A treasure trove of art and history, the Government Museum in Chennai is the second oldest museum in India, housing a vast collection of artifacts that span over 4000 years of history.
Currency
INR (โน)
Best time to visit
November to February
Languages
Tamil ยท English
Coordinates
13.034ยฐ, 80.247ยฐ
Key facts
1The museum is home to the world's second largest collection of Roman antiquities outside Europe
2It houses the largest collection of South Indian bronze sculptures in the world
3The museum's library contains over 30,000 books and periodicals
Timeline
1851: The museum was established by the East India Company
1896: The current building was inaugurated by Lord Wenlock, the Governor of Madras
1968: The National Art Gallery was added to the museum complex
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Famous restaurants
๐ ย Morning2
โ๏ธย Afternoon2
๐ย Evening2
$ ยท South Indian ยท Breakfastโญ 4.2
Tiffin Center
Famous for its idlis and filter coffee, a Chennai breakfast staple.
12, Pantheon Road, Triplicane, Chennai
โ 044 2539 1234
๐ Walk-ins OK
$ ยท Bakery ยท Breakfastโญ 4.5
Hot Breads
Known for its variety of breads and pastries, a popular breakfast spot.
14, Dr. Radhakrishnan Salai, Mylapore, Chennai
โ 044 2498 2345
๐ Walk-ins OK
$$ ยท South Indian ยท Vegetarianโญ 4.3
Saravana Bhavan
A vegetarian restaurant chain famous for its South Indian cuisine.
9, Pantheon Road, Triplicane, Chennai
โ 044 2539 1234
๐ Book in advance
$$ ยท Chettinad ยท South Indianโญ 4.4
Anjappar
Famous for its Chettinad cuisine, especially the chicken 65.
18, Dr. Radhakrishnan Salai, Mylapore, Chennai
โ 044 2498 2345
๐ Book in advance
$$$ ยท Multi-cuisine ยท Fine Diningโญ 4.6
The Gateway Hotel IT Expressway
Known for its fine dining experience and variety of cuisines.
12, Mount Poonamallee High Road, Chennai
โ 044 6676 7777
๐ Recommended
$$ ยท French ยท Seafoodโญ 4.5
Pondicherry Cafe
Famous for its French cuisine and seafood dishes.
2, Santhome High Road, Mylapore, Chennai
โ 044 2498 2345
๐ Book in advance
Local dishes
๐ ย Morning2
โ๏ธย Afternoon2
๐ย Evening2
Idli
Steamed rice cakes served with coconut chutney and sambar.
Where: Street carts, local cafes, and restaurants near Government Museum.
When: morning
Price: โน20-โน50
Vada
Fried lentil fritters, often served with coconut chutney.
Where: Street carts and local cafes near Government Museum.
When: morning
Price: โน10-โน30
Masala Dosa
Crispy fermented crepe filled with spiced potatoes, served with coconut chutney and sambar.
Where: Local restaurants and dosa stalls near Government Museum.
When: afternoon
Price: โน40-โน80
Rava Kesari
Semolina pudding sweetened with sugar and ghee, flavored with cardamom and saffron.
Where: Sweet shops and local restaurants near Government Museum.
When: afternoon
Price: โน30-โน60
Chaat
Savory snack with crispy flour chips, topped with potato, onion, yogurt, and tamarind chutney.
Where: Street food carts near Government Museum, especially in the evenings.
When: evening
Price: โน20-โน50
Hyderabadi Biryani
Fragrant rice dish cooked with spices, meat (or vegetables), and served with raita.
Where: Specialty restaurants and biryani stalls near Government Museum.
When: evening
Price: โน100-โน300
Take home
craftfrom โน500
Bidri Ware
Intricately designed metalware from Bidar, known for its unique inlay work.
๐ Charminar Bazaar
jewelleryfrom โน2,000
Hyderabadi Pearls
Famous for their luster and quality, these pearls are a symbol of Hyderabad's rich history.
๐ Laad Bazaar
textilefrom โน300
Dabka Work
A traditional embroidery technique using mirrors and beads, often seen in local clothing and accessories.
๐ Chudi Bazaar
foodโน100-300
Hyderabadi Biryani
Aromatic and flavorful, this dish is a blend of rice, spices, and meat or vegetables.
๐ Pathergatti, Secunderabad
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Things to do
๐ ย Morning2
โ๏ธย Afternoon2
๐ย Evening2
Heritageโน15
Government Museum
A treasure trove of artifacts showcasing the history of Chennai.