Chennai, previously known as Madras, is the capital of Tamil Nadu, which is in the southern part of India. It’s the main city of the state and is situated on the eastern coast, known as the Coromandel Coast, by the Bay of Bengal. As of the 2011 census, Chennai is the sixth most populated city in India, making it a major urban area. The city government, known as the Greater Chennai Corporation, was established in 1688, making it the oldest city council in India and one of the oldest in the world.
Chennai is often called the cultural capital of India because of its rich traditions and long history. It serves as a starting point for traveling to other parts of South India. The city boasts the second longest beach in the world. With a population of about six million, it’s the fourth largest city in India. The British founded the city in the 17th century and developed it into a significant urban and naval base. Over the years, especially in the 20th century, Chennai became a crucial administrative hub, once serving as the capital of the Madras Presidency.
Chennai has also been influential in India’s political scene from the time before independence to today. Economically, Chennai has a diverse range of industries including automobiles, technology, hardware manufacturing, and healthcare. It is known as India’s second biggest center for software and IT services export. The city is a major hub for automobile manufacturing, contributing to 60 percent of India’s automobile exports and is often called the “Detroit of South Asia.”
Chennai is home to Marina Beach, the longest natural urban beach in India, bustling with around 30,000 visitors daily. The city also boasts historical sites like the Government Museum, which houses an extensive collection of artworks and the Indo-Sarcenic style MGR Film City, celebrating Tamil Nadu’s film industry. For a quieter experience, Breezy Beach offers a serene escape, while the Marundeeswarar and Ashtalakshmi Temples provide spiritual solace with stunning Dravidian architecture and unique deity installations.
Marina Beach is a vast natural urban beach located along the Bay of Bengal, stretching 13 kilometers. It holds the title of the longest natural urban beach in India and the second largest in the world. With nearly 30,000 visitors daily, it is also the most crowded beach in India, offering a lively atmosphere and picturesque views.
The Government Museum in Chennai, established in 1851, is the second oldest museum in India, following the Indian Museum in Kolkata. Located in the Egmore suburb, the museum is designed in the Indo-Sarcenic style and showcases a rich collection of artworks by Raja Ravi Varma, among other historical artifacts.
MGR Film City, established in 1994, is a tribute to MG Ramachandran, a beloved Tamil actor and long-serving Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu. Managed by the Government of Tamil Nadu, this film city is a popular attraction that celebrates the region’s cinematic heritage.
Ashtalakshmi Temple, perched on the shores of the Bay of Bengal in Besant Nagar, is famous for its unique architectural style, with deities installed on four levels. It was built following the directives of Sri Mahaa Periyavaal of Kanchi Mutt and adds a spiritual dimension to the scenic Elliot’s Beach.
Chennai offers a variety of comfortable accommodations to suit all preferences. Lemon Tree Hotel is a vibrant 4-star option near the colorful Arulmigu Karaneeswarar Temple and Saidapet Market, priced at ₹4,000. For a more cultural experience, Park Elanza, nestled in a high-end area with trendy cafes and boutiques, offers rooms for ₹3,842. The Pride Hotel, located in a bustling area near colonial landmarks and local eateries, charges ₹2,896. For budget-conscious travelers, the Grand Residence provides a cozy stay in Ujjain at ₹2,227.
Riverside area with colorful Arulmigu Karaneeswarar Temple, plus fish & produce at Saidapet Market.
₹4,000
4 Star Hotel
High-end area with trendy cafes, stylish boutiques & cultural venues like the Alliance Française.
₹3,842
3 Star Hotel
Busy area with Indian eateries on Ormes Road, colonial-era Kilpauk Water Works & basketball games.
₹2,896
4 Star Hotel
Hotel Grand Tower is a great choice for travellers looking for a star hotel in Ujjain.
₹2,227
3 Star Hotel
Chennai offers various hotels near the railway station for convenient access. SKB Hotel Grand Days is located in a bustling hub near Chennai Central station and leather shops, priced at ₹1,310. Akash Inn, close to the fun rides at Island Grounds and Kandhakottam Temple, offers affordability at ₹761. For a more comfortable stay, Liza Regency provides tasty food, excellent service, and great location for ₹1,682. Vestin Park Hotel, nestled in a lively neighborhood near the Government Museum and student cafes, costs ₹2,504.
Bustling hub with Chennai Central railway station & the colonial Ripon Building, plus leather shops.
₹1,310
3 Star Hotel
Central area with rides at Island Grounds fairground, Kandhakottam Temple & Indian restaurants..
₹761
3 Star Hotel
Food very tasty, room & location awsome good service & nice staff.
₹1,682
3 Star Hotel
Busy neighborhood with ancient relics & statues at the Government Museum, plus student cafes.
₹2,504
3 Star Hotel
Chennai is filled with diverse dining options catering to various tastes and budgets. 9Restaurants offers Chettinad food in a simple, mess-style setting for ₹400–600. Krishna Restaurant provides South Indian favorites like thalis and dosas in a modest, longstanding dining room, with meals priced between ₹200–400. For those looking for a mix of local and global dishes, Seasonal Tastes at the Westin Chennai Velachery serves a buffet starting at ₹2,000. Royal Cuisine features classical Indian dishes in a sophisticated setting, also ranging from ₹400–600.
Mess-style restaurant serving a menu of Chettinad food in simple, functional surrounds.
₹400–600
South Indian thalis, dosas & other staples prepared in a modest, long-running hotel dining room.
₹200–400
Casual restaurant in the Westin Chennai Velachery hotel offering local & global fare, plus a buffet.
₹2,000+
Classical cuisine from across India served in a sophisticated hotel dining room.
₹400–600
Chennai is easily accessible through various means of transport. The Chennai International Airport, about 20 kilometers from the city center, connects Chennai with major global and domestic destinations. For travelers preferring rail, Chennai Central and Chennai Egmore stations offer extensive links to cities across India. Additionally, well-maintained roads and national highways make it convenient to drive to Chennai from nearby cities like Bangalore and Coimbatore.
Chennai is served by two major railway stations: Chennai Central (MAS) and Chennai Egmore (MS).
Chennai International Airport, located about 20 kilometers from the city center, is one of India’s busiest airports.
Chennai is well-connected by road, with several major national highways linking it to nearby cities and towns.
Chennai’s bus service is managed by the Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC). They operate both air-conditioned and regular buses that cover every corner of the city. The Chennai Mofussil Bus Terminus (CMBT), located 11 kilometers from the city center, is one of the largest bus stations in India, spread over 37 acres.
Starting at only 5₹/KM
Taxis are a popular choice for getting around Chennai, especially for sightseeing. Autorickshaws are also widely available throughout the city. You can easily find taxis at key locations like the airport, the Mofussil Bus Terminus, and the Central Railway Station. These taxis offer a fixed-rate for tourists and are quite affordable, which adds to their popularity.
Starting at only 9₹/KM
Auto rickshaws are ideal for short trips within Chennai. They are a bit more expensive than buses but are preferred for their convenience. It’s a good idea to check if the meter is working before you start your journey to avoid overcharging.
Auto-rikshaw is starting From 10-200.Rs
For those looking for more flexibility, renting a vehicle is a great option. This allows you to explore Chennai at your own pace without having to rely on the availability of public transport.
Starting at only ₹1499.
The best time to visit Chennai is between the months of October to February, i.e. from the end of monsoon and all of winter. During this time, the weather is relatively pleasant and it’s not that hot and sticky. This means you will be able to enjoy sightseeing around the city without feeling the blast of summer heat. There are numerous traditional festivals that take place in Chennai during winter and it’s wonderful if you’re able to partake in them.
October to February during the winters and the pre-monsoons season is the best time to visit Chennai. This time of the year is considered as the best time to explore the metropolitan city as summers are scorching and monsoons bring torrential downpours and cyclones. Its geographical location on the beautiful coastline mostly keeps the city’s weather hot and humid.
Summer in Chennai is characterized by hot and humid weather and scanty rainfall. March marks the beginning of this dry season and it continues till June. The season peaks in late May to early June, which is the hottest part of the year in Chennai. With the mercury levels soaring high, this period is locally known as Agni Nakshatram (which translates to fire star) or Kathiri Veyyil.The only relief you can expect in the scorching Chennai summer is the gentle breeze that blows in the evening. Since the days are blazing hot and the nights remain equally warm, summer is not the best season to visit Chennai and explore the cityscape.
The Distance of Chennai to Ahmedabad is (1,822.7 km) via NH16.
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The Distance of Chennai to Mumbai is (1,317.9 km) via NH 48.
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The Distance of Chennai to Delhi is (736.7km) via NH 148N and NE
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The Distance of Chennai to Bangalore is (1,390.1km) via NH 52.
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The first thing to remember when planning a trip to Chennai is to make your bookings well in advance, especially if you’re traveling during the peak season. The city is a popular destination, and last-minute bookings might leave you without a place to stay. Secure your tickets and accommodations early to ensure a hassle-free experience.
While exploring Chennai, it’s crucial to respect the local culture and heritage. Avoid any actions that could harm or disturb historical sites and monuments, as this is a punishable offense. Take care of your health by choosing reputable places to eat and avoiding street food or anything that might be unhygienic. Stick to cooked and well-prepared meals to keep your stomach safe and your trip enjoyable.
Safety is important, so it’s advisable to travel in groups rather than alone. Many of Chennai’s tourist spots require an entry ticket, so always ensure you purchase one to avoid any legal trouble. Respect the rules and enjoy your visit responsibly, keeping in mind that preserving the city’s rich heritage and culture is a shared responsibility for all visitors.
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