Chennai

Travel Guide
Ganesha Ratha which includes art
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, characterized 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

ibis Chennai City Centre Hotel
ibis Chennai City Centre Hotel
3 out of 5
690 Anna Salai, Mount Rd, Near US Consulate, Thousand Lights, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 600006
The price is ₹4,199 per night from 3 Apr to 4 Apr
₹4,199
per night
3 Apr - 4 Apr
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Chennai. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking and breakfast. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
7.8/10 Good! (179 reviews)
"The best part that really won my heart… we made the booking for my parents… they were leaving early morning around 6.30 am to catch their flight. The hotel ensured they packed sumptuous breakfast for my parents as their breakfast counter starts at 7! I really liked the thoughtfulness 🙏"

Reviewed on 17 Jan 2023

ibis Chennai City Centre Hotel
The Leela Palace Chennai
The Leela Palace Chennai
5 out of 5
175 Sathya Dev Avenue Extn, MRC Nagar, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 600028
The price is ₹12,600 per night from 6 Apr to 7 Apr
₹12,600
per night
6 Apr - 7 Apr
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Chennai. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking and 3 restaurants. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in their reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (474 reviews)
"Best hotel in Chennai. Great decor, ambience, food and the executive suite had an amazing view."

Reviewed on 4 Mar 2023

The Leela Palace Chennai
The Park Chennai
The Park Chennai
5 out of 5
601 Anna Salai Road, Near US Embassy, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 600006
The price is ₹5,011 per night from 2 Apr to 3 Apr
₹5,011
per night
2 Apr - 3 Apr
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Chennai. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking and 4 restaurants. Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant in their reviews. ...
6/10 (461 reviews)
"Super location and good experience staying here.."

Reviewed on 28 Mar 2023

The Park Chennai
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.
Olive Serviced Apartments
Olive Serviced Apartments
2 out of 5
No. 36, Anna Nedun Salai, Facite Road, Kandanchavadi, Perungudi, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 600096
Stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in Chennai. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi and free parking. Popular attractions International Tech Park and Thiruvanmiyur ...
10/10 Exceptional! (1 review)
"the rooms were very clean"

Reviewed on 4 Mar 2020

Olive Serviced Apartments
Somerset Greenways Chennai
Somerset Greenways Chennai
4.5 out of 5
No. 94 Sathyadev Avenue, MRC Nagar, Raja Annamalai Puram, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 600028
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Chennai. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (158 reviews)
"Good"

Reviewed on 9 Jan 2023

Somerset Greenways Chennai
Swarna Sudarshan Service Apartments
Swarna Sudarshan Service Apartments
2.5 out of 5
No 16 Anna St, Chennai, TN, 600119
Stay at this business-friendly villa in Chennai. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi and free parking. Popular attractions AKDR Golf Village and ISKCON Chennai, ...
8/10 Very Good! (1 review)
Decent hotel
"Stay was good, food and cleanliness can be improved. Good staff. But the road in front of the apartment was filled with water for so many days even though the rain was stopped. Hard to travel in such scenarios"

Reviewed on 8 Dec 2021

Swarna Sudarshan Service Apartments
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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