Chennai

2 daysBest: Nov–FebHeritage#city break#beach#food

Beaches, temples and colonial-era city

Why this weekend?

Marina beachKapaleeshwarar templeFort St George

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The day-by-day plan

Day 1 · The city's two shores
- Fort morning
- Marina walk
- Mylapore temples
- San Thome
- Evening bazaar
Day 2 · Art & temples
- Government Museum
- George Town
- Adyar park
- Departure

Geography & terrain

Chennai lies on the Coromandel coast of Tamil Nadu, the state's capital on the Bay of Bengal — a city of the beach's long shore, the temples of Mylapore and the colonial forts' marina, its suburbs running north along the sea and inland to the river's course.

History & culture

The city grew from the 1639 English trading post of Fort St George through the Madras Presidency's centuries — the fort, the High Court's Indo-Saracenic halls and the temples of the old settlements recording the trading capital's long rise; its modern life as the Carnatic music and film city, with Marina Beach and the metro's new map, gives Chennai its layered urban story.

Where to stay

Budget

₹1,500–3,500/night

Mid-range

₹3,500–7,000/night

Comfort

₹7,000+/night

Things to do

Marina shore
Fort walls
Mylapore gopuram
Basilica stone
Museum halls

Eat & drink

Dosa with sambar
Chettinad chicken
Idiyappam with stew
Banana leaf meals

Getting there

Fly: Chennai (MAA) / Coimbatore (CJB)
Train: Chennai Central & Madurai junctions
Road from Chennai: varies by district — 50–500 km
Getting around: Autos, local trains, city buses

Budget snapshot

Total: ₹6,000–14,000 (2 days)
Per day · Stay: ₹1,500–7,000/night
Per day · Food: ₹600–1,000
Per day · Transport: ₹600–1,000
Per day · Activities: ₹1,000–1,400

Month by month

Jan · Best: 20–31°C · None rain
Feb · Best: 21–33°C · None rain
Mar · Hot: 23–35°C · None rain
Apr · Hot: 25–36°C · Moderate rain
May · Pre-monsoon: 26–35°C · Moderate rain
Jun · Monsoon: 24–32°C · Heavy rain
Jul · Monsoon: 23–31°C · Heavy rain
Aug · Monsoon: 23–31°C · Heavy rain
Sep · Monsoon tail: 24–32°C · Heavy rain
Oct · Good: 24–33°C · Moderate rain
Nov · Best: 22–32°C · Light rain
Dec · Best: 20–31°C · None rain

Practical info

Language: Tamil (English understood in tourist spots)
Best window: Nov–Feb
Connectivity: good 4G in towns
UPI/cards widely accepted; keep small cash for hill and market stops

Practical tips

The beach's morning and the temple's evening hold the two lights of the city
The museum and the cathedral need their fixed hours — plan the middle of the day
The December music season fills the city — the quieter months for the sightseeing

Frequently asked questions

What is Chennai?

Tamil Nadu's capital on the Bay of Bengal — colonial forts, temple town and the great beach.

What should I see?

Fort St George, Mylapore's temples, San Thome and the Marina lead the city.

How long do I need?

Two days for the city — plus a day for the shore temples of Mahabalipuram.