With its incredible architecture, beaches, cuisine, and much more, Chennai in Tamil Nadu, offers tremendous scope for a fun filled-24 hours.
What to do if you have 24 hours stopover in Chennai?
24 hours in Chennai? Now that’s a real challenge. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with all the best sites, activities and attractions this city has to offer.
There are many interesting sites, activities, and attractions you can enjoy. Visit some of the iconic monuments in the city such as Santhome Cathedral and Fort St. George while also checking out must-see museums like Government Museum Chennai and The National Art Gallery. For a unique experience, you can visit some of the temples like Kapaleeshwarar temple and Parthasarathy temple.
If you’re looking to shop, head over to T. Nagar or Pondy Bazaar for a shopping spree. You’ll find all kinds of clothing, jewellery, souvenirs and other items there. For foodies, Chennai has a variety of delicious dishes to sample. Try the local delicacies such as idlis and dosas or opt for Indian-Chinese cuisine at some of the popular restaurants in town.
If you want to get out of the city, consider taking a day trip to Mahabalipuram or Kanchipuram. These nearby cities are known for their historical sites and temples. You can even take a boat ride along the Adyar River or explore some of the nearby beaches such as Elliot’s Beach or Marina Beach.
Visit the Government Museum
The Government Museum, located situated on Gandhi Salai, is one of the best museums in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, It was established in 1851 by the British and has since then become one of the city’s premier cultural attractions. The museum boasts a collection of various items from different eras such as sculptures, coins, and paintings from all over India. It also houses some of the most significant pieces related to Tamil culture and history such as Chola bronzes, stone sculptures from Pallava and Pandyan dynasties, and a varied collection of ancient coins.
The museum is spread across five buildings, each representing different genres. The first building contains artifacts from the Indus Valley Civilization and ancient sculptures from the Pallava dynasty. The second building features a large collection of coins, including those from British India, the Mughal Empire, and various kingdoms of South India. The third building houses rare artifacts such as pottery, jewelry, and textiles from diverse cultures around the world. Finally, in the fourth building, visitors can view an impressive array of paintings, including works from the Tanjore and Mysore schools.
The museum also offers several cultural activities such as workshops on traditional arts, pottery making, and animal drawing for children. It also houses a library that holds ancient manuscripts, books, journals, and other documents related to Indian history. Finally, the museum hosts several events throughout the year, ranging from lectures and seminars to art exhibitions.
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The big highlight is Building 3, Bronze Gallery, which houses a superb collection of South Indian bronzes from the 7th century Pallava era through to modern times. While Building 1 represents all major periods of South Indian history, Building 2 contains the Anthropology Galleries, which trace South Indian human history back to prehistoric times, displaying tribal artifacts from across the region.
Guindy National Park and Snake Park Chennai
Uncover a surprise for yourself at Guindy National Park and Snake Park in the middle of buzzing city life. Its lush, green landscapes offer a tranquil escape for everyone from nature enthusiasts looking to enjoy its rich fauna, such as spotted deer and blackbucks, or visitors keen on watching native birds including quail, partridge and flycatcher around avian hotspots.
Open between 9am-5:30pm it is great fun to explore this area which was once known as ‘Guindy Forest’, transformed into an incredible garden space today.
Shock and awe – walk into the fascinating world of reptiles at Guindy Snake Park! Located conveniently next to a National Park, this park houses an array of mesmerizing mammals—from Pythons and Adders to Vipers and King Kobras. Plus, discover rare species like Fan-throated lizards, Geckos, or Giant Turtles as well as its impressive museum showcasing specimens from amphibians & more.
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Don’t miss out on the reptile paradise that is The Guindi Snake Park! Hold your breath and don’t miss out on this reptilian wonderland – pythons, adders, vipers, king cobras, Whitakers Boa, and more, You’ll be amazed by the scaly creatures that call this place home.
Seek Blessings at Kapaleeshwarar Temple
The Kapaleeshwarar Temple in Chennai is one of the most important temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. Built in the 7th century, it has served as an important spiritual centre for centuries and continues to be a popular destination for pilgrims of all faiths. The temple is known for its grand architecture and colourful sculptures and idols, which are a delight to see.
The main temple complex is surrounded by a series of smaller shrines dedicated to various deities. The innermost sanctum, the garbagraha, houses the Shiva lingam and is surrounded by several mandapams (pillared halls). One feels an aura of reverence in the atmosphere that is palpable, and devotees often spend hours offering prayers to the Lord.
The walls of the temple are adorned with colourful paintings depicting various stories from Hindu mythology. The inner sanctum has many intricately carved sculptures that depict various gods and goddesses in awe-inspiring poses. Apart from these artworks, there are several small shrines dedicated to other gods and goddesses.
The Kapaleeshwarar Temple also plays host to several vibrant festivals, such as the Maha Shivaratri and Panguni Uthiram. During these occasions, the temple grounds come alive with music and dance performances, grand processions, and throngs of devotees from far and wide.
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Chennai’s architectural magnificence finds its fullest expression in Kapaleeshwarar Temple and should find mentioned in your list of must-visits. It incorporates many elements of South Indian temples – a rainbow-colored gopuram (gateway tower), pillared mandapas (pavilions), and a huge tank dedicated to the state’s most popular deity – Lord Shiva.
Dine at Ente Keralam
Visiting Ente Keralam in Chennai is an authentic local dining experience that brings alive the true delicacies of Kerala cuisine. Known for its dedication to authenticity and traditional cuisine, this restaurant has gained quite a reputation among locals and tourists alike.
The ambience of the restaurant is really nice with wooden furniture and earthy tones making up the decor. The menu has a variety of dishes to choose from, ranging from traditional seafood curries to vegetarian specialties. Some interesting dishes include Malabar Parotta, Appams, and Karimeen Pollichathu. The seafood is especially fresh and the curries are cooked to perfection.
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To get the best experience of fine dining, visit Ente Kerala. Soaked in a calm ambience, this elegant restaurant serves lightly spiced ‘pachakkari,’ vegetable stew with light, fluffy ‘appam’ (rice pancake), the Alleppey curry, which is rich in mango, besides plenty of fish dishes. For dessert, one is served a generous helping of tender coconut ice cream.
Spend a Day at Marina Beach
Marina Beach is a beautiful and mesmerising 13km stretch of beach from Fort St.George to the north of Besant Nagar. Known as the world’s second-largest beach the activities range from enjoying the sunrise on clear days to playing different beach games and enjoying mouth-watering delicacies of the eateries scattered around the beach. Children and youngsters can be seen enjoying a pony ride on the beach.
The beauty of this beach is unparalleled, with its golden sands and palm trees swaying under the warm breeze coming off the Indian Ocean. Walking along the shore and taking in the spectacular views is a memorable experience.
When visiting Marina Beach, you can enjoy water sports stretching from swimming to jet skiing and more.
With plenty of street food vendors around, you can also treat yourself to some delicious local specialties while at Marina Beach. From crispy dosas to succulent seafood dishes, you can take your pick of appetizing local specialties. There are also many souvenir shops along the beach that you can explore and pick up a few trinkets to remember your visit.
At sunset, Marina Beach truly comes alive with people gathering to take in the breathtaking beauty of the sun disappearing into the horizon. With its scenic views, cool breeze, and vibrant atmosphere, spending time at Marina Beach is truly worthwhile.
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Gorgeous natural beach, clear waters, cool breeze, spectacular sunset – do not forget to collect seashells as they are a great find on this natural seashore.
Take a Long Drive on ECR Road
If you love long drives, then you should certainly head out to East Coast Road, also called ECR. Start your drive at Thiruvanmiyur and Mahabalipuram. The drive covers a 40km stretch in total, depending on the road and traffic conditions. Once the city is left behind, one can get magnificent views of the sea at many places along the road.
Driving down in the evening is special as at sunset, a red-orange glow is cast over the sea and sky merging on one side of the ECR Road. The sea breeze envelops you in a feeling of liberation. The warm wind brushs against your face, and the sun-kissed landscape seems to come alive with its vibrant hues. The road stretches out like an unending ribbon of hope and possibility.
The drive along ECR Road drives past tropical palm trees, lush green fields, and glittering waters of the Bay of Bengal. Every corner you turn brings a new surprise: quaint fishing villages, magnificent Hindu temples, colonial-era churches, and Dutch fortresses.
You must stop at a few places along the way to take in all the beauty of ECR Road- at a roadside dhaba to enjoy the delicious local cuisine and continue on your journey.
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If one is left with enough time to spare, one should walk around the World Heritage Site at Mahabalipuram. The most impressive is the Shore Temple which was built in 700 AD by the Pallavas and still stands majestically on the shoreline. Other striking monuments include the Descent of Ganges, the Arjuna’s Penance relief carving, The Five Rathas Temple complex and the Krishna Mandapam.
The Descent of Ganges depicts the story of Bhagiratha’s penance to bring Ganga from heaven to earth. This bas-relief is carved in a rock with amazing detail that will mesmerize you. The Arjuna’s Penance relief carving is the world’s largest open-air bas-relief. The Five Rathas Temple complex is a group of five monolithic structures that resemble chariots. It is believed to be the first structural temple built in India. The Krishna Mandapam built in the 7th century AD is said to be a place of worship for Lord Krishna.
Mahabalipuram also has some interesting small villages, beaches, and backwaters that are worth exploring.
A romantic boat ride along the Adyar River
For couples in particular, a boat ride along the Adyar River in Chennai is a romantic experience that is unforgettable. The boats are small, quaint, and beautifully decorated with lights to create a cozy atmosphere. As you glide across the river, your eyes are met with breathtakingly beautiful sights. On one side of the river lies lush green grasses that stretch for miles and on the other side lies a small village, with colorful traditional homes tucked away in the forest. The sun sets slowly, painting the sky a golden hue as you cruise along.
As your boat passes through the banks of the Adyar river, you glide past the Madras Boat Club! Having celebrated its 150th anniversary this year, it’s one of India’s oldest rowing clubs. The boat ride from Adyar bridge to Broken Bridge near the mouth of the river is a distance covering around 7 km and lets you take in some calming views with pristine waters and heritage landmarks like Chettinad Palace nearby. And be sure not to miss Whale Island which resembles that of a whale!
You can hear birds twittering in the trees around. The river becomes calm and still, like a glimmering reflective mirror. A cool breeze blows by, sending ripples along the water and providing relief from the heat of the day. You can see fishermen lined up in their boats with their nets cast into the river, patiently waiting for a catch of fish or crabs.
As you continue your journey down the river, you come across a bridge called the Broken Bridge that is lit up with tiny twinkling lights. As the boat passes beneath, you can feel the coolness of the water and smell the sweet scent of jasmine that lingers in the air. You pass by some small islands filled with breathtakingly beautiful mangroves and lush green vegetation. This serene and tranquil atmosphere of the Adyar River is a truly romantic experience that you can cherish for a lifetime.
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Leave around 6:15 am and come back by 7:30 pm after fully soaking in the romance of your surroundings and all that the boat ride on the Adyar river has to offer. Between Kotturpuram Bridge and MRTS bridge, the boat ride has a surprise waiting midway. There are beautiful migratory birds in abundance – so make sure to keep your camera and an eye out for beautiful creatures flocking around the lush waterway.
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