Being businessman, I travel a lot and that give me one more reason to love my work. Recently, I visited Chennai (Formally know as Madras) for an official visit and as usual, my inner traveller got super excited about the trip. Usually, official trips are short and you don’t get much time to roam around the city and explore. (unlike my full planned vacation in Goa ).
In my this particular Chennai trip I was having only one day (Sunday) as my free day as I was having a scheduled meeting on Saturday and back then a flight back to Mumbai on Monday.
[su_note note_color=”#ff9066″]TIP : Plan everything in advance but don’t over plan things and keep it as simple as possible, and if you are like me who is trying to make a balance between work and holiday, Give priority to comfort (You don’t want to look exhausted in meetings).[/su_note]
While in my case, I booked a hotel right in the centre of the city Savera Hotel. I selected this hotel basically because it offers 4-star rooms and they have fully function Fitness Center, Outdoor Pool and SPA (remember I told you to relax). Have a look at the facilities of Savera hotel here >>
After my first day in Chennai, and my main purpose of visiting Chennai is done. I created my own small to-do for next day. Here are my shortlisted things to do in Chennai in one day and two nights :
- Sky Resturant (Minar):
In the same hotel, they have a beautiful restaurant called Minar. What made me spend my evening there? The city view. You can literally see the entire city from the rooftop. + there is nothing like having a great food after relaxing in swimming pool.
- Kapaleeswarar Temple:
Next day post lunch gets a cap to Kapaleeswarar Temple (5-minute ride from hotel). This is the oldest temple in Chennai dedicated to Lord Shiva which is a must see in Chennai. entering the temple, one notices the vastness of this space. usually, temples in India are much bigger than this but to have such a temple in the midst of the city is calming.
I was charmed by the architecture of Kapaleeswarar Temple and I am sure you will also love it. And It is one of the oldest temples in Chennai.
To my luck in March-April they celebrate Arupathimoovar festival, named after the sixty-three Nayanmars who have attained salvation by their love & devotion to the all-compassionate Lord Shiva. All sixty-three Nayanmar idols follow the Kapaleeshwarar idol on this procession.
It was very crowded but at the same time full of positive energy. - St. Thomas Cathedral Basilica (church):
This church is in walkable distance from the temple, And if you love to walk like me goto this church should be your next stop. A peaceful prayerful yet authentic and architectural excellence! St Thomas ‘s holy body is kept in this shrine. This cathedral was built by Portuguese who dominated the region for several centuries. It is also the probable location of the tomb of St. Thomas, the only disciple of Jesus who is not buried in Europe.
- Marina Beach :
Again just 2 KM church (walkable) I will notice a 6 KM long beach called Marina Beach. which is a longest natural urban beach in India. Great atmosphere at night with many food stalls and lots of families enjoying themselves. Water is warm but not suitable for swimming
Marina Beach from Lighthouse
After Marina Beach, I decide to end my day and go back to a hotel for a nice SPA . However, the city has much more to offer but my limited time I decided to keep it short and sweet, Maybe some other day.Ho,
Ho, before I forget. Give a try to local shopping from a local market near the hotel. I brought lungi 😉
When in Rome, do as the Romans do. Let me know how was your experience in Chennai in the comment below.
