CHENNAI

1 Kapaleeshwarar Temple

South Indian temples are known for their color, and Kapaleeshwarar Temple in Mylapore is no exception. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this centuries-old temple is a masterpiece of Dravidian architecture, with its towering gopuram (gateway tower) adorned with intricate carvings of colorful deities and Hindu scenes.

While non-Hindus are usually not allowed inside, the flower-lined streets outside the temple are more than worth visiting. Kapaleeshwarar Temple is a center of Chennai culture, where you can witness daily rituals, prayers (pujas), and the beautiful kolams (rangoli) decorating the grounds.

2 Santhome Cathedral Basilica

Dazzling white in the bright Chennai sun, Santhome Cathedral Basilica with its high steeples and stained glass windows is believed to be the tomb of St. Thomas. You know, as in Thomas from the Bible, one if Jesus’ twelve disciples? After leaving Jerusalem, Thomas is believed to have traveled to India in 52 A.D. where he was later put to death as a martyr for spreading Christianity.

The Portuguese built Santhome Cathedral Basilica in 1523 A.D. Inside, stained glass and ancient relics tell accounts of St. Thomas life, and in the underground chapel, is the believed burial place of St. Thomas. It’s a quiet, sacred place for Christians who come here to pray.

3 Fresh-caught seafood at Marina Beach

At Marina Beach, try South India’s famous fresh-caught seafood at Meenavan Unavagam, or “Fisherman’s Restaurant.” Owned by two brothers, the fish is as fresh as it gets, caught the same day by local fisherman—and one of the brothers himself! Their seafood is some of the best we’ve ever had, seriously, and at prices that won’t run you out of rupees.

Served with a quartet of curries and sambar along with unlimited rice, order portions of shrimp fry, squid fry, and fried anchovies for just 100 INR (about 1.20 USD) each! As long as they’re in stock, ask to try one of their famous fish cakes.

Get ready to eat with your hands. Food just tastes better that way! 😋

4 Higginbottoms, the oldest bookshop in India

On the busy Mount Road in downtown Chennai, Higginbottoms has been standing since 1844. It’s India’s oldest surviving bookshop, and has witnesses decades of Indian history from to the British colonial era to independence.

Scan over the thousands of titles that line its shelves, and glimpse a piece of India’s history. With its old-world charm and the weight of history in every corner, a visit here is like stepping back in time.

5 Try the “world’s biggest thali” at Ponnusamy Hotel

This thali, served with 45 items, is nicknamed the “world’s biggest thali” by Ponnusamy Hotel. It’s called the “Baahubali Thali,” and is served with different rice dishes from white rice to chicken and mutton biryani, breads from paratha to naan, and big bowls of both veg and meat curries.

But that’s not all. They also serve a filet of fish in the center, surrounded by a smattering of curries, daals, and frys (like the delicious prawn fry!) Don’t forget to save room for dessert (if that’s even possible) because you’ll love their Soji and Gulab Jamun! 😋

6 Shopping in Chennai

Chennai has everything on your Indian shopping list from traditional crafts to high-end brands and boutiques. Your first stop in Chennai has to be T Nagar. T Nagar is famous for its gold jewelry, silk saris, and vibrant street market.

What’s a trip to India without a stop at Anokhi? Known for its high-quality, handmade block-print designs and elegant homeware, Anokhi is a must for lovers of Indian textiles. Your next stop is Kamala Crafts, an initiative by the Crafts Council of India, which features traditional handicrafts from all over the country. For textiles with roots in Tamil Nadu, visit Co-optex to find handloom saris, dhotis, and bed linens.

For traditional apparel and homeware, add Fab India to your list. For boutique fashion and accessories, don’t forget to stop at Azurina. Azurina blends modern aesthetics with traditional Indian craftsmanship.

7 Eat your way through Chennai

Dosas, idli, sambar, vada, and uttapam are some of the most famous South Indian foods, so be sure to try them while you’re in Chennai. Idli, a fermented lentil and rice batter cooked into circles, is sometimes called the national dish of South India. It’s often served for breakfast in the South.

When Virat Kohli visited Chennai, he ate at Eating Circles. Eat like a world-famous cricketer by ordering their Bangalore masala dosa for just 152 INR (about 1.82 USD). Don’t forget to order their rose milk, too! 😋

8 Take a cooking class

Food tastes better in people’s homes. It just does. This cooking class is an invitation to cook with a mother in her home, learning the art of authentic South Indian cooking like dosas, paratha, idlis, sambar, and coconut chutney right in her kitchen.

This isn’t just a cooking class; it’s a chance to make new friends and share a meal together at home in Chennai. Book here for 3,000 INR per person for a vegetarian meal, or check the availability of other cooking classes below.

9 Visit the “Parrot Man” of Chennai

Every morning and afternoon, Sudarsonsah, affectionately nicknamed the “Parrot Man” of Chennai, feeds thousands of Rose-ringed parakeets on his rooftop. Sudarsonsah noticed the destruction of the parakeets’ habitat and lack of food, so he stepped in to feed them from his own pocket.

He doesn’t accept donations, but he welcomes visitors during feeding time just before sunset. To visit him and his lovely wife in their home, message him on his Instagram. The sight of hundreds of parakeets spreading their wings against a Chennai sunset is one you don’t want to miss. Even more unforgettable is the generosity of one “ordinary” family.

10 Government Museum Chennai

This is one of the oldest museums in India. The sprawling complex features galleries dedicated to archaeology, art, anthropology, and numismatics. Don’t miss the bronze gallery, home to Chola-era bronzes from the 9th to 13th centuries.

11 Get inspired at Writer’s Cafe

Writer’s Cafe isn’t just a coffee shop; it’s a haven for creatives and book lovers, and the perfect place to relax after a long day of sightseeing. Don’t forget to check out travel reads in their bookstore section. Browse through shelves of books while sipping on a steaming cup of coffee.

Their cappuccinos are only 85 INR (about 1 USD), making it the perfect place for writers and remote workers to spend a few hours.

12 St. Mary’s Church

Inside Fort St. George, founded in 1639 as the first British fortress in India, St. Mary’s Church is the oldest Anglican church in India, built in 1680.

Inside, you’ll find quiet pews, beautiful stained glads windows, and the whisper of history. This isn’t just any church; it was the church of the British colonial powers in India.

Legend has it that a secret tunnel beneath the pulpit leads all the way to Delhi, the Indian capital of the British colonial empire.

13 Haggle at Janpath Market and Bazar Sangatrashan

Just off Connaught Place, Janpath Market is a bustling street of small shops and stalls selling everything from Kashmiri papier-mâché to bejeweled kurtas and beaded home decor. It’s popular among tourists and locals alike, making it a great place to snag a deal if you’re up to bargaining. For souvenirs from faux-fur shawls to singing bowls to incense, wander down Bazar Sangatrashan on Main Bazar Road.

My favorite shop is Shri Roop Niketan Wooden Blocks Collection, a treasure trove of Indian block print designs practically overflowing onto the street outside. If you’re eager to recreate block printing at home or have block prints in mind for another creative project, this is the place to visit.

14 Semmozhi Poonga

Semmozhi Poonga, meaning “Classical Language Park,” the first botanical garden in Chennai, is an oasis in the heart of Chennai. With over 500 species of plants, including exotic flowers, medicinal herbs, and rare trees, it’s the perfect place for a quiet walk after a long day of sightseeing. Take a walk along the pathways, picnic under the shade of ancient banyan trees, and experience Chennai like a local.

15 Try Amadora Artisan Ice Cream

Cool off from the south Indian heat with a scoop (or two!) of Amadora’s artisan ice cream. Known for its innovative flavors, this boutique ice cream shop is a local favorite. Visit for their “Madras Filter Coffee” ice cream, a celebration of Chennai’s coffee culture.
Vegan options: They also offer dairy-free and vegan-friendly flavors, made with almond milk and coconut milk.

How to Plan Your Trip to Chennai

Where to Stay in Chennai

Stay near to the south side of Marina Beach to be closest to the top attractions in Chennai. Many upscale hotels near the beach have rooftop pools and restaurants with views of the city skyline. Stay in comfort and luxury at the iconic Taj Coromandel hotel or The Raintree. or For mid-range stays, we stayed at Happy Planet in Alwarpet for 3,000 (about 36 USD) for two people including breakfast.

How to Get to Chennai

Most travelers to Chennai arrive by plane to Chennai International Airport. From the airport, it’s about thirty to forty-five minutes by car to downtown Chennai. The most convenient way to get to your hotel is by ordering an Uber or Rapido. It should cost 500 to 1,000 (about 6 to 12 USD) and take around thirty to forty-five minutes depending on traffic.

How to Get Around Chennai

The easiest way to get around is by ordering an Uber. You can also download the Rapido app (like Uber) to order rides from place to place. A ten-minute Uber or Rapido ride can cost as little as 60 INR (about 0.70 USD). Chennai also has a good metro system, but ordering ride shares is so cheap that we never used it!

Safety in Chennai

Chennai is a very safe and welcoming city in India. The most you probably have to worry about is overpaying for a tuk-tuk ride. Sadly, it’s still not safe for women to walk alone at night but during the day is okay. Female solo travelers can book private rooms or female-only dorms through HostelWorld. For added safety, connect with other female travelers in the Girls Love Travel and Host a Sister Facebook groups.

Health in Chennai

Only drink filtered water, not tap. Avoid eating out at unpopular restaurants or street food stalls that are not vetted by other tourists. Avoid eating vegetables and fruits that are cut, not peeled. Brush your teeth with filtered water, not tap. If worse comes to worse, carry Imodium with you along with toilet paper and hand sanitizer, and enjoy India’s incredible food! To quote Anthony Bourdain, “Indian food won’t kill you.”
 
Malaria is low risk in Chennai, but dengue fever is still a risk. So make sure to use mosquito repellent in the mornings and evenings as a precaution.

Travel Insurance for India

Whatever you do, don’t travel without travel insurance. Whether it’s sickness, theft, or lost luggage, something WILL go wrong, and travel insurance is your only way of lessening costs!

India Travel Essentials

Traveling comes with a unique set of challenges. To keep your journey happy, healthy, and safe, I recommend traveling with these:

Addalock (Don’t travel to India without this! It’s an added safety lock that works with any door).

Ear plugs and eye mask (For overnight train rides!)

Hand sanitiser and wet wipes (In India, these are a must.)

Reusable water bottle  (Save plastic by investing in a Grayl water purification bottle, which lets you fill up from any water source, anywhere in the world.)

Power bank (There’s not much worse than running out of phone battery and not being able to find your way home.)

International travel adapter (You’ll need at least one of these for all of your trips.)

For a full list of my travel recommendations, click here!