About Chennai

Nicknamed, 'Detroit of India', home to the famous Tamil film industry, one of the most visited Indian cities, Chennai is the fourth largest city in India. This city is all about beaches, diverse population, rich culture, and deeply rooted traditions, and is also called the Gateway to the South. The city still has glimpses of the impressive monuments built during the British rule, when it was known as Madras. A well-connected city bus service system and tram routes reflect a well-planned infrastructure. The mouthwatering and nourishing South Indian cuisine has impressively captured the global palate too. Impeccably carved and painted with figurines of Gods and Goddesses, the magnificent temples enthrall the devotees. Adorned with 17th-century spectacular Anglican churches, the city is the largest economic, social and cultural center of south India. Bragging the title of health capital of India, Chennai has been ranked as the safest city in the country. The city exquisitely blends modern infrastructure with traditional values and is listed in the UNESCO Creative Cities Network for its rich traditional music contributions. Evolving as one of the first few smart cities of India, Chennai promises the world-class, consistent quality of living with culture and language that Tamilians take pride in.

 

Public Transport System

Buses, private metered call taxis and fixed-rate tourist taxis, autosMRTS: Mass Rapid Transit System (Chennai)Chennai Metro

Cleanliness and Efficiency

Cleanliness: High, Efficiency: High

Mode & Cost of Transports

Moffusil buses:                           Minimum Fare (INR)

Ordinary bus:                                        6.00

Express:                                               24.00

Non stop super Delux(upto 30km):      27.00

Ultra Delux (up to 30km):                     33.00

Air conditioned (upto30km):                 42.00

Volvo (upto 30km):                                51.00

 

Ghat Section   

Ordinary bus:                                            7.20

Express (upto 30km):                              32.00



Fare structure of the Chennai MRTS

Distance               2nd-Class Fares                1st-ClassFares 

 (km)          Adult (Rs.)      Child (Rs.)            Adult(Rs.)     Child (Rs.)

1 to 5:               5                  5                             45                 45

6 to 10:             5                  5                             45                 45

11 to 15:           5                  5                             45                 45

16 to 20:           5                  5                             80                 55

21 to 25:         10                 10                            85    

Basic Items & Cost

Name Price
Water Bottle INR 0.00
Cup of Coffee INR 0.00
Milk Carton Pack INR 0.00
Rice/Kg INR 0.00
White Bread INR 0.00
Eggs (12) INR 0.00
Combo Meal INR 0.00
Fine Dining INR 0.00
Bottle of Coke or Pepsi INR 0.00
Domestic Beer INR 0.00
Imported Beer INR 0.00
Bottle of Wine INR 0.00
Cigarettes (20 Pack) INR 0.00
Taxi ( 1 km ) INR 0.00
Ticket in local transport (Single way). INR 0.00
Rent ( One Bed Room) INR 0.00

Do

  • Apply sunscreen every day, or else the heat will get you.
  • Use public transport. It is a cheaper way to travel.
  • Ask for less spicy food, you will be glad, especially if you are not accustomed to eating spicy food.
  • Learn a few basicTamil words. This will help you get around far more easily.
  • Go with someone you know and trust, especially for shopping. You can get good bargains and deals this way.
  • Have a mobile phone handy at all times. Get a local SIM. This is the easiest way of communication, especially if you are in a hurry.
  • Stay at a good place, they are affordable.
  • Try not to travel too late at night. Day time travel is safer.
  • Drink only purified water, you will not fall sick.
  • Be prepared for the noise and crowds in Chennai. If you are not used to the crowd, it may overwhelm you.
  • Go out and explore the warmth of Chennai and its culture, you will be surprised.

Don’t

  • Don’t drink so badly that you are not self-aware. Any offence committed will be taken seriously.
  • Don’t try to see too much in a short time. You will not be able to have the full impact of the attractions.
  • Never step out without a bottle of water. 
  • Don’t ever wear anything too short or revealing in Chennai. People dress modestly here.
  • Do not smoke in public areas. It is forbidden.
  • Do not poke fun at their film industry. People are too sensitive about the industry.
  • Do not disturb those who have come to pray in temples, or people will react badly to you.

Night Life

Chennai promises super vibrant and high energetic electrifying evenings. Post-sundown activities include a lot of fun and frolic to compensate for the daily, hectic lifestyle of its population. It has lots to offer other than pubs and night clubs. There are opportunities to enjoy dance, Carnatic music, and Bharatanatyam or enjoy movies at night screening. Gaze at the stars with binoculars from the beaches that are quiet and beautiful at night, to feel in unison with the universe. Take a long relaxing drive to watch the sunrise from the East Coast road. There is more to after-dark fun here like Storytrails, Evening City Treks, run by a small team of history and heritage buffs. Sports lovers enjoy their evening rendezvous with a round of ‘night sports’ at Netz Cricket or night bicycle rides conducted by activity operators. Being a part of turtle walks across coastal Chennai under the cover of the night when the turtles usually hatch is also a very unique night activity. Busy streets of Chennai take a break as the youth set out to party once the night begins. Pub hopping, disco, late night snacks are best enjoyed on rooftops, beaches or parks, Chennai offers plenty of choices to hang out and craft memories that are happy and wholesome.

Must See

  • Enjoy Beach bonfires and camping in Chennai. 
  • Take a walk through Thalankuppam Pier
  • Feel the spirituality of St Thomas Mount Church in the Guindy suburb of Chennai
  • Fun Rides in MGM Dizee World
  • Witness the beauty of the largest beach in India-Marina beach, Chennai
  • Watch the stars at the Birla Planetarium
  • Experience the adrenaline rush (the best of water sports) at Muttukadu near Chennai
  • Enjoy the culture of cinemas

Experiences

  • Kite flying, pony rides, beach games, swimming and skating in Marina beach.
  • Enjoy nature photography at Ubbalamadugu Falls.
  • Bird watching near Pulicat Lake.
  • Kodaikanal to Kumbakarai Trek from Chennai.
  • Spend time with books in Anna Centenary Library.
  • Catch the sunrise at Elliots Beach, Besant Nagar In Chennai.
  • Nature walk at IIT-M.
  • Feast with the best South Indian food.
  • Enjoy concerts and shows in Chennai.

Activities

Edward Elliot's Beach
Beach
Besant Nagar, Chennai, India.
Distance From City Center
7.8 kms
Marina Beach
Beach
Triplicane, Marina Beach Road, Chennai 600005, India
Distance From City Center
1.5 kms
AKDR Golf Village
Golf
 3, City Union bank, 381, Old Mahabalipuram Rd, Thoraipakkam, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600097
Distance From City Center
14 KMS
The Madras Crocodile Bank Trust (night safari)
Safari
Post Bag No 4, Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu 603104
Distance From City Center
35.8 KMs
Thiruvalluvar Nagar Beach
Beach
Thiruvalluvar Nagar Beach, Valmiki Nagar, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600041, India
Distance From City Center
10.3 Kms
Lion safari
Safari
Arignar Anna Zoological Park
Distance From City Center
31.3 KMs

Shopping

Archaic Craft Collections
Antique Markets
1/899, 1st Floor, Perumbakkam Main Road, Medavakkam, Chennai, India
Distance From City Center
20.2 kms
Bazzars
Flea Markets and Bazaars
T Nagar, Ranganathan Street
Distance From City Center
6.5 kms
Burma Bazaar
Flea Markets and Bazaars
Parrys Corner, Chennai Port , Mannady, Chennai 600001, India
Distance From City Center
6.5 kms
Cotton Alley
Flea Markets and Bazaars
Pantheon Rd , Beside Co-Optex, Chennai 600002, India
Distance From City Center
5.0 kms
Chennai Citi Center
Shopping Malls
No 10 & 11 Dr Radhakrishnan Salai, Mylapore, Chennai 600004, India
Chennaigaga
Shopping Malls
Mowbrays Road, Pudupet, Royapettah, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600004
Distance From City Center
1.8 kms
Express Avenue Mall
Shopping Malls
Club House Rd, Express Estate,Royapettah, Chennai, India
Distance From City Center
2.9 kms
The Forum Vijaya Mall
Shopping Malls
183 Nsk Salai, Vadapalani, Chennai 600026, India
Distance From City Center
7.8 km
  • Kancheepuram Saris
  • Mahabalipuram Artifacts
  • Antique Kaapi Maker
  • Tanjore Paintings
  • Traditional Jewelry
  • Keychains
  • T-shirts

Official Language

Assamese, Bengali, Bodo, Dogri... Read more

Other Language

Tamil, English

Spoken Language

Tamil is the main language. Te... Read more

Currency

Indian Rupee (INR)

Population

9.70 (Millions)

Weather Icon

Weather

Mist 25.25°C

Clock Icon

TimeZone

15:22 PM (GMT +05:30)

 

Ambulance Icon

Ambulance

108

 

Police Icon

Police

100

 

Electric socket

N/A

Airplane Icon

Airport Name / IATA Code

Chennai International Airport - MAA

Best time to visit

November, December, January and February.These months is the winter season in Chennai, the temperature is between 20 and 25 Degree Celsius. During daytime also there are cool breezes from the sea which provide relief from the otherwise hot weather.

Moderate time to visit

June, July, August, September and October.Monsoon season starts from late June and ends in the month of October.The temperature varies between 24ºC and 30ºC and the weather remains pleasant with moderate rainfall. 

Worst time to visit

March, April, May and June.March to June are the hottest months in Chennai. The maximum temperature during these months vary between 38-42 °C, making Chennai very hot.

Taxi

Start Tariff: INR 80.00

1 Km. Tariff: INR 13.00

1 Hour Waiting Tariff: INR 60.00

Available service

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Monthly Average Temperature & Rainfall

Local Services in Chennai (Contact directly)

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