Chennai Travel Guide (Tamil Nadu North Coast/Tamil Nadu/Southern India/India/South Asia/Asia)

Introduction to Chennai
List of Places to Visit in Chennai
- Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
- Natural Attractions of Chennai: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
Hiking/Biking Routes of Chennai
Best Things to Do in Chennai: Activities and Tours
Week-Long Itinerary for Chennai
Food and Drink Scene of Chennai
- Must-Try Dishes
- Local Beverages
Where to Stay in Chennai: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
What to Buy in Chennai: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
Local Culture and Customs of Chennai
Best Time to Visit Chennai
Do’s and Don’ts of Chennai
- Do:
- Don’t:
Safety and Health
- Safety in Chennai
- Health in Chennai
Getting to Chennai: Transportation Options and Logistics
How to Get Around in Chennai
Where to Go Next from Chennai: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
Conclusion

Introduction to Chennai

Chennai, also known as Madras, is a bustling metropolis situated on the Bay of Bengal on Tamil Nadu’s north coast. It has a rich cultural heritage and is widely recognized for its colonial architecture, sandy beaches, and scrumptious South Indian delicacies. Chennai is a fascinating blend of the old and new, the traditional and modern, making it an attractive destination for tourists. As Tamil Nadu’s capital, it is also a hub of business activities and gateway to South India.

List of Places to Visit in Chennai

If you’re planning a trip to Chennai, you won’t run out of things to do. Here are some of the top attractions you don’t want to miss:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Fort St. George: Built-in 1644, it is one of Chennai’s oldest buildings and houses the parliament of Tamil Nadu. Do check out the museum inside the complex, showcasing British Colonial times, including weaponry, uniforms, and other artifacts.
Government Museum: It is one of the country’s earliest museums and has a vast collection of archeological and numismatic artifacts, bronze sculptures, traditional art and crafts, and a vast collection of taxidermy exhibits.
Kapaleeswarar Temple: A 7th-century temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, it is the oldest temple in Chennai and a must-visit pilgrimage site.
Santhome Cathedral Basilica: A church built over the tomb of Saint Thomas, one of the 12 Apostles, is a major Catholic shrine in India.

Natural Attractions of Chennai: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Marina Beach: It is India’s longest beach and a popular spot for sunsets, offering a lively atmosphere with street food, games, and endless vendors selling souvenirs.
Elliot’s Beach: Also known as “Bessie,” it is a cleaner and quieter beach away from the crowds and has a pleasant environment for a peaceful walk.
Guindy National Park: It is one of Tamil Nadu’s smallest national parks but homes several endangered species, including spotted deer, blackbucks, and migratory birds.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Chennai

If you want to explore Chennai’s natural beauty, trekking and biking are fantastic options. Here are some routes you can try:

Guindy National Park Trail: This route takes you through the interior of the park, where you can spot some fauna, including deer and peacocks.
Adyar Eco Park Trail: This 1.5 km route is perfect for those looking for a scenic path that provides relaxation amidst nature. The trail is abundant with butterflies, dragonflies, and birds, making it an excellent relaxing getaway from the city bustle.

Best Things to Do in Chennai: Activities and Tours

There’s no shortage of adventure and excitement in Chennai. Here are some of the must-do activities:

Take a Heritage Walk: Chennai Walking Tours organizes walking tours led by knowledgeable guides around Georgetown, which is replete with historical buildings and quirky lanes.
Visit Dakshinachitra: A living history museum that immerses you in the art, architecture, and life of South India’s many communities, including craftsmen and performing artists.
Go on a Food Tour: To truly experience Chennai, a food tour is a must. Feast on the city’s signature dishes like dosas and biryanis and try local delicacies like atho (chilly noodles) in Sowcarpet.

Week-Long Itinerary for Chennai

Here is an itinerary for a week-long trip to Chennai:

Day 1: Start with Fort St. George, then visit Government Museum and National Art Gallery.

Day 2: Discover Chennai’s rich cultural heritage by visiting several temples like Kapaleeswarar temple, Parthasarathy temple, and Vadapalani Murugan Temple.

Day 3: Visit Dakshinachitra to experience the art, architecture, and life of South India. Then, head to Mahabalipuram’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites (Pancha Rathas & Shore temple), Sea Shore, and Crocodile Park.

Day 4: Explore Chennai’s natural beauty by visiting Guindy National Park and Elliot’s beach.

Day 5: Spend the day touring Chennai’s vibrant art scenes like Kalakshetra and Cholamandal Artists’ Village.

Day 6: Take a food tour of Chennai’s diverse food scene, visiting Sowcarpet for vegetarian food and Royapuram for non-veg dishes.

Day 7: Complete your trip with shopping and souvenirs in T. Nagar and Mylapore’s areas.

Food and Drink Scene of Chennai

Chennai cuisine is famous for its sambar, idli, dosa, and chutneys that are served on a banana leaf. Here are some must-try dishes:

Must-Try Dishes

Chettinad Chicken: A signature Chettinad dish with marinated chicken cooked in a spicy and tangy masala made with fresh herbs and spices.
Filter Coffee & Masala Chai: Chennai’s famous filter coffee uses freshly roasted beans while masala chai is a spiced tea prepared with milk and various spices.

Local Beverages

Tender Coconut Water: A delicious and refreshing drink, Chennai’s coconut water is considered to be the best in the country.
Sukku Kaapi: A traditional South Indian coffee made with coriander seeds, peppercorns, and dry ginger which is a natural digestive

Where to Stay in Chennai: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Chennai has a range of lodgings for every budget:

Luxury Hotels: The Leela Palace Chennai, ITC Grand Chola, and Taj Connemara are some of the best five-star luxury hotels with world-class amenities.
Boutique Hotels: The Park Chennai, The Belstead Chennai, and The Raintree Hotel are excellent choices for mid-range options.
Hostels: Zostel Chennai, Red Lollipop Hostel, and Happy Planet are some the best choices for backpackers, solo travelers, or budget seekers.

What to Buy in Chennai: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Here are some popular souvenirs and local products to bring back home:

Silk Sarees: Kanchipuram silk sarees are a must-have and are renowned for their intricate designs.
Pattamara Mats: These hand-woven mats are eco-friendly and make excellent gifts or home decoration.
Bronze and Brass Artifacts: Tanjore paintings, lampshades, and figurines made of bronze and brass make for excellent souvenirs.

Local Culture and Customs of Chennai

Chennai is known for its rich cultural heritage, and it plays a vital role in Tamil Nadu’s cultural fabric.

Dress Code: Most people in Chennai dress conservatively, whereby covering the shoulders or wearing Indian clothing, such as saris or dhotis.
Language: Tamil is the main language in Chennai, but you can easily find people who can speak Hindi and English.
Pongal Festival: It is a harvest festival celebrated in January that each household prepares traditional delicacies like sweet Pongal, and everyone rejoices together.

Best Time to Visit Chennai

Chennai has a tropical climate and is hot and humid all year round, with occasional rainfall. The best time to visit Chennai is between November and February when the weather is pleasant and mild. The monsoon season (July to September) should be avoided because of the heavy rainfall and floods.

Do’s and Don’ts of Chennai

Do:

Respect the local culture, customs, and dress appropriately
Carry cash as not all places accept card payments
Try the local street food
Use prepaid taxis and auto-rickshaws – they’re more likely to be dependable

Don’t:

Drink tapped water or eat street food from any unhygienic place.
Be overly affectionate in public or talk loudly
Haggling in Chennai is not always a popular practice, so make sure before you start haggling

Safety and Health

Chennai is a safe city, but like any other travel destination, it is always better to stay cautious.

Safety in Chennai

Take cabs arranged through licensed providers like Ola, Uber, and Fasttrack.
Don’t get into conversations with strangers late at night.
Use ATMs in well-lit and secure areas.

Health in Chennai

Be sure to carry mosquito repellent with you.
Drink only bottled water or other packaged drinks.
Avoid eating from roadside stalls or in unhygienic places.

Getting to Chennai: Transportation Options and Logistics

Getting to Chennai is straightforward as it is well connected by air to all major Indian cities, and you can reach there easily via road or train.

Airports Near Chennai

Chennai International Airport
Tirupati Airport
Pondicherry Airport

Bus Stations Near Chennai

Chennai has two bus terminals – Koyambedu Bus Stand (inter-state buses) and Chennai Mofussil Bus Terminus (intra-city buses)

Other Options

Chennai Central railway station and Egmore railway station are two of the biggest railway stations in South India, making them well connected to other parts of the country by rail.

How to Get Around in Chennai

Getting around in Chennai is relatively easy, and here are some of the most popular options:

Taxis and Auto-rickshaws: These are great to get around in the city for shorter distances, but make sure to negotiate the fare upfront.
Metro Train: The Chennai Metro is a convenient and reliable mode of transportation, with eleven stations covering the city.
Buses: Metropolitan Transport Corporation operates buses throughout the city, connecting it to the suburbs and other parts of Tamil Nadu.

Where to Go Next from Chennai: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

If you have time, here are some exciting trips you can make from Chennai.

Pondicherry: Known for its French-colonial architecture and beaches, it’s a popular weekend getaway for the Chennai crowd.
Mahabalipuram: Famous for its 7th- and 8th-century UNESCO-listed temples, it’s an excellent place to appreciate South Indian art, architecture, and culture.
Tirupati: It’s a pilgrimage town and home to the Sri Venkateswara Temple, one of the most sacred sites in Hinduism.

Conclusion

Chennai is a vibrant city with a rich cultural and historical heritage that offers a lot for tourists to explore. With its mouth-watering cuisine, beautiful beaches, stunning temples, and natural parks, Chennai is a must-visit destination in India. Plan your trip to Chennai now to ensure that you experience the best of South India!