Our visit to Chennai in January 2024 was part of a longer journey through India and southern India.
We started our southern India trip in Chennai then went to Mahabalipuram before heading to Kanchipuram and then to Vellore. After that, we made our way to Kattarikupam, a quiet and charming spot off the beaten path, before returning to Chennai. Our travels didn’t stop there, though! We then flew to Vietnam and Malaysia before finally making our way back home to New Zealand, whew!
Although we stayed in the city for several nights, we only had one full day to dedicate to sightseeing in Chennai itself. It turned out to be the perfect balance of delicious food, shopping, and a bit of exploration. Here’s a quick look at what we got up to.
Itinerary
Click Here: Our South India Itinerary
- Arrival in Chennai – January 3, 2024 After a morning flight from Goa, we arrived in Chennai and settled in for the night. This was a brief stop before heading to our next destination.
- Trip to Mahabalipuram – January 4, 2024 After breakfast, we drove to Mahabalipuram, known for its ancient rock-cut temples and coastal charm. We spent the day exploring the famous monuments, including the Shore Temple and Arjuna’s Penance, before continuing our journey.
- Kanchipuram and Vellore – January 5, 2024 The next leg of our trip took us to Kanchipuram, a city famous for its temples and silk weaving. After sightseeing, we proceeded to Vellore, where we stayed overnight.
- Return to Chennai via Kattarikupam – January 6, 2024 On our way back to Chennai, we made a stop at Kattarikupam to spend some time before returning to the city for another overnight stay.
- Exploring Chennai – January 7, 2024 This was our main sightseeing day in Chennai. We visited key landmarks, including the famous Marina Beach and Kapaleeshwarar Temple. The afternoon was free for shopping, which gave us time to explore some of the local markets and pick up souvenirs.
- Departure from Chennai – January 8, 2024 After breakfast, we transferred to the airport for our departure, wrapping up our journey through this part of India.
Things We Did
Shopping
If you enjoy shopping, Chennai won’t disappoint. We spent quite a bit of time at Pothys Department Store located at the end of Pandy Bazaar, which is a must-visit for anyone looking for traditional Indian wear including beautiful wedding outfits. It’s a huge store, and they have a great selection of sarees, kurtas, silver jewelry and more. It’s the kind of place where you can easily get lost browsing through their aisles.
However, be warned… it was quite crowded. Moving between levels in the lift meant waiting in long queues, and once you got there, the shopping assistants would swarm you. As someone who isn’t a fan of crowds, it was a bit overwhelming, and Basker had to step in to help. But we did find one helpful assistant who really made a difference—he took us around the store and even escorted us across the road to another building to buy some silver jewelry. He was a real lifesaver!
Local Restaurants
Geetha Veekay Restaurant became a go-to spot for us. It’s a simple place that serves up tasty South Indian dishes like pani puri, dosas, idlis, and vadas. What’s great is the street food window outside, perfect for grabbing a quick snack when you’re on the go. You can check it out here.
We also made sure to stop by Ananda Bhavan, another local favorite vegetarian restaurant. It’s a great choice if you’re craving a hearty meal. Their vadai is fantastic and the perfect way to start the day and they serve a delicious thali meal, also Madras coffee and masala thosai. And their sweets are divine. If you want something filling and comforting, Ananda Bhavan has got you covered. More info can be found here.
Another must-try is Dindigul Thalappakatti, famously known for its flavourful biryani. It’s one of those places where you can’t go wrong with whatever you order. The biryani here is a local favourite, and it’s definitely worth checking out when you’re in the area.
For a taste of authentic Chettinad cuisine, Anjappar Chettinad Restaurant in Pondy Bazar is a great choice. Their spicy and aromatic dishes are a hit, and you can’t miss out on their kulfi, which is simply the best I have ever tasted. You can find more about Anjappar here.
Lastly, no visit to Chennai would be complete without a stop at Hotel Saravana Bhavan. A classic spot for South Indian vegetarian food, it serves up delicious dosas, idlis, and thalis. It’s a great option for a quick and satisfying meal. Check it out here.
Kapaleeshwarar Temple
If you’ve got a little extra time, make sure to check out the Kapaleeshwarar Temple located at Mylapore, Chennai. This beautiful old temple is an important part of Chennai’s history and culture. The architecture is stunning, and it’s a nice spot for a little quiet, pensive time.
Exploring the Fish Market and Marina Beach
One of the more unique things we did was visit the fish market near Marina Beach. It’s a lively, bustling place where you can see the fresh catches of the day being sold right on the spot. If you’re into seafood, it’s worth a look.
And after the market, it’s just a short walk to Marina Beach—perfect for a peaceful stroll by the water. It’s a simple spot, but it’s the kind of place you can just relax, take in the view and rub shoulders with local people. More details on Marina Beach can be found on Tripadvisor – Marina Beach.
A Visit to the Cathedral of St. Thomas
We also took the time to visit the Basilica of St. Thomas, where the remains of Saint Thomas, one of the twelve apostles, are interred. This is a historic and peaceful spot, and it’s been renovated since our last visit. The changes over the years have certainly transformed the place, adding more space and making it even more welcoming to visitors. The cathedral has a beautiful location near the seaside. You can walk further along the road towards the beach to see St Thomas Pole and you can get a lovely view of the Bay of Bengal. It’s a calm and serene place to reflect, and the architecture is quite impressive, making it well worth a visit.
Government Museum
For those interested in history, the Government Museum is a decent stop. It’s not huge, but it’s full of interesting exhibits that give you a glimpse into the region’s past.
Where We Stayed
We stayed at The Residency Towers. It’s in a prime location, just a short walk from T. Nagar, where you can find all kinds of shops and markets. The hotel itself was comfortable and well-kept, with friendly staff that made everything easy. After a busy day, it was nice to come back to such a nice place to relax.
On our first night, Basker decided to call it an early one, so Nisha and I headed to the Bike & Barrel Pub in the hotel, which had the charm of a classic British pub. I can’t remember exactly what we drank, but I know it was lovely, I’m pretty sure it was a cold beer—just what we needed!
Getting Around
We got around by car with a driver who was absolutely awesome. He was there early every morning and stayed with us until we were dropped off at our hotel for the night. Always well looked after and pampered with choices, we couldn’t have asked for a better experience. We loved how he always had great suggestions for places to visit and he was there whenever we needed him. He made everything so easy and comfortable, and we couldn’t recommend him enough!
Wrapping Up
All in all, Chennai is a great place to visit. Whether you’re shopping at Pothys, grabbing a bite at Geetha’s, or enjoying a peaceful walk along Marina Beach, there’s always something to enjoy. The mix of good food, local culture, and easy-to-reach attractions made this trip a nice one to remember.
Loving every moment here – hope you’re enjoying the journey too! ♡ Janet
Discover more from Life With Janet
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
