Local guide

Chennai சென்னை

Filter kaapi, Marina mornings, Mylapore lanes.

Places in Chennai

10 places, picked by locals

புனித ஜார்ஜ் கோட்டை

Where Madras began, in 1644. Walk the ramparts, see the Fort Museum's collection, and step into St Mary's Church inside the walls.

Go at your own pace

அரசு அருங்காட்சியகம், எழும்பூர்

One of India's oldest museums, best known for its gallery of Chola bronzes. Give it two unhurried hours — the campus is spread out.

Go at your own pace

மெரினா கடற்கரை

Cool and quiet at sunrise; bajji and murukku stalls wake up after 4pm. The world's second-longest urban beach.

Go at your own pace

கற்பகாம்பாள் மெஸ்

Old-school mess. Ghee pongal, vadai, metre-strong kaapi. Cash-friendly, queue by 8am.

₹1506–11am

மயிலாப்பூர்

Kapaleeshwarar temple, filter kaapi at Karpagambal Mess, flower market. Best 6–9am.

Go at your own pace

கபாலீஸ்வரர் கோயில்

Mylapore's painted gopuram rises over a great temple tank. Come around dusk for lamps and the evening bustle; dress modestly and leave footwear at the stand.

Go at your own pace

மயிலாப்பூர் பாரம்பரிய வீடு

Agraharam-style rooms around a courtyard. Quiet, walkable, host-made breakfast.

₹3.2k/night

எலியட்ஸ் கடற்கரை, பெசன்ட் நகர்

Calmer than the Marina, with a promenade of cafés and the Karl Schmidt memorial. Lovely for a sunset walk and a late snack.

Go at your own pace

சோழமண்டல் ஓவியர் கிராமம்

2-hr wheel session at Cholamandal Artists' Village. Take home what you fire.

₹9002 hrs

தட்சிணசித்ரா

A living-history museum on the East Coast Road, with traditional homes relocated from across South India and regular craft demonstrations.

Go at your own pace

Chennai10 places on the map

Nature

Elliot's Beach, Besant Nagar

Calmer than the Marina, with a promenade of cafés and the Karl Schmidt memorial. Lovely for a sunset walk and a late snack.