Kapaleeshwarar Temple, Fort St. George & More: Chennai Timings & Fees

Entry fees, opening hours, and best times for Trip Planning. Avoid crowds and plan ahead.

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Quick Reference

Attraction Hours Entry Best Time Duration
Kapaleeshwarar Temple 05:00-12:00, 16:00-21:00 daily Free Early morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat and crowds. 2 hours
Fort St. George 09:00-17:00 daily ₹10 (Indians), ₹500 (foreigners) Morning to avoid the midday heat. 3 hours
Marina Beach Open 24 hours Free Early morning or late evening to avoid the heat and crowds. 2-3 hours
Government Museum Chennai 09:30-17:00 daily ₹15 (Indians), ₹550 (foreigners) Anytime during the day. 3-4 hours
San Thome Basilica 06:00-21:00 daily Free Anytime during the day. 1.5 hours
DakshinaChitra 10:00-18:00 daily ₹120 (Indians), ₹500 (foreigners) Morning or afternoon. 4 hours
Valluvar Kottam 08:30-17:30 daily ₹30 (Indians), ₹600 (foreigners) Morning or late afternoon. 1.5 hours

Best Times by Attraction

Kapaleeshwarar Temple

Early morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat and crowds.

Fort St. George

Morning to avoid the midday heat.

Marina Beach

Early morning or late evening to avoid the heat and crowds.

Government Museum Chennai

Anytime during the day.

San Thome Basilica

Anytime during the day.

DakshinaChitra

Morning or afternoon.

Valluvar Kottam

Morning or late afternoon.

Crowd Notes

Fort St. George

Skip if you are not interested in colonial history.

Marina Beach

Overrated and dirty, but worth seeing once.

Government Museum Chennai

A must-visit for history buffs.

DakshinaChitra

Worth the trip if you're interested in South Indian culture.

Practical Tips

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What To Wear

Wear light and breathable clothing, especially during the summer months. Dress modestly when visiting religious sites.

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Money

Daily Budget: Budget: ₹1500, Mid: ₹3000, Luxury: ₹5000+

ATMs: Widely available

Cash vs Card: Cash is useful for small purchases and auto-rickshaws. Credit cards are accepted at most hotels and restaurants.

Bargaining: Expected in local markets and with auto-rickshaws

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Health

Water: Drink bottled water or filtered water to avoid stomach problems.

Food: Eat at reputable restaurants and avoid street food from unhygienic stalls.

Common Issues: Heatstroke, dehydration, and stomach infections. Carry sunscreen, a hat, and ORS (oral rehydration solution).

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Communication

SIM Cards: Available at the airport and local shops. Airtel and Vodafone are popular networks. You'll need a passport photo and ID.

WiFi: Available at most hotels and restaurants

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Language & Tipping

Language: English is widely spoken, especially in tourist areas. Learning a few basic Tamil phrases can be helpful.

Tipping: Restaurant: 5-10%, drivers: ₹20-50

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