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Chennai: the city's best neighborhoods

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About Chennai

Including tips for the best time to visit Chennai

Known as Madras during the British reign, Chennai is the capital of Tamil Nadu and India’s southernmost metropolis. It is located on the Bay of Bengal’s Coromandel Coast, boasting the world’s second-longest urban beach, Marina Beach, stretching for over 13 kilometres. Home to the Tamil film industry, Carnatic music festivals and temples dating back to the 7th century, the city is a thriving cultural centre with plenty to see and do.

Chennai offers impressive examples of art and architecture from different eras and cultures. Its most famous monument is the colourful Kapaleeshwarar Temple, dedicated to the Hindu god, Shiva. A few steps away lies the neo-Gothic San Thome Cathedral, built on the final resting place of one of Christ's apostles. Influences of the city’s colonial past can also be seen in some of its main buildings, such as the Gothic Revival Chennai Central, the busiest railway station in South India. For further insight into the country’s history, you can visit its first British fortress, Fort St George, housing St Mary's Church and the Fort Museum.

When in Chennai, kick-start your day with a freshly brewed cup of South Indian filter coffee, locally known as ‘kaapi’. Make some time to savour South Indian staples, traditionally served on banana leaves. Try dosa (rice and lentil crêpe), idli (steamed rice cake) and vada (savoury doughnut) served with sambar (a spicy broth) and an assortment of coconut chutneys. Thanks to its coastal location, the city also offers several delicious seafood preparations and fish curries.

Tonight

From per night

Next weekend

From per night

Most popular time to visit October-December
Cheapest time to visit January-March
Local currency Rs. 100 = $1.14
Language English
Average weekend price $57 per night
Average weekday price $81 per night
Average stay 2 nights

Points of interest in Chennai

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Chennai reviews

What other travelers say about Chennai

10

The city is friendly with lot educated people and a lot of ...

July 22, 2025

The city is friendly with lot educated people and a lot of respected doctors and learned persons. Main roads are good. But the Gali and connected roads are not kept well maintained. The Auto ricksha-wallahs and traffic is horrible in many areas.

GAUTAM
GAUTAM India
10

Great chennai expirence,But too hotter than Iraq, I iwll...

July 8, 2025

Great chennai expirence,But too hotter than Iraq, I iwll surelly visit again on July 18,19and 20th at chennai trade centre,even my lady loves a lot, need to explore more in chennai...Exspecially the birds sanctuary and all palces..

Mahadevan Nair
Mahadevan Nair India
6.0

Chennai is not a city geared toward tourism.

June 12, 2025

Chennai is not a city geared toward tourism. When we reached there the air port arrival section did not even offer wifi, we faced very uncomfortable situation due to this and was unable to use maps or taxi. The airport did not even have a booth where they provide sims. hence if you are travelling there be prepared. In addition when we went to a shop where they sell sims they were unable to give us one as one must have an Indian phone number to receive OTP. hence it was impossible for other nationalities to obtain a connection. this lead to may challenges. Majority of the taxi drivers and shop owner do not understand English. avoid Pondi Bazar for shopping and go to T Nagar, also be mindful of people who come begging for money and street vendors who are scammers.

RuieeK
RuieeK Sri Lanka
10

...The local inhabitants always greet you with a wide grin...

June 6, 2025

...The local inhabitants always greet you with a wide grin if you smile at them...food at Hot Chips and Anand Bhavan is mouth watering... Communication network of Chennai especially Tambram is ultimate... Flowers decorated or in the hair easily catch your attention... Greenery in Tambram gives it a respite from heat unlike other cities with concrete jungle... More trees may be planted though...

Anonymous
2.0

There no room service, no intercom, no proper air...

May 24, 2025

There no room service, no intercom, no proper air conditioner, no cleaning person to clean the room. There’s no mat , while coming out from bathroom. The room is just like hell during our life time. Don’t take booking for the hotel. Your reputation will affect.

I.
I.
10

Chennai, on the Bay of Bengal in eastern India, is the...

May 20, 2025

Chennai, on the Bay of Bengal in eastern India, is the capital of the state of Tamil Nadu. The city is home to Fort St. George, built in 1644 and now a museum showcasing the city’s roots as a British military garrison and East India Company trading outpost, when it was called Madras. Religious sites include Kapaleeshwarar Temple, adorned with carved and painted gods, and St. Mary’s, a 17th-century Anglican church.

Peri
Peri

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