Chennai

Mylapore's active Shiva temple is known for its colourful gopuram and ritual life. Dress modestly, leave shoes outside and respect areas restricted to worshippers.

The broad Bay of Bengal waterfront is central to Chennai's public life, especially around sunrise and evening. Enjoy the promenade but follow warnings about strong currents.

A major museum complex with archaeology, bronze sculpture, natural history and art collections. Check which galleries are open before allocating a full afternoon.

The East India Company's seventeenth-century base now contains government offices, St Mary's Church and a museum that explains colonial Madras.

A prominent neo-Gothic Catholic basilica in Mylapore associated with the tradition of St Thomas. Visit quietly outside services.

A living museum south of the city presenting regional houses, crafts and performance traditions from southern India. Allow several hours and combine it with the ECR corridor.

A landmark institution for Bharatanatyam, music and traditional arts in a leafy campus. General access and performances require checking in advance.

A protected urban ecosystem with dry evergreen vegetation and wildlife in the city's south. Visitor access is more structured than an ordinary public park.