Map of Chennai, India

🌟 What to do in Chennai 🌟

Immerse yourself in the rich culture and vibrant spirit of Chennai with an array of must-try activities, from exploring historical landmarks to indulging in traditional arts and crafts.

• Best Budget Activity in Chennai:

  Marina Beach: Stroll along the sandy shores of Marina Beach, soak in the stunning sunrise or sunset views, and experience the local vibe of South India.

• Best Mid-Range Activity in Chennai:

  DakshinaChitra: Discover the living museum showcasing the heritage and traditions of South India through art, architecture, and cultural performances.

• Best Luxury Activity in Chennai:

  Mahabalipuram Day Trip: Embark on a luxurious day trip to Mahabalipuram, explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site, marvel at ancient temples, and relax by the picturesque seashore.

🍴 Where to eat in Chennai 🍴

Experience the culinary delights of Chennai with its diverse cuisine offerings, featuring must-try dishes like dosa, idli, and spicy Chettinad curries.

• Best Budget Restaurant in Chennai:

  Murugan Idli Shop•Rs. 200 - 400 per person:

• Best Mid-Range Restaurant in Chennai:

  Absolute Barbecues•Rs. 800 - 1200 per person:

• Best Luxury Restaurant in Chennai:

  The Raintree•Rs. 1500 and above per person:

• Best Budget Bar in Chennai:

  Elixir Lounge Bar•Rs. 300 - 600 per person:

  Cocktails and mocktails

• Best Mid-Range Bar in Chennai:

  The Moon and Sixpence•Rs. 700 - 1000 per person:

  Craft beers and international wines

• Best Luxury Bar in Chennai:

  The Leather Bar at The Park Chennai•Rs. 1200 and above per person:

  Premium spirits and signature cocktails

🏛️ What to see in Chennai 🏛️

Explore the historical and cultural treasures of Chennai by visiting its iconic landmarks that showcase the city's rich heritage and architectural beauty.

• Kapaleeshwarar Temple:

  Immerse yourself in the Dravidian architectural splendor of this ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, known for its intricately carved gopurams and vibrant sculptures.

• Fort St. George:

  Step back in time at the oldest English fortress in India, housing historical memorabilia, colonial artifacts, and the St. Mary's Church, offering insights into Chennai's colonial past.

• Marina Beach:

  Enjoy panoramic views of the Bay of Bengal at one of the longest urban beaches in the world, bustling with activities like horse rides, beach vendors, and vibrant street food stalls.

• San Thome Cathedral:

  Visit the neo-Gothic style cathedral built over the tomb of St. Thomas, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus, and marvel at its stunning stained glass windows and serene ambiance.

• Government Museum:

  Delve into Chennai's art and history through a vast collection of artifacts, archaeological finds, traditional art pieces, and the iconic Bronze Gallery showcasing exquisite South Indian sculptures.

🛍️ Where to go shopping in Chennai 🛍️

Indulge in a shopping extravaganza in Chennai, a paradise for shopaholics, offering a diverse range of shopping destinations from bustling markets to upscale boutiques.

• Best Budget Shopping Place in Chennai:

  Pondy Bazaar: Dive into the bustling streets of Pondy Bazaar, a vibrant shopping district renowned for its budget-friendly clothing, accessories, footwear, and traditional Indian wear.

• Best Mid-Range Shopping Place in Chennai:

  Express Avenue Mall: Explore the upscale shopping experience at Express Avenue Mall, housing a mix of national and international brands, trendy fashion outlets, entertainment options, and culinary delights.

• Best Luxury Shopping Place in Chennai:

  Phoenix Marketcity: Indulge in a luxury shopping spree at Phoenix Marketcity, offering a premium retail experience with high-end brands, designer collections, gourmet dining, and entertainment activities.

🚇 Getting Around Chennai 🚇

• Public Transport

  Chennai offers a variety of public transportation options to help you navigate the bustling city. The Metropolitan Transport Corporation operates a vast network of buses that connect all parts of Chennai. These buses are a budget-friendly option with fares starting at INR 5 for short distances. The schedule varies depending on the route, with buses running from early morning until late at night. Chennai also has an extensive suburban train network operated by the Southern Railway, providing a convenient way to travel to neighboring areas. Additionally, the Chennai Metro Rail offers a fast and efficient mode of transport along two lines.

• Main Transportation Hubs

  Chennai Central Railway Station is a major hub for train travel, connecting the city to various destinations across India. Chennai Mofussil Bus Terminus (CMBT) serves as the main hub for long-distance bus services, while Koyambedu Bus Terminus handles both local and intercity bus services. Chennai International Airport is the primary gateway for air travel, located approximately 20 kilometers from the city center.

• Rental Services

  🚗 Car Rentals: Popular car rental services in Chennai include Zoomcar, Avis, and Savaari. Prices start at around INR 1000 per day for a basic compact car. 🚲 Bicycle Rentals: For a more eco-friendly way to explore the city, bicycle rentals are available from companies like RentMacha and Mybyk. Rental prices typically range from INR 50 to INR 200 per hour, depending on the type of bicycle.