Things to Do in Chennai

About Chennai

Chennai sits where the Bay of Bengal meets Tamil Nadu's coast, and the city doesn't apologize for its contradictions. Classical Carnatic music drifts from temple courtyards while IT workers file into glass towers a few blocks away. Centuries-old traditions work here—they just share space with call centers and software firms. The pre-dawn devotional songs at Kapaleeshwarar Temple will wake you if you're staying nearby. Worth it. Locals argue endlessly about filter coffee versus instant, and the Chennai accent turns every conversation into something warmer than you'd expect in a city of ~7 million people. Marina Beach stretches for miles along the coast, packed with evening walkers and vendors selling steaming idlis that taste better than they should. The Pallava kings built temples here centuries ago, then the Portuguese showed up and left their mark too. Kanchipuram silk comes from looms that still work the old way—you can hear the clatter if you visit the workshops outside the city. The jasmine and salt air mix is real, not tourism-board poetry. This city lives at its own pace, and you'll either adjust or spend your whole visit frustrated.

Travel Tips

Transportation: MTC buses cost ₹8-25 ($0.10-0.30) for most city routes with good AC services. Chennai Metro charges ₹10-50 ($0.12-0.60) based on distance. Auto-rickshaws charge ₹25-40 ($0.30-0.48) per km but bargaining expected. Ola and Uber widely available with rides at ₹80-200 ($0.96-2.40) for 10km. Share-autos cost ₹10-15 ($0.12-0.18) for fixed routes. Airport Metro costs ₹15-70 ($0.18-0.84) to various stations. Walking is possible but traffic can be intense.

Money: Indian rupee (INR) standard with ATMs everywhere from SBI, ICICI. UPI payments through Google Pay and PhonePe universal. Cards accepted widely including street vendors now. Budget $12-25 daily. Tipping ₹20-50 ($0.24-0.60) at restaurants customary. Paytm and digital wallets very common. Cash still needed for local transport and small shops. Foreign exchange available at banks and authorized dealers. Keep small notes for tips and auto fares.

Cultural Respect: Greet with 'Vanakkam' in Tamil or 'Namaste' with palms together. Tamil language pride is strong though English widely spoken. Remove shoes before entering temples and homes. Dress conservatively at religious sites covering shoulders and knees. Right hand for eating and greeting customs. Touch elder's feet as sign of respect. Pongal and Deepavali are major Tamil festivals. Classical dance and music deeply valued. Business cards received with both hands respectfully.

Food Safety: South Indian breakfast at Saravana Bhavan costs ₹120-250 ($1.44-3.00). Filter coffee at Rayar's Mess runs ₹15-30 ($0.18-0.36). Chettinad cuisine at Dakshin costs ₹300-600 ($3.60-7.20). Street food on Marina Beach averages ₹30-80 ($0.36-0.96). Idli-sambar combo costs ₹60-120 ($0.72-1.44). Stick to busy food courts and established restaurants. Bottled water costs ₹20 ($0.24). Avoid raw salads and choose well-cooked regional specialties.

When to Visit

Chennai's tropical climate demands strategic timing for optimal experiences.Winter (December-February)offers the most comfortable conditions with temperatures ranging 19-30°C, minimal rainfall, and pleasant sea breezes. This peak season sees 40-50% higher accommodation rates, but rewards visitors with perfect weather for temple hopping and Marina Beach strolls.Pre-monsoon (March-May)brings intense heat (24-42°C) and humidity, making it ideal for budget travelers seeking 30-40% lower prices, though sightseeing requires early morning starts.Monsoon season (June-November)delivers heavy rainfall (1,200-1,400mm annually), transforming the city into a lush green great destination. While accommodation drops 25-35%, intermittent flooding can disrupt travel plans.Festival considerationsadd magical dimensions to visits: Pongal (mid-January) showcases Tamil harvest celebrations, Chennai Music Season (December-January) fills venues with classical concerts, and Navaratri (September-October) brings lively temple festivities.Beach loversshould visit November-February when seas are calmest.Culture ensoiastswill find December-January ideal for music festivals and pleasant temple visits.Budget travelersbenefit from March-May despite the heat, whilemonsoon loverscan experience Chennai's dramatic seasonal transformation from June-September, though flexibility with indoor activities is essential.