Guide to Chennai, India

Chennai (formerly Madras) is the capital of the southern state of Tamil Nadu, and is the fourth most populous in India. Chennai is situated on the east coast of peninsular Indian, and is well connected by road, rail and air.

Chennai is the gateway to South India, and it’s culture is distinctly different than the rest of India due to Tamil tradition and culture. Chennai is both an orthodox and modern cosmopolitan city, and the culture reflects it’s diverse population.

Top reasons to visit Chennai

The main port in South India, cultural centre, automobile capital of India and fast emerging IT hub.

Learn about Tamil Nadu traditions, such as dance, food, music, arts and clothing.

Main areas of Chennai

Old Chennai

New Chennai

George Town

historical neighbourhood of Fort Saint George

Sights - Fort St George, Gokhale Hall, Mint Street

When to go to Chennai

Chennai has an extremely hot and humid climate, and heavy rains during Monsoon season (July to November).

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Top Attractions in Chennai

• Fort St George
• Temples - Madurai, Chidambaram, Thanjavar, Tirunelveli
• Beach resorts - Buena Vista, Blue Lagoon, Casuarina Bay
• Golden Beach theme park
• Crocodile Park
• Valluvar Kottam
• St Mary’s Church
• Parks - Arignar Anna Zoological park, Semmozhi Poonga, Guindy National Park

Shopping in Chennai

• Malls - Ampa Mall, Chennai City Centre, Express Avenue, Ispahani Centre, Prince Plaza
• Department Stores - Shoppers Stop, Spencer Plaza
• Books - Brookfield, Giggles, Landmark, Alwar’s Roadside Bookshop, Odyssey
• Clothes - FabIndia, BrassTacks, Amaaara, Just Casuals
• Crafts - Crafts and Waves, Amethyst
• Sarees - Co-Optex, Aavaranaa, Radha Silk Emporium
• Jewellery - Jaipur Gems, Aarthi Thanga Maligai, Joyalukkas
• Market - Phoenix Market City
• Musical Instruments - Lakshman Shruthu, Sapthaswara Musicals

Eating in Chennai

Chennai local delicacies can be sampled at Hotel Saravana Bhavan, Murugan Idli Shop and Simar Authentic Punjabi Cuisine.

Recommended restaurants include Bakeville-cakeshop, Bakers Cottage, Old Madras, Mainland China, Tuscana Pizzeria, Litte Italy,Kryptos by Willi, Barbecue Nation, Vrindavan, Adyar Ananda Bhavan and Aiwo.

Nightlife and Entertainment in Chennai

• Coffee - Amethyst, Barista, Anhoki
• Bars - US 101, Paddington Sports Bar, Fruit Bizz, Fort St George, Zodiac, 10 Downing Street, Rhapsody, Illusions
• Clubs - Flame, Pash, Havana, Dublin, Candy Club
• Lounges - Elixir Lounge bar
• Museums - Government Museum, Birla Planetarium, Integral Coach Factory, Vivekananda House
• Cinema and Theatre - Express Avenue, Devi Cineplex, Ganga Theatre Complex, Inox, Udhayam Theatre
• Arts - National Art Gallery
• Music and Dance - The Music Academy, Brahma Gana, Sabha, Indian Institute of Music and Arts

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