Chennai City Guide

General Information / Guide

Chennai is the capital of Tamil Nadu and is recognized as the "Health Capital of India." It had been referred to as Madras until 1996. It is a prominent educational, economic, and cultural hub on the Coromandel Coast. The Greater Chennai Corporation, formed in 1688, is the world's second-oldest municipal corporation and communicates mostly in Tamil. It is renowned as South India's cultural center, with a rich musical tradition that won it a spot in the UNESCO Creative Cities Network. The city has an emerging economy in manufacturing, technology, and healthcare, and it is a significant center for the automobile industry, classical dance, and film production. Chennai is also a popular tourist destination, ranking third in India in terms of international visitors coming primarily from Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Singapore, the United Kingdom, France, and the United States.

Climate / Weather / When to Go

Chennai features a tropical wet and dry climate, with an average temperature of around 22-24 °C. October to February are ideal for traveling to Chennai, as the temperatures are 22 °C at the lowest, with the highest of 31°C with generally pleasant weather. Meanwhile, from March to June, temperatures can rise to a high of 39°C, with hot and dry weather, and from July to September Chennai experiences heavy monsoon rainfalls.  

How to Get There

Chennai International Airport, located around 20 km from the city center, is accessible via direct and connecting flights from various locations. To reach the city center, travelers can opt for taxis, which are available 24/7, or metro, which is available from 05.00-23.00, and go to numerous designated spots in the city. Alternatively, you can take a train, as it takes approximately 35 minutes to Chennai Beach, and several times per hour it is available. 

Food / Restaurants / What to Eat and Drink

Chennai offers exquisite examples of traditional Tamil cuisine and South Indian flavors, typically including rice, lentils, spices, and vegetables. The most famous dishes include Dosa, which is a rice dish served with a banana leaf, Idli, which is steamed rice cakes, Sambar, which is a stew made with lentils and spices, lentil soup called Rasam, and Puliyodarai, a popular Tamil dish combining fried tamarind paste and cooked rice. You can taste the local delicacies at places like Murugan Idli Shop, Mathsya Thambi Vilas, Vrindavan Restaurant, or Ratna Café. Other culinary delights in the city include traditional coffee called kaapi, sweet and spicy milky tea called chai, lime soda, coconut water, and raw sugar cane juice. 
Eden is known for Italian dishes and tandoori. Seena Bhai 1977 Dosa Centre: Started as a pushcart selling South Indian delights and expanded to include sandwiches, shakes, Kathi rolls, and pizzas. For thalis and seafood, try Nair Mess which has quite a reputation for Vanjaram fish fry and its old Madras vibes. Sangeetha is famous for South Indian dishes like sambar, and appalam also offers Indo-Cinese and North Indian food. Dindigul Thalappakatti is one of the most famous biryani spots with a legacy that started in 1956. Renowned for mutton biryani, mutton pepper fry, and chicken curry. 

Important Places / Places to Visit

• Marina Beach: India's longest beach on the Bay of Bengal coast. Ideal for relaxing, playing beach sports, and enjoying sunrises and sunsets.
• Valluvar Kottam: Monument dedicated to the Tamil scholar Thiruvalluvar. Located at Kodambakkam High Road and Village Road intersection.
• Thousand Lights Mosque: Known for its illuminated beauty and two towering minarets.
• Dakshinachitra: A living history museum depicting the culture of four South Indian states. Located 25 km south of Chennai.
• Ashtalakshmi Temple: A temple dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi's eight avatars. Unique for its tranquil atmosphere with ocean waves echoing.
• Government Museum: Houses ancient and modern South Indian bronzes. Amaravathi Gallery showcases sculptures depicting Gautam Buddha's life.
• Mylapore: A cultural hub with a rich history dating back 1500 years. Offers temples, South Indian cuisine, and shopping.
• Guindy National Park: Home to diverse flora and fauna, making it a great family destination.
• Sri Parthasarathy Temple: Dedicated to Lord Krishna, featuring intricately carved pillars. Known for its colorful gopurams.
• Kapaleeswarar Temple: A shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva, showcasing Dravidian and Vijayanagara architecture. Impressive pyramid-shaped rajagopurams or domes.
• Semmozhi Poonga: A botanical garden featuring exotic plant species and an artificial pond. A serene escape from the city's hustle and bustle.
• Marundeeswarar Temple: Dedicated to Lord Shiva as the God of Medicines. Known for its Dravidian architecture and healing prasada offerings.

What to Do

In Chennai, you may see a variety of fascinating sights. Begin with Marina Beach, a tranquil haven about 3 kilometers from downtown. You can enjoy horseback riding and stunning sunsets while walking on golden shores. Then, immerse yourself in heavenly creativity at the Kapaleeshwarar Temple, which is adorned with beautiful sculptures. You may also participate in daily rituals and look at sculptures. 
Then, pay a visit to Fort St. George, a spectacular 1644 site notable for key structures like St. Mary's Church and the Fort Museum, which includes priceless artworks and historical artifacts. Valluvar Kottam, which honors the poet Thiruvalluvar, rises tall as a source of inspiration. You will be captivated by the unusual structure and profound Thirukkural writings. Finally, in the Vandalur area, visit the Arignar Anna Zoological Park, which spans 1260 acres and is home to a broad range of plant and animal species. It is home to gorgeous lions and cheetahs, making it a wildlife enthusiast's dream.

Nightlife / Bars / Entertainment

Chennai's nightlife is diverse and lively, offering something for everyone. For a rooftop experience with panoramic city views and an extensive menu, check out the Hilton Hotel bar on the 10th floor. For a fancy pub with themed nights and delicious delicacies, visit 10 Downing Street, The Leather Bar, or Bay 146, and for an upscale nightclub with a vibrant atmosphere, try Pasha-The Park, The Flying Elephant, and Gatsby 2000.
If you are looking for restaurants for midnight snacks, you can dine in Dindigul Thalappakatti, Shaack, Bazaar - All Day Diner Grand by GRT Hotels, or Copper Kitchen for a more family-friendly night out. 

Shopping / What to Buy

In Chennai, you can find numerous options for shopping, especially if you seek authentic, handmade products, which make great souvenirs. If you want to buy silk or cotton saris, check out the Panagal Park in T Nagar. Ranganathan Street also is a bustling shopping street where you can find textiles and jewelry. If you want to explore bazaars and find some high-quality, head to the Pondy Bazaar for footwear, apparel, jewelry, cosmetics, and more. Mylapore is ideal for traditional styling needs, offering handbags, jewelry, silk saris, and accessories, with stores like Radha Silk House and Chingari. Visit Vinayaka Tanjore Art Gallery in Teynampet for Tanjore paintings, while Kalpa Druma on Cathedral Road is a sustainable store with local handicrafts, textiles, and home décor, as well as an appealing crockery collection. 

Festivals/ Events

December - January: Chennai Dance and Music Festival
December - January: Vaikuntha Ekadesi Festival
January: Pongal
February- March: Natyanjali Dance Festival
February- March: Holi
March- April: Arubathimoovar Festival
July- August: Kanthuri Festival
October- November: Diwali or Festival of Lights
October: Dussehra or Vijayadashami

Holidays / Festivals / Important Days

1 January: New Year's Day 
15 January: Pongal 
15 January: Thiruvalluvar Day 
16 January: Uzhavar Thirunal 
26 January: Republic Day 
22 March: Telugu New Year 
4 April: Mahavir Jayanti 
7 April: Good Friday 
14 April: Dr Ambedkar Jayanti 
14 April: Tamil New Year 
1 May: May Day 
15 August: Independence Day 
7 September: Janmashtami 
19 September: Ganesh Chaturthi 
2 October: Gandhi Jayanti 
23 October: Maha Navami 
24 October: Vijaya Dashami 
12 November: Deepavali 
25 December: Christmas Day 
Eid Al-Fitr
Eid Al-Adha
Muharram

Things to Pay Attention to / Important Information

Before visiting, learn about the general customs and culture of Chennai and be respectful.
While visiting sacred places act accordingly and dress appropriately. 
Due to significant traffic in the city, be cautious while crossing roads. 
While street food is famous, opt for eating at well-known restaurants.
Some taxi drivers may not use the meter. Before getting into a taxi, make sure to negotiate the fare. Otherwise, you may end up paying very high amounts.
In touristic bazaars and markets, prices can vary, so bargain before purchasing. 
To protect yourself against petty theft, it is advised to keep your valuable items nearby, and never leave your bag unattended under any circumstances. 
Carry an umbrella and raincoat as Chennai roads can get messy during rain.
Learn a few basic Tamil phrases.
Be prepared for hot and humid weather, and carry a bottle of water with you at all times.

Transportation

In Chennai, the most commonly used transportation methods are taxis, public buses, metro, and cars to get around the city. Chennai has a decent public transportation system of buses, metro, and trains. Usually, public transportation is the cheapest means of transportation but can be very crowded. Taxis and cars are also common, but note that traffic can cause delays, and while taking taxis choose the metered ones. Lastly, you can take autorickshaws but do not forget to negotiate fares beforehand.