Things to Do
Things to do in Chennai: beaches, temples and a coastal day trip
Marina at dawn, Kapaleeshwarar and Mylapore, the Bessie cafe scene, and Mahabalipuram down the coast.
Chennai is best taken slow, by the sea.
By the water
Marina Beach at dawn is the move, long, broad and calm before the day heats up. Besant Nagar (Elliot's) beach for the evening, with cafes and ice cream right there.
Temples and old lanes
Kapaleeshwarar Temple in Mylapore is a stunner, especially at dusk, and the surrounding lanes are full of flower markets and filter coffee.
The day trip everyone does
Mahabalipuram, an hour south down the ECR, for the UNESCO shore temples and giant rock carvings. Pair it with a beach lunch.
Culture and calm
The Theosophical Society gardens, the museums in Egmore, and a slow walk through George Town's old streets.