If you wish to be in a place that has a rich cultural background, then Chennai is the place to be. If you don’t mind strolling around in the warmth of the sun, then Chennai is the place to be. It is the 4th largest Indian city and 36th metropolitan city all over the world that presents a fine blend of history and heritage to its visitors.
The age-old edifices when combined with British colonial architecture allow you to step back into the time of a bygone era and the striking natural beauty offers a refreshing getaway with the new energy you need to get back to the everyday chores of your life. Not to forget about the warm and welcoming hospitality the people of Chennai are known for.
Ideal for solo travelers as well as families with children, Chennai has numerous interesting things to keep you engaged all the time. Based on your interest, you can choose to indulge in your favorite activity and have a great time. For your ease, we’ve hereby listed the top sightseeing places you can plan to explore on your 3-day visit to Chennai. These are as follows:
Chennai Places to Visit in 3 days
Day 1 Chennai Places to Visit
- Ashtalakshmi Temple
- Sri Parthasarathy Temple
- Guindy National Park
- Semmozhi Poonga Botanical Garden
Day 2 Chennai Places to Visit
- Marina Beach
- Government Museum
- Pulicat Lake
- MGR Film City
Day 3 Chennai Places to Visit
- Kapaleeswarar Temple
- Swami Vivekananda’s House
1. Ashtalakshmi Temple
Counted amongst the best places to explore on your Chennai tour, the Ashtalakshmi Temple is a famous Hindu temple that is dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi, who is the goddess of wealth, prosperity, and good fortune as well.
It is considered unique as it boasts eight different shrines for the eight forms of Lakshmi known as Ashtalakshmi. These are Adi Lakshmi, Dhana Lakshmi, Vijaya Lakshmi, Vidya Lakshmi, Dhanya Lakshmi, Veera Lakshmi, Gaja Lakshmi, and Santana Lakshmi.
The Ashtalakshmi Temple’s architecture is influenced by the South Indian style, with towering gopurams and intricate carvings. Visitors can pay a visit to this temple during the Navratri festival to enjoy their time to the fullest as it is celebrated with great enthusiasm by devotees over there and hence, attracts a huge crowd of people.
2. Sri Parthasarathy Temple
Dating its history back to the 8th century, Sri Parthasarathy Temple is a more than 1000 years old pilgrimage site that was brought into existence by the Pallava Dynasty and was later renovated by the Chola and Vijayanagara Dynasties.
It is a significant landmark in the city’s rich cultural heritage that has a presiding deity of Lord Vishnu, who is worshipped here as Parthasarathy - the charioteer of Arjuna in the Mahabharata epic. Here you can also offer your prayers and seek blessings from the other deities such as Lord Rama, Lord Narasimha, Lord Ranganatha, and Lord Gajendra Varadaraja in separate shrines located within the temple complex.
Please note that entry to the Parthasarathy Temple is free for everyone. Also, it opens its door in two different slots – the first is from 5:30 AM to 12:00 PM and then from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM on all days. The recommended exploration time would be 1-2 hours.
3. Guindy National Park
Kids will love this place. Sprawling over an area of 2.82 square km of land, the Guindy National Park provides shelter to a diverse range of flora and fauna including more than 30 species of birds, 14 species of mammals, 60 species of butterflies, and several species of reptiles and amphibians. It is a must-visit destination for wildlife enthusiasts and can also be explored by all those who wish to see wildlife creatures from close.
The prime attraction of this park is the Guindy Snake Park which houses a wide variety of snakes, including cobras, vipers, and pythons. Visitors can learn about different snake species and their habitats, and watch live demonstrations of snake handling. Here you can also pay heed to the Children's Park, a Deer Park, and a Forest Museum along with a watchtower that offers panoramic views of the surrounding area.
4. Semmozhi Poonga Botanical Garden
Take some time out to explore the unexplored beauty of the Semmozhi Poonga Botanical Garden to spend some time amidst nature. It is the first botanical garden in Chennai that invites people to see an impressive collection of plants and trees with over 500 species of plants from all over the world.
Ideal for nature admirers, wanderers, and sightseeing lovers, the Semmozhi Poonga Garden offers a serene setting with a laid-back atmosphere for all those looking for a relaxing getaway. You can enjoy a walk through many walking trails and capture its picturesque beauty through your camera lens.
For your entertainment, the park has several themed sections known as a bonsai garden, an herbal garden, a butterfly garden, and a fern garden. One can also explore its water bodies like ponds, fountains, and streams, which add to the charm of this place.
5. Marina Beach
Surrender yourself to the beauty of Marina Beach on your 3-day visit to Chennai. It is the second longest beach in the world where you can enjoy the sea breeze, take a stroll, watch the sunrise or sunset, and indulge in various activities like beach volleyball, cricket, and horse riding. The beach also offers several food stalls serving local snacks and refreshments.
In addition to all this, Marina Beach is known for its historical and cultural significance as well. Here you can also find several landmarks like the Anna Memorial, MGR Memorial, and the Triumph of Labour statue while strolling around. However, it's important to note that due to safety concerns, swimming is not allowed at Marina Beach. Visitors are advised to stay within the designated areas and be cautious when walking on the beach, especially during high tides and rough waves.
6. Government Museum
Visit the Government Museum to step back in time and learn about the rich history and culture of Tamil Nadu and India as a whole.
It is a popular museum located in the city that houses a vast collection of artifacts and exhibits spanning various disciplines such as archaeology, anthropology, numismatics, geology, and natural history. The museum's collection includes rare artifacts from the Indus Valley Civilization, ancient Tamil Nadu, and the Chola and Vijayanagara dynasties. There are also exhibits on prehistoric animals, dinosaurs, and fossils.
Some of the most notable exhibits at the museum include the Bronze Gallery, which showcases bronze sculptures from the Chola and Pallava periods, and the National Art Gallery, which displays a range of paintings, sculptures, and other artwork from different regions of India. Apart from the exhibits, the museum also offers several educational programs, workshops, and lectures for students and visitors of all ages.
7. Pulicat Lake
Lying 60 km north of the city is the Pulicat Lake which impresses people with its unparalleled charm and aura. It is a great spot for people to enjoy a delightful evening with their loved ones and can be visited by families with children as well.
One of the striking features of this lake is the boating that draws the attention of thousands of locals and tourists from different parts of the nation. You can enjoy a boat ride to soak in the surroundings of this location in your utmost comfort. Several other recreational activities such as trekking, fishing, and photography are also available for your enjoyment.
The Pulicat Lake also serves as a home to Pulicat Bird Sanctuary which provides habitat to a wide variety of waterbirds including flamingos, pelicans, storks, and herons. It is open to visitors during the winter months when migratory birds flock to the lake.
8. MGR Film City
Don’t miss including the MGR Film City on your itinerary list when you’re exploring the best sightseeing places in Chennai.
Named after the former chief minister of Tamil Nadu – M.G. Ramachandran, the MGR Film City is a film studio complex that features many movie sets, lush green lawns, and well-kept gardens along with the replicas of rural and urban areas. It also boasts sound stages, post-production facilities, and other state-of-the-art amenities required for film production. The complex also has a film school where aspiring filmmakers can learn various aspects of filmmaking.
Many blockbuster movies and popular TV shows have been produced at MGR Film City. Some of the notable films shot at the studio are Enthiran, Kabali, Baahubali: The Beginning, and Baahubali: The Conclusion. If lucky, you might also spot your favorite Tamil actor shooting for his upcoming movie in this film city.
9. Kapaleeswarar Temple
The next point of interest that is worth your time is the Kapaleeswarar Temple. It is a holy and divine shrine located in the neighborhood of Chennai that is believed to have been originally built in the 7th century CE by the Pallava Dynasty.
Featuring a distinctive Dravidian architectural style, the presiding deity of the Kapaleeswarar Temple is Lord Shiva in the form of Kapaleeshwarar. There is also a shrine of Goddess Parvati in the form of Karpagambal along with several other smaller shrines dedicated to various Hindu deities.
The temple is an important pilgrimage site for the devotees of Lord Shiva and attracts a large number of visitors, particularly during festivals such as Arudra Darshan, which is celebrated in December-January, and the Brahmotsavam festival, which is celebrated in March-April.
10. Swami Vivekananda’s House
If you wish to learn about the life and teachings of Swami Vivekanand in detail, then Swami Vivekananda’s House is the right place to be. It is said that Swami Vivekanand stayed here for six weeks in 1897 and used it as his base to travel around Tamil Nadu.
Today, Swami Vivekananda’s House has been converted into a museum that contains several artifacts related to his life including photographs, letters, and personal belongings. There is also a dining table where he dined, a kitchen where he cooked, and a garden where he played with other children. One can also find a bookstore with a meditation hall to attain peace of mind.
It would be worth noting that Swami Vivekananda’s House remains closed every Monday. Entry is free and visitors can enroll themselves in various spiritual and educational programs to feel positive from the inside out.
Shopping
You cannot return home from your Chennai tour without indulging in shopping! Right from high-end luxurious malls to street markets, this city offers numerous shopping opportunities for people of all age groups. Depending on your holiday style and budget, you can plan to explore the market you like the most.
Head to T. Nagar to buy a diverse range of sarees, jewelry, and traditional clothing. While George Town is renowned for its textiles, spices, and other products, the Pondy Bazaar is famous for selling clothes, footwear, and accessories at affordable prices.
There is also a Chennai Citi Centre, Express Avenue Mall, and a Phoenix Market City that delights people with the best retail therapy experience. In short, we can say that Chennai caters to everyone’s needs, so whether you’re looking for luxury brands or pocket-friendly shopping, you’ll surely get something of your interest here.
The city of Chennai has everything one can expect from a holiday destination steeped in rich history and cultural heritage. Add the above-mentioned points of interest to your bucket list to enjoy your time to the fullest. Not only do these places are perfect for your 1-day, 2-day, and a 3-day visit to Chennai but also offer an experience you’ve been craving for a long time.
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