit in Chennai in 1 day to gain a variety of experiences.

For an unforgettable one-day trip to Chennai, a perfect stay is essential. Experience the best of the city with Upar Hotels – your gateway to comfort and convenience. Book your room now with Upar Hotels and make your Chennai adventure extraordinary! You can also check out other blogs to know more about travelling. 

Places to Visit near Chennai Within 200 Kms

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Here is the list of 24 Places to Visit near Chennai Within 200 Kms

1. pondicherry.

Known For : Paradise Beach, Pondicherry Aurobindo Ashram Auroville

Puducherry was the largest French colony in India and the French influence on the city can still be seen.

Distance from Chennai: 151 km

Best Time: October to March

49 Pondicherry Attractions

2. Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu

Known For : Shore Temple Mahabalipuram Beach Five Rathas

Famous for its intricately carved temples and rock-cut caves, Mahabalipuram also offers beautiful white sand beaches and an exotic shopping experience to the tourists.

Distance from Chennai: 52 km

Best Time: November to February

23 Mahabalipuram Attractions

3. Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh

Known For : Sri Venkateswara Temple Akasaganga Teertham Silathoranam

The holy town of Tirupati is one amongst the 8 most scared places of Lord Mahavishnu and is highly revered, glorified and worshiped.

Distance from Chennai: 147 km

Best Time: September to March

40 Tirupati Attractions

4. Auroville, Pondicherry

Known For : Matrimandir Marc's Cafe Arka

Situated in the union territory of Pondicherry, this township is wholly and solely based on the principles of peace, harmony, sustainable living and 'divine consciousness' which was the brainchild of the Mother of Sri Aurobindo Society, Mirra Alfassa.

Best Time: November to March

21 Auroville Attractions

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Stunning Tamil Nadu Tour in 1 Week

Tamil nadu temple tour package, pondicherry-mahabalipuram tour with kanchipuram, 4 nights bangkok & pattaya full board package (ex chennai), ooty group package from chennai, ooty group tour package from chennai, 5. chittoor, andhra pradesh.

Known For : Sri Venkateshwara National Park Srikalahasti Temple Nagalapuram

Steeped in religion, devotion and architecture, Chittoor is a place that everyone should visit at least once in their lifetime.

Distance from Chennai: 158 km

Best Time: September to February

11 Chittoor Attractions

6. Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu

Known For : Kamakshi Amman Temple Varadharaja Perumal Temple Devarajaswami Temple

Widely known for its 'Kanchipuram sarees' and also referred to as the 'golden city of thousand temples', Kanchipuram has various temples of religious and cultural importance spread all over the city.

Distance from Chennai: 72 km

Best Time: October to May

16 Kanchipuram Attractions

7. Covelong Beach, Mahabalipuram

Located on the coastline of the Bay of Bengal near the village Covelong, Kovalam Beach was given the name 'Covelong' by the British due to their inefficiency of pronouncing "Kovalam". A perfect retreat amidst palm trees and silver sand, Covelong Beach was once set up as a port by Saadat Ali for Carnatic Nawabs. The beach offers a plethora of water activities to its visitors. Visiting the beach and entering the mode of relaxation is another thing you can opt for. The calmness it offers during the sunset is unmatchable.

Distance from Chennai: 33 km

8. Thiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu

Known For : Gingee Fort Sathanur Dam Annamalaiyar Temple

A town that offers a significant history adorned in its countless temples and ashrams, Thiruvannamalai is where Hindu Mythology takes the form of stunning architecture.

Distance from Chennai: 193 km

9 Thiruvannamalai Attractions

9. VGP Golden Beach, Chennai

Considered as one of the cleanest and beautiful beaches in Chennai, VGP Golden beach is one of the most sought-after destinations in the area by family and friends. This beach is a part of the VGP Universal Kingdom, which is a famous amusement park and lies on the East Coast Road. This mesmerising beach is an appealing part of the Bay of Bengal, with its smooth and silver sand situated on Marina, the second longest beach in the world. 

Distance from Chennai: 18 km

10. Kanipakam Vinayaka temple, Chittoor

Chittor is a district laden with important temples, one of them being the Kanipakkam Vinayagar Temple. Apart from Tirupati, Tirumala and Srikalahasti, the Vinayagar Temple in Kanipakkam is another reason why pilgrims flock to the district of Chittor. Situated 56 km from Tirupati, the small town of Kanipakam is the abode of great deity Vinayaka. It makes for an ideal weekend getaway trip for city dwellers as well as a major pilgrimage site.

Distance from Chennai: 169 km

11. Srikalahasti, Andhra Pradesh

Known For : Srikalahasteeswara Temple Veyilingala Kona Waterfall Sri Subrahmanya Swamy Temple

Overflowing with a rich and vivacious yesteryears, this place has showcased its potential to allure the visitors with its extravagant shrines and pristine beauty.

Distance from Chennai: 120 km

Best Time: July to March

9 Srikalahasti Attractions

12. Nellore, Andhra Pradesh

Known For : Ramalingeswara Temple Narasimhaswamy Temple Patu Ru

Nellore is a beautiful city lying on the banks of River Penna and a Municipal Corporation in the South Indian state of Andhra Pradesh.

Distance from Chennai: 174 km

Best Time: October to February

7 Nellore Attractions

13. Vedanthangal, Tamil Nadu

Known For : Vedanthangal Bird sanctuary Karikili Bird Sanctuary

Lying close to the important district of Mahabalipuram, is Vedanthangal, best known for its bird sanctuary.

Distance from Chennai: 86 km

2 Vedanthangal Attractions

14. Pichavaram Mangrove Forests

The second largest Mangrove forest in the world, Pichavaram is located off the tourist trail but is totally worth the effort. One can be enchanted by the complex river system and canal network that bind this beautiful place together and support the rich biodiversity of the place.

Distance from Chennai: 212 km

15. Nagalapuram

Hidden like a jewel behind the lush green forests of Andhra Pradesh lies a serene and tranquil place named Nagalapuram. Surrounded by majestic hills and gurgling waterfalls, this place is ideal to take a break from the buzzing city life and spend some peaceful days amidst soft breezes, flourishing trees and gushing waterfalls. Famously also known as Nagala Hills, this is the place to pump up your adrenaline with the various adventurous activities proffered in this scenic village.

Distance from Chennai: 74 km

16. Vellore

Known For : Vellore Fort Jalakandeswarar Temple St. John's Church

An ancient city in the northeastern part of Tamil Nadu, Vellore is located on the banks of river Palar Vellore. The land of Vellore has seen glorious days of many empires such as the Pallavas, the Cholas, the Vijayanagara, the Rashtrakutas, the Carnatic and the British. The city has a nickname called 'The Fort City' due to the Marvelous Fort which sits at the heart of Vellore city. A legend says that the region where the city now stands was once upon a time surrounded by Velan (Babul) Trees giving the place the name Vellore.

Distance from Chennai: 137 km

Best Time: October - March

17 Vellore Attractions

17. Nellore, Andhra Pradesh

Nellore is a beautiful city lying on the banks of River Penna, a Municipal Corporation in the South Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. Anciently known as Vikrama Simhapuri, it derived its name from "Nelluru", a combination of Tamil words "Nel" and "Ooru" where Nel stands for Paddy and Ooru means Place.

18. Tranquebar, Tamil Nadu

Known For : Fort Dansborg The town gate The Zion Church

Forgotten to be touched by time, and still known for its tranquility, is Tharagambadi, otherwise known as Tranquebar- The land of the singing waves. Tied up together still, and surviving the storms of time, Tranquebar is the ultimate destinations for those who lose themselves, when it comes to History.

Distance from Chennai: 266 km

Best Time: August to February

7 Tranquebar Attractions

19. Pulicat Lake, Nellore

Lying at the boundary of the states of Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, Pulicat Lake is the second largest lagoon in the country. This fantastic destination is a natural beauty and also serves as an asylum for birds under the name of Pulicat Bird Sanctuary. The lake is separated by the Bay of Bengal by the barrier island of Sriharikota, which is also a rocket launching centre. Lying in the midst of scintillating virgin charms and cutting edge technological hotspot, the Pulicat Lake has something for everyone.

Distance from Chennai: 104 km

20. Talakona Waterfall, Tirupati

Located in Sri Venkateswara National Park, Talakona Waterfall is the highest waterfall in the region and a famous picnic spot. The water is believed to have medicinal properties and comes from an unknown underground stream. The attraction is also famous for trekking and has several trekking routes running around it amidst the scenic natural surroundings.

Distance from Chennai: 204 km

21. Tirumala Venkateshwara Temple, Chittoor

Needless to say, this world renowned temple is a must visit on a trip to Chittoor. Located on the seventh peak, Venkatachala, of the Tirupati hill, this temple houses the most breathtaking idol of Lord Venkateshwara, and it is said that a look at the idol is sure to leave one spellbound.

22. Gingee Fort, Thiruvannamalai

Known as the "Troy of the East" by the British, Gingee Fort rises out of the Tamilian plains. Lying in Villupuram District of Tamil Nadu, the fort is 160 kilometres from the state capital, Chennai, and is close to the Union Territory of Puducherry. The majestic fort has three different hilltop citadels and a massive boundary of thick walls and cliffs. 

Distance from Chennai: 155 km

23. Cholamandalam Artist's Village, Chennai

Cholamandalam Artists? Village is situated in Injambakkam in Chennai. The gallery is spread over 10 acres and was established by the brilliant artist KCS Paniker in 1966. The gallery exhibits and displays works of artists who contributed for the "Madras Movement".

24. Nettukuppam, Chennai

Nettukuppam is the northernmost tip of Chennai and has a beach which is yet not tarnished by encroaching crowds. It is a solitary retreat for those who seek to enjoy the raging sea up close but in a peaceful environment. The saltwater creek of Ennore joins the sea here forming an estuary of sorts. The place is ideal to spend a peaceful time as it is still not on the radar of the maddening tourist crowd.

Distance from Chennai: 24 km

It is advisable pack lots of sunscreen, hats and the best smile one can ever put on. We guarantee that weekend trips will never be the same!!

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• Places to Visit in Chennai in One Day

Here is the list of best places to visit in Chennai in one day

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Sri Parthasarathy Temple

Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, Parthasarathy Temple is one of the most popular religious places to visit in Chennai in 1 day where devotees flock especially during the festive months to pay their homage to the Lord. The temple is rich in its historical significance and dates back from the 8th century, Chola Dynasty. The structural beauty of the entire place along with the sculptures of the incarnations of Vishnu and the inscriptions painted on the wall will surely make you ponder about the legacy of the temple. The beautiful mandapams will unfurl its intriguing mythological tales to you and after visiting the presiding deity you can explore around the premises of the temple for gathering some more knowledge. Location- Narayana Krishnaraja Puram, Triplicane, Chennai, Tamil Nadu- 600005. Timings- 6 am to 12.30 pm and 4 pm to 9 pm daily.

Best of Goa

Government Museum

Hailed as the second oldest museum in India and well blended in its cultural and historic aura, the Government Museum is one of the places to visit in Chennai in one day with family. The place is well- known for its impressive numismatics and archaeological collections and will surely leave you in awe. If you want to take a peep at the fascinating collection of Roman antiques then do visit the colossal Museum theatre lying within the premises. The National Art Gallery brings to you a wide display of valuable paintings ranging from European to Asian and also houses some of the treasured pieces of Raja Ravi Verma. Built over 16.25 acres and housing 46 galleries, this museum will indeed offer you some enriching moments. Location- Government Maternity Hospital, Pantheon Road, Egmore, Chennai, Tamil Nadu-600008.  Timings- 9.30 am to 4.30 pm daily. Closed on Fridays.

Best of Bangalore

Valluvar Kottam

Built-in 1970 in the shape of a chariot that is 128 feet height, this majestic temple comprises a decorative arch and is intricately adorned with traditional Kalamkari designs. Couplets from the Kural literature are beautifully inscribed on the Kural Manimandapam and the temple pays its tribute to the famous classical Tamil poet Thiruvalluvar. The interior of the temple is spacious and houses a stone effigy of the poet. The structural beauty of the place shrouded in peace is one of the places to visit in Chennai in one day. An early morning or evening visit can give you a spectacular sight of the horizon changing its color with the emerging or setting sun.  Location- Lies at the intersection of the Village Road in Nungambakkam and the Kodambakkam High road. Timings- 8.30 am to 5.30 pm daily.

Best of Ooty

San Thome Cathedral Basilica

Designed in a Neo-Gothic style, the stunning architecture of San Thome Cathedral Basilica will surely be a mesmerizing sight to behold. The pristine white color of the walls and the rows of wooden pews enhances the mystical beauty of the place.  Built-in the 16th century by the Portuguese over the tomb of Saint Thomas, this church got its status of a cathedral during the British rule. Being one of the three well-known churches in the entire world, it attracts visitors and devotees from different parts of the world. Attached to the church, lies the museum where one will find the apostle’s fingerprint, a treasured piece of his bone and beautiful paintings depicting his life story. Location- 38, Santhome High Road, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600004.  Timings- 6 am to 9 pm daily. 

Best of Alleppey

Marina Beach

Stretching for a distance of 6 km from the Fort St. George to the Foreshore Estate, the Marina Beach will offer you a spellbinding view of the azure waters of the Bay of Bengal. Known as one of the longest natural beaches in the country, it is frequently visited by people and is one of the ideal places to visit in Chennai in one day with family. Flanked by shops and food stalls, this beach is a popular hub for engaging in beach games, shopping and enjoying the cool sea breeze during the summers. However, tourists should not engage in any bathing activity as it has been legally banned due to dangerous undercurrents. Location- Chennai, Tamil Nadu.  Timings- Accessible 24 hours daily.

Best of Pondicherry

Kapaleeshwarar Temple

Constructed in the 7th century in the Dravidian style, the Kapaleeshwarar Temple is the abode of Lord Shiva and his consort Goddess Parvati. The towering Gopurams along with several other shrines is a beautiful sight to behold and is one of the well-known religious places to visit in Chennai in one day. In the courtyard of the temple, under a Punnai tree, one will find the intriguing legend of Goddess Parvati worshipping Shiva in the form of a peacock being represented in a stone shrine. Explore around the premises and seize some quality moments with your family. You can also be a part of the carnivalesque spring festival of Brahmotsavam in the Tamil month of Panguni when the entire temple gets decorated and pulsates with life. Location- Kesava Perumal Sannathi, Vinayak Nagar Colony, Mylapore, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600004.  Timings- 5.30 am to 10 pm daily.

Best of Kodaikanal

Semmozhi Poonga

Semmozhi Poonga is a picturesque botanical park comprising 22 different gardens that house around 500 varied species of plants, medicinal herbs, and aromatic shrubs. Some exotic varieties here have been exported from Thailand and China and adds to the beauty of the place. An artificial duck pond lies in the heart of the garden and offers a pleasing view to every urban dweller. An amphitheater has been built where visitors can sit, relax and behold the spectacular cultural shows. The leisurely stroll through the lush pathways will freshen your mind and will serve as a welcome change for every person. This happens to be one of the serene places to visit in Chennai in one day with family, where you can enjoy a hearty picnic in the grace of nature. Location- Cathedral Road, Ellaiamman Colony, Teynampet, Chennai, Tamil Nadu-600086.  Timings- 10 am to 7 pm daily.

Best of Kovalam

Vivekananda House

The Vivekananda House is an iconic landmark in Chennai which served as a place of accommodation for the renowned figure- Vivekananda after his return from the West. Maintained by the Sri Ramakrishna Math, this profound place serves as a source of inspiration for many visitors. It is one of the historic places to visit in Chennai in one day, where you will get a closer glimpse into the life and deeds of Swami Vivekananda. The impressive structure built in the Victorian style also houses a meditation room where one can seize upon some spiritual insight. Take your kids along as this museum will enrich them on the simple yet fervent principles of life. Location- Marina Beach Road, Neelam Basha Dargapuram, Durgapuram, Kamarajar Salai, Triplicane, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600005 Timings- 10 am to 12.30 pm and 3 pm to 7 pm daily.

Best of Gokarna

Guindy National Park

Sprawling over an area of 2.70 square kilometers, this national park lies on the extended grounds of Raj Bhavan. Encompassing lush greenery, this place is the home of myriad types of flora and fauna. One will often get to witness blackbucks, spotted deers, snakes, tortoises, butterflies, and various other reptiles. 150 species of birds reside here, thus the place tends to attract many bird watchers. This scenic park is an ideal place for a weekend getaway and the Children’s Park housing a zoo is a much-preferred zone for the young ones. This is one among the endless list of places to visit in Chennai in one day with family as the peaceful setting and the refreshing air will surely create some wonderful memories. Location- Range Guindy, Chennai, Tamil Nadu- 600025. Timings- 9 am to 6 pm daily. Remains closed on Tuesday. 

Best of Mahabalipuram

Thousand Lights Mosque

Clad in legendary tales that narrate that to illuminate the prayer hall, thousand oil lamps were lit in bygone days, The Thousand Lights Mosque is one of the prominent places to visit in Chennai in 1 day that calls for a visit. Constructed in the 19th century, the shrine pays tribute to prophet Muhammad’s grandson- Imam Hossein. The place draws thousands of Shia pilgrims every year along with many other tourists from different parts of the country. The architectural elegance of the towering minarets, the curving domes, and the beautiful walls decorated with lines from the Quran is a fascinating sight to behold.  Location- Royepettah, Peters Road, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600086. Timings- 5.30 am to 9 pm daily.

Elliot’s Beach

Situated towards the south of Marina Beach, lies one of the cleanest beaches of Chennai- the Elliot’s Beach. Named after the British Chief Magistrate, Edward Elliot, the beach is a secluded one ideal for seeking some reposeful moments. Thus the tranquil setting away from the city’s frenzy attracts many youngsters and families on weekends for a refreshing change. Here you can plunge into the cool waters, lie down in the golden sun for sunbathing, enjoy some fun moments with your dear ones and grab some delicious local cuisines from the nearby restaurants. Elliot’s Beach is one of the less frequented places to visit in Chennai in one day and will offer you a perfect retreat.  Location- Basant Nagar, Chennai, Tamil Nadu. Timings- Accessible 24 hours daily.

Dakshinachitra

Dakshinachitra is one of the open-air museums of Chennai built in the style of a village that displays a plethora of impressive exhibits. With the sole aim of preserving and promoting the rich culture of South India, this museum has 18 different historical houses. These houses are exclusively dedicated to the intrinsic art and culture of the various Southern states and the heritage museum houses around 4220 artifacts. The rustic essence and the engaging exhibits will surely leave an indelible mark on your minds and touch your hearts. A guided tour through this place will take you past living history as you can not only behold the beautiful objects but also offered a chance to witness how the local artisans make their wares. A visit to Dakshinachitra will be worth your time and money. Location- SH 49, Muthukadu, Tamil Nadu 603118. Timings- 10 am to 7 pm daily. Remains closed on Tuesday.

Lying in the central part of Chennai, Mylapore happens to be one of the oldest residential parts of the city. Known for its cultural significance, this place houses many temples, mosques, and churches. The famous ones are Kapaleeshwarar Temple, Madhava Perumal Temple, San Thome Basilica, Ramkrishna Math and many others. The winter season adds a different cheer to the city as it houses some of the famous musical performances.  A short weekend trip to Mylapore will be a welcome change as you can explore around the historical sites, splurge some money at the Luz shopping corner, and grab a sumptuous South Indian meal served hot on traditional banana leaves.  Location- Located towards the southern part of Chennai, and lies between Triplicane and Teynampet. Timings- Accessible 24 hours daily.

MGR Film City

The MGR Film City is one of the bustling places to visit in Chennai in 1 day with your family and will offer you some exciting moments.  It is a beautiful film studio complex and the artificial sceneries comprising lush forests, majestic waterfalls, buzzing marketplace will leave you in sheer awe. Tourists can explore the indoor studio sets and venture around in the landscaped gardens that are well constructed and resembles a fusion of Japanese, Indian and Mughal style. The MGR Knowledge Park that lies in the premises is an informative zone where one can find out more about the history of the Tamil Film Industry and its growth over the years. Location- MGR Film City Road, Tharamani, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600113. Timings- 9 am to 5.30 pm daily. Remains closed on Thursdays.

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Santhome Church is a standing testament to the belief of the Christian followers and is among the three wonders of this world that house the tombs of Christ’s original disciple. The other two are Santiago de Compostela in Spain and St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City. It was constructed in the memory of Saint Thomas who was an Apostle of Jesus Christ. Santhome Church is the greatest symbol of multi-culture and religious harmony as people from all religions visit this Church to seek solace and eternal peace.This church was built initially as a mausoleum, but it has now transversed into a Basilica owing to it’s gaining popularity and importance. Beneath the towering white embodiment of this basilica lies the body of Saint Thomas who came to India in 52 AD to preach about Christianity. He was successful in converting a large population of the locals residing in Tamil Nadu and Kerala with his wisdom and powerful preaching. He thereafter formed a community that is now known as Syrian Christians. This church also houses a museum that displays souvenirs of Saint Thomas and gives visitors an insight into the glorious past of this church during the historical times.

Located on the East Coast Road in the Sholinganallur locality of South-Chennai, ISKCON Temple is the spiritual and cultural hub of the city. This temple in Chennai is not only the biggest Radha Krishna temple in Tamilnadu but one of the biggest ISKCON temples in India. With the history of the ISKCON temple in Chennai dating back to the late 1970s, the construction of the temple began in the late 1990s and was completed in 2012 in many phases. The temple houses the deity of Lord Krishna, alongside Radharani and their friends Lalita, Lord Chaitanya, Lord Jagannath, Baladeva, and Subhadra inside three teak-wood alters which are one of a kind. These deities are sourced from Rajasthan and Orissa. Under the guidance of Sri Bhanu Swami, the beautiful architecture is inspired by the Kalinga and Pallava kingdoms’ architecture. At the entrance of the temple, one would see the wonderful design of various Hindu universes on the marble flooring. The various universes are circled a central pillar called Mount Meru. The design is implicated from the ancient Vedic Puranas where Mount Meru is described as the centre of all the universes. The temple is a blend of various cultures with modern scientific technology. To attract more and more people in the ISKCON movement, the authorities of the temples organize lectures and audio-visual programs about the Hindu philosophy. Spread over an area of 1.5 acres, the ISKCON temple or the Hare Rama Hare Krishna temple is built on five floors.

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