Chennai is no doubt a bustling metro, but there’s a certain calm and nostalgia to it as well. And if you’re planning to explore Chennai in a day, renting a self-drive car is honestly the smartest way to go. The city’s got a lot to offer – temples, beaches, food, and a vibe that’s just different. Public transport is great too, but if you’re tight on schedule and want to do your own thing, driving around is way more flexible.
This blog is your no-nonsense guide on the must-visit places in Chennai that can be covered with a rental car. Think of it like a little itinerary you can tweak based on what you’re into. Whether it’s history, food, beaches, or just chilling – Chennai has a bit of all of that. So, tank up, grab a bottle of water, maybe some sunscreen, and let’s go.
Marina Beach is of course, one of the must-go places in Chennai. It’s one of the longest urban beaches in the world, and watching the sunrise should definitely be on your bucket list. You’ll see walkers, joggers, tea sellers, and just the city slowly waking up. There’s no entry fee, and you can park easily along the service roads early in the morning.
Grab a cup of ‘kaapi’ (South Indian filter coffee) from one of the roadside stalls or nearby cafés. It’s strong, hot, and will keep you going through the morning traffic. You can even take a short stroll along the beach road – it’s breezy and clean early in the day.
From Marina, head to Mylapore – it’s about a 15-minute drive. Here, you’ll find the Kapaleeshwarar Temple, which is one of the city’s most iconic temples and another must-visit in Chennai. It’s dedicated to Lord Shiva and is a great example of Dravidian architecture. Even if you’re not super into temples, the vibe here is something else. You’ll see old ladies selling flowers, kids running around, and a whole community going about their day.
There’s parking around the temple streets (though narrow), so smaller cars are easier to manage. With car hire Chennai services available across the city, it’s easy to pick a ride that suits your plan. Spend around 30-40 minutes here just walking around and soaking in the buzz.
Right after the temple, get yourself a traditional South Indian breakfast. Try places like Rayar’s Mess (super tiny, super authentic) or go for a slightly more relaxed spot like Sangeetha or Saravana Bhavan nearby. Get a plate of idlis, vadas, dosa, and don’t forget the chutneys and sambar – they’re the heroes of the meal. Wash it all down with another filter coffee (you won’t regret it).
Five minutes from Mylapore is the San Thome Basilica, one of the must-visit places in Chennai, and built over the tomb of St. Thomas the Apostle. It’s quiet, beautiful, and historically important. You don’t need more than 15-20 minutes here unless you want to sit inside for a bit. The white exterior and calm surroundings make it a good contrast to the temple you just visited.
If you’re into history, the Government Museum in Egmore is worth a visit. It’s about a 25-minute drive depending on traffic. The museum is old-school, with ancient artefacts, bronze statues, and a bit of everything – especially South Indian history and culture. The kids’ section and natural history wing are also pretty cool if you’re traveling with family.
Choose a reliable self-drive car rental in Chennai. Parking is available near the entrance, and you can easily spend about an hour here.
If you’re feeling fancy, you can try places like Ponnusamy, Anjappar, or Junior Kuppanna for a proper Chettinad meal – spicy, flavourful, and filling. If you’re in the mood for biryani, Buhari (in Mount Road) or Ya Mohideen (if you’re okay with a longer drive towards Pallavaram) are Chennai favourites.
Ask the staff for recommendations if you’re not sure what to order – most places are happy to help. And yes, you might want a short break after lunch.
Post-lunch, you’ve got two solid options depending on your mood. If you just want to take it easy for a bit, head to Semmozhi Poonga – a botanical garden in the heart of the city and a must-visit in Chennai. It’s well-maintained, green, and gives you a breather from all the driving. You can just walk around or sit under a tree for a while.
If a scenic, relaxed drive is what you want, head towards East Coast Road (ECR). This road runs parallel to the beach and is one of the nicest drives in Chennai. The roads are smooth, there’s good scenery, and there are lots of places to stop on the way.
If you chose the ECR route, drive about 30–40 minutes down and stop at DakshinaChitra, an open-air museum that shows how people in different South Indian states live. They’ve got traditional houses, craftspeople working on site, and some cool cultural exhibits. It’s a nice mix of education and fun, and great for photos too.
If you’re traveling with kids (or just love reptiles), the Crocodile Bank is another great stop. It’s home to loads of crocs, snakes, and even turtles.
Start heading back into the city in the evening, and end your day at Besant Nagar Beach – also known as Bessie. It’s cleaner and less hectic than Marina and has more of a local hangout vibe. There are food stalls, beach games, and sometimes even live music on weekends. Grab a snack like sundal (spiced chickpeas) or murukku (crunchy South Indian snack) and chill by the water.
Whether it’s a quick trip to the beach or a full-day city tour, car hire Chennai options let you explore at your own pace.
Depending on how you’re feeling, dinner can be either a nice coastal restaurant along ECR (places like Kipling Café or Bay View at Fisherman’s Cove) or something casual like Murugan Idli Shop. Or maybe a local tiffin place in Adyar or Anna Nagar. If you’re still full from lunch, just get some light dosas or curd rice – Chennai’s comfort food.
By now, you’ve seen the beach, temple, church, museum, eaten some epic food, and driven around both the heart and the edges of the city. And with a self-drive car rental, you’re not stuck to a schedule and can go offbeat whenever you want.
When exploring must visit places in Chennai, booking a rental car from Revv can really make things easier. Pick a plan that suits your trip, whether it’s just for the day or longer, with fuel or without, and even with unlimited kilometres if you’re covering a lot of ground. Prices are affordable, starting at just ₹33 per hour, and booking is easy. The car gets delivered to your doorstep, and you get benefits like roadside assistance and an all-India permit. If comfort and control are top priority, then self-drive car rental in Chennai is what you should be looking at.
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