bigtravelbuzzChennai is a major city in southern India, known for its rich cultural heritage, beautiful beaches, and traditional cuisine. Here are some of the top places to visit in Chennai:
- Marina Beach: This is the second-longest urban beach in the world, stretching over 13 kilometers. It’s a popular spot for a morning or evening walk, and to watch the beautiful sunrise or sunset.
- Kapaleeswarar Temple: This ancient temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the most popular religious sites in Chennai.
- Fort St. George: This is a historic fortress built by the British in the 17th century. It now houses the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly and other government offices.
- Government Museum: This is one of the oldest museums in India and houses a vast collection of art, artifacts, and natural history exhibits.
- Mahabalipuram: This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located on the outskirts of Chennai. It’s famous for its ancient rock-cut temples, caves, and sculptures.
- Elliot’s Beach: This is a serene and less crowded beach, perfect for those who want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.
- Santhome Cathedral: This is a beautiful cathedral built over the tomb of St. Thomas, one of the 12 apostles of Jesus Christ.
- Guindy National Park: This is a protected area located in the heart of the city and is home to a variety of wildlife species, including deer, monkeys, and birds.
These are just a few of the many places to visit in Chennai. The city also has a vibrant nightlife, shopping areas, and delicious food, making it a must-visit destination in India.
Best Time To Visit Chennai
The best time to visit Chennai is between November and February when the weather is cool and pleasant. During this time, the temperature ranges between 20°C to 30°C, and there are also fewer chances of rain. Chennai can get very hot and humid during the summer months from March to June, with temperatures sometimes exceeding 40°C. The monsoon season from July to October brings heavy rains and occasional floods, so it’s best to avoid visiting during this time. Overall, the months between November and February are the best time to visit Chennai for a comfortable and enjoyable experience.
Things to Do in Chennai
Chennai, the capital city of Tamil Nadu, has a rich cultural heritage and offers a variety of interesting activities and experiences for tourists. Here are some of the top things to do in Chennai:
- Visit Marina Beach: This is one of the longest urban beaches in the world and is a popular spot for walking, jogging, and enjoying the sunset.
- Explore the temples: Chennai has many beautiful temples such as Kapaleeswarar Temple, Parthasarathy Temple, and Sri Vadapalani Andavar Temple.
- Go shopping: Chennai is known for its bustling markets and shopping districts such as T Nagar and Pondy Bazaar.
- Enjoy traditional South Indian food: Chennai is known for its delicious and authentic South Indian cuisine, including dosa, idli, vada, and more.
- Visit the Government Museum: This is one of the oldest museums in India and houses a vast collection of art, artifacts, and natural history exhibits.
- Take a heritage walk: Chennai has many historic buildings and landmarks such as Fort St. George, Santhome Cathedral, and the High Court building.
- Enjoy the nightlife: Chennai has a vibrant nightlife with many bars, nightclubs, and live music venues.
- Take a day trip: Chennai is surrounded by many interesting places such as Mahabalipuram, Kanchipuram, and Pondicherry, which are perfect for day trips.
These are just a few of the many things to do in Chennai. The city offers a unique blend of culture, history, and modernity, making it a must-visit destination in India.
How to Get Around in Chennai
Chennai has a good public transportation system that includes buses, trains, and taxis, making it easy for tourists to get around the city. Here are some of the options for getting around in Chennai:
- Chennai Metro: The Chennai Metro is a fast and convenient way to travel around the city. It currently has two operational lines and covers many important locations in the city.
- Buses: Chennai has an extensive bus network operated by the government-owned Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC). These buses are an affordable way to travel around the city, and there are both regular and air-conditioned buses available.
- Trains: Chennai has a suburban railway network that connects the city to its suburbs. This is a good option for traveling to areas that are not well-connected by buses.
- Taxis and auto-rickshaws: Taxis and auto-rickshaws are easily available in Chennai, and they are a good option for shorter distances or when you need to travel to areas that are not well-connected by public transport. It’s recommended to use the government-approved app-based taxi services such as Ola and Uber to ensure a safe and hassle-free ride.
Overall, Chennai has a good public transportation system that makes it easy for tourists to get around the city.
Where to eat in Chennai
Chennai is famous for its South Indian cuisine, and there are many great places to eat in the city. Here are some popular places to eat in Chennai:
- Murugan Idli Shop: This iconic restaurant is famous for its fluffy idlis and a variety of chutneys and sambar.
- Saravana Bhavan: Saravana Bhavan is a well-known vegetarian chain that serves a wide range of South Indian dishes, including dosas, idlis, and vadas.
- Buhari: Buhari is a legendary restaurant that has been around since 1951. It is famous for its biryani and is a must-visit for any biryani lover.
- Dakshin: Dakshin is a fine-dining restaurant that specializes in South Indian cuisine. It is known for its traditional thali meals and seafood dishes.
- Murugan Mess: Murugan Mess is a popular eatery that serves authentic Chettinad cuisine. The restaurant is known for its mutton biryani, pepper chicken, and fish fry.
These are just a few of the many great places to eat in Chennai. You can also find many street-side vendors serving delicious food, especially in popular foodie spots such as Marina Beach and Mylapore.
Famous street stalls in Chennai
Chennai is known for its street food, which offers a wide variety of delicious dishes. Here are some popular street food stalls in Chennai:
- Ratna Cafe: Ratna Cafe is a legendary eatery that has been around since 1948. It is famous for its filter coffee and sambar vada.
- Burma Bazaar: Burma Bazaar is a popular street food destination that serves Burmese food. The food here is a fusion of Indian and Burmese flavors and is famous for its fried snacks, noodles, and curries.
- Sowcarpet: Sowcarpet is a bustling neighborhood in Chennai that is known for its street food. You can find a variety of dishes here, including chaat, kebabs, and biryani.
- Mylapore: Mylapore is a popular foodie spot in Chennai that is famous for its street food. You can find a variety of South Indian dishes here, including dosas, vadas, and idlis.
- Marina Beach: Marina Beach is a popular tourist destination in Chennai that is known for its street food. You can find a variety of dishes here, including bhajis, corn on the cob, and ice cream.
These are just a few of the many great street food stalls in Chennai. It is always recommended to choose a reputable vendor and exercise caution while consuming street food.
Where to stay in Chennai
Luxury accommodation
Chennai offers a range of luxury accommodation options for travelers. Here are some popular luxury hotels in Chennai:
- Taj Coromandel: Taj Coromandel is a 5-star hotel located in the heart of Chennai. It offers luxurious rooms, a rooftop swimming pool, and multiple dining options.
- The Leela Palace Chennai: The Leela Palace Chennai is a 5-star hotel located on the seafront. It offers luxurious rooms, a rooftop swimming pool, and multiple dining options.
- The Raintree, Anna Salai: The Raintree is a 5-star hotel located in the city center. It offers luxurious rooms, an outdoor swimming pool, and multiple dining options.
- ITC Grand Chola: ITC Grand Chola is a 5-star hotel located in the city center. It offers luxurious rooms, a spa, and multiple dining options.
- The Westin Chennai Velachery: The Westin Chennai Velachery is a 5-star hotel located near the airport. It offers luxurious rooms, an outdoor swimming pool, and multiple dining options.
These are just a few of the many luxury hotels available in Chennai. There are also many boutique hotels and resorts that offer a unique and luxurious experience.
Budget accommodation
Chennai has a wide variety of budget accommodation options for travelers. Here are some popular budget hotels and hostels in Chennai:
- Backpackers Inn: Backpackers Inn is a hostel located in the city center. It offers dormitory and private rooms, free Wi-Fi, and a shared kitchen.
- Hotel Raaj Bhaavan: Hotel Raaj Bhaavan is a budget hotel located in the city center. It offers clean and comfortable rooms with basic amenities.
- Hotel City Tower: Hotel City Tower is a budget hotel located in the city center. It offers clean and comfortable rooms with basic amenities.
- Hotel Greens Gate: Hotel Greens Gate is a budget hotel located in the city center. It offers clean and comfortable rooms with basic amenities.
- Hotel Royal Plaza: Hotel Royal Plaza is a budget hotel located in the city center. It offers clean and comfortable rooms with basic amenities.
These are just a few of the many budget accommodation options available in Chennai. There are also many guesthouses and homestays that offer a more local and authentic experience.
Travel Tips Chennai
Here are some travel tips for visiting Chennai:
- Best time to visit: The best time to visit Chennai is during the winter months from November to February when the weather is cooler and more pleasant.
- Transportation: Chennai has a good public transportation system, including buses, trains, and metro. Taxis and auto-rickshaws are also widely available.
- Food: Chennai is famous for its South Indian cuisine, including dosas, idlis, and sambar. There are many local eateries and street food stalls where you can try these dishes.
- Language: Tamil is the main language spoken in Chennai, but many people also speak English.
- Culture: Chennai has a rich cultural heritage, including dance, music, and art. The city is also home to many temples and historic buildings.
- Safety: Chennai is generally a safe city, but it’s always a good idea to take precautions such as avoiding isolated areas at night and being aware of your surroundings.
- Shopping: Chennai is a great place for shopping, with many markets and shopping malls offering a variety of goods including traditional silk sarees, handicrafts, and jewelry.
- Beaches: Chennai has several beautiful beaches including Marina Beach, Elliot’s Beach, and Covelong Beach. However, it’s important to be aware of the strong currents and follow safety guidelines while swimming.
- Etiquette: Dress modestly, especially when visiting temples and other religious sites. It’s also polite to remove your shoes before entering someone’s home or a temple.
- Health: Be sure to drink only bottled or purified water, and take precautions to prevent mosquito bites to avoid dengue fever and other mosquito-borne illnesses.