4 Days in Chennai
Planning 4 days in Chennai? Discover Chennai, Tamil Nadu's cultural capital on the Coromandel Coast, over four immersive days—from ancient temples and colonial-era forts to beach promenades, museums, and a half-day escape toward Bangalore. This itinerary blends history, spirituality, art, and urban nature with practical tips for an authentic South Indian journey. It includes a detailed day-wise schedule, activities, meal suggestions, transportation tips and an estimated budget to help you plan your trip with less guesswork.
Day 1
Day 1
Begin in the heart of colonial and spiritual Chennai: explore Fort St. George, the Government Museum in Egmore, and the vibrant Kapaleeshwarar Temple in Mylapore. End with a sunset stroll along Marina Beach.
Activities
- Fort St. George & Fort Museum
- Government Museum, Egmore
- Kapaleeshwarar Temple, Mylapore
- Marina Beach sunset
Meals
- •Breakfast at Mylapore's Murugan Idli Shop
- •Lunch at Annalakshmi Restaurant (Egmore)
- •Dinner at Marina Beach food stalls or a nearby restaurant
Day 2
Day 2
Delve into sacred sites and coastal serenity: visit the San Thome Basilica, Parthasarathy Temple, and the Ashtalakshmi Temple, then relax at Elliot's Beach in Besant Nagar. Experience Chennai's spiritual and seaside charm.
Activities
- San Thome Basilica
- Parthasarathy Temple, Triplicane
- Ashtalakshmi Temple, Besant Nagar
- Elliot's Beach (Besant Nagar)
Meals
- •Breakfast at Saravana Bhavan (Triplicane)
- •Lunch at Junior Kuppanna (Besant Nagar)
- •Dinner at a beachside café in Besant Nagar
Day 3
Day 3
Explore Chennai's cultural and natural diversity: spend the morning at DakshinaChitra Heritage Museum, then visit Guindy National Park and the Vadapalani Andavar Temple. Enjoy a classical performance if available.
Activities
- DakshinaChitra Heritage Museum
- Guindy National Park
- Vadapalani Andavar Temple
- Evening cultural show (Margazhi season)
Meals
- •Breakfast at the hotel or a local café
- •Lunch at the DakshinaChitra café or a nearby restaurant
- •Dinner at Sangeetha Veg Restaurant (Vadapalani)
Day 4
Day 4
Combine a half-day excursion toward Bangalore with a final temple visit: drive to the ancient Marundeeswarar Temple in Tiruvanmiyur, then head to the outskirts toward Bangalore for a scenic break, returning to Chennai for a farewell dinner.
Activities
- Marundeeswarar Temple, Tiruvanmiyur
- Half-day excursion toward Bangalore (e.g., Vellore or Kanchipuram stop)
- Return to Chennai for leisure
- Farewell dinner at a traditional restaurant
Meals
- •Breakfast at the hotel
- •Lunch during the excursion (e.g., at Vellore or Kanchipuram)
- •Dinner at Thalappakatti Biryani (Chennai)
Detailed Timeline
Day 1
8 activities
Morning
Breakfast at Murugan Idli Shop (Mylapore)
Start your day with authentic South Indian breakfast: soft idlis, ghee podi, and filter coffee. This popular eatery is budget-friendly, with a full meal costing around ₹150–250 per person.
Explore Fort St. George
Visit the first English fortress in India, established in 1644. Walk through the Fort Museum to see British-era artifacts, coins, and paintings. Entry fee: ₹20 for Indians, ₹300 for foreigners; open from 10:00 AM (plan to arrive before).
Government Museum, Egmore
Head to one of India's oldest museums (founded 1851). Explore the bronze gallery with stunning Chola bronzes and the archaeological section. Entry fee: ₹30 for Indians, ₹500 for foreigners; camera charges extra. Allow 2 hours.
Afternoon
Lunch at Annalakshmi Restaurant (Egmore)
Enjoy a traditional vegetarian thali at this heritage restaurant run by volunteers. The unlimited meal is about ₹300–400 per person. The ambience reflects Indian art and culture.
Kapaleeshwarar Temple, Mylapore
Visit the iconic Dravidian-style Shiva temple with its colorful gopuram. The temple is one of Chennai's oldest and most important. Dress modestly, remove shoes at the entrance. No entry fee, but donations are welcome.
Marina Beach
Walk along the 13-km-long urban beach, one of the longest in the world. Enjoy the sea breeze, local snacks from vendors, and the sunset. Be cautious of strong currents—do not swim.
Evening
Dinner at Marina Beach food stalls or nearby restaurant
Sample local street food like sundal (spiced chickpeas) and murukku from the stalls, or head to a nearby restaurant for a seafood dinner. Budget ₹300–500 per person.
Return to hotel and rest
After a long day, head back to your accommodation. Consider taking an auto-rickshaw or app-based cab; negotiate fares or use the meter.
Day 2
8 activities
Morning
Breakfast at Saravana Bhavan (Triplicane)
This chain is famous for its South Indian breakfasts. Try the masala dosa and coffee. Expect to spend ₹150–250 per person.
San Thome Basilica
Visit the Roman Catholic basilica built over the tomb of St. Thomas the Apostle. It's one of only three churches in the world built directly over an apostle's tomb. The neo-Gothic architecture is stunning. Entry is free; dress respectfully.
Parthasarathy Temple, Triplicane
One of the oldest temples in Chennai, dedicated to Lord Krishna. The temple dates back to the 8th century and features beautiful carvings. No entry fee; photography is restricted.
Afternoon
Lunch at Junior Kuppanna (Besant Nagar)
Savor Chettinad-style non-vegetarian dishes like chicken chettinad and biryani. Expect to spend ₹400–600 per person. The restaurant is popular, so book ahead or go early.
Ashtalakshmi Temple, Besant Nagar
This modern temple is dedicated to the eight forms of Goddess Lakshmi. It sits near the beach and offers peaceful views. No entry fee; open from 6:30 AM to 12:30 PM and 4:00 PM to 8:30 PM.
Elliot's Beach (Besant Nagar)
Relax at this quieter beach compared to Marina. The beach is known for the Schmidt Memorial and a clean promenade. Enjoy the sunset and the cool breeze. No entry fee.
Evening
Dinner at a beachside café in Besant Nagar
Choose from cafés like Amethyst or the Besant Nagar Social for a relaxed dinner. Try wood-fired pizzas or continental dishes. Budget ₹600–800 per person.
Return to hotel
Take an auto or cab back. If you're staying in Mylapore or T. Nagar, travel time is about 20–30 minutes.
Day 3
8 activities
Morning
Breakfast at hotel or local café
Fuel up for a day of exploration. If you prefer local, try Idly Express or a nearby tiffin center. Budget ₹100–200 per person.
DakshinaChitra Heritage Museum
Located about 25 km south of Chennai, this living museum showcases South Indian culture, architecture, and crafts. Explore traditional houses from Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh. Entry fee: ₹250 for Indians, ₹500 for foreigners; open from 10:00 AM.
Afternoon
Lunch at DakshinaChitra café or nearby
The museum's café serves authentic South Indian meals. Alternatively, head to a nearby restaurant in East Coast Road. Budget ₹300–500 per person.
Guindy National Park
This is one of the few national parks in India located inside a city. Spot blackbucks, deer, and a variety of birds. Entry fee: ₹30 for Indians, ₹200 for foreigners; vehicle entry extra. Closed on Tuesdays.
Vadapalani Andavar Temple
Visit this popular Murugan temple, known for its vibrant gopuram and spiritual significance. The temple is especially lively during festivals. No entry fee.
Evening
Evening cultural show (if during Margazhi season)
If you're visiting in December–January, attend a Carnatic music or Bharatanatyam performance at a sabha like the Music Academy or Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan. Ticket prices vary from ₹200–1000. Check schedules in advance.
Dinner at Sangeetha Veg Restaurant (Vadapalani)
Enjoy a pure-veg South Indian dinner including dosas, vadas, and thalis. Budget ₹200–400 per person.
Return to hotel
End your day with a comfortable ride back. Use app cabs for safety and transparent pricing.
Day 4
8 activities
Morning
Breakfast at hotel
Have an early breakfast to maximize your excursion time. Many hotels offer buffet breakfast with South Indian and continental options.
Marundeeswarar Temple, Tiruvanmiyur
Visit this ancient Shiva temple, which is also known for its medicinal herbs (the name 'Marundu' means medicine). The temple is located near the beach and has a serene atmosphere. No entry fee; open from 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM to 8:30 PM.
Begin half-day excursion toward Bangalore
Drive along NH 48 toward Bangalore. A popular stop is Vellore (about 2.5 hours from Chennai), where you can visit the Vellore Fort and Jalakandeswarar Temple. Alternatively, detour to Kanchipuram (about 1.5 hours) to see its famous silk weavers and temples like Kailasanathar Temple. Choose one based on your interest and time.
Afternoon
Lunch during the excursion
Stop at a local restaurant in Vellore or Kanchipuram for a traditional meal. Try the local cuisine, such as Vellore's famous biryani or Kanchipuram's idli. Budget ₹300–500 per person.
Return to Chennai
Drive back to Chennai, arriving by late afternoon. If you have time, you can shop for silk sarees in Kanchipuram or explore local markets.
Evening
Leisure time or last-minute shopping
Relax at your hotel, or visit T. Nagar for shopping—famous for textiles and jewelry. If you're interested in local crafts, check out the Crafts Council of India shop.
Farewell dinner at Thalappakatti Biryani
Enjoy Chennai's famous biryani at this popular chain. The mutton biryani is a must-try. Budget ₹400–600 per person.
Return to hotel and pack
Prepare for your departure. If you have an early flight, confirm your transport arrangements the night before.
Food Recommendations
Murugan Idli Shop (Mylapore)
South Indian vegetarianMust Try: Ghee podi idli and filter coffee
₹150–₹300 per person
Junior Kuppanna (Besant Nagar)
Chettinad non-vegetarianMust Try: Chicken Chettinad and mutton biryani
₹400–₹700 per person
Thalappakatti Biryani (multiple branches)
Biryani specialistMust Try: Mutton biryani with brinjal curry
₹400–₹600 per person
Transportation Tips
- Use app-based cabs (Uber/Ola) for convenience and transparent pricing; auto-rickshaws are cheaper but negotiate or insist on the meter.
- The Chennai Metro is efficient for areas like Egmore and T. Nagar; use it to avoid traffic during peak hours.
- For the excursion toward Bangalore, consider hiring a private cab for the day (approx. ₹3,000–4,500) or take a bus to Vellore/Kanchipuram and then a local auto.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes and carry water; Chennai's heat can be intense, so plan outdoor activities in the morning or late afternoon.
Budget Breakdown
Total Estimated Per Person
₹20,000–₹35,000 for 4 days (excluding accommodation if shared)
Accommodation
₹3,000–₹8,000 per night (mid-range)
Food
₹1,500–₹3,000 per day
Transport
₹1,000–₹2,000 per day (cabs and autos)
Miscellaneous
₹2,000–₹4,000 (entry fees, tips, shopping)
More Itineraries
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