The Government Museum is open from 9:30 am to 5 pm on all days except Fridays and national holidays. The entry fee is Rs. 15 for adults and Rs. 10 for children.
Have Fun at Kartwheel – Kids Play & Party Zone
Kartwheel – Kids Play & Party Zone is one of the best places to have fun with your family in Chennai. It is a spacious and colorful indoor play area that offers a variety of games and activities for kids of all ages.
Kartwheel has a soft play zone, a trampoline park, a ball pool, a sand pit, a Lego zone, a toddler zone, a climbing wall, a rope course, a zip line, and more. It also has a cafe that serves delicious snacks and beverages for the parents and kids. You can also book Kartwheel for birthday parties, school trips, or corporate events.
It is open from 10 am to 8 pm on weekdays and from 10 am to 9 pm on weekends and public holidays. The entry fee is Rs. 300 per hour for kids and Rs. 100 per hour for adults.
Learn About Astronomy at B. M. Birla Planetarium
If you are interested in astronomy and space science, you should not miss visiting the B. M. Birla Planetarium in Chennai. It is one of the largest and most modern planetariums in India, providing a virtual tour of the night sky and holding cosmic shows on a specially perforated hemispherical aluminium inner dome. The planetarium has several exhibits and galleries that showcase various aspects of astronomy, such as:
- The Solar System Gallery: It displays models of planets, moons, asteroids, comets, and other celestial bodies in our solar system.
- The Astrophysics Gallery: It displays models of stars, galaxies, black holes, quasars, pulsars, and other phenomena in the universe.
- The Space Gallery: It displays models of rockets, satellites, space probes, space stations, and space missions.
- The Science Park: It displays interactive exhibits that demonstrate various scientific principles and concepts.
The planetarium also organizes special events and workshops for children and students on topics related to astronomy and space science. You can check their website for more information on their programs and timings.
The best time to visit the planetarium is during weekdays when it is less crowded. The planetarium is open from 9 am to 6 pm every day except Mondays. The entry fee for visiting the planetarium is Rs. 40 per person for adults and Rs. 25 per person for children.
Relax at Semmozhi Poonga
Semmozhi Poonga is a botanical garden that was opened in 2010 by the then Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, M. Karunanidhi. It is spread over 20 acres of land and has more than 500 species of plants from different parts of the world.
- Beautiful place to relax with your family in Chennai as it offers a serene and green environment amidst the hustle and bustle of the city. You can walk along the paved paths, admire the colorful flowers, enjoy the water features, sit under the shady trees, or have a picnic on the lawns.
- Has a butterfly park, a rock garden, a fern garden, a bonsai garden, a herbal garden, an aromatic garden, and more. It also has a children’s play area that has swings, slides, seesaws, etc.
It is open from 10 am to 8 pm on all days except Tuesdays. The entry fee is Rs. 15 for adults and Rs. 10 for children.
Experience the Culture and Spirituality at Various Temples
Chennai is known for its rich culture and spirituality that are reflected in its numerous temples that dot the cityscape. These temples are not only places of worship but also architectural marvels that showcase the artistry and craftsmanship of different dynasties and periods.
Some of the most famous temples in Chennai are:
- Kapaleeshwarar Temple: This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and his consort Parvati who is worshipped here as Karpagambal (the goddess of wish-fulfillment). It is located in Mylapore and dates back to the 7th century CE. It is one of the most prominent examples of Dravidian style of architecture and has a towering gopuram (gateway tower) that is adorned with intricate sculptures and carvings.
- Parthasarathy Temple: This temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and his various incarnations such as Rama, Krishna, Narasimha, and Varaha. It is located in Triplicane and dates back to the 8th century CE. It is one of the oldest temples in Chennai and has a unique feature of having five sanctums for the five forms of Vishnu.
- Vadapalani Murugan Temple: This temple is dedicated to Lord Murugan, the son of Shiva and Parvati, and the god of war and victory. It is located in Vadapalani and dates back to the 19th century CE. It is one of the most popular temples in Chennai and attracts thousands of devotees every day. It has a colorful gopuram that depicts various scenes from the legends of Murugan.
These temples are open from early morning to late evening and have different timings for darshan (viewing) and pooja (worship). The entry fee is free but you may have to pay for some of the special services and offerings available at the temples.
Enjoy the Rides at MGM Dizzee World
MGM Dizzee World is one of the most popular amusement parks in Chennai and a great place to have fun with your family. It has over 60 rides and attractions for all age groups and preferences. Some of the highlights of MGM Dizzee World are:
- The Roller Coaster: It is one of the fastest and longest roller coasters in India, reaching speeds of up to 80 kmph and heights of up to 40 meters.
- The Water World: It is a water park within MGM Dizzee World that has several slides, pools, and fountains for a refreshing and thrilling experience.
- The Jurassic Park: It is a themed zone that has animatronic dinosaurs and other prehistoric creatures that move and roar.
- The Hot Air Balloon: It is a giant balloon that takes you up to 120 meters above the ground and offers a panoramic view of the park and the surroundings.
- The Big Wheel: It is a Ferris wheel that rotates at a slow pace and lets you enjoy the scenery from a different perspective.
The park also has several other rides and attractions, such as the Flying Ship, the Dashing Car, the Giant Wheel, the Free Fall Tower, the Horror House, and the Mirror Maze. You can also enjoy various shows and performances, such as the Magic Show, the Puppet Show, the Clown Show, and the Cultural Show.
The best time to visit MGM Dizzee World is during weekends or holidays when it is more lively and festive. The park is open from 10 am to 7:30 pm every day. The entry fee for visiting MGM Dizzee World is Rs. 699 per person for adults and Rs. 549 per person for children.
Conclusion
Chennai is a city that offers a lot of things to do with your family. You can enjoy the beach, the museum, the play zone, the planetarium, the garden, and the temples. You can also explore other attractions such as Fort St. George, Guindy National Park, Vandalur Zoo, Dakshinachitra, etc. Chennai is a city that will never bore you or your kids.
I hope you liked this blog post and found it helpful. If you did, please share it with your friends and family who are planning to visit Chennai or who live in Chennai. Also, let me know your feedback and suggestions in the comments section below. Thank you for reading!
FAQ
Q: What is the best time to visit Chennai?
A: The best time to visit Chennai is from October to February when the weather is pleasant and cool. The summer months from March to June are very hot and humid and the monsoon months from July to September are rainy and wet.
Q: How to reach Chennai?
A: Chennai is well-connected by air, rail, and road to other parts of India and the world. You can fly to Chennai International Airport which is located 21 kilometers from the city center. You can also take a train to Chennai Central Railway Station or Chennai Egmore Railway Station which are located in the heart of the city. You can also drive or take a bus to Chennai from nearby cities such as Bangalore, Hyderabad, Coimbatore, etc.
Q: What are some of the best places to eat in Chennai?
A: Chennai is famous for its delicious and diverse cuisine that includes South Indian, North Indian, Chinese, Continental, etc. Some of the best places to eat in Chennai are:
- Saravana Bhavan: This is one of the most popular vegetarian restaurants in Chennai that serves authentic South Indian dishes such as idli, dosa, vada, sambar, chutney, etc.
- Sangeetha Veg Restaurant: This is another famous vegetarian restaurant in Chennai that offers a variety of South Indian, North Indian, Chinese, and Continental dishes.
- Murugan Idli Shop: This is a chain of restaurants that specializes in idli (steamed rice cakes) and other South Indian snacks such as pongal, upma, etc.
- Anjappar Chettinad Restaurant: This is a chain of restaurants that serves spicy and flavorful Chettinad cuisine that originates from a region in Tamil Nadu. The dishes include chicken, mutton, fish, crab, prawn, etc.
- Annalakshmi Restaurant: This is a unique restaurant that operates on a pay-as-you-wish basis. It serves pure vegetarian food that includes South Indian, North Indian, Chinese, and Continental dishes.
Q: What are some of the best souvenirs to buy in Chennai?
A: Chennai is a great place to shop for souvenirs that reflect the culture and heritage of the city and the state. Some of the best souvenirs to buy in Chennai are:
- Kanchipuram silk sarees: These are exquisite and elegant sarees that are hand-woven from pure silk and embellished with gold and silver zari (thread). They are available in various colors, designs, and patterns and are considered to be one of the finest sarees in India.
- Tanjore paintings: These are traditional paintings that originated in the town of Thanjavur in Tamil Nadu. They depict Hindu gods and goddesses, saints, and scenes from mythology and history. They are made on wooden planks and decorated with gold foil, gems, pearls, and glass pieces.
- Chettinad pottery: These are terracotta pottery items that are made by the Chettiar community in Tamil Nadu. They are known for their intricate designs, vibrant colors, and glossy finish. They include pots, vases, bowls, plates, lamps, etc.
Q: What are some of the best dishes to try in Chennai?
A: Chennai is a food lover’s paradise as it offers a variety of dishes that cater to different tastes and preferences. Some of the best dishes to try in Chennai are:
- Idli sambar: This is a popular breakfast dish that consists of steamed rice cakes (idli) served with a spicy lentil soup (sambar) and coconut chutney. It is light, fluffy, and nutritious.
- Dosa: This is a thin and crispy crepe made from fermented rice and lentil batter. It can be stuffed with various fillings such as potatoes, cheese, onions, etc. It is served with sambar and chutney.
- Vada: This is a deep-fried snack made from ground lentils or chickpeas. It can be shaped into doughnuts or balls and spiced with herbs and spices. It is served with sambar and chutney.
- Pongal: This is a rice dish that is cooked with milk, ghee, cashews, raisins, and spices. It can be sweet or savory depending on the ingredients used. It is usually eaten during the harvest festival of Pongal in January.
- Chettinad chicken: This is a spicy and flavorful chicken curry that is made with coconut, poppy seeds, curry leaves, and a blend of roasted spices. It is a specialty of the Chettinad region in Tamil Nadu.
Q: How to get around in Chennai?
A: Chennai has a well-developed public transport system that includes buses, trains, metro, taxis, auto-rickshaws, and cycle-rickshaws. You can choose any of these modes depending on your budget, convenience, and destination.
- Buses: Buses are the cheapest and most common way to get around in Chennai. They cover almost every part of the city and run at regular intervals. You can buy tickets on board or at bus stops.
- Trains: Trains are the fastest and most comfortable way to get around in Chennai. They include suburban trains that connect the city with its outskirts and metro trains that operate within the city. You can buy tickets at stations or online.
- Metro: Metro is a modern and efficient way to get around in Chennai. It consists of two lines that cover 45 kilometers and 32 stations. It connects some of the major attractions and landmarks in the city such as Chennai Central Railway Station, Government Museum, Valluvar Kottam, etc. You can buy tokens or smart cards at stations or online.
- Taxis: Taxis are the most convenient and flexible way to get around in Chennai. They can be hailed on the street or booked online or by phone. They are metered and charge according to distance and time.
- Auto-rickshaws: Auto-rickshaws are three-wheeled vehicles that can accommodate up to three passengers. They can be found everywhere in the city and can negotiate narrow streets and traffic jams. They are not metered and charge according to bargaining skills.
- Cycle-rickshaws: Cycle-rickshaws are pedal-powered vehicles that can accommodate up to two passengers. They are mostly found in old parts of the city such as Mylapore and Triplicane. They are cheap and eco-friendly but slow and uncomfortable.
Q: How to pass time in Chennai?
A: To make the most of your time in Chennai, visit the historic Fort St. George and its museum for a dose of history. Take a leisurely stroll on the picturesque Marina Beach or head to Mahabalipuram to explore ancient temples. For shopping enthusiasts, T Nagar offers a diverse range of options.
Q: Where can I hang out with my friends in Chennai?
A: Chennai offers a wide range of places to hang out with friends, such as the beaches at Marina or Elliot’s, shopping at Phoenix Market City or Express Avenue, and exploring historic sites like Fort St. George. For more adventurous outings, try go-karting at Kart Attack or visiting MGM Dizzee World amusement park. Remember to prioritize safety and follow COVID-19 guidelines.
Q: Which places are good for children?
A: Chennai offers plenty of family-friendly activities, including educational attractions like the Rail Museum and Birla Planetarium, as well as outdoor experiences such as Guindy National Park and MGM Dizzee World. VGP Universal Kingdom is also a popular theme park with rides suitable for all ages.
Q: How can I spend my whole day in Chennai?
A: Experience Chennai’s cultural and historical richness by starting your day at the Marina Beach, visiting the ancient Kapaleeswarar Temple, and exploring the Government Museum. End your day with a movie at Sathyam Cinemas for a taste of modern Chennai entertainment.
Q: What are the most popular things to do in Chennai with kids?
A: When in Chennai with kids, explore history and art at the Government Museum and National Art Gallery, have fun with water sports and amusement rides at Marina Beach, visit the Arignar Anna Zoological Park to see exotic animals, and check out theme parks such as VGP Universal Kingdom or MGM Dizzee World for exciting attractions suitable for all ages.
Q: What can we do in Chennai at night?
A: Chennai offers a variety of activities at night. Enjoy the sea breeze at Marina Beach, explore the buzzing nightlife scene at pubs and clubs, take a peaceful walk around beautifully lit temples, or catch a movie at one of the many cinemas.
Q: How can one spend 2 days in Chennai?
A: For a two-day trip to Chennai, visit historical sites like Fort St. George and Kapaleeshwarar Temple, relax at Marina Beach, explore local markets such as Pondy Bazaar and T Nagar, and end with a visit to Mahabalipuram’s ancient rock-cut temples, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Q: Which is the most fun beach to visit in Chennai?
A: Marina Beach is the top beach destination in Chennai, offering fun activities like horse riding, games, and street food. It boasts a stunning view of the Bay of Bengal and is well-maintained. To avoid crowds, visit early in the morning or late at night.
Q: What is Chennai known for?
A: Chennai is renowned for its cultural and historical significance, as well as its mouth-watering South Indian cuisine with bold and tangy flavors. The city is a hub for traditional dance forms like Bharatanatyam, Carnatic music, and has stunning beaches, ancient temples, museums, and art galleries to explore.
Q: Is Chennai a safe place to visit?
A: Chennai is usually safe for tourists, but like any city, visitors should take precautions and remain aware of their surroundings. It’s best to avoid walking alone in unfamiliar areas at night and be cautious when using ATMs or carrying cash. Keep valuables secure to prevent theft.
