🇮🇳 Chennai, Tamil Nadu – Destination Guide

Chennai, the capital of Tamil Nadu, is a vibrant coastal city blending traditional South Indian culture with modern urban flair. Situated along the Coromandel Coast of the Bay of Bengal, Chennai is known for its Dravidian heritage, classical arts, colonial architecture, temples, beaches, and thriving technology and film industries.

🏙️ Why Visit Chennai?

• Explore centuries-old temples like Kapaleeshwarar and Parthasarathy

• Enjoy Marina Beach, one of the longest urban beaches in the world

• Discover Tamil Nadu’s rich classical music, dance, and cuisine

• Visit historical sites, art galleries, and British colonial-era monuments

• Gateway to Mahabalipuram, Pondicherry, and Kanchipuram

📍 Location & Connectivity

• State: Tamil Nadu

• Airport: Chennai International Airport (MAA) – major hub in South India

• Railway Stations: Chennai Central (MAS), Egmore (MS)

• Connected by: Highways, metro rail, buses, suburban trains, and ports

🌟 Top Attractions in Chennai

🌊 Marina Beach

• India’s longest beach (13 km)

• Popular for evening walks, sunrise views, and local street food

🛕 Kapaleeshwarar Temple

• Ancient Dravidian temple in Mylapore

• Dedicated to Lord Shiva; vibrant during festivals

🛕 Parthasarathy Temple

• Historic temple devoted to Lord Krishna

• Located in Triplicane, showcasing Pallava architecture

🏛️ Fort St. George

• Built in 1644 by the British East India Company

• Houses the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly and museum

🎭 Kalakshetra Foundation

• Cultural academy for Bharatanatyam and Carnatic music

• A serene space promoting Indian art and culture

🖼️ Government Museum & National Art Gallery

• Located in Egmore

• Houses ancient bronzes, archaeological exhibits, and Indian art

🏖️ Elliot's Beach (Besant Nagar)

• Quieter alternative to Marina, loved by locals for its cafés and vibe

🏢 Santhome Basilica

• Neo-Gothic church built over the tomb of St. Thomas the Apostle

🍛 Local Cuisine to Try

• Idli, Dosa, Vada, Pongal, Sambar, Filter Coffee

• Chettinad cuisine: spicy chicken, mutton, and vegetarian dishes

• Seafoods in coastal areas, and banana-leaf traditional meals

• Sweets like Mysore Pak and Jangri

🎨 Cultural Vibe

• December Music Season: Carnatic concerts & dance festivals across the city

• Film studios like AVM reflect Chennai’s influence in Kollywood (Tamil cinema)

• Hosts international book fairs, art exhibitions, and urban fashion trends

🕒 Best Time to Visit

• November to February: Pleasant, ideal for sightseeing

• March to June: Hot and humid; carry sun protection

• July to October: Monsoon; intermittent rain, lush surroundings

🧳 Travel Tips

• Dress modestly at temples

• Learn a few Tamil phrases—it’s appreciated by locals

• Auto-rickshaws often don’t use meters—negotiate fare beforehand

• Chennai has a metro system ideal for quick city transport

🏞️ Day Trips from Chennai

• Mahabalipuram (UNESCO World Heritage Site) – ~60 km

• Kanchipuram (Silk saree & temple town) – ~75 km

• Pondicherry – ~160 km

• Pulicat Lake – Bird sanctuary & lagoon ~60 km north