Chennai Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Chennai showing a city
Ganesha Ratha which includes art
Chennai
Chennai
Elliot\'s Beach showing a playground and a sandy 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 neighbourhood. Marvel at the white-washed San Thome Church, built on the tomb of the apostle St. Thomas. See a typical example of Dravidian architecture, characterised 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

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T Nagar

4/5(17 area reviews)

Travellers come to T Nagar for its abundant dining options, and you can see top attractions like Pondy Bazaar and Thirumalai Thirupathi Devasthanam while you're in town.

T Nagar
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Nungambakkam

4.5/5(15 area reviews)

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
Armenian Church showing a city and street scenes

Central Chennai

4/5(57 area reviews)

The churches and monuments are just a few things visitors like about Central Chennai. Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium and Raja Muthiah Hall 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
Chennai featuring religious aspects

Guindy

4/5(24 area reviews)

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

Guindy
St. Andrew\'s Kirk showing a church or cathedral and heritage elements

Egmore

3.5/5(16 area reviews)

You'll enjoy the monuments and spas in Egmore. You might want to make time for a stop at Raja Muthiah Hall or Government Museum.

Egmore
Chennai which includes animals

Mahabalipuram Beach

4/5(10 area reviews)

Mahabalipuram Beach is noteworthy for its beaches, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Mamallapuram Beach and Shore Temple.

Mahabalipuram Beach
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 Rp2.186.451 per night from 23 Aug to 24 Aug
Rp2.186.451
Rp2.580.012 total
23 Aug - 24 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Chennai. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 5 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (741 reviews)
"I would like to recommend a good review for the customer service I received from Stephen Garrett and Vaiyshanavi in the front office"

Reviewed on 20 Aug 2025

ITC Grand Chola, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Chennai
THE MADRAS GRAND

THE MADRAS GRAND

3 out of 5
NO 1 - CHINNA STREET, EGMORE, Chennai, Tamilnadu
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Chennai. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free valet parking and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Marina Beach and Government Museum are ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (46 reviews)
"Really good place to stay. Breakfast was excellent. Stay very helpful and friendly. Area surrounding is okay"

Reviewed on 2 Aug 2025

THE MADRAS GRAND
Pullman Chennai Anna Salai - Premium Brand By Accor

Pullman Chennai Anna Salai - Premium Brand By Accor

4.5 out of 5
Anna Salai, Teynampet, 636, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
The price is Rp1.256.369 per night from 29 Aug to 30 Aug
Rp1.256.369
Rp1.407.133 total
29 Aug - 30 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Chennai. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (670 reviews)
"you have the best service staff ever"

Reviewed on 4 Aug 2025

Pullman Chennai Anna Salai - Premium Brand By Accor
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 Wi-Fi, free parking and 2 restaurants. Popular attractions Marina Beach and Theosophical Society ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (184 reviews)
"Great facility. Only quibble is the wifi connection process is a bit cumbersome. I had to get help to log in."

Reviewed on 14 Jul 2025

Somerset Greenways Chennai
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 Wi-Fi and free parking. Popular attractions Vallakottai Murugan Temple and ...
10/10 Exceptional! (1 review)
"Enjoyed our stay for 2 days, breakfast was also good."

Reviewed on 22 Jul 2025

ROCKFORT STAY INN
Eben Residency

Eben Residency

2 out of 5
KONATHI VILLAGE MAIN Rd, Chengalpattu, TN
Stay at this apartment in Chengalpattu. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attraction Arignar Anna Zoological Park is located ...
Eben Residency
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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