Chennai Travel Guides

Overview : Welcome to Chennai Travel Guides


One of the four metropolitan cities of India along with Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata, the city of Chennai is a major commercial, cultural and educational centre in India. Chennai is the Capital of Tami Nadu, the Southern State of India. Formally known as Madras, Chennai is a hub for westernization lovers but still has its roots in culture and traditions. The city is approximately 369 years old and is the fourth largest city of India along being listed as the 6th largest city in terms of population.

The city serves as the gateway to South India and has a vibrant culture and art scene. The city is also known for medical tourism. Being one of the major tourist places, the city is standing at the 13th position in India regarding cleanliness. Chennai has the second largest beach fort of any municipality in the World. Through this Chennai travel guide, you will get to know everything about this charming place, like its rich culture and traditions, mouth-watering delicacies, festivals and glorious history. The city of Chennai has been the fortress of many dynasties of South India in the past.

This Chennai travel guide on Chennai tourism will help you explore the city easily and inform you about the places to visit in Chennai, Chennai tourist places, the history and culture of Chennai, and the best time to visit Chennai.

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History of Chennai


Chennai and its surrounding areas have been a part of various South Indian Kingdoms that reigned here successfully through centuries. The Cholas, the Pandavas, the Pallavas are some of the renowned Dynasties who ruled the region. In 1639 British East India Company was granted this land for building a trading settlement. The document of grant land is dated 22 August 1639; Madaras celebrates its Birthday on 22 August. After India gained Independence, Chennai became Tamil Nadu's capital, one of India's fastest-growing states. With this, it also emerged as an important centre of Religion and Politics. Today, the city is the 6th populous city in India, according to the census 2011. It is now the second-largest exporter of IT and BPO.

Culture of Chennai

The city is the perfect blend of westernization as traditions. This metropolitan city is filled with the establishment of several industries and technology giants. In the IT field, Chennai also has a rich culture in the form of music and dance. Famous for its classical Indian dance Bharatnatyam, the city is full of colours and life. Bharatnatyam is a Classical Indian dance believed to have been done by the Devdaasi in ancient times.

Bharatnatyam is believed to be a version of the celestial dance of aspara and is often called fire dance that manifests the fire element in the human body. This traditional dance can be learned at Kalakashetra, a prominent institute that teaches this dance form to people of all ages.

Every year in the month of December, Chennai organized 5 weeks long Carnatic music shows, with numerous Kacheries performed by renowned musicians. Along with dance and music, Chennai also has a major association with theatres that are played in both languages, Tamil and English. Mostly the plays are based on mythological stories, or history and also comedy. Many schools and college students take part in theatre actively.

Being one of the major melting pots of people from different cultures and traditional backgrounds, the city celebrates almost all the festivals with the same high zeal and enthusiasm.

The main festivals in Chennai are Pongal, Chitthirai, Sala Virza, Nav Ratri, Dance and Music Festival, Natyanjali Dance Festival, and Mamallapuram.

Food in Chennai -

Chennai has a delicious taste when it comes to food. Both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes are equally delicious and finger-licking. The one staple food in Chennai is Rice, whether its breakfast, lunch or dinner. Rice is featured in every meal in vivid shapes and dishes. Typical South Indians start their day with filter coffee, and in most houses and hotels, people have filter coffee with small tumblers.

Some other renowned food of Chennai includes Idli and Sambar, Dosa and Sambhar, Uttappam, Upumav, which are mostly taken in the breakfast. In lunch, people generally have Rice and legumes and classic meals like Saapadu, Rasam, Kootu and Appalam. The Chennaities generally complete their meals with curd and Rice. Chicken, Mutton, Prawns and other sea food are popular as non-vegetarian dishes. Your sweet tooth will serve by Payasam, a sweet dish of Chennai cooked with Rice and mil with a dollop of ghee and sugar.

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Chennai Weather


Language Spoken

Hindi, English

Places to Visit Chennai


Listed among for metropolitan cities of India, Chennai is flourishing with rich culture and heritage sites. Some of the best places to visit in Chennai are -

Mahabalipuram:

It is an ancient post well known for its stone carvings and stone temples. It was believed to be built between the 7th and 9th centuries. This was also called the port city of Pallava, classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The literal meaning of the city is 'City of the Great Bali'.

Dakshina Chitra:

One of the most beautiful places in Chennai, which means the picture of the South. It is a heritage museum that illustrates the picture of south India. One of the famous Chennai travel places, this will offer you a picture of the cultural heritage of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andra Pradesh and Kerala.

Kapaleeshwar Temple:

The temple is dedicated to one of the Hindu trinity Lord Shiva and the best Chennai tourist destinations. The temple was built in the 7th century CE and featured Dravidian architectural style. Devotees visit this temple in high number during the festival of Panguni Peruvizah, Brahmotsavam and Arupathimoovar.

Some other Chennai travel places are monuments such as Fort St. George Faramasons Hall, Senate House and War memorial. Religious places in Chennai are Adeeswar temple, Velakanni Church, St. Mary's Church, Parthasarathy temple and Kanadaswamy temple. 

Best Time to Visit Chennai


The city is located on the southeast coast and comes in the tropical zone. The blend of these two makes Chennai indeed hot and humid. Summers are very hot, with a temperature of 45 degrees Celsius. You will enjoy visiting the city from November to February. It is the best time to visit Chennai when one can experience rejuvenating and relishing endowments.

Getting In Chennai

BY AIR

The Chennai International Airport hosts two terminals connecting Chennai to major cities in India and Asia, Europe, and North America.

BY ROAD

The city has a well cluster of roads that connect it with other major cities of India. The nearest destination from Chennai is Tirupati which is at a distance of merely 140 km. Chennai by road also connects to Mumbai via Hydrabad, Mahabalipuram, Cochi, Salem, Madurai and Tiruchirapalli.

BY RAIL

Well connected through railways, Chennai has two main railway stations Chennai Central station and Chennai Egmore.

Packing

You will love your Chennai trip, and our Chennai travel guide will help you out to explore the city and Chennai tourist destinations. 

Customer Reviews

Hoteldekho.com Reviews

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  • jeevanc207
  • Jaipur
  • ( On january 10, 2022 )
  • 5 - Excellent

Great service and friendly team

Our Rajasthan trip was very unorganized and from day 1 we need to argue for each committed hotel and details. Driver and hotel were not informed in advance and we need to pay 12000/- for the forceful event at the hotel which was never informed to us.

Hoteldekho.com Reviews

  • ( 5 - Excellent Based on 1 review )
  • jeevanc207
  • Jaipur
  • ( On january 10, 2022 )
  • 5 - Excellent

Great service and friendly team

Our Rajasthan trip was very unorganized and from day 1 we need to argue for each committed hotel and details. Driver and hotel were not informed in advance and we need to pay 12000/- for the forceful event at the hotel which was never informed to us.

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