Places to Visit in Chennai in One Day

Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, Parthasarathy Temple is one of the most popular religious places to visit in Chennai in 1 day where devotees flock especially during the festive months to pay their homage to the Lord. The temple is rich in its historical significance and dates back from the 8th century, Chola Dynasty.

The structural beauty of the entire place along with the sculptures of the incarnations of Vishnu and the inscriptions painted on the wall will surely make you ponder about the legacy of the temple. The beautiful mandapams will unfurl its intriguing mythological tales to you and after visiting the presiding deity you can explore around the premises of the temple for gathering some more knowledge.

Location- Narayana Krishnaraja Puram, Triplicane, Chennai, Tamil Nadu- 600005.

Timings- 6 am to 12.30 pm and 4 pm to 9 pm daily.

Hailed as the second oldest museum in India and well blended in its cultural and historic aura, the Government Museum is one of the places to visit in Chennai in one day with family. The place is well- known for its impressive numismatics and archaeological collections and will surely leave you in awe. If you want to take a peep at the fascinating collection of Roman antiques then do visit the colossal Museum theatre lying within the premises.

The National Art Gallery brings to you a wide display of valuable paintings ranging from European to Asian and also houses some of the treasured pieces of Raja Ravi Verma. Built over 16.25 acres and housing 46 galleries, this museum will indeed offer you some enriching moments.

Location- Government Maternity Hospital, Pantheon Road, Egmore, Chennai, Tamil Nadu-600008. 

Timings- 9.30 am to 4.30 pm daily. Closed on Fridays.

Built-in 1970 in the shape of a chariot that is 128 feet height, this majestic temple comprises a decorative arch and is intricately adorned with traditional Kalamkari designs. Couplets from the Kural literature are beautifully inscribed on the Kural Manimandapam and the temple pays its tribute to the famous classical Tamil poet Thiruvalluvar. The interior of the temple is spacious and houses a stone effigy of the poet.

The structural beauty of the place shrouded in peace is one of the places to visit in Chennai in one day. An early morning or evening visit can give you a spectacular sight of the horizon changing its color with the emerging or setting sun. 

Location- Lies at the intersection of the Village Road in Nungambakkam and the Kodambakkam High road.

Timings- 8.30 am to 5.30 pm daily.

Designed in a Neo-Gothic style, the stunning architecture of San Thome Cathedral Basilica will surely be a mesmerizing sight to behold. The pristine white color of the walls and the rows of wooden pews enhances the mystical beauty of the place.  Built-in the 16th century by the Portuguese over the tomb of Saint Thomas, this church got its status of a cathedral during the British rule.

Being one of the three well-known churches in the entire world, it attracts visitors and devotees from different parts of the world. Attached to the church, lies the museum where one will find the apostle’s fingerprint, a treasured piece of his bone and beautiful paintings depicting his life story.

Location- 38, Santhome High Road, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600004. 

Timings- 6 am to 9 pm daily. 

Stretching for a distance of 6 km from the Fort St. George to the Foreshore Estate, the Marina Beach will offer you a spellbinding view of the azure waters of the Bay of Bengal. Known as one of the longest natural beaches in the country, it is frequently visited by people and is one of the ideal places to visit in Chennai in one day with family.

Flanked by shops and food stalls, this beach is a popular hub for engaging in beach games, shopping and enjoying the cool sea breeze during the summers. However, tourists should not engage in any bathing activity as it has been legally banned due to dangerous undercurrents.

Location- Chennai, Tamil Nadu. 

Timings- Accessible 24 hours daily.

Constructed in the 7th century in the Dravidian style, the Kapaleeshwarar Temple is the abode of Lord Shiva and his consort Goddess Parvati. The towering Gopurams along with several other shrines is a beautiful sight to behold and is one of the well-known religious places to visit in Chennai in one day.

In the courtyard of the temple, under a Punnai tree, one will find the intriguing legend of Goddess Parvati worshipping Shiva in the form of a peacock being represented in a stone shrine. Explore around the premises and seize some quality moments with your family. You can also be a part of the carnivalesque spring festival of Brahmotsavam in the Tamil month of Panguni when the entire temple gets decorated and pulsates with life.

Location- Kesava Perumal Sannathi, Vinayak Nagar Colony, Mylapore, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600004. 

Timings- 5.30 am to 10 pm daily.

Semmozhi Poonga is a picturesque botanical park comprising 22 different gardens that house around 500 varied species of plants, medicinal herbs, and aromatic shrubs. Some exotic varieties here have been exported from Thailand and China and adds to the beauty of the place.

An artificial duck pond lies in the heart of the garden and offers a pleasing view to every urban dweller. An amphitheater has been built where visitors can sit, relax and behold the spectacular cultural shows. The leisurely stroll through the lush pathways will freshen your mind and will serve as a welcome change for every person. This happens to be one of the serene places to visit in Chennai in one day with family, where you can enjoy a hearty picnic in the grace of nature.

Location- Cathedral Road, Ellaiamman Colony, Teynampet, Chennai, Tamil Nadu-600086. 

Timings- 10 am to 7 pm daily.

The Vivekananda House is an iconic landmark in Chennai which served as a place of accommodation for the renowned figure- Vivekananda after his return from the West. Maintained by the Sri Ramakrishna Math, this profound place serves as a source of inspiration for many visitors.

It is one of the historic places to visit in Chennai in one day, where you will get a closer glimpse into the life and deeds of Swami Vivekananda. The impressive structure built in the Victorian style also houses a meditation room where one can seize upon some spiritual insight. Take your kids along as this museum will enrich them on the simple yet fervent principles of life.

Location- Marina Beach Road, Neelam Basha Dargapuram, Durgapuram, Kamarajar Salai, Triplicane, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600005

Timings- 10 am to 12.30 pm and 3 pm to 7 pm daily.

Sprawling over an area of 2.70 square kilometers, this national park lies on the extended grounds of Raj Bhavan. Encompassing lush greenery, this place is the home of myriad types of flora and fauna. One will often get to witness blackbucks, spotted deers, snakes, tortoises, butterflies, and various other reptiles. 150 species of birds reside here, thus the place tends to attract many bird watchers.

This scenic park is an ideal place for a weekend getaway and the Children’s Park housing a zoo is a much-preferred zone for the young ones. This is one among the endless list of places to visit in Chennai in one day with family as the peaceful setting and the refreshing air will surely create some wonderful memories.

Location- Range Guindy, Chennai, Tamil Nadu- 600025.Timings- 9 am to 6 pm daily. Remains closed on Tuesday. 

Clad in legendary tales that narrate that to illuminate the prayer hall, thousand oil lamps were lit in bygone days, The Thousand Lights Mosque is one of the prominent places to visit in Chennai in 1 day that calls for a visit. Constructed in the 19th century, the shrine pays tribute to prophet Muhammad’s grandson- Imam Hossein.

The place draws thousands of Shia pilgrims every year along with many other tourists from different parts of the country. The architectural elegance of the towering minarets, the curving domes, and the beautiful walls decorated with lines from the Quran is a fascinating sight to behold. 

Location- Royepettah, Peters Road, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600086.

Timings- 5.30 am to 9 pm daily.

Situated towards the south of Marina Beach, lies one of the cleanest beaches of Chennai- the Elliot’s Beach. Named after the British Chief Magistrate, Edward Elliot, the beach is a secluded one ideal for seeking some reposeful moments. Thus the tranquil setting away from the city’s frenzy attracts many youngsters and families on weekends for a refreshing change.

Here you can plunge into the cool waters, lie down in the golden sun for sunbathing, enjoy some fun moments with your dear ones and grab some delicious local cuisines from the nearby restaurants. Elliot’s Beach is one of the less frequented places to visit in Chennai in one day and will offer you a perfect retreat. 

Location- Basant Nagar, Chennai, Tamil Nadu.

Timings- Accessible 24 hours daily.

Dakshinachitra is one of the open-air museums of Chennai built in the style of a village that displays a plethora of impressive exhibits. With the sole aim of preserving and promoting the rich culture of South India, this museum has 18 different historical houses. These houses are exclusively dedicated to the intrinsic art and culture of the various Southern states and the heritage museum houses around 4220 artifacts.

The rustic essence and the engaging exhibits will surely leave an indelible mark on your minds and touch your hearts. A guided tour through this place will take you past living history as you can not only behold the beautiful objects but also offered a chance to witness how the local artisans make their wares. A visit to Dakshinachitra will be worth your time and money.

Location- SH 49, Muthukadu, Tamil Nadu 603118.

Timings- 10 am to 7 pm daily. Remains closed on Tuesday.

Lying in the central part of Chennai, Mylapore happens to be one of the oldest residential parts of the city. Known for its cultural significance, this place houses many temples, mosques, and churches. The famous ones are Kapaleeshwarar Temple, Madhava Perumal Temple, San Thome Basilica, Ramkrishna Math and many others. The winter season adds a different cheer to the city as it houses some of the famous musical performances. 

A short weekend trip to Mylapore will be a welcome change as you can explore around the historical sites, splurge some money at the Luz shopping corner, and grab a sumptuous South Indian meal served hot on traditional banana leaves. 

Location- Located towards the southern part of Chennai, and lies between Triplicane and Teynampet.

Timings- Accessible 24 hours daily.

The MGR Film City is one of the bustling places to visit in Chennai in 1 day with your family and will offer you some exciting moments.  It is a beautiful film studio complex and the artificial sceneries comprising lush forests, majestic waterfalls, buzzing marketplace will leave you in sheer awe.

Tourists can explore the indoor studio sets and venture around in the landscaped gardens that are well constructed and resembles a fusion of Japanese, Indian and Mughal style. The MGR Knowledge Park that lies in the premises is an informative zone where one can find out more about the history of the Tamil Film Industry and its growth over the years.

Location- MGR Film City Road, Tharamani, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600113.

Timings- 9 am to 5.30 pm daily. Remains closed on Thursdays.