Chennai

Top Things to Do in Chennai

• Marina Beach – Stretching over 13 km, it’s the second-longest urban beach worldwide. Great for sunrise walks, vibrant stalls, heritage memorials, and cricket matches 

• Kapaleeshwarar Temple (Mylapore) – A 7th-century Dravidian-style temple featuring a towering gopuram and colorful mythology-themed sculptures 

• Fort St. George & San Thome Cathedral – Explore colonial history at Fort St. George, then visit San Thome Cathedral atop St. Thomas's tomb

• Government Museum & Valluvar Kottam – Artifacts spanning centuries at the museum; Valluvar Kottam honors the Tamil poet with a chariot monument 

• Elliot’s Beach (Besant Nagar) – A tranquil spot best for sunrise and water sports like surfing or kayaking 

• Semmozhi Poonga & Guindy National Park – A lush botanical garden with exotic species and an urban wildlife park for nature lovers 

• T. Nagar, Sowcarpet & George Town – Ultimate street shopping: sarees, spices, sweets and chaats in hustle and bustle markets Eat & Drink Highlights

• Iconic filter coffee & breakfast – From Murugan Idli Shop to Ratna Café, savor idli, dosa, vada and a hearty sappadu on banana leaves 

• Chettinad & seafood – Try bold Chettinad curries at Anjappar, Ponnusamy, New Woodlands and flavorful seafood in Nungambakkam 

• Cafés & nightlife – Enjoy craft cocktails at Koox, Velveteen Rabbit, Cheroot Lounge, and seaside cafés along ECR

• Amadora Ice Cream – Cool down with local gem Amadora’s creative milk-based and vegan flavors 

Travel Tips for Chennai

• Best time to visit: October–March for cooler weather and festivals like Pongal and Madras Music Season 

• Getting around: Use Chennai Metro, buses, auto-rickshaws, ride-sharing, and bike-sharing schemes

• Local etiquette & safety: Learn Tamil basics (“Vanakkam”, “Nandri”), dress modestly in temples, drink bottled water, and take care in crowded areas 

• Cost & connectivity: Budget travelers spend ~US $20–30/day; SIM cards are easy to obtain from Jio/Airtel/Vodafone 

 Where to Stay & Recommended Areas

• Best Areas:

  • Mylapore/Besant Nagar – Close to beaches and temples

  • T. Nagar – For shopping and food

  • Central Chennai (Egmore/Anna Salai) – Near museums and transit

  • ECR corridor – For beachside resorts and cafes

• Accommodation Picks:

  • Boutique and heritage options near Mylapore,

  • Family-friendly beachfront stays in Besant Nagar,

  • Mid-range hotels in T. Nagar/Egmore with great access.

 Festivals & Events

• Pongal (January) – Major harvest festival with cultural celebrations 

• Madras Music Season (December) – Carnatic performances city-wide 

• Chennai Book Fair (year-end) – A highlight for bibliophiles