What’s more fun than discovering Chennai when the monsoon arrives, beautifying the city with vibrant greens? Think of spending time around the sun-kissed beaches where you can indulge in many fun frolic activities. From sunset viewing to horse riding to watching the waves crashing, there’s no shortage of fun things to do in Chennai in monsoon.
We know that rainy weather isn’t for staying indoors; it is for stepping right into the heart of the city. As the capital of Tamil Nadu, and formerly Madras, the city features an incredible mix of culture, holy places, and things to do. Monsoon is one of the affordable time of the year to explore Chennai as you can brag discounts on staycations.
5 Fun Activities to Do in Chennai During Monsson
Even if you are coming for the weekend or longer, the monsoon will give you that dreamy vibe everywhere you go. From taking leisure walks on the misty beach to indulging in crazy rides, this city has it all. Don’t let gloomy rain deter your spirits – Chennai is most lively when it pours. So, put on your jackets, grab an umbrella, and get excited for these relaxing monsoon activities that are sure to make every trip unforgettable!
Elliot’s Beach
Want to know how to make the most of the monsoon atmosphere in Chennai? Bookmark Elliot’s Beach in Besant Nagar for lush green photogenic views. It is the place to be for 100% relaxed indulgence with friends. Tourists label this attraction as one of Chennai’s coolest locations for lazing about with friends, family, or on your own. When you are here, take a leisurely walk along the walking path with local stands serving hot dosas and chai on a rainy morning. With churches, temples and cool monuments, you could be entertained for hours.
You can’t miss the Karl Schmidt Memorial because it is as cool as it sounds when it’s alongside the sea. Kicking back with the crashing monsoon waves and the fresh misty air is just the right vibe to pull out your adventurous spirit, maybe even squeeze in some water sports! Honestly, Elliot’s Beach is where you will find your Chennai feel this monsoon.
Highlight: Early sunrise stroll
Activity Cost/Ticket Fee: Free
Timings: Open all day
Location: Besant Nagar, Chennai
Temple Hopping in Chennai
Can you think of anything cooler than experiencing ancient temples in Chennai while the monsoon rain provides a little magic to the atmosphere? To your surprise, Chennai boosts India’s most significant temples. For example; seek blessings at Kapaleeswarar Temple · Marundheeswarar Temple and similar.
With the rain all around me, I entered the temple to view the gopuram and carved details behind the cloudy sky—it was just like a fairy tale. In this remarkable atmosphere, I imagined all of the life and energy around me—maamis in their multi-color sarees, maamas chanting the shlokas, and the fragrance of jasmine, native rain water and delicious breakfast wafting through my nose.
There was an unmistakable feeling of divine presence, where locals tell you that you can approach the divine Kailasa. If you want a combination of culture and feel good experience during monsoon, this is it.
Highlight: Vibrant Dravidian architecture and a lively, spiritual vibe
Activity Cost/Ticket Fee: Free (special darshan may have a fee)
Timings: 5 AM–12:30 PM, 4 PM–8 PM.
Location: Ramakrishna Mutt Rd, Vinayaka Nagar Colony, Mylapore
Queensland Exploring
Want entertainment during your time in Chennai during the monsoon season? I’ll share my favorite spot- Queensland Amusement Park! It is a riot and one of the best venues to be in Chennai! The 70-acre park is like a Disneyland for everyone, with 51 rides to enjoy that will have you laughing and screaming. No doubt that bonding with friends and family while taking shelter from the rain at Queensland is one of the top things to do in Chennai.
You can participate in exhilarating water activities like zooming down water slides, splashing through twisters, or blasting around in bumper cars, and I promise the rain provides the extra excitement. The lush rainforests offer lots of color with coral, fish and turtles, making you think you’re in a tropical paradise. It’s a great place for a day of bonding with friends, family or just a big group of people. If you are searching for a wild and enjoyable weekend during Chennai’s monsoon season, Queensland is quite possibly the best destination!
Highlight: 51 epic rides, from water slides to land adventures, in a vibrant, rainforest setting.
Activity Cost/Ticket Fee: INR 600-800 (approx).
Timings: Usually 10 AM–6 PM, (close on monday)
Location: Chennai-Bengaluru Highway Palanjur Sembarambakkam
Birla Planetarium
Searching for an exciting indoor adventure in Chennai this monsoon? Look no further than Birla Planetarium! It is certainly one of the best places for kids (and kids at heart) to witness something special! This planetarium is one of the best in India with a high-tech projector that displays planets, stars and galaxies onto a giant dome. You will be glued to your seat during their exciting audiovisual shows, as you see constellations and space missions deconstructed in the most entertaining way.
Next door, the Periyar Science and Technology Museum is an added bonus for science lovers as it houses interactive exhibits galore. Whether it is a quirky date night or you just want to escape into a visual starry wonderland, Birla Planetarium is your ticket to a cosmic vibe! Trust me, you’ll be starry-eyed!
Highlight: Mind-blowing sky shows and astronomy-themed adventures.
Activity Cost/Ticket Fee: Around INR 30–50
Timings: 10 AM–5:45 PM (shows at specific intervals)
Location: Gandhi Mandapam Rd, Duraisamy Nagar, Kotturpuram.
Visiting Santhome Church
Santhome Church is one of those places that can feel like a warm embrace for your soul. This beautiful basilica is located on the coast. Besides being a memorial and mausoleum, it is one of only three churches in the world built over the tomb of one of the disciples of Christ, Saint Thomas. Santhome Church is a place where anyone and everyone flock to. Christians congregate; mentally disposed individuals, tourists and children have a way of being enchanted by the serene atmosphere, and the cultural mélange.
Originally a mausoleum, it now stands as a beautiful basilica that stands out against the rainy skyline. You should casual walk about to the sacred halls, take a few moments in divine tranquility; and take in the nearby monsoon waves. Santhome Church should be on your priority list if you ever get a moment of peace to contemplate downtime while in Chennai!
Highlight: Serene basilica with historic and spiritual significance
Activity Cost/Ticket Fee: Free
Timings: 6 AM–8 PM
Location: Santhome High Rd, Mylapore.
