Insider's Guide to 5 Days in Chennai

Discover the vibrant culture of Chennai without breaking the bank.

21 June 2023

Chennai is a vibrant city on the east coast of India that is known for its rich cultural heritage and delicious cuisine. Travelers on a limited budget can explore the city's many temples, museums, and markets, or relax on one of the nearby beaches. Affordable accommodations and street food make this a great destination for budget-conscious travelers.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Let's Dive into Culture

  • Start with a traditional South Indian breakfast at Murugan Idli
  • Visit Kapaleeswarar Temple, a 7th-century temple dedicated to Lord Shiva
  • Explore Fort St. George, the first British fortress in India
  • Check out the Government Museum, which has a collection of art, archaeology, and natural history
  • Have dinner at Amma Mess, a local favorite for non-vegetarian dishes
  • Stay at the Hotel Seshiresidency, a no-frills budget hotel with clean and comfortable rooms.
Day 2

Beach and Bazaar

  • Take a morning stroll on Marina Beach, India's longest urban beach
  • Visit the Kalakshetra Foundation, a center for traditional Indian art and culture
  • Shop for souvenirs at T Nagar, a bustling bazaar for clothing, jewelry, and more
  • Check out the art deco architecture at Spencer Plaza, a 1920s shopping complex
  • Have dinner at Dindigul Thalappakatti, famous for its biryani
Day 3

Spiritual Serenity

  • Visit the Sri Mylai Karpagambal Mess for a traditional South Indian breakfast
  • Take a boat ride to the island of Pulicat, known for its Dutch fort and bird sanctuary
  • Visit the Theosophical Society, a spiritual center with lush gardens and a museum
  • Stop by the Santhome Cathedral Basilica, a beautiful church with Gothic and Romanesque architecture
  • Have dinner at Annalakshmi, a vegetarian restaurant run by volunteers
Day 4

Art and Architecture

  • Visit the Cholamandal Artists' Village, a community of painters and sculptors
  • Check out the DakshinaChitra museum, which showcases traditional craft and architecture from South India
  • Visit the Mahabalipuram UNESCO World Heritage site, known for its ancient rock-cut temples and sculptures
  • Take a dip in the Mahabalipuram beach
  • Have dinner at Murugan Mess, a restaurant that specializes in dosas
Day 5

Culinary Delights

  • Indulge in a breakfast of hot vadai and chutney at Saravana Bhavan
  • Visit the St. Thomas Mount National Shrine, a holy site for Christians
  • Take a tour of the Ripon Building, a colonial-era city hall
  • Explore the vibrant Egmore market, known for its fresh produce and street food
  • Have dinner at Ponnusamy Restaurant, known for its seafood and meat dishes
  • End your trip on a high note by enjoying a live performance at one of Chennai's many music and dance venues.

Length of stay

1 day 2 days 3 days 4 days 5 days

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Chennai by plane is to fly into Chennai International Airport from your nearest major airport.

Car

If you prefer to drive, the best way to get to Chennai is to take the National Highway 48 from Bangalore to Chennai. It's important to note that Indian driving laws can be confusing for tourists and it's recommended to hire a driver.

Train

If you want to travel to Chennai by train, you can catch a train to Chennai Central Station from major cities throughout India.

Boat

While there are no direct boat services to Chennai, you can catch a ferry to the nearby Ennore Port and then take a taxi or bus to Chennai.

Bus

Getting to Chennai by bus is easy as there are many bus services operating from nearby cities. The best way is to look for a reputable bus service and book in advance to secure a seat.

Destination

Chennai

Welcome to a city where traffic lights are treated as mere suggestions and where the spiciest thing you'll taste is the weather. Welcome to Chennai!

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Number of days

1 2 3 4 5

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

More travel plans

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