Chennai in January (2026)

Marina Beach at Dawn

The world's second-longest urban beach comes alive before sunrise with joggers, vendors selling sundal and bajji, and fishermen hauling in their overnight catch — a quintessential slice of Chennai life.

Kapaleeshwarar Temple

A vibrant 7th-century Dravidian temple in the heart of Mylapore, dedicated to Shiva — its towering, intricately sculpted gopuram and the daily rhythm of rituals offer a window into Tamil Nadu's living temple culture.

San Thome Cathedral

A striking neo-Gothic basilica built over the tomb of St. Thomas the Apostle, who is believed to have been martyred near Chennai in 72 AD — one of only three churches in the world built over an apostle's tomb.

Fort St George & Museum

The first English fortress in India, built in 1644 — within its walls stand the oldest Anglican church in Asia and a museum housing Raj-era weapons, coins, and portraits that trace the birth of colonial Madras.

Parthasarathy Temple

One of the oldest temples in Chennai, dating to the 8th century — dedicated to Krishna as Parthasarathy (Arjuna's charioteer), its Pallava-era architecture and continuous worship for over a millennium make it a must for temple architecture enthusiasts.

Government Museum, Egmore

One of the oldest museums in India, housing an outstanding collection of Chola bronzes, archaeological finds, and a dedicated children's museum — set within a striking Indo-Saracenic building complex.