India · 2026 itinerary
Chennai 3-Day Itinerary
A day-by-day plan for Chennai: the best attractions in order, where to eat, how to get around — with free hotel briefings for your stay.
Arrive & Explore the Highlights
One of the world's longest urban beaches, stretching for 13 km along the Bay of Bengal. Locals gather here for evening strolls, street food, and the sea breeze. Best at dawn or sunset when the heat dr
🕐 Open 24 hours
Free entry💡 Go to the stretch near the lighthouse for fewer crowds. Avoid swimming—currents are dangerous. Try the sundal (spiced chickpeas) sold by vendors.
Hotels near Marina Beach →A neo-Gothic Roman Catholic basilica built over the tomb of St. Thomas the Apostle. The stained-glass windows and underground crypt are key features. Quiet, cool interior offers relief from the heat.
🕐 06:00-20:00
Free entry💡 Free entry. The crypt is open 9am-6pm—descend to see the original tomb. The church museum nearby has artefacts (free). Visit during a weekday mass (6am or 6pm) for live chanting.
Hotels near San Thome Cathedral →The Great Kabab Factory · ££
Tangerine · ££
Deeper Into Chennai
A 7th-century Dravidian-style temple dedicated to Shiva, with a 40-metre gopuram covered in colourful deities. The tank and mandapam are worth a look. Active place of worship, so dress modestly.
🕐 05:00-12:00, 16:00-21:00
💡 Free entry but remove shoes outside. The best time is during the morning puja (around 6-7am) when rituals happen. Avoid lunch hours (12-4pm) when it shuts for cleaning.
Large museum complex with archaeology, numismatics, and art galleries. The bronze gallery houses Chola sculptures. Also includes Connemara Public Library and the Museum Theatre.
🕐 09:30-17:00, closed Mondays and national holidays
💡 Entry is 15 INR for adults. Go on a weekday morning to avoid school groups. Don't skip the natural history section with taxidermy specimens.
Ente Keralam
Suriyas
Final Favourites & Departure
Sprawling 602-hectare zoo with a safari park, reptile house, and over 1,500 animals in naturalistic enclosures. One of the largest zoos in South Asia. Very hot
💡 Entry is 50 INR for adults, 30 for kids. Take the battery-operated bus (40 INR) to cover the large area. Bring water and a hat. Best on weekdays for fewer crowds.
Ananda
Midnight Express
Getting Around Chennai
Post-airport transfer use for exploring suburbs (Guindy, Triplicane). Avoid during rush hours. Connects well to Anna Salai area via metro interchange.
Pre-book through hotel or use Ola app for fixed fares. Avoid peak hours (8-10 AM, 5-7 PM) when traffic is heavy on GST Road.
Catch Airport Express bus from Terminal 2/4. Budget-friendly but slower with multiple stops. Best for light luggage travelers.
Most economical option. Airport Express connects to Anna Salai area via Blue Line. Change at Central Station for local exploration. Card purchase saves time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 3 days enough for Chennai?
Three days covers the main highlights well. You can see the key attractions like Marina Beach and get a genuine feel for the city. For a more leisurely pace or to explore neighbourhoods in depth, a 5-day trip is better.
What is the best time to visit Chennai?
See our full best time to visit Chennai guide — it covers weather month by month, peak vs. shoulder seasons and how to avoid the crowds.
Where should I stay for this itinerary?
A central location saves transit time between sites. Top options include ITC Grand Chola, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Chennai, The Park Chennai, The Leela Palace Chennai. See the full ranked list with free briefings for each.