The capital of the southeast Indian state of Tamil Nadu, Chennai is a large, busy city with an exceptional dining scene and mix of architectural styles. There are plenty of things to do in Chennai, from taking sunrise beach strolls to sampling local street food, but history and architecture are its biggest draws. You’ll find a mix of colorful, ancient temples built in the Dravidian tradition and European-style churches and government buildings that were constructed in the Raj area, when Chennai was known by its former name: Madras.
Winter is the best time to visit Chennai. While December does get some rainfall, January and February are mostly dry. Temperatures begin to climb in March and April, peaking around 100°F (38°C) in May. The monsoon season starts in June, bringing with it heavy rainfall that can continue well into November. The city is equipped to deal with downpours, but the rains can put a damper on travel plans.
There are lots of ways to get around Chennai, from relying on taxis, which can be arranged through rideshare apps, to using auto rickshaws, which are easy to hail on the street. Just make sure to agree to a price before you get in. Bus service is not always the most comfortable, but urban trains and the Chennai Metro are both reliable ways to get around.
If you're craving some relief from city life, head to Amethyst, a complex featuring a boutique, flower shop, art gallery, and café—all housed in a historic granary. The Wild Garden café draws in the most visitors, not only for its extensive menu of espresso drinks and European food, but also for its ambience. Grab a table at the large leafy garden or sit inside the antiques-filled dining room.
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Chennai is famous for its historic architecture, long stretches of beach, and great dining scene. Some of its most popular attractions include Fort St. George, a massive 17th-century fortress also known as the White City, and the 7th-century Kapaleeshwarar Temple, a colorful example of Dravidian architecture.
...MoreWith three days, you can see Chennais' highlights in the Mylapore and Georgetown neighborhoods and have time for day trips. Good options include the French colonial city of Pondicherry and the coastal town of Mahabalipuram, which features a UNESCO World Heritage temple complex overlooking the Bay of Bengal.
...MoreWith one day in Chennai, spend a morning visiting the compact Mylapore neighborhood, site of both the Kapaleeshwarar Temple and San Thome Cathedral, and take the afternoon to visit the colonial Georgetown area and Fort St. George.
...MoreYes, Chennai is worth visiting. It’s the cultural and political hub of Tamil Nadu and a great place for history and architecture buffs, with many historic buildings, some dating back more than a thousand years. It also has a great dining scene, with lots of cafés and restaurants worth visiting.
...MoreChennai is most famous for South Indian street snacks and breakfast foods such as idlis (steamed fermented rice and black gram cakes), dosas (crepes), and uttapams (similar to dosas but not as thin). Other popular snacks include chili bhajis, breaded and deep-fried chili peppers, and savory donuts known as vadas.
...MoreThere are many great things to buy in Chennai, including hand-carved wall hangings depicting images of Hindu deities as well as Tanjore paintings, colorful art pieces that rely heavily on gold overlay. Silk saris are a popular purchase, particularly those originating from the town of Kanchipuram, a 2-hour drive away.
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