Family-Friendly Adventures in Chennai, Tamil Nadu!

Little Mount & St Thomas Mount (Chinnamalai & Parangi Malai)

Why Visit?

Embark on a captivating historical journey in Chennai by visiting Little Mount (Chinnamalai) and St. Thomas Mount (Parangi Malai), two significant Christian pilgrimage sites linked to St. Thomas, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ.

### Morning: Visit to Little Mount (Chinnamalai)

Start your day at Little Mount, easily accessible by taxi or auto-rickshaw from central Chennai. Begin at the cave shrine which is believed to be the hiding place of St. Thomas during his time in India. A small opening in the cave is said to have been the escape route for the Apostle. A must-see is the miraculous spring, which, according to legend, was created by St. Thomas himself. It"s an exciting tale for children and a moment of reflection for the whole family.

### Midday: Transition to St. Thomas Mount (Parangi Malai)

Just a short drive from Little Mount, visit St. Thomas Mount for a serene afternoon. You can choose to take a taxi or even enjoy a short walk if the weather is pleasant. This hillock offers panoramic views of the Chennai cityscape and is also a perfect spot for family photos.

### Afternoon: Explore St. Thomas Mount

The summit can be reached by climbing up the 160 steps, which can be a fun challenge for the kids. At the top, explore the St. Thomas Mount Church, believed to have been built over the tomb of St. Thomas. Inside, you can view the ancient stone cross that the apostle is said to have held during his martyrdom, a fascinating artifact that sparks imagination about the history of Christianity in India.

### Tips for the Visit:

- Wear comfortable shoes as there is some walking and climbing involved.

- Carry water bottles, hats, and sunscreen to stay hydrated and protected from the sun.

- Check the opening times of both sites before visiting, as they can vary.

This family-friendly tour not only offers a historical adventure but also provides a chance to enjoy some scenic views and intriguing stories of faith and miracles. Enjoy your journey through time in Chennai!

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Marina Beach

Why Visit?

Family-Friendly Itinerary for Marina Beach, Chennai

Morning Arrival

Start your day early by arriving at Marina Beach, the longest natural urban beach in the country, around 8 AM to enjoy the cooler morning air. You can easily reach Marina Beach via taxi or auto rickshaw from any part of Chennai. If you"re using public transport, the MRTS train service is convenient, with the nearest station being Chepauk, which is just a short walk from the beach.

Breakfast by the Beach

Kick off your beach day with a traditional South Indian breakfast from one of the many food stalls along the beach. Treat your family to delicious idlis, dosas, and a cup of steaming filter coffee while enjoying the sea breeze.

Sand and Sports

Post breakfast, take a walk along the beach, build sandcastles, or enjoy a friendly game of beach volleyball or cricket. The wide expanse of the beach offers plenty of space for families to play and relax.

Visit to the Light House

Around 11 AM, head to the Marina Beach Lighthouse. It"s one of the few lighthouses in India within city limits and open to the public. Climb up for a panoramic view of the city and the Bay of Bengal. It’s a perfect spot for some memorable family photos.

Lunch and Leisure

For lunch, sample some local seafood dishes at a nearby restaurant. Post lunch, you might want to relax and let the kids enjoy a horseback ride along the shore.

Evening Stroll and Departure

As the day cools down, take a leisurely stroll along the promenade. Enjoy the sunset and perhaps indulge in some local snacks like sundal and murukku from the beach vendors. Wrap up your visit by 6 PM as you head back to your stay, carrying lovely memories of a day well spent at Marina Beach.

This itinerary combines relaxation with activity, ensuring a fulfilling visit to one of Chennai’s most beloved landmarks.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Armenian Church

Why Visit?

A family-friendly visit to the Armenian Church in Singapore promises a blend of history, culture, and serene beauty. Known as the Armenian Church of Saint Gregory the Illuminator, it is the oldest Christian church in Singapore, located at 60 Hill Street.

Morning Visit: Armenian Church

Start your day early to enjoy the cool morning air. Getting there is convenient; you can take the MRT to City Hall Station and walk for about 10 minutes along Stamford Road towards Fort Canning Park. The church, completed in 1835, includes stunning architecture designed by George Drumgoole Coleman. It is renowned for its elegant spire and for being an oasis of tranquility amidst the bustling city. Families can explore the peaceful grounds and the well-maintained garden, where children can learn about the Armenian community"s contributions to Singapore.

Interactive Activity

Engage with the history through the church"s information boards. They tell exciting tales about early Armenian traders in Singapore and their impact on the city, including Agnes Joaquim, who bred the national flower of Singapore, the Vanda Miss Joaquim.

Lunch Break

For lunch, pack a picnic to enjoy in the nearby Fort Canning Park, or visit the many family-friendly cafes along Armenian Street, like The Peranakan, which offers a taste of local Straits Chinese cuisine in a colorful, inviting setting.

Afternoon: National Museum of Singapore

After lunch, a short 5-minute walk to the National Museum of Singapore will offer interactive exhibits for kids. The museum features the History Gallery, where multimedia displays bring Singaporean history to life, perfect for engaging curious young minds.

Wrap Up

End your day with a stroll back through the bustling Civic District, soaking in its colonial architecture and vibrant atmosphere. This itinerary not only educates but also entertains, ensuring a memorable day for both kids and adults.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Luz Church (Shrine of Our Lady of Light)

Why Visit?

Family Day Trip to Luz Church (Shrine of Our Lady of Light) in Chennai

Morning Start: Luz Church Visit

Begin your day early by heading to the Luz Church, located in the Mylapore area of Chennai. This historic church, built by Portuguese sailors in 1516, is one of the oldest churches in the city and a marvellous example of Portuguese architecture. Upon arrival, explore the peaceful interiors and the intricate art that adorns the walls and ceilings.

How to get there: Luz Church is accessible via public transport. If you"re staying in central Chennai, you can take a bus or an auto-rickshaw directly to Mylapore. For a more comfortable journey, consider booking a taxi.

Midday: Mylapore Exploration

After your visit, take a short walk to Mylapore, a bustling neighborhood known for its rich culture and history. Stop by the famous Kapaleeshwarar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, which is a splendid example of Dravidian architecture.

How to get there: Kapaleeshwarar Temple is just about a kilometer away from Luz Church. A leisurely 15-minute walk or a quick auto-rickshaw ride will get you there.

Lunch Break: Local Cuisine

Enjoy a traditional South Indian lunch at one of the local restaurants. Mylapore offers a range of dining options where you can savor dosas, idlis, and other regional specialties.

Afternoon: Chennai City Centre

Post-lunch, head to the Chennai City Centre for some shopping and entertainment. The mall features a variety of stores, a food court, and a cinema complex.

How to get there: Take a bus or a taxi from Mylapore to the Chennai City Centre, which is around 4 km away.

Evening Wrap-up: Marina Beach

Conclude your day with a relaxing evening at Marina Beach, watching the sunset and enjoying some local snacks from the beach vendors.

How to get there: Marina Beach is about 5 km from the Chennai City Centre. A short taxi ride will take you there.

Enjoy your family day trip exploring the charm and history of Chennai, starting with the serene Luz Church!

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Arignar Anna Zoological Park (Vandalur Zoo)

Why Visit?

Family Day Out at Arignar Anna Zoological Park (Vandalur Zoo)

Morning Arrival

Start your day early by heading to Vandalur Zoo, located about 32 km from Chennai Central. You can drive, or take a train to Tambaram Station followed by a short taxi ride to the zoo. Aim to arrive by 9 AM to beat the crowds and the heat.

Zoo Exploration

Begin at the entrance and grab a map. First, explore the aviaries near the entrance, which house an impressive variety of birds. The colourful plumage and calls make for an exciting start, especially for kids.

Educational Walk

As you move deeper, reach the Elephant Enclosure. Here, learn about these majestic creatures and the zoo"s efforts in conservation. It"s both fun and educational for children to see these gentle giants up close.

Interactive Sessions

By mid-morning, check the zoo schedule for any feeding sessions or keeper talks, which are great for engaging kids with wildlife conservation stories. These are usually held at the lion or tiger enclosures.

Picnic and Play

Around noon, head to one of the designated picnic areas near the butterfly park. After lunch, explore the butterfly park, where kids can learn about different stages of a butterfly"s life cycle.

Afternoon Safari

Post-lunch, take the zoo’s safari ride, which transports you through the enclosures of wild animals like lions, tigers, and bears. It"s a thrilling experience to see them in a more natural habitat.

Wrap Up at Reptile House

Conclude your visit at the Reptile House to see various species of snakes and lizards. It"s fascinating for kids to learn about these often misunderstood creatures.

Departure

Plan to wrap up and head back by 4 PM, giving you ample time to reflect on the day’s adventures during your ride home.

Each step in Vandalur Zoo offers a unique blend of fun, learning, and adventure, making it a perfect family outing that educates and entertains!

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.