Places to Visit in Chennai in One Day | Chennai Travel Guide

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Chennai is a city where tradition and modernity blend beautifully. Whether you’re a traveler on a tight schedule, a business visitor with just a day to explore, or a local planning a quick city break, Chennai offers plenty of amazing places you can comfortably cover in just one day.

This one-day Chennai travel guide will help you explore iconic landmarks, beaches, temples, markets, and food spots without rushing. And the best part? Getting around is easy—you can book a rental taxi in Chennai service to save time and enjoy a smooth, comfortable trip.

Let’s begin your perfect one-day journey through Chennai!


Places to Visit in Chennai

Marina Beach

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Start your day early with a peaceful sunrise at Marina Beach, one of the longest urban beaches in the world. The golden light, the fresh breeze, and the calming sound of thewaves make it the perfect way to begin your Chennai tour—and getting there on time is easy when you book a rental taxi in Chennai.

What to do here:

  • Walk along the sandy shore
  • Enjoy piping-hot idlis, vadas, and filter coffee from local vendors
  • Click sunrise pictures near the lighthouse

Travel Tip: Early morning is the best time to visit to avoid crowds and heat. Booking a rental taxi in Chennai ensures you reach on time without hassle.


Kapaleeshwarar Temple, Mylapore

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Next, head to one of Chennai’s most iconic temples—Kapaleeshwarar Temple. This 7th-century marvel is a masterpiece of Dravidian architecture and is dedicated to Lord Shiva, and you can explore the area comfortably with a Chennai car rental.

Why it’s a must-visit:

  • Colorful gopurams (towers) with intricate carvings
  • Peaceful spiritual atmosphere
  • Historic streets surrounding the temple

Wander around the Mylapore district for a glimpse of old Chennai traditions, vibrant flower markets, and heritage charm — and it’s even easier to explore these narrow cultural streets when you use a rental taxi in Chennai for quick, hassle-free travel.


Santhome Basilica

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Just a short ride away is the majestic Santhome Basilica, built over the tomb of St. Thomas, one of Jesus’ apostles. The white Gothic-style church stands elegantly near the beach and is a major pilgrimage site.

Highlights:

  • Beautiful stained-glass windows
  • Museum with historical artifacts
  • Serene prayer hall

Since Mylapore and Santhome are close to each other, using a Chennai car rental makes the trip smooth and time-efficient.


Breakfast Break in Mylapore

Chennai is famous for its breakfast culture! Enjoy a delicious South Indian breakfast at:

  • Mami’s Mess
  • Karpagambal Mess
  • Rayar’s Café

Try masala dosa, pongal, and idli-vada, and end it with hot filter coffee.


Government Museum & Art Gallery

Head to the Government Museum in Egmore—one of the oldest museums in India. It’s a treasure for history enthusiasts and families alike.

What you’ll see:

  • Bronze idols of Chola period
  • Ancient artifacts, weapons, coins
  • Stunning art galleries
  • Natural history collections

The museum campus itself is vast and peaceful, perfect for a relaxed stroll.


Lunch at a Popular Chennai Spot

Chennai is a paradise for food lovers. Depending on your preference, choose:

South Indian Meals:

  • Sangeetha
  • Saravana Bhavan
  • Annalakshmi

Non-veg treats:

  • Buhari
  • Dindigul Thalappakatti
  • Aasife Biryani

Receive personalized assistance from your rental taxi in Chennai driver—they often know the best local restaurants!


Valluvar Kottam

After lunch, visit Valluvar Kottam, a monumental structure dedicated to the legendary Tamil poet Thiruvalluvar. The chariot-shaped monument is built with intricate stonework and is a popular photo-spot.

A quick stop here adds cultural depth to your one-day itinerary.


Guindy National Park / Snake Park

Guindy-National-Park

If you enjoy nature, wildlife, or photography, this stop is a gem. Guindy National Park is one of the smallest national parks in India but rich in biodiversity.

You can explore:

  • Deer, blackbucks, birds & reptiles
  • Snake Park with rare species
  • Peaceful walking trails

A Serene Evening at Besant Nagar Beach

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End your day beautifully at Edward Elliot’s Beach (Besant Nagar Beach). Compared to Marina, it’s quieter and more relaxing.

Things to enjoy:

  • Beach walk & sunset
  • Snacks like sundal, corn, bajji
  • Visit nearby café streets

Besant Nagar is famous for its lively vibes and evening atmosphere—perfect for travelers looking to unwind after a long day of sightseeing.


Getting Around Chennai—Best Way to Travel in One Day

Chennai is a large city, and covering multiple spots in a single day becomes easier when you choose flexible transport. Booking a Chennai car rental service helps you:

  • Save time
  • Travel comfortably in heat
  • Visit more places without stress
  • Enjoy door-to-door pickup and drop-off.
  • Explore at your own pace

For tourists, this is the most convenient way to enjoy a hassle-free one-day trip.


Final Thoughts

Chennai is a city filled with history, spirituality, beaches, culture, and amazing food. Even with just one day, you can explore the essence of this beautiful city by following this well-planned travel guide. From the sunrise at Marina Beach to the peaceful sunset at Besant Nagar, Chennai promises a memorable journey for every traveler—especially when you use a rental taxi in Chennai to move around comfortably and save time.

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