25 Best Things To Do In Chennai (Madras), India

1. Visit the 2nd longest beach in the world - Marina Beach

Marina Beach is a natural urban beach in Chennai, along the Bay of Bengal. The beach runs for a distance of 6.5 km (4 mi) thus making it the longest natural urban beach in the country and the second longest urban beach in the world. This beach is primarily sandy, but not the white sand you may expect to see!

Enjoy the sights and sounds of a typical day for locals at the beach - be it eating spicy chilli fritters, eating corn-on-the-cob or some cotton candy! You could even go on a horse ride, ride on the ferris wheel and relive your childhood. A local Chennaiite will have lots of memories attached to the beach and is part and parcel of every citizen of the city. Recently, the beach came into focus as it was the point of congregation for millions of people from all over the state to protest for a cause.

Marina Beach

Address: Chennai, India

2. Visit the church at st. thomas mount

St. Thomas Mount is a small hillock near the airport in Chennai. St. Thomas the Apostle is believed to have been martyred at this place, a shrine dedicated to Mother Mary was built in 1523 on top of the mount. You can reach the summit by taking the flight of 160 steps. There are 14 stations of the cross erected on the way to the summit. Recently an MRTS station was opened in the neighborhood to enable people to commute easily. Entry is free, and church is open from 6:30 am until about 10 pm at night.

St. Thomas Mount

Address: St. Thomas Mount, Parangi Malai, St. Thomas Mount, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600016

Website: St. Thomas Mount

3. Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary

Vedanthangal in Tamil literally means ‘hamlet of the hunter’. This is a protected area near Kanchipuram district in Tamil Nadu. The sanctuary is about 75 kilometers (47 mi) from Chennai on National Highway 45 (NH45). It is said that more than 40,000 birds (including around 26 rare species), from different parts of the world visit the sanctuary during the migratory season every year. This bird sanctuary is the oldest water bird sanctuary in the country. The best time to visit this sanctuary is from November to March. So bird watchers and ornithologists, get ready to watch these birds busy building and maintaining their nests.

The entry fee to the bird sanctuary is about INR 25 per adult (approx 0.40 USD) and INR 5 per child (approx 0.08 USD). You can park your vehicle for INR 10 (approx 0.20 USD). The sanctuary is open everyday during season from 6am until 6pm.

Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary

Address: Vedathangal, Madurantakam, Tamil Nadu 603314, India

4. Watch First Day First Show (FDFS) of a blockbuster movie at Satyam Theatre

Chennai or Madras is famous for its film industry, popularly referred to as Kollywood. People are generally very crazy about their film stars and to watch their favorite stars’ movies on the First Day in the First Show is something everyone is very willing to do. It is sort of a craze and an achievement of sorts if you are able to do this FDFS thing, especially for a Rajinikanth movie (he is the superstar of India and tickets sell at sky high prices if his movie is releasing!).

More than the movie, enjoy the environment, the whistles, the claps, the thunderous applause of the fans for their favorite stars, which is something one cannot write about; it is the whole experience in itself. Forget about being able to listen to any dialogue, you are there only for the surroundings! Satyam is a very popular theatre and recently underwent renovations to become a plush multiplex. Enjoying a movie in this theatre has its own relevance and experience.

Movie at Satyam Theatre

Address: 8, Thiru Vi Ka Road, Royapettah, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600014, India

Website: Satyam Theatre

5. Guided Tour to Raj Bhavan (Governor's Residence)

Raj Bhavan is the official residence of the Governor of Tamil Nadu. The official residence is situated in the Guindy Reserve Park Area, one of the very few sprawling green spaces one can find in Chennai. The grounds contain some rare species of fauna and flora. The buildings of Raj Bhavan boast of magnificent architecture.

This was a recent announcement wherein some parts of the Tamil Nadu Governor’s Residence in Adyar will be opened to the public for free, on Fridays and weekends from 4:30 pm to 6 pm. You can register your interest online at Raj Bhavan’s online registration system linked below. Visitors must bring an ID and a copy of the confirmation email during the visit. You will be taken on a guided tour to the sections open to the visitors.

Raj Bhavan

Address: Adyar, Chennai

Website: Raj Bhavan

6. Visit Theosophical Society, Adyar (from USD 216.0)

The lovely green cover lies on the banks of the Adyar River, the branch at Adyar is the section of the Theosophical Society founded by Helena Blavatsky. The gardens are called Huddleton gardens. This place spans 260 acres (105 hectares) and is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, and some rare species of trees as well. There is a 450 year old banyan tree as well whose aerial roots covered a huge area in the garden. However, the tree fell under its own weight some years back.

Theosophical Society

Address: Adyar, Chennai

Website: Theosophical Society Chennai

Kalakshetra, Theosophical Society & Elliots Beach - Chennai

Duration: 5 hours

from USD

216.0

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7. Relish some Chaat at Sowcarpet (from USD 35.0)

Sowcarpet is a neighborhood in north Chennai. Sowcarpet is one of the oldest neighborhoods of the city with narrow streets and vintage buildings. You can find a range of wholesale markets located here, it is a bustling commercial area. Food is an integral part of this place and do not forget to try the amazing chaat (snack) items in this area. Gujarati Mandali serves lip-smacking lunches and snacks all day. Mint street is more popular for the food. Novelty Tea House is another place to go for delicious food.

You can find plastic items, paper related stuff, anything really, in bulk in Sowcarpet. The reason you can find north Indian/Gujarati food here in plenty is due to the fact that a sizable North Indian community lives here. People from the business and money lending communities migrated here in early 1900s.

Sowcarpet

Address: Sowcarpet, Peddanaickenpet, George Town, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600079, India

Sowcarpet Market Food Tour

Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes

6 reviews

from USD

35.0

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8. Shopping in T. Nagar

Thyagaraya Nagar or more popularly known as T. Nagar is the shopping destination in Chennai you must go to. You can shop for jewelry, clothes, utensils, household items, anything and everything you need on a day-to-day basis. Be it buying matching accessories for your new set of clothes or buying a new silk saree, it’s all available in T Nagar. Beware of the crowds, it can get difficult if you are claustrophobic, especially when a festival is around the corner. The T. Nagar bus stand is just a few meters away and you can take a bus or a share auto or even a taxi to wherever you want to go.

T Nagar Shopping

Address: T Nagar, Chennai, India

9. Day trip to Mahabalipuram/Mamallapuram (from USD 99.0)

Mahabalipuram, the current name for Mamallapuram, a town in the southern Indian State of Tamil Nadu, is located around 60 km (37 mi) south of Chennai. Mamallapuram is an ancient historic town and used to be a bustling seaport during the first century. The Pallava dynasty ruled Mamallapuram and by 7th-century, it was an important port city.

In Mamallapuram you can find amazing bas-relief work and temples - the most famous one is the Shore Temple. There were around 6 temples but today only 1 stands. You can also see the Rathas - temples in the form of chariots and mandapas - cave sanctuaries depicting different scenes from mythology or dedicated to gods primarily Shiva, Vishnu and Brahma. The monuments have been declared a UNESCO World Heritage site. You will have to pay an entry fee of INR 30 per head (approx 0.50 USD) children below the age of 12 are free to enter. Keep the tickets carefully, you can check out all the temples and the monuments in the site with them. There is a beach near the shore temple, you can wet your legs there, although swimming is not allowed owing to the depth of the sea bed.

Mahabalipuram/Mamallapuram

Address: Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu 603104, India

Mahabalipuram Private tour from Chennai by car with guide and lunch by Wonder

Duration: 7 hours

23 reviews

from USD

99.0

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10. Visit Kalakshetra (from USD 113.0)

Kalakshetra, now referred to as Kalakshetra Foundation, is an arts and cultural academy that is dedicated to the preservation of traditional values in Indian art and crafts. It mainly focuses on Bharatanatyam dance and Gandharvaveda music. This academy was founded in 1936 by Rukmini Devi Arundale, a dance exponent. You can look around the surroundings, catch a dance performance and even take up lessons if you are genuinely interested.

Kalakshetra Chennai

Address: Kalakshetra Road, Thiruvanmiyur, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600041, India

Website: Kalakshetra Foundation

Chennai Private Cultural Visit: Art, Dance, Temples, Sarees and a Homemade Meal

Duration: 5 hours

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113.0

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11. Let your kids have fun at Moosaland, Mogappair

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

A unique play center for children, Moosaland aims at entertaining the younger ones while boosting their social and physical skills.

Divided into different sections, each corner of Moosaland is filled with toys, puzzles, books, and interactive games that turn a child’s imagination into reality. Young Chefs - Cute Kitchen, fitted with kitchen accessories and a kiddy dining table offers the little culinary geniuses to master their cooking while The Shoppaholic - Super Market’s mini billing counters, shopping alleys, carts, and POS machines allow the tiny shopaholics to have fun. Other attractions here include the Strawberry Tree, Hanging Bridge, Future Doctor - Hospital, and more.

Parents accompanying their kids can sit and relax at the Watch Tower which has free wifi so they can finish their work while watching over the young ones.

Moosaland

Address: Kambar, Bharathi Salai, Mogappair West, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600037

Website: Moosaland

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 3pm - 9pm Xam - Xpm; Sat - Sun: 11am - 9pm

Price: Tickets starting 250 INR | 3 USD

12. Have fun at KartWheel

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Set amidst a massive 5,500 sq ft (510.97 sq mt) area, KartWheel is counted amongst the largest play areas for children in Chennai. Providing ample fun space for toddlers and young adults, the play gym and play area features many interactive as well as fun activities, including but not limited to a bouncing castle, a gigantic ball pool with 3,000 balls, peg puzzles, and more.

The Play Gym section at KartWheel houses rope slides, a trampoline, spider web climbers, and many such attractions that help build your child’s physical strength. The center also arranges fun activities and workshops for kids to learn while they have fun. Thinking of throwing a birthday bash for your little one? Contact KartWheel and they can arrange a party that your kid will cherish for a long time.

KartWheel

Address: New No.21, Old No.9 Balaram, Road, Adyar, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600020

Website: KartWheel

Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 11am - 8pm (closed on Mon)

Price: Tickets starting 250 INR | 3 USD

13. Let your child learn while having fun at Toddle Town

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

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Toddle Town is a uniquely designed playhouse for children over 12 years of age with working parents. The Imaginative Play Zone is dedicated to turning kids’ imaginations into reality - there are 10 separate play zones such as a kiddie supermarket, automobile workshop, and more. For physical skill building, kids can enjoy at the Rope Course which has multiple levels of obstacle course, climbing tracks, and slides. For the crafty geniuses, Maker Space has some brilliant DIY activities that will keep the young ones entertained while honing their creative skills.

The center also organizes birthday events and special workshops for children with autism, as well as date nights where parents get to enjoy their personal time while the kids have fun under the supervision of the staff at the Toddle Town.

Toddle Town

Address: Old No 63, Maala Illam, near Cafe Coffee Day, Venkata Rathinam Nagar, Adyar, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600020

Website: Toddle Town

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 12pm - 7pm; Sat - Sun: 11am - 8pm

14. Bring your inner child at Airborne - The Trampoline Park

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Often claimed as Chennai’s first trampoline park, Airborne - The Trampoline Park creates the perfect opportunity for kids and kids at heart to have a fun day. Spread over 2,500 sq ft (232.25 sq mt) of space, the park has over 15 various kinds of trampolines that lets you go wild without the fear of judgements.

Irresepctive of your fitness level and weight, Airborne - The Trampoline Park lets you get together with your gang and show off those cartwheel skills you have been wanting to try. When tired, relax at the sponge-based foam pit or grab some juice and samosas at the ground floor cafe.

Airborne - The Trampoline Park

Address: 10/29, Khader Nawaz Khan Rd, Thousand Lights West, Thousand Lights, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600006

Opening hours: 10am - 10pm (daily)

Price: Tickets starting at 250 INR | 3 USD

15. Hone your child's creative imagination at Dream Land

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

A perfect place for your creative little masters to try their hands on real-life experiences, Dream Land is considered the city’s first roleplay mini town. Equipped with premium toys and play equipment, the play area features a complete setup for a police station, hospital, supermarket, beauty salon, food court, and baby’s daycare.

Additionally, the place also has a soft play area fitted with various slides, a high wall climber, a big ball pool with over 4,000 balls, and much more. Older kids can also enjoy playing online games such as WWE, Spider-Man, and Unchartered collections on Sony Playstation 4 on ultra HD screens.

Dream Land

Address: #3/299, First Floor, Periyar Salai, Palavakkam, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600041

Website: Dream Land

Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 2pm - 8pm; Fri: 2:30pm - 8:30pm; Sat: 10am - 9pm; Sun: 11am - 9pm

Price: Starting at 250 INR| 3 USD per hour

16. Let the tiny tots enjoy at The Little Gym

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Why should adults have all the fun? The Little Gym Of Alwarpet is one of a kind play area for toddlers to kids up to 12 years of age that focuses not only on their physical but also mental health. All their programs are based on the concept of interactive, fun learning activities.

Their parent/child classes that are created for kids aged four months to three years emphasize on building a strong foundation during the critical early years of a child’s age. Additionally, they also conduct activities such as preschool gymnastics programs, dancing, karate, Kindermusik, and many more.

The Little Gym Of Alwarpet

Address: ST Towers, Old No 122, New, 524, TT Krishnamachari Rd, near Motherhood Hospital, Alwarpet, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600018

Website: The Little Gym Of Alwarpet

Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 9:30am - 7pm (closed on Mon)

17. Have fun in Fun City

The aim of Fun City is to let children have fun while they learn. Spread across many countries in the world, the amusement park features several attractions and activities for children between 1 and 12 years of age.

Kiddie rides here include a Hello Kitty Fun House, Crazy Gliders, and Ocean Carousels while big rides feature some iconic joy rides such as Air Racer, Disk'o Coaster, 130 feet high drop tower Sky Tower, and more. Other than these, there is also a Play zone that has ball pools, climbing frames, giant slides, and crawl tunnels. Youngsters who enjoy online gaming can have fun at the video game arcade which includes some legendary and latest games such as Super Bikes 2 and The Fast and The Furious.

In Chennai, Fun City stores can be found in Express Avenue Mall, Phoenix Market City Mall, Vijaya Forum Mall, and Virtuous Mall.

Fun City

Website: Fun City

Opening hours: Sun - Sat: 10am - 10pm

Price for all locations: Packages starting 1,000 INR | 12.52 USD

Locations

Fun City - Express Avenue Mall

Address: Express Estate, Thousand Lights, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600002

Fun City - Phoenix Market City Mall

Address: 142, Velachery Main Rd, Indira Gandhi Nagar, Velachery

Fun City - Vijaya Forum Mall

Address: 183, Arcot Rd, Dr.Subbaraya Nagar, Vadapalani

Fun City - Virtuous Mall

Address: Inner Ring Rd, Thirumangalam, Anna Nagar

18. Let the little monkeys hop at Funky Monkey

Featuring play centers specifically designed for kids between 6 months and 12 years of age, Funky Monkey is one of the leading names in premium indoor play centers for children across India. While the toddler zone comes equipped with a ball pool, two-sided soft foam rockers, a mini carousel, and an enchanting play house, the junior zone houses Funky Monkey’s signature multi-lane wave slide, the unique donut slide, a jungle gym and adventure zone, and trampoline zones.

Aside from the amazing joy rides, the makers of Funky Monkey highly believe in the importance of ‘Free Play’ as a medium to develop social, cognitive, and physical skills among kids. This is where the youngsters are motivated to think, solve, move, and let their imagination and creativity run wild.

Funky Monkey

Address: Velachery Rd, Indira Gandhi Nagar, Velachery, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600042

Website: Funky Monkey

Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 11am - 8pm; Fri - Sun: 10:30am - 9pm

19. Let your child experience joy at House O'Joy

A cute play zone for your little sweethearts, House O'Joy offers a safe and exciting environment for kids to play while developing their social, physical, and cognitive abilities as well as fueling their imagination. Whether it’s roleplaying as a doctor, teacher, or automobile engineer or indulging in art and dancing, rest assured that your kids will leave here with a new skill or hobby. Indulging in activities such as the obstacle course, DIY Crafts, and mini trampoline further enhances your child’s active as well as creative skills.

Adiitionally, House O'Joy also has a party area with a capacity of 40 to 50 people which is perfect for hosting birthday parties and other important celebrations.

House O'Joy

Address: No. 28 A, Plot, Door, No. 122, Bharath St, V.G.P Pushpa Nagar, Medavakkam, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600100

Website: House O'Joy

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 10:30am - 7:30pm; Sat - Sun: 11:30am - 8:30pm

20. Explore wildlife with your kids at Guindy National Park

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

If you are traveling to Chennai with your kids, you absolutely cannot miss the brilliant flora and fauna at Guindy National Park. The eighth smallest of its kind in the country, the national park is home to many endangered species - kids particularly love the dedicated Children’s Park and the adjoining Snake Park. However, the main attraction of the park is 20 million years old specimen of Tyrannosaurus, otherwise known as T-Rex to kids. Other wildlife here comprises Spotted Deer, Sloth Bear, Palm Civet, Indian spotted chevrotain, and Bonnet Macaque. Last but not the least, kids who are intrigued by wildlife will also find it exciting to know that the national park houses over 14 mammals, including but not limited to Hedgehog, Blackbuck, and Three-Striped Palm Squirrel.

Guindy National Park

Address: Rangeguindy, Opp IIT Madras, Guindy National Park, Guindy, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 600025, India

Website: Guindy National Park

Opening hours: 9am - 6pm (daily)

Price: 5 INR for children above 10| 2 INR for school children (between 5 and 12 years of age| 20 INR for adults| 10 INR for still camera| 75 INR for video camera

21. Be awed by the reptiles at Guindy Snake Park

This popular attraction is officially named the Chennai Snake Park Trust. Constituted in 1972, it draws visitors in with the various species of reptiles, birds, and mammals that all of its one-acre land could hold. Some of the creatures housed in the park are Indian snakes, exotic crocodiles, tortoises, and large lizards. The park features well-designed exhibits as well as daily shows that present not only important information about the reptiles but also how keepers handle them!

The property features a museum and a library that you can visit if you want to learn more about the creatures.

Guindy Snake Park

Address: 263Q+MFR, Raj Bhavan post, Guindy, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600022, India

Website: Guindy Snake Park

Opening hours: Wed - Mon: 9am - 5:30pm (Closed on Tue)

22. Interact with the animals at Vandalur Zoo

Nestled in southwestern Chennai, Vandalur Zoo is the popular name of Arignar Anna Zoological Park (AAZP). It is a zoological garden that features a rescue and rehabilitation center for animals. With its excellent public service, well-maintained enclosures, and eco-awareness programs, it stays true to its goal of promoting wildlife conservation and management. There are also a forest and wildlife museum, a terrestrial aviary, and a shark-modeled aquarium that you can check out on site. A Virtual Reality Show with panoramic jungle safari views and an underwater marine show is also offered to complete your zoo experience!

Before you leave, make sure to drop by the zoo’s souvenir shop for unique keepsakes.

Vandalur Zoo

Address: Grand Southern Trunk Rd, Vandalur, Tamil Nadu 600048, India

Website: Vandalur Zoo

Opening hours: Wed - Mon: 9am - 5pm (closed on Tue)

23. Witness special events at Valluvar Kottam and Independence Day Park

Dedicated to the classical poet, philosopher, and saint of the same name, the Valluvar Kottam monument is an interesting place to visit in Chennai. This memorial site is chariot-shaped and is a great sight to behold whether in the early hours of the morning or in the dark cover of night. As a popular tourist destination, it hosts some of the city’s most significant events.

Just 0.5 km (0.3 mi) away from the site is another popular tourist spot, Independence Day Park. This attraction provides an ideal space for families with its various amenities, including a badminton court and a play area for children. There is also an open-air theater onsite that features cultural events.

Valluvar Kottam

Address: 147, Valluvar Kottam High Rd, Tirumurthy Nagar, Nungambakkam, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600034, India

Website: Valluvar Kottam

Opening hours: 8:30am - 5:30pm (daily)

24. Marvel at various plant species at Semmozhi Poonga

Semmozhi Poonga is a botanical garden in Chennai that is a must-visit, especially if you’re a nature lover. It features stunning landscapes and an artificial duck pond, not to mention a majestic green arc that greets you with over a thousand plants upon arrival. When you’re not taking lovely strolls, you can also watch the gorgeous display of water fountains in the garden. With thematic gardens and a number of fun swings, the whole place is just as suitable for kids as it is for adults.

Monthly passes are available if you’re in town for a long-term stay and want to visit the park at earlier hours.

Semmozhi Poonga

Address: Cathedral Rd, opposite American Consulate, Ellaiamman Colony, Teynampet, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600086, India

Opening hours: 10am - 6pm (daily)

25. Relax in the green spaces of Chetpet Ecopark

If you want to take a break from all the exciting activities and tours and Chennai, then Chetpet Ecopark is the place to be. This popular tourist attraction offers green spaces and easy pathways that are ideal for jogging and walking. There is also a lake within the park for boating and fishing! Children can play to their hearts’ content in the recreation area or visit the duck pond for a lovely time with the animals.

A food plaza called the Ecopark Food Zone is found on site so you can savor appetizing treats and recharge. Be sure to taste the delicious Kathi rolls!

Chetpet Ecopark

Address: KMC, 814, Poonamallee High Rd, Opposite to, New Bupathy Nagar, Kilpauk, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600010, India

Website: Chetpet Ecopark

Opening hours: Wed - Mon: 10am - 7pm (closed on Tue)

As the saying goes: Chennai is a city, Madras is an emotion

Chennai is home to millions of people, rich in culture and tradition, providing a good balance between cosmopolitan and modern lifestyle while you sip that cup of “filter kaapi” (traditional coffee). We hope this list will help you decide on your trip to Madras soon!

Don’t forget to check out the city’s top theme parks and discover other things Chennai is famous for.