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: Use prepaid auto-rickshaw counters at railway stations and airports to avoid fare disputes. Download the Chennai Metro app for cashless travel on the expanding metro network. For local buses, carry exact change (₹5-15) and look for route numbers painted in Tamil and English.

Money: ATMs are widespread, but carry cash for street vendors and local transport. Most restaurants accept cards, but small establishments prefer cash. Exchange money at authorized dealers or banks rather than hotels to get better rates, typically ₹80-85 per USD.

Cultural Respect: Remove shoes before entering temples and homes. Dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees, especially at religious sites. Avoid pointing feet toward people or deities. Use your right hand for eating and greeting. Learn basic Tamil phrases like 'Vanakkam' (hello) for warm local interactions.

Food Safety: Stick to busy local eateries with high turnover for authentic South Indian cuisine. Avoid raw vegetables and unpeeled fruits from street vendors. Drink bottled or boiled water. Try iconic dishes like Chettinad chicken and filter coffee from established restaurants like Saravana Bhavan or Murugan Idli Shop.

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.