6 Days Exploring Chennai and Nearby Gems Itinerary

Begin your day with a visit to Fort St. George, which houses St. Mary's Church and a museum showcasing artifacts from British colonial rule. Afterward, enjoy a hearty breakfast at Saravana Bhavan, known for its delicious South Indian fare.

Next, explore the historic neighborhood of George Town by taking part in the Chennai George Town Origins Guided Walking Tour. Discover hidden gems and learn about Chennai's rich history through this immersive experience. For lunch, stop by Royapettah Buhari Hotel for some delectable Mughlai cuisine.

Conclude your day with a visit to San Thome Cathedral, an important pilgrimage site built over the tomb of St. Thomas. Enjoy dinner at Dakshin, where you can savor exquisite South Indian dishes in an elegant setting.

Start your morning with a serene visit to the beautiful Ashtalakshmi Temple located near Elliot's Beach. This temple is dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi in her eight forms and offers stunning views of the Bay of Bengal. Afterward, have breakfast at Adyar Ananda Bhavan, renowned for its wide variety of sweets and snacks.

Spend your afternoon relaxing at Elliot's Beach (Besant Nagar Beach). This tranquil beach is perfect for unwinding or taking a leisurely walk along its sandy shores. For lunch, try out some seafood specialties at The Marina.

In the evening, delve into Chennai's vibrant art scene by visiting the renowned dance school at Kalakshetra Foundation. Witness classical dance performances or explore their art galleries showcasing traditional Indian arts. End your day with dinner at Peshawri, known for its North-West Frontier cuisine.

Kick off your day with an insightful experience on the Chennai Heritage Trails (2 Hour Guided Walking Tour). This tour will take you through various historical sites around Chennai while narrating fascinating stories about their significance. Post-tour breakfast can be enjoyed at Hotel Saravana Bhavan, offering authentic vegetarian dishes.

Continue exploring architectural marvels by visiting both Little Mount & St Thomas Mount (Little Mount & St Thomas Mount (Chinnamalai & Parangi Malai)). These sites are significant Christian pilgrimage centers that offer panoramic views of Chennai cityscape as well as historical insights into Apostle Thomas' life here in India . Have lunch nearby at R-Mathura Restaurant serving delicious North Indian thalis .

Conclude Day 4 by visiting another architectural gem - Armenian Church ({ A-Armenian Church[19064]}), one among oldest churches built during colonial era . Later enjoy dinner amidst lush greenery surroundings offered by restaurant named 'Rainforest' serving multi-cuisine delights.

Begin your day with a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Mahabalipuram. Start with the Mahabalipuram and Kanchipuram Private Caves & Temples Tour. This tour will take you through the famous rock-cut temples and caves, including the Shore Temple and Pancha Rathas. For breakfast, stop by Moonrakers, known for its delicious seafood and continental breakfast options.

Continue exploring Mahabalipuram by visiting the Arjuna's Penance, a massive rock carving that depicts scenes from Hindu mythology. Spend some time at the beach nearby to relax and soak in the scenic beauty. For lunch, head to The Wharf, a highly-rated restaurant offering a variety of seafood dishes with stunning views of the Bay of Bengal.

In the evening, visit the India Seashell Museum, one of Asia's largest seashell museums showcasing an extensive collection of rare seashells. End your day with dinner at L'attitude 49, which offers a mix of Indian and international cuisines in an elegant setting.

Start your day with a visit to Auroville, an experimental township aimed at promoting human unity. Explore its serene environment and visit Matrimandir, a golden spherical structure that serves as a meditation center. For breakfast, enjoy some French pastries and coffee at Baker Street, a popular bakery in Pondicherry.

After Auroville, head to Pondicherry's French Quarter for a walking tour. Stroll through streets lined with colonial-era buildings painted in pastel hues. Visit landmarks like Sri Aurobindo Ashram and Pondicherry Museum to learn about the city's rich history. For lunch, dine at Café des Arts, known for its charming ambiance and delicious French cuisine.

In the evening, take a leisurely walk along Promenade Beach and enjoy the sunset views over the Bay of Bengal. Conclude your trip with dinner at La Villa, an upscale restaurant offering gourmet French-Indian fusion dishes in a beautiful heritage building.