The first thing that comes to anybody’s mind when they say Chennai is the beach, piping hot filter coffee and some very rich culture. But Chennai is definitely more than that! If you’re planning a day out in Chennai, here are the things you can’t miss out on –
1. Ratna Cafe
Start your day with piping filter coffee, and steaming idlis at Ratna Cafe. Started in 1948, Ratna Cafe is one of the iconic places in Chennai to have a hearty breakfast at and then begin your day.
Address: Triplicane High Rd, Triplicane, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600005
Phone: 044 2848 7181
2. Lighthouse At Marina Beach
The first thing that comes to anybody’s mind on saying Chennai, is the very famous Marina Beach.It is an iconic place and adds charm to the city. The lighthouse is located right by the beach and is missed out by a lot of tourists and even locals surprisingly. A mandatory trip to the lighthouse when visiting the beach is definitely worth it to get some magnificent views of the city. Even on hot afternoons, the weather up there is very breezy and cool. There is also a museum at the entrance for people who wish to visit.
Address: Marina Beach Road, Marina Beach, Mylapore, Chennai
Timings: Open from 10 AM to 1 PM and 3 PM to 5 PM
Monday- weekly holiday
Entry fee: Rs 10 per adult, Rs 5 for children below 12 years (Indian Nationals). For foreign nationals, entry fee is Rs 25 per person.
Camera fee is Rs 25
3. The St. Thomas Mount Cathedral
Built in the 16th century, the St Thomas Mount Cathedral is aptly named so because it is located at an elevation. Despite being built in the 16th century, the British rebuilt it in the 19th century and raised its rank to a minor Basilica in 1956. This Basilica is built on the final resting place of Thomas the Apostle and the church is known as his holy shrine. The calm and comforting aura of the Basilica invites thousands of people who are seeking peace in their lives.
Address: 38, Santhome High Road, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600004
4. Mylapore Heritage Walk
Experience the cultural richness and traditions the city has to offer by taking the heritage walk. Mylapore has always been the cultural and religious epicenter of the South. In this heritage walk, you can go through the magnificent temples built 300 years ago. While you’re taking this heritage tour, you can visit surrounding markets that are filled with vendors, stalls, jewellers, apparel stores and more.
Cost: ₹1050 per person onwards
Book here
5. Enjoy Street Food At Sowcarpet
One of the top stereotypes about Chennai is that it’s a city of idli and dosa. There is a lot more to Chennai’s food scene, which is the reason why you’ve got to sign up for this amazing Sowcarpet Food-walk. Sowcarpet, is an area in North Chennai that has a number of eateries which bring out the best of North Indian Street food you can have in this city.
Address- Mint street, Sowcarpet, Chennai.
6. Visit Mahabalipuram
Getaway from the city chaos by visiting Mahabalipuram . The old world charm of a once upon a time town of the Pallavas is filled with the captivating architecture of the temples and carvings that will take you back in time. The historical importance of this place comes to every traveler’s delight even today.
Where: Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu
Distance from Chennai: 1 hour 36 minutes
7. Covelong Point
Chennai is a lot about the beaches. If you’re into watersports and activities like surfing, Covelong Point is THE place for you. A very clean beach with a shack to grab some food and drinks. Also different kinds of yoga and music festivals happen here.
8. Sathyam Popcorn
What are movies even without some good popcorn? Any localite here would definitely recommend you to try the DIY popcorn at Sathyam Theatres. They have different flavoured seasoning like sour cream, mexicana cheese etc.. that can be added to your popcorn, and the best part is the seasoning is UNLIMITED.
Address: 8, Thiruvika Rd, Peters Colony, Royapettah, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600014
Phone: 044 4224 4224
9. Filter Coffee at Saravana Bhavan
How about some evening snacks to go with piping filter coffee? Saravana Bhavan is the largest South Indian vegetarian restaurant chain in the world, founded in 1981 in Chennai. If you’re looking for a quick snack with filter coffee, this is the place to be.
10. DakshinaChitra Museum
DakshinaChitra is a living-history museum in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, dedicated to South Indian heritage and culture. It is located 25 kilometres to the south of Chennai.
Collection size: 4,220 artefacts and 1,000,000 pictures
Address: SH 49, Muttukadu, Tamil Nadu 603118
Phone: 044 2747 2603