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Chennai, the scenic capital of Tamil Nadu, houses intricate architecture and an active culinary tableau. Due to this, it is almost impossible to sightsee all the charming locations it has to offer. Chennai is ideal for anyone visiting Tamil Nadu, especially with its rich cultural scene and delicate cuisine. If you are in the vicinity for a week, here is one week itinerary for Chennai to make your stay worthwhile curated by Things2Do.
Day 1Make Acquaintance With Chennai’s Cultural Heritage
Chennai has one of the worst heats, especially during Summer. Adjusting to the fluctuating Chennai weather is hard, and so is the cultural heritage. You must acquaint yourself with various things, such as the language, to ensure you can communicate a few words with the locals.
While making an acquaintance with the area, it is imperative to have a detailed plan on where you want to go on the first day. Also, take note of the public holidays, such as bandhs, because locals close early for the day.
Note that most of the charming locations in Chennai are near the sea. Therefore, if you book a hotel near the coast regions of Besant Nagar, Mylapore, or Royapettah, ensure that you indulge in the local delicacies.
Day 2Exploring Chennai’s Colonial And Landmark Scene
Chennai’s history, also known as Madras, is embedded in British culture because the city was under colonial rule for nearly 300 years. Due to this, most of the city’s architecture and décor pay homage to British rule.
As part of your seven days in Chennai, you must visit various colonial forts, such as St. George, encased in Indo-Saracenic and Art-Deco architectural designs. When you head to the North of the city, you will notice various remains that belong to the Dutch, French, and Portuguese colonial eras.
It is impossible to exhaust all the colonial structures of Chennai, but with a good plan, you will visit most, if not all, of these areas. Furthermore, most itineraries recommend starting with St. George since it is the cradle of Madras. Additionally, the colonial fort has maintained its form over the years and continues to play an integral role in Tamil’s administration.
Santhome Cathedral Basilica also tops the list of best places to visit in Chennai. Located in the Mylapore area, Santhome is a historical marvel for many globally. Other places to visit include the Southern Railways Headquarters and Madras High Court.
Day 3Temple Hopping
Although Chennai is renowned for its British colonial structures (Madras), some buildings existed 1000 years before the colonial era. Looking at these structures, it is evident that they played an integral role in Chennai’s worship culture.
Architectural beauty aside, these temples paint an image of ancient Tamil culture, especially Vaishnavaite and Saivite. Most temples cum historical places in Chennai, such as Thiruvanmiyur, offer distinct rituals and performing arts.
Day 4Food, Beaches, And Culture
Chennai features captivating beaches and landmarks, making it a popular location among travellers and locals. As a first-timer, your Chennai travel guide must include popular beaches, such as Marina and Besant Nagar, because they play a vital role in the city’s cultural heritage.
Chennai beaches have much to offer besides charming views, with many restaurants and cafes spread across the shoreline. A good example is Marina, renowned for its shops, boutiques, and food stalls.
In Chennai, Elliot and Nagar beaches are some of the most popular because of their exquisite bars, cafes, and restaurants. Also, other smaller beaches in the area are worth a visit.
Moreover, Chennai offers an exquisite food scene with international specialities, especially Udipi Hotel, since it sells Saravana Bhavan and Mathsya.
Day 5 & 6Chennai Sightseeing (Smaller Attractions)
Your Chennai itinerary should include smaller attractions, temples, and beaches aside. You can visit minor locations such as the Government Museum complex, with several public facilities, such as libraries and shrines. You can also check out some exquisite botanical gardens and zoology parks.
If you are fascinated by art and history, visit various cultural academies, such as the Anna Centenary Library, which offers the perfect ambience for relaxing your mind.
Day 7Final Day, Travel And Departure
Now that you have exhausted your Chennai itinerary, you can savour the last moments as you prepare to exit the city. In the morning, you can visit your favourite restaurant or café for breakfast items, including Pongal, idli, and dosa. Afterwards, you can stroll through the beaches one last time and soak in the gentle breeze and tranquil ambience.
During the day, you can sightsee any attractions you might have missed. The Semmozhi botanical garden might be a solid place to start because of the landscaped gardens or the Theosophical Society, which offers esoteric texts.
Towards the afternoon, visit any of the boutiques in the area that sell traditional Chennai attire, jewellery, and spices. Visiting these vibrant areas ensures you create the last beautiful memories for your excursion.
In the evening, you can pop into any restaurant and enjoy a tasty delicacy, especially the well-known Tamil cuisine, a cult favourite among travellers and locals. Also, most cafes offer scenic views, which will zest to your stay. Ultimately, you must ensure you prepare all your belongings before your departure.
Most people prefer visiting Chennai during the winter season, which runs from January to April, and the Monsoon season, which starts in June. Both seasons come with heavy rainfall and continuous downpours. Also, there are plenty of ways to get around the city, from metros to cabs – most are accessible from the streets. However, ensure that you and the driver agree on the price before they take you to your location.
Chennai is Tamil Nadu’s picturesque city, with intricate architecture and a vibrant food scene. Due to this, it is virtually impossible to see all its attractive sites. However, with a detailed itinerary for Chennai, it becomes the perfect spot for anyone visiting India, especially with its vibrant cultural scene and delicious cuisine. Follow our insta @ Things2doinchennai for latest update from the city.
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