10 Days in Chennai: A Journey Through History and Nature

Ameen Pathayil

3 Dec 2023

Embark on a 10-day adventure in Chennai, Tamil Nādu, India, and immerse yourself in the rich history and natural beauty of this vibrant city. From ancient temples to pristine beaches, this itinerary has it all. Join me as I explore Chennai's hidden gems and create unforgettable memories.

Trip to Chennai

Tours & Activities

Viator Tours

Day 1Unveiling the Spiritual and Architectural Wonders

$ 4

ALARMEL MANGAI MAGALIR VIDUTHI

Depart from your stay 🏨

30 - 36 min

Directions

Cathedral basilica rebuilt in 1896 in neo-Gothic style, at the site of St. Thomas Apostle's tomb.

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

•

Free

8 - 10 min

Directions

Bustling urban beach featuring a long shoreline for basking & a variety of food stalls & shops.

9:30 AM - 11:30 AM

•

Free

9 - 14 min

Directions

Arulmigu Sri Parthasarathy Perumal Temple Tiruvallikeni

Sacred 8th-century temple honouring the god Krishna, with ornately carved towers & columns.

12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

•

Free

33 - 40 min

Directions

Iconic 12-story tower with a spiraling ramp overlooking a surrounding park, fountain & sport courts.

1:30 PM - 2:30 PM

•

Free

Day 2Parks, Temples, and Serenity

$ 4

ALARMEL MANGAI MAGALIR VIDUTHI

Depart from your stay 🏨

31 - 38 min

Directions

Leafy, family-friendly urban park with a kid's playground, several animal statues & a skating area.

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

•

Free

8 - 10 min

Directions

Renovated in 1920, this Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Muruga is a popular place to get married.

9:30 AM - 11:00 AM

•

Free

15 - 18 min

Directions

Serene botanical garden with over 500 species of plants, including exotic varieties.

11:30 AM - 1:30 PM

•

Day 3Parks, Museums, and Historical Marvels

$ 4

ALARMEL MANGAI MAGALIR VIDUTHI

Depart from your stay 🏨

29 - 35 min

Directions

3.2-hectare park in a busy shopping district featuring shaded paths, water features & statues.

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

•

Free

18 - 22 min

Directions

State collections including Indian art & sculpture, bronzes, anthropology & a children's section.

9:30 AM - 12:30 PM

•

18 - 22 min

Directions

Airy, modern stone memorial & tomb for former Tamil Nadu chief minister M. G. Ramachandran.

1:00 PM - 2:30 PM

•

Free

Day 4Wildlife Encounters and Divine Blessings

$ 4

ALARMEL MANGAI MAGALIR VIDUTHI

Depart from your stay 🏨

19 - 23 min

Directions

Large, tree-filled park with a variety of animals & greenery, plus a children's play area.

8:00 AM - 11:00 AM

•

20 - 24 min

Directions

Hindu temple dedicated to Hanuman, featuring a 32-ft. monolithic granite idol of the god.

11:30 AM - 1:00 PM

•

Free

92 - 111 min

Directions

Offbeat tourist attraction featuring a massive granite boulder perched on a downhill slope.

1:30 PM - 2:30 PM

•

Free

Day 5Temples, Beaches, and Tranquility

$ 4

ALARMEL MANGAI MAGALIR VIDUTHI

Depart from your stay 🏨

15 - 18 min

Directions

Monumental Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva, known for its health & curative properties.

8:00 AM - 9:30 AM

•

Free

8 - 10 min

Directions

This colourful, multi-level seaside temple with ornate details honours the Hindu goddess Lakshmi.

10:00 AM - 11:30 AM

•

Free

16 - 20 min

Directions

Popular, sandy strand known for its sunsets, plus vendors selling grilled corn & other street food.

12:00 PM - 2:00 PM

•

Free

Day 6Thrills and Devotion

$15

$ 3

ALARMEL MANGAI MAGALIR VIDUTHI

Depart from your stay 🏨

28 - 34 min

Directions

Whimsical amusement park with bumper cars, a roller coaster & other rides, plus live entertainment.

8:00 AM - 12:00 PM

•

$15

28 - 34 min

Directions

Temple reputed to be lucky for lovers, with 6th-century origins, colonnaded gates & bejeweled idols.

12:30 PM - 2:00 PM

•

Free

Day 7Marine Kingdom and Sacred Blessings

$ 3

ALARMEL MANGAI MAGALIR VIDUTHI

Depart from your stay 🏨

29 - 35 min

Directions

Big aquarium with 5 aquatic zones, an underwater tunnel, touch-pool exhibit & live feeding shows.

8:00 AM - 11:00 AM

•

82 - 99 min

Directions

Arulmigu Devi Karumariamman Temple, Thiruverkadu

Ornate Hindu temple featuring stepped towers, carved pillars & colourful ceilings, plus a pond.

11:30 AM - 1:00 PM

•

Free

Day 8Fun and Adventure at MGM Dizzee World

$ 2

ALARMEL MANGAI MAGALIR VIDUTHI

Depart from your stay 🏨

46 - 56 min

Directions

Large amusement park with rides & a water area with slides & a wave pool, plus 2 restaurants.

8:00 AM - 12:00 PM

•

Day 9Reptiles and Heritage

$15

$ 3

ALARMEL MANGAI MAGALIR VIDUTHI

Depart from your stay 🏨

57 - 69 min

Directions

The Madras Crocodile Bank Trust and Centre for Herpetology

Longtime reptile zoo & crocodile sanctuary/breeding center with feedings & a night safari.

8:00 AM - 11:00 AM

•

17 - 21 min

Directions

Cross cultural museum featuring 18 historical houses, along with art, crafts & performances.

11:30 AM - 2:00 PM

•

Day 10Amusement Parks and Wildlife Safari

$39

$ 3

ALARMEL MANGAI MAGALIR VIDUTHI

Depart from your stay 🏨

75 - 90 min

Directions

Theme park featuring roller coasters, family rides & water attractions, including a wave pool.

8:00 AM - 11:00 AM

•

$30

43 - 52 min

Directions

Vast zoo with large, natural enclosures for Asian mammals & battery-operated cars (fee) for touring.

11:30 AM - 3:30 PM

•

Budget breakdown: $130 In total

Activities & Food:$99

Transport:$31