Things to do in Chennai

Travellers have often said that without a visit to Marina Beach, you can’t understand the vibe of the city and it is should be at the top of your things to do in Chennai list. But why does Marina Beach stand out? Is it the natural beauty? Is it the fact that it is the second-largest beach in the world? Or is it simply the location of the beach? A visit here will give you all the answers. The unparalleled beauty of the beach combined with the serenity it offers has been a respite for locals and travellers alike for years. 

The 13-kilometre stretch takes you away from the chaos of city life and promises you a few hours of peace and quiet. Though the beach is crowded in the evenings, finding a quiet corner is not difficult due to its sheer size. What adds to the charm of including Marina Beach in your things to do in Chennai list is the mesmerising view of the sunset. The government has made immense efforts to keep the beach clean and locals have equally contributed to this endeavour. 

Marina Beach is also lined with numerous street hawkers selling souvenirs and street food. If you are interested in trying unique variations of old favourites, we recommend keeping aside an hour in your things to do in Chennai itinerary. The fried idli and crispy dosa chat are must-tries as is the chatpata bhel which is prepared using local spices. 

Cost: Including a visit to Marina Beach in your things to do in Chennai itinerary will cost you between Rs.100 and Rs.200. 

Thalankuppam is one of the few places in Chennai that can help you rejuvenate when the chaos of the city gets to you. Located away from blaring horns and jammed roads, a visit to the pier should feature in your things to do in Chennai itinerary. A fishing village which is situated along Ennore High Road, it offers perfect views of the setting sun. The pier is a regular feature in most films and if you have seen South Indian films, you will surely recognise it. Reminiscent of Mumbai’s Marine Drive, Ennore High Road promises wide roads and panoramic views of the sea. If you are short on time, you can just include a drive here in your things to do in Chennai itinerary. Thalankuppam is immensely popular with locals and if you happen to come here on a Sunday evening, you’ll spot scores of Chennaiites enjoying the sunset.

If you are a photographer, we would suggest scheduling a visit here in your things to see in Chennai itinerary in the morning to capture the splendid sunrise. The views of the rising sun against the vast sea are phenomenal. However, we urge you to be careful since it’s high tide during the morning. You should avoid walking or sitting on the pier. While boating is not a commercial activity, you can request the local fishermen to take you on a boating tour. There are a few beaches around the pier which are an ideal choice to include in your things to do in Chennai itinerary. There aren’t too many food vendors on this side so we suggest bringing your own food. 

Cost: Expect to spend between Rs.100 and Rs.300 per person if you include a visit to Thalankuppam in your things to do in Chennai itinerary.

If you are visiting Chennai for a longer period of time then you must include Mahabalipuram in your things to do in Chennai itinerary. Home to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the small town is known for its historical and architectural brilliance. Besides the stunning monuments in the city, what travellers can’t get enough of are the splendid, white-sand beaches. 

It’s almost impossible to believe that this small scenic town is located only an hour’s drive away from the busy city of Chennai. Some of the popular sites here include the Shore Temple, the Alamparai Fort, the Five Rathas, Tiger Caves and the unique Crocodile Bank. Dedicated to different Hindu deities, the rock-cut caves and alluring temples are divided into five forms, namely Mandapas, structural temples, Rathas, excavations and rock relief structures. Spread across town, it’s best to book a tour to explore these treasures. This doesn’t imply that you can’t explore the sites on your own. If you are a history buff or enjoy architecture, then a tour of the sites here is a great opportunity. 

For those who are allured by the natural beauty in Mahabalipuram, we recommend booking a luxurious resort either in Kovalam village or Sadras. The resorts here promise comfort, luxury, efficient service and most importantly mesmerising views. For an extended trip, we recommend keeping aside two to three days in your things to do in Chennai itinerary. If you are travelling with little ones, we also recommend including a visit to the Crocodile Bank in your things to do in Chennai itinerary. Home to a variety of species of African and Indian crocodiles and alligators, the site is a delight for children. If you have time in your schedule, you can also squeeze a visit to the snake farm situated within the premises. 

Cost: A visit to Mahabalipuram in your things to do in Chennai itinerary can cost you between Rs.2500 and Rs.4500 depending on the number of days and your budget. 

Pondicherry is situated approximately 150 kilometres from Chennai and is the perfect weekend getaway. In fact, if you are on a long holiday to the city, you can't miss including a trip to Pondicherry in your things to do in Chennai itinerary. The union territory has attracted travellers for decades and offers a perfect blend of serenity, natural beauty and unique culture. Whether you are a history buff, a photographer or a nature lover, you must not miss including Pondicherry in your things to do in Chennai itinerary. There are several sightseeing attractions, historical walks, cycling tours and shopping options to keep you enthralled in this beautiful place. An erstwhile French colony, Pondicherry still has traces of its colonial past in the form of architecture and other tourist attractions The fusion of Indian culture and French history is quite interesting to explore. Pondicherry is a favourite among food lovers as well. This is one of the few places in India where you can try authentic French cuisine for lunch and local coastal food for dinner. Adding to the charm are quirky cafes and vibrant restaurants. Pondicherry boasts a laid-back, quiet vibe and should feature in your things to do in Chennai itinerary if you are looking for a rejuvenating vacation.

Cost: Including a weekend getaway to Pondicherry in your things to do in Chennai itinerary will cost you between Rs.2000 and Rs.10,000 depending on the number of days, transport and itinerary.

Ubbalamadugu Falls is also popularly known as Tada Falls. A pristine spot situated 35 kilometres from the city, it is a favourite with nature lovers and photographers. Locals often suggest including a visit here in your things to do in Chennai itinerary if you are looking for natural beauty and a quiet experience away from the city. 

Situated in the midst of Siddulaiah Kona forest, the waterfall is a magical sight and offers you a serene experience. The waterfall is considered sacred by Hindus and witnesses numerous travellers during Mahashivratri. The waterfall is also situated close to Pulicat Lake and we recommend including a visit here in your things to do in Chennai itinerary to experience both these spots on the same day. 

There aren’t too many street vendors around the waterfall so it’s best to carry water and food. If you have a few hours to spare in your things to do in Chennai itinerary, you can also enjoy a leisurely picnic here. Weekends are typically crowded here and you may have to reach a little early to ensure you get a favourable picnic spot. 

Cost: A visit to Ubbalamadugu Falls in your things to do in Chennai itinerary will set you back by Rs.100 per person. This amount can vary depending on the number of people and transportation. 

Elliot's Beach, also known as Breezy Beach, has garnered immense popularity in recent years. The beach is ideal for anyone who is looking for the perfect combination of natural beauty and peace. If you are a nature lover and enjoy exploring quiet beaches, then this should be the highlight of your things to do in Chennai list.

The beach is situated away from the commercial parts of the city and sees fewer locals and tourists than its counterpart, Marina Beach. As is with all beaches, sunsets and sunrises here are splendid and you'll be in awe of the mesmerising views.

We recommend keeping aside at least an hour in your things to do in Chennai itinerary to explore the beach. Owing to fewer crowds, there aren't too many food vendors here and you may have to bring your own food. The beach is sparkling clean and that's one of the reasons it attracts tourists. Head here in the evening for a rejuvenating walk or bring your jogging shoes along for a quick run. If you wish to come here in the morning to admire the sunrise, we recommend bringing a phone or camera along to capture the breathtaking views. 

Cost: Including a trip to Eliot’s Beach in your things to do in Chennai itinerary can cost you anywhere between Rs.100 and Rs.200.

Pulicat Lake is a haven for birdwatchers and nature lovers. Situated on the border of Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, the striking lake must feature in your things to do in Chennai itinerary. The lake is a natural habitat for birds and is a delight for birdwatchers during the month of October. The fact that the lake is separated from the Bay of Bengal by the island of Sriharikota, which is the primary rocket launching centre of India, is a huge attraction for travellers.

Among the birds that you can spot here, keep a lookout for painted storks, flamingoes, grey pelicans, reef herons, painted storks and open-billed stork. An ideal spot for a family picnic, the lake also offers boating tours which should be part of your things to do in Chennai itinerary. The traditional fishing boats here certainly offer a new experience and you must keep aside at least three to fours in your things to do in Chennai itinerary. The boating session can take up to an hour so ensure you carry enough water before heading out. 

If you are an adventure enthusiast, you can also book a local trekking tour in your things to do in Chennai itinerary to explore the areas nearby. But we recommend booking this beforehand so you are well-prepared for your trekking expedition. You can also book a guided tour to know more about the flora and the bird population here. The guides are well-informed and it’s quite a delight to learn about the astonishing variety of birds here. The annual flamingo festival which takes place in December is a great time to plan your things to do in Chennai itinerary. The festival takes place over a period of three days and includes music and dance performances. Besides cultural performances, the festival also sees an enthralling boat race. There are several hotels and resorts around Pulicat Lake and you can expect a rejuvenating retreat if you choose to book one of these properties. 

Cost: To include a visit to Pulicat Lake in your things to do in Chennai itinerary, you must keep aside between Rs.100 and Rs.2500 depending on the inclusions in your itinerary. A boat ride typically costs between Rs.500 and Rs.800 depending on your negotiation skills.

A popular spot among photographers, Alamparai Fort is an 18th-century fort which offers a unique blend of history, architecture and allure. Located along East Coast Road (ECR), the fort is approximately 50 kilometres away from Mahabalipuram and 110 kilometres from Chennai. You must keep aside at least five to six in your things to do in Chennai itinerary if you want to explore the fort at a comfortable pace. The town of Alamparai was an important seaport in ancient times and the fort was constructed around 1736 AD during the reign of the Mughals. After that, it exchanged hands between the French and British. Also known as Alamparva and Alampuravi, the fort still stands strong despite the destruction caused by the tsunami in 2004.

If you are a history buff or simply enjoy exploring forts, we recommend making this tourist attraction a part of your things to do in Chennai itinerary. Although the fort is now in ruins, it is still a majestic sight and attracts art lovers and architecture buffs. A walk along the fort offers mesmerising views and is a peaceful experience. The seashore along the fort is dotted with bricks and fallen pieces from the fort walls. A number of sea creatures such as crabs have made these broken brickworks their home, and you must be careful while taking a walk here. The fort sees few tourists which means that photographers have more time and comfort of finding perfect frames for their photographs. Though the fort is open 24 hours, it is advisable to visit it during the day. Between November and March is the best time to visit Alamparai Fort.

Cost: You can hire a cab from Chennai to visit the fort. A visit to Alamparai Fort in your things to do in Chennai itinerary will cost you between Rs.500 and Rs.1500 per person. 

Food lovers have often said that the local food in Chennai is one of its primary attractions. It’s no surprise then that a tour of local eating joints should be on your list of things to do in Chennai. The crispy dosai, fluffy idlis, vegetable-laden sambhar and spicy rasam are classics in most restaurants. While idli-sambhar is served for breakfast at every corner, there are some places popular for serving this dish. You can try Murugan Idly Shop and Idly Express for the perfect, most fluffy idlis. 

Uthappam is another popular local delicacy in Chennai which is similar to a dosa, but much thicker. Prepared using vegetables, uthappam is served with chutney and sambhar. In some makeshift stalls, the dish is only served with chutney. Seena Bhai Tiffin Centre and Anachi Dosai Kadai are said to have the best uthappams and a visit to these restaurants is a must when you are planning your things to do in Chennai itinerary. You can also try the South Indian variation of sundal. Prepared using boiled chickpeas, onions and shredded coconut, it’s an ideal on-the-go snack. You can find it on Chennai’s beaches and also at most small joints. 

Chennai’s street food isn’t restricted to Indian delicacies. Athos is a popular Burmese dish that you will find on the streets of Chennai. Prepared using noodles and vegetables, you’ll find this wholesome dish in most local markets. 

Cost: A food tour in your things to do in Chennai itinerary will cost you between Rs.50 and Rs.200.

If you are curious about the architecture and history of Chennai, you can’t afford to skip Kapaleeshwarar Temple on your things to do in Chennai itinerary. One of the oldest temples in the city, this beautiful temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and sees hundreds of visitors every day.

A revered religious spot part of most things to do in Chennai lists, it is built in Dravidian style with elements of Vijaynagri design elements and is a fine example of architectural brilliance. The main temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva but you will find other deities here, including Goddess Parvati. A beautiful stone carving in the courtyard depicts the story of the goddess in the form of a peahen praying to Lord Shiva. There are two main gopurams at the entrance of the temple which are typical of any South Indian temple. The gates are almost 40 meters high and are quite overwhelming. It is said that the temple was constructed on the same spot where Goddess Parvati, who was in the form of a peahen, prayed to Lord Shiva so she could return to her original form. In light of this local legend, there is peahen and peacock in a cage here where visitors seek blessings. If you happen to visit during the annual festival of Brahmotsavam, you will be pleasantly surprised by the celebratory air in the temple. The nine-day festival gives one a peek into the local culture and is a delight to include in your things to do in Chennai itinerary. 

Cost: A visit to Kapaleeshwarar Temple in your things to do in Chennai itinerary will cost you between Rs.100 and Rs.150 depending on your transportation.

If you are looking to try something different on your trip to Chennai then we suggest including a visit to MGM Dizzee World in your things to do in Chennai list. Among the oldest and largest amusement parks in India, it is a big attraction for travellers, especially if you are travelling with children. Offering something different for all visitors, the park has a range of amusement rides. Whether you are travelling with adults or little ones, you won’t regret including a visit to MGM Dizzee in your things to do in Chennai itinerary. There are numerous rides suited for little ones and young adults as well as exciting, adrenaline-pumping rides for adults. The big wheel, rock and roll, star wheel and caterpillar are some of the favourite rides here.

If you aren’t fond of amusement rides, you can also head to the aqua park and beat the heat. Besides water slides, there is a huge wave pool with artificial waves that takes the excitement a notch higher. It takes anywhere between four to five hours to explore the park and we highly recommend keeping aside sufficient time in your things to do in Chennai itinerary. The park also has an amphitheatre, a toy train, carnival games and boating. There is a restaurant on the premises which serves a plethora of cuisines including Indian, Italian and Chinese. 

Cost: Including a visit to MGM Dizzee World in your things to do in Chennai itinerary will cost you anywhere between Rs.700 and Rs.1500 depending on the inclusions in your itinerary. The entry ticket for children is Rs.549 while for adults it is Rs.699.

What’s a holiday without some adventure? Scuba diving will be the highlight of your things to do in Chennai itinerary if you enjoy being in the water and don’t mind a little adventure. There are numerous scuba diving tours which take place on lesser-known beaches including Covelong. The beaches are situated on the outskirts of Chennai giving you the perfect ambience to try this enthralling sport. 

There are several tour operators who organise scuba diving tours and we strongly suggest booking your tour in advance. There is a short training period, after which you can enjoy the thrill of this sport. During the training period, you will be taught the basic skills and rules along with practice sessions in a small pool. Scuba diving sites in Chennai promise a glimpse into vibrant underwater life and if you are lucky, you might have an opportunity to explore archaic shipwrecks. Scuba diving is slightly expensive and we urge you to book your tours before planning your things to do in Chennai itinerary for better discounts. 

Cost: Including a scuba diving experience in your things to do in Chennai itinerary will cost you between Rs.6000 and Rs.8000 per person depending on the site, the training session and the tour operator.

Written by Kirat Sodhi. She is a proud mom of three cats and lives for lemon tea, a good book and spontaneous travel plans.

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