Chennai

Travel Guide

Chennai which includes a city
Ganesha Ratha which includes art
Chennai
Chennai
Elliot\'s Beach featuring a playground and a beach
Temples and colonial monuments, food and festivals combine to showcase the best of South India’s artistic and religious heritage.

Colonial-era relics, temples and a rich food and arts scene welcome visitors to Chennai. The city was established as a British trading post in 1639. Now Chennai is India’s fourth-largest city and the capital of the southeastern Tamil Nadu state. Chennai’s people are welcoming. A variety of attractions presents the chance to experience the best of Tamil culture.

Chennai’s historic heart is George Town, a medley of narrow streets and bazaars lined with traditional silk and spice shops. Admire the architecture of the red-sandstone High Court and take a tour of the 18th-century Armenian Church, one of the oldest churches in India. Learn about Chennai’s history at the museum of Fort St. George, India’s first British-built fortress. 

Take a rickshaw to the Government Museum, set in a complex of British-era buildings. Check out the ancient bronze sculptures and a curious skeleton and taxidermy display. Spot work by notable Indian artists, such as Raja Ravi Varma, at the National Art Gallery.

Wander through the vibrant streets of Triplicane, where you’ll find the impressive eighth-century Parthasarathy Temple. Enjoy a dawn or sunset stroll along Marina Beach. It’s a hive of activity, from cricket matches and kite flying to fortune tellers and street food vendors. 

Don’t miss the Portuguese-influenced Mylapore neighborhood. Marvel at the white-washed San Thome Church, built on the tomb of the apostle St. Thomas. See a typical example of Dravidian architecture, characterized by pyramid-shaped buildings, at the Kapaleeswarar Temple.

Chennai thrives in showcasing its Tamil culture through music and dance, most notably during the Margazhi Festival in December and January. See a vast collection of everyday art at the Rukmini Devi Museum. Sample the city’s delectable Tamil cuisine. Try dishes such as spicy chettinad pepper chicken and local vegetarian specialties.

Chennai is the busy transportation hub of South India, and is well served by trains, buses and international flights. The city is notoriously hot and stuffy after a few days of sightseeing activity many visitors travel to nearby beach resorts and hill stations.

Where to stay in Chennai

Colorful glass bangles and pretty henna. Bangle shops that sell colorful bangles to match the colors in your sarees!!! 
#riotofcolors 
#colorful

T Nagar

T Nagar is known for its abundant dining options, and you can plan a trip to Pondy Bazaar and Sringeri Saradha Peetam Temple while you're in town.

T Nagar
Valluvar Kottam - Monument to remember Thiruvalluvar

Nungambakkam

You'll enjoy the cafes and monuments in Nungambakkam. You might want to make time for a stop at Valluvar Kottam or SDAT Tennis Stadium.

Nungambakkam
Chennai which includes religious aspects

Guindy

Unique features of Guindy include the shopping and spas. Make a stop by Guindy Race Course or Phoenix Market City while you're exploring the area.

Guindy
Kapaleeswarar Temple showing a temple or place of worship and heritage architecture

Mylapore Tiruvallikk

Unique features of Mylapore Tiruvallikk include the spas and coffeehouses. Make a stop by Marina Beach or Edward Elliot's Beach while you're exploring the area.

Mylapore Tiruvallikk
Armenian Church featuring a city and street scenes

Central Chennai

The churches and monuments are just a few things visitors like about Central Chennai. Marina Beach and Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium are worthwhile spots to check out, and you can hop on the metro at Washermanpet Metro Station or Mannadi Metro Station to get around the larger area.

Central Chennai
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Sholinganallur

Visitors to Sholinganallur enjoy its restaurants, and if you want to do some exploring, AKDR Golf Village is worth a stop.

Sholinganallur
The Leela Palace Chennai
The Leela Palace Chennai
5 out of 5
175 Sathya Dev Avenue Extn, MRC Nagar, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
The price is P7,548 per night from 12 Apr to 13 Apr
P7,548
P8,907 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 12 - Apr 13
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Chennai. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (714 reviews)
"I cant say enough about this beautiful property. This is our second stay in 5 months. The ambiance, the scent of jasmine when you enter, the decor, the service, the food, all exceptional. The rooms are so well appointed and very stately and elegant."

Reviewed on Mar 5, 2025

The Leela Palace Chennai
ITC Grand Chola, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Chennai
ITC Grand Chola, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Chennai
5 out of 5
# 63 Mount Road, Guindy, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
The price is P7,268 per night from 14 Mar to 15 Mar
P7,268
P8,577 total
includes taxes & fees
Mar 14 - Mar 15
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Chennai. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 3 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (688 reviews)
"The hotel lives up to every expectation. The staff is Extremely helpful and I would definitely stay here again."

Reviewed on Mar 12, 2025

ITC Grand Chola, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Chennai
The Park Chennai
The Park Chennai
5 out of 5
601 Anna Salai Road, Near US Embassy, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is P3,609 per night from 14 Mar to 15 Mar
P3,609
P4,042 total
includes taxes & fees
Mar 14 - Mar 15
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Chennai. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
6/10 (646 reviews)
"They need to do renovations. Change new towels."

Reviewed on Mar 7, 2025

The Park Chennai
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Somerset Greenways Chennai
Somerset Greenways Chennai
4.5 out of 5
No. 94 Sathyadev Avenue, MRC Nagar, Raja Annamalai Puram, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Chennai. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 restaurants. Popular attractions Marina Beach and Theosophical Society ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (180 reviews)
"Great property"

Reviewed on Mar 11, 2025

Somerset Greenways Chennai
Vibha by Sri Lakshmi Homes
Vibha by Sri Lakshmi Homes
2.5 out of 5
Rajeswari Street,Nelson Manickam Road, 9/6, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
Stay at this aparthotel in Chennai. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour front desk, and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Marina Beach and Ampa Skywalk Mall are ...
10/10 Exceptional! (2 reviews)
"This is a brand new apartment block conveniently located at close proximity to many amenities in Chennai. We stayed here just over two weeks and thoroughly enjoyed it. The proprietor Sampath is very helpful and communicated with us on WhatsApp well in advance to identify our needs. Reception staff ..."

Reviewed on Feb 18, 2025

Vibha by Sri Lakshmi Homes
ROCKFORT STAY INN
ROCKFORT STAY INN
4.5 out of 5
Hiranandani Parks Oragadam, Chengalpattu, TN
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Chengalpattu. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Vallakottai Murugan Temple and ...
ROCKFORT STAY INN
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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