Chennai

Marina Beach
The longest natural urban beach in Asia and the second longest in the world. Marina is less a conventional beach and more a vast public commons — political parties hold rallies here, fishermen haul in their catch in the early morning, and vendors sell corn, mango slices, and sundal along the promenade.

Timing: Open daily
Entry Fee: No entry fee
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Fort St George Museum
The museum contains relics of the Raj including portraits of governors and commanders, uniforms, weapons, coins, documents, and a collection of British-era artefacts.

Timing: Saturday to Thursday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Closed Fridays
Entry Fee: ₹250 (online pay or cash at counter)
Open in Maps | Official Booking Site

Kapaleeshwarar Temple
A 7th century Dravidian temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple was originally built by the Pallavas, destroyed by the Portuguese in the 16th century, and rebuilt in the 17th century by the Vijayanagara rulers in the current form. The elaborately carved and painted gopuram (entrance tower) is visible from across Mylapore.

Timing: Open daily, 6:00 AM – 12:30 PM and 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Entry Fee: No entry fee. Traditional dress required
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Santhome Cathedral Basilica
A Roman Catholic minor basilica, built by Portuguese explorers in the 16th century over the tomb of St Thomas the Apostle — one of the twelve disciples of Jesus Christ. Santhome is one of only three churches in the world built over the tomb of an Apostle — the others are St Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City and the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Spain.

Timing: Open daily, 5:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Entry Fee: No entry fee
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Government Museum
One of the oldest and most significant museums in India, established in 1851. The museum houses 46 galleries covering archaeology, numismatics, zoology, natural history, botany, and sculpture.

Timing: Saturday to Thursday, 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM. Closed Fridays
Entry Fee: ₹250 (cash at counter)
Open in Maps | Official Booking Site

DakshinaChitra
A living heritage museum, showcasing the traditional architecture, crafts, and performing arts of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh. The museum contains authentic traditional houses relocated from their original sites and reconstructed on the museum grounds.

Timing: Wednesday to Monday, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM. Closed Tuesdays
Entry Fee: ₹350 (cash at counter)
Open in Maps | Official Booking Site

Elliot’s Beach
A beach at the southern end of the Marina stretch, calmer and less crowded than the main Marina stretch. A string of cafes, restaurants, and food stalls lines the road behind the beach. The beach is most active in the evenings.

Timing: Open daily
Entry Fee: No entry fee
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Chennai is well connected by air, rail, and road. Whether arriving or departing, use the station codes, airport, and bus terminal information below.

Chennai — Stations, Airport & Bus Stands
Rail Stations: Chennai Central (MAS) | Chennai Egmore (MS)
Airport: Chennai International Airport (MAA)
Bus Terminals: CMBT (Chennai Mofussil Bus Terminus)

By Train
Search “Chennai” as your origin (if departing) or destination (if arriving). Chennai Central (MAS) is the main station. Chennai Egmore (MS) serves trains to southern Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Choose a train based on journey duration, departure time, and class availability.

By Flight
Search by city name across IndiGo, Air India, and Akasa Air. Chennai International Airport (MAA) connect well to other Indian cities.

By Bus
Buses (AC or non-AC) operate from the bus terminal — head to the counter and ask for your destination. Or, use app-based platforms such as redBus or AbhiBus to search and book buses on your route. Both state-run (TNSTC) and private operators are listed — prefer buses with ratings of 4★ or higher.

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