5-day itinerary

The Perfect 5 Days in Chennai

A balanced 5-day plan for Chennai, built around its top-rated sights so each day flows without backtracking — plus a bite to eat along the way. Like it? Make it your own in a couple of taps.

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Day 1The Big Highlights

  1. Morning

    Fort St. George

    India's first British fortress, home to a 17th-century church and fascinating colonial-era museum.

  2. Afternoon

    Armenian Church of the Virgin Mary

    One of Asia's oldest Armenian churches, this serene 18th-century sanctuary whispers centuries of forgotten heritage.

  3. Evening

    George Town

    Explore Chennai's oldest neighborhood, brimming with colonial architecture, vibrant bazaars, and centuries of rich heritage.

Where to eat: Adyar Anand BhavanRegional — a well-loved local spot.

Day 2Culture & Icons

  1. Morning

    Royapuram

    Chennai's oldest railway station, a heritage gem blending colonial history with the pulse of modern India.

  2. Afternoon

    Chennai Government Museum

    South India's oldest museum, packed with ancient artifacts, Roman coins, and stunning bronze sculptures.

  3. Evening

    Express Avenue Mall

    Chennai's upscale mega-mall offering world-class brands, dining, and entertainment under one air-conditioned roof.

Where to eat: Adyar Ananda BhavanIndian — a well-loved local spot.

Day 3Parks & Slower Moments

  1. Morning

    Semmozhi Poonga

    One of Chennai's largest parks, offering lush greenery and a peaceful retreat from the bustling city.

  2. Afternoon

    Valluvar Kottam

    Marvel at a towering chariot-shaped monument honoring Tamil poet-saint Thiruvalluvar, a true Chennai landmark.

  3. Evening

    Ampa Skywalk

    Chennai's elevated mall connects shopping floors with a breezy skywalk above the city buzz.

Where to eat: Alagar Multicuisine RestaurantChinese — a well-loved local spot.

Day 4Culture & Icons

  1. Morning

    Chennai Railway Museum

    Discover vintage locomotives and India's rich railway history at this fascinating open-air museum.

  2. Afternoon

    Chennai Citi Center Mall

    Explore Chennai's bustling retail scene with diverse shops, dining, and entertainment all under one roof.

  3. Evening

    Vivekanandar Illam

    Explore the serene historic home where Swami Vivekananda found inspiration overlooking the Chennai seafront.

Where to eat: Black BoxPizza — a well-loved local spot.

Day 5Sights & Experiences

  1. Morning

    Birla Planetarium

    Journey through the cosmos with stunning sky shows inside Chennai's iconic silver-domed planetarium.

  2. Afternoon

    Gandhi Mandapam

    Theatre venue dedicated to Gandhi, serving cultural performances and events.

  3. Evening

    Children's Park, Guindy

    Meet deer, blackbuck, and exotic birds in Chennai's beloved family-friendly forest zoo.

Where to eat: Chennai Darbar RestaurantA well-loved local spot.

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Built from Chennai's top-rated attractions. Opening hours, prices, and whether a spot still delivers can change — double-check anything time-sensitive before you go.