things-to-do-in-Chennai, India

Discover the Charm of Chennai

Chennai, formerly known as Madras, is the capital city of Tamil Nadu, a state located in the southern part of India. Known for its rich cultural heritage, vibrant atmosphere, and stunning beaches, Chennai is an ideal destination for tourists looking to explore the real India.

Must-Visit Places

1. Marina Beach

  • Location: Opposite the Fort St. George, Chennai
  • Time: Open from 5:00 AM to 8:00 PM
  • Ticket Price: Free entry
  • Description: One of the longest urban beaches in the world, stretching for approximately 13 kilometers.

2. Fort St. George

  • Location: 1A, Club House Rd, Thousand Lights, Chennai
  • Time: Open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Monday to Saturday)
  • Ticket Price: ₹15 (approximately $0.20 USD) per person
  • Description: A historic fort that serves as the administrative headquarters of the city.

3. Kapaleeswarar Temple

  • Location: Mylapore, Chennai
  • Time: Open from 5:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM (daily)
  • Ticket Price: Free entry
  • Description: A sacred temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, built in the Dravidian style.

4. Elliot’s Beach

  • Location: Beside the Ashtalakshmi Temple, Chennai
  • Time: Open from 5:00 AM to 8:00 PM
  • Ticket Price: Free entry
  • Description: A picturesque beach offering stunning sunset views.

Other Attractions

1. Government Museum

  • Location: Pantheon Rd, Egmore, Chennai
  • Time: Open from 9:30 AM to 5:15 PM (daily)
  • Ticket Price: ₹15 (approximately $0.20 USD) per person
  • Description: A museum showcasing a vast collection of artifacts and exhibits.

2. San Thome Basilica

  • Location: Santhome, Chennai
  • Time: Open from 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM (daily)
  • Ticket Price: Free entry
  • Description: A historic church built in the 16th century.

Things to Do

1. Shopping

  • Visit the T Nagar shopping district for a variety of local handicrafts, clothes, and accessories.
  • Explore the Government Museum’s gift shop for unique souvenirs.

2. Food

  • Indulge in delicious South Indian cuisine at popular eateries like Saravana Bhavan or Murugan Idli Shop.
  • Sample the city’s famous filter coffee at a local cafe.

Getting Around

1. By Taxi

  • Available throughout the city, including prepaid taxi counters at major railway stations.

2. Metro Rail

  • Chennai Metro connects several parts of the city.
  • Ticket prices start from ₹5 (approximately $0.07 USD).

3. Auto Rickshaws

  • Available for short distances within the city.
  • Fares are metered and relatively affordable.

Accommodation

Chennai offers a wide range of accommodations to suit various budgets, including:

  • Budget: Guesthouses and hostels in popular areas like T Nagar or Mylapore.
  • Mid-range: Hotels like the Park Sheraton or the Hotel Taj Club House.
  • Luxury: 5-star hotels such as The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia or the Hyatt Regency Chennai.

Tips for Visitors

  • Be prepared for crowds and traffic congestion during peak hours.
  • Try local street food but also be mindful of hygiene standards.
  • Don’t forget to haggle at markets and shopping districts.
  • Learn a few basic Tamil phrases to interact with locals.