Chennai Tour Packages

1. About Chennai
2. Tidbits
3. Things To Know Before Choosing Chennai Tour Packages
4. Chennai At A Glance
5. Top Reasons to Choose Chennai Tour Packages
6. Best Time To Choose Chennai Tour Packages
7. Top Tourist Attractions In Chennai
8. Nearby Cities You Can Visit In Chennai Tour Packages
9. Shopping
10. Dos and Don’ts of Visiting Chennai
11. Food
12. Art and Culture

From Singara Chennai to Vandharai Vazhavaikkum Chennai (a city that flourishes the lives of those who come to Chennai), Chennai, Tamil Nadu’s capital city, has multiple nicknames. It is often called the Detroit of India, given its huge automobile corridor, and the healthcare capital of India, given the advanced and affordable healthcare that attracts medical tourists from across the world. It ranks consistently among India’s safest cities and is counted among the top ten best cities to live in. Chennai is known for its vibrant culture, heritage temples, beaches, and eclectic street food. To learn more about the city, check our Chennai tour packages.

While the British officially founded Chennai in 1639 when the East India Company acquired land along the coast to build Fort St George, it was already an established fishing village and known as Madraspatnam. Pallavaram, a neighbourhood in Chennai, has been inhabited since the Palaeolithic Age, with archaeologists finding evidence of human settlements dating back 1.5 million years. Chennai was, at different times in history, ruled by the Cholas, Pallavas, and the Vijayanagara kings. Mylapore, Chennai’s oldest neighbourhood, predates the city and could be over 2000 years old.

To learn more about the city, check our Chennai tour packages.

Chennai has a tropical wet-and-dry climate, with high temperatures and humidity year-round. The city is warm all year, but especially sticky during the day in summer. However, it becomes tolerable during the night thanks to the cool sea breeze. The city is located on the Bay of Bengal’s Coromandel Coast, with the Cooum River running right through the centre and the Adyar River running through the south of Chennai. The Kosasthalaiyar River runs along the northern outskirts. The average annual temperature reaches around 34°C, while the low remains at 25°C.

To explore the city and its rich cultural heritage, check our Chennai tour packages.

Chennai is one of South India’s most well-developed cities, with key industries including automobiles, IT and ITES, medical tourism, hardware manufacturing, and financial services. The city alone produces nearly 30% of the country’s automobiles and 35% of its auto components. India’s fourth-largest metropolitan city is also home to several other industries, including apparel, petrochemicals, and tourism. The city is India’s 15th most populous and contributes around $ 95 billion to India’s GDP, ranking ahead of Bangalore and Hyderabad in terms of liveability and social inclusion.

• It is believed that Shivaji Maharaj prayed at the Kalikambal Temple in Parry’s Corner as part of his Dakshin Digvijay campaign.
• The Royapuram Railway Station is the oldest in South India, operating since 1856.
• The College of Engineering in Guindy is the oldest technical institute in India.
• Both Chennai and Madras are derived from previous settlements of the same name, Chennapattanam and Madrasapatnam, respectively.
• Mylapore, Chennai’s oldest neighbourhood, dates back to the 1st century CE.
• Tara Cherian, India’s first female mayor, was elected from Chennai.
• The Apostle Saint Thomas is buried in the San Thome Cathedral in Chennai.
• Chennai is the only city to be bombed in both World Wars.
• The India Film Company is South India’s first film studio, while AVM is its oldest.

• Chennai is known for its hot and humid climate – remember to enquire about the weather before booking Chennai tour packages.
• Pondicherry and Mahabalipuram are often clubbed together with Chennai tour packages as they are very close to Chennai and popular weekend getaway options.
• Carry light cotton clothes as the hot weather can be challenging.
• Wear a sunscreen lotion during your visit.
• Stick to bottled water in Chennai and stay away from cut fruits.

Chennai is a city of contrasts – on the one hand, you have a rich and thriving culture of dance and music, and on the other, a robust industrial and economic sector with several multinational companies setting up shop. If you are planning to explore the city, here are a few reasons to choose GT Holidays’ Chennai tour packages.

Unlike other metropolitan cities, Chennai is home to several ancient temples, some dating back to the early 6th century and built by the Cholas, Pallavas, and Vijayanagara Kings. Mylapore, Chennai’s oldest neighbourhood, has always been an important cultural centre and is even believed to be the birthplace of Thiruvalluvar, the great Tamil philosopher and Periyaalvar, one of the twelve Vaishnavite saints. The Kapaleeshwarar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, is one of Chennai’s most famous temples, dating back to the 7th century. Some believe that the temple is much older and was originally near the San Thome Beach, but may have been eroded or lost to foreign invasion.

The Parthasarathy Temple in Triplicane dates to the early 6th century and is dedicated to Lord Vishnu in the form of Arjuna’s charioteer. The temple was built by the Pallava kings and later expanded by the Cholas and the Vijayanagara kings.

The Dandeeshwara Temple in Velachery is the oldest, while the oldest existing temple is the Saptamatrika Temple, dating back to the 5th century.

The Chennakesava Perumal Temple in George Town is believed to be over 370 years old, built in the first year of the inception of Chennai.

The Kalikamba Temple in George Town was rebuilt in 1640 by the British and was even visited by Shivaji Maharaj in the 17th century. The original temple was located near the beach, but was relocated when the British built St George’s Fort.

The Vadapalani Murugan Temple, dedicated to Lord Murugan, was built in the late 19th century by Annaswami Nayakar, an ardent devotee of Lord Subramanya.

Devotees of Goddess Shakti must visit the Kamakshi Amman Temple in Mangadu as the Devi here is believed to remove obstacles and bestow good luck.

The San Thomas Cathedral and Basilica is one of Chennai’s oldest churches and is famous for being the burial place of Thomas the Apostle.

The Saint Thomas Mount Church is built on the site where the Apostle Saint Thomas was martyred and is considered a pilgrimage destination by devout Catholics.

Protestants can visit St George’s Cathedral in Gopalapuram to admire its architecture and pray in its solemn atmosphere.

The historic Wallajah Mosque in Triplicane, built by the Nawab of Arcot, and the Thousand Light Mosque in Royapettah are equally famous and counted among the city’s oldest places of worship.

With the Coromandel Coast to its east, Chennai has some of India’s best beaches. But unlike other cities, Chennai’s beaches have a life of their own. Here you will find an array of food carts, entertainment stalls, and even adventure activities for people of all ages. Chennai’s beaches have been part of the city’s culture – they have historically served as a gathering point for political and social events. Case in point, the Jallikattu Protest of 2017 saw thousands of young people gather at Marina Beach to demand the lifting of the ban on the traditional bull-taming sport.

Marina Beach, Chennai’s most iconic shore, is famous for hosting countless political, social, and cultural events. It was here that the Indian National Congress held its first major protest meeting against the Rowlatt Act. It was here that Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C N Annadurai’s funeral procession took place – it holds the world record for the world’s largest funeral and was attended by over 15 million people.

The second most popular beach in the city, Elliot’s, is in Besant Nagar and is colloquially called Bessie Beach, derived from its location. It is favoured by youngsters for its trendy cafes, coffee bars, and evening music jam sessions.

There are a few beaches along the ECR (East Coast Road) that attract locals and tourists alike. For instance, the Thiruvanmiyur Beach is loved for its quiet, scenic atmosphere and sunsets.

The Neelankarai Beach attracts visitors because of the Olive Ridley turtles that nest and hatch between December and April. The beach is clean, quiet, and loved by locals who come here to walk, meditate, and practice yoga.

The VGP Golden Beach was once Tamil Nadu’s only amusement park, but is today a great beach resort for weekend family outings.

Covelong or Kovalam Beach is a popular surfing spot with plenty of beach shacks lining the shore.

Chennai has always been at the epicentre of South India’s political and cultural landscape, and was a strategic base for its trade and military expansion. They built several colonial monuments that served as an administrative hub or furthered their trade interests. Most of these buildings stand tall even today and are major tourist attractions. Some of the places you will explore with our Chennai tour packages include:

Fort St George is one of British India’s oldest and most important fortresses, built in the 1640s to protect the East India Company’s trade interests. Today, it is a museum that houses a collection of antiques.

The Government Museum in Egmore was established in 1851 and hosts a rich collection of antiques, including copper plates, Chola gold coins, artefacts from Adichanallur, Roman artefacts, bronze, copper, and stone sculptures from ancient dynasties.

The Ripon Building is a heritage structure which now serves as the headquarters of the Chennai Municipal Corporation. To include a guided heritage walk of the building with your Chennai tour packages, call us at +91 9940882200.

The Royapuram Railway Station is the second-oldest railway station and is known for its neo-classical architecture with grand arches and Corinthian columns.

The National Art Gallery in Egmore is part of the Government Museum Complex and is one of India’s oldest art galleries. It also houses the Memorial Hall, a Neo-Classical grand building commissioned as a thanksgiving to God for sparing Madras from the First War of Indian Independence in 1857.

The Valluvar Kottam is a beautiful monument dedicated to the ancient Tamil saint Thiruvalluvar. The monument features a 39-metre chariot-like structure and is a replica of the Thiruvarur temple chariot. It hosts a life-size statue of Thiruvalluvar. The complex also includes an auditorium that could easily accommodate around 4000 people.

You cannot visit Chennai and leave without exploring its iconic restaurants, some of which are centuries old. From Kal Dosa and Burmese Atho to North Indian Chaat and authentic Chennai-style Biryani, there’s so much to eat and enjoy.

Every corner of Chennai boasts a rich and unique culinary history. For instance, the bylanes of Mylapore come to life with the smell of filter coffee made from freshly ground coffee beans and the sound of sizzling crispy Dosas.

Sowcarpet is famous for its Kachoris, Samosas, Aloo Tikkis, Lassis, and tiny hole-in-the-wall eateries serving everything from Rajasthani and Gujarati food to authentic Andhra meals.

Walk a little further from Triplicane towards Big Mosque, Royapettah, Washermanpet, etc, and you will find centuries-old eateries serving authentic Bhai-veedu non-veg delicacies like mutton Samosa and Biryani.

There are plenty of trendy cafes and fine dining restaurants that serve world cuisine as well. But for that authentic Chennai experience, you must visit Woodlands Drive-In for their authentic Udipi-style food, Rathna Café for their iconic Idli Sambar served with filter coffee, and the Buhari for its mutton Biryani and Chicken 65.

Rayar’s Mess in Mylapore is known for its authentic South Indian breakfast, while Sangeetha in Parry’s Corner is famous for its Podi Idli and Ghee Roast. For a taste of authentic Chettinadu cuisine, head to Ponnusamy in Royapettah.

Chennai is a haven for lovers of handloom sarees and affordable fashion. From age-old bylanes selling budget-friendly fast fashion to centuries-old stores selling traditional Kanjivarams, giant retailers selling everything you will ever need in life, and luxurious malls hosting world-class brands, there’s something for everyone.

If you are a fan of traditional Kanjivaram and Arani saree designs, head to Nalli Silks in Mylapore and T Nagar, or are looking for affordable lehengas and imitation jewellery, then you are in the right place. If you love traditional South Indian jewellery, head to Vummidi Bangaru Jewellers, GRT, NAC, or Saravana Gold Palace.

To buy fresh coffee powder, spice mixes, and homemade pickles, head to Mylapore to shop at the many quaint hole-in-the-wall shops. Chennai is also a great place to shop for rare musical instruments and parts, repair old instruments, and find information on artists or sheet music. Some iconic places where they sell musical instruments include Lakshman Shruthi and Saptaswara.

For the best and unique electronic gadgets, head to Ritchie Street. And if you love leather goods, head to Periamet in North Chennai for high-quality leather jackets, shoes, bags, and accessories at wholesale prices.

With its ancient temples, colonial buildings, cultural Sabha Grihas, and contemporary art galleries, Chennai is truly a cultural melting pot. Historically, performing artists enjoyed the patronage of the wealthy merchants and rulers who invited them to their homes or sponsored their public performances. Over the years, Sabha Grihas, or cultural institutions/auditoriums, were established as venues for dance and music performances.

The Bhakti Marga Prasanga Sabha is the oldest Sabha Griha in the city and was established by Thanjavur Krishna Bhagavathar to perform Harikatha. Today, Mylapore is the hub of these Sabha Grihas and hosts grand annual music and dance festivals during the Tamil month of Margazhi (December – January). These festivals enjoyed the patronage of the elite class of lawyers, merchants, and judges. The Margazhi Mahotsavam is one of the most sought-after events for art aficionados, welcoming artists and art lovers from across the world.

Besides dance and music, Chennai is also famous for promoting other art forms. The Government College of Fine Arts is one of the oldest art institutions in India, and was established in 1852.

You must not miss the Cholamandalam Artist’s Village, a first-of-its-kind in India, where artists practising painting, sculpture, visual communication, etc., came together to set up a commune to sell and exhibit their work. This typical modern village features residential studios, galleries, a museum, and an open-air theatre. As a visitor, you can interact with the artists and see them work in their studios.

Another landmark in Chennai’s cultural landscape is Kalakshetra, an art centre founded by Rukmini Dev Arundale to promote traditional Indian arts and crafts.

Dakshinachitra Museum is another living museum of art and architecture on ECR, famous for its collection of different vernacular-style homes from various regions of India. You can also purchase authentic handicrafts and textiles from these artisans.

The Government Museum is the Mecca for art and craft connoisseurs with its collection of exquisite European and Asian paintings, Raja Ravi Varma paintings, and bronze sculptures.

To include a visit to these art galleries and museums on your itinerary, call us at +91 9940882200 when booking your Chennai tour packages.

Chennai has a wet-and-dry tropical climate, with year-round warm temperatures and high humidity. The city primarily experiences two distinct seasons – summer and monsoon – although it also has mild winters in December and January. The average temperature ranges from 25°C to 32°C, although humidity can be high. To learn more about the different seasons and choose the best season for your Chennai tour packages, read on.

Summer in Chennai is characterised by hot sunny days with temperatures soaring to almost 40°C. It is also humid and can get sticky, especially during the day. While days are unbearably hot, it cools around evening, when the sea breeze brings temperatures down to 28°C. However, even during peak summer months of May and June, nighttime temperatures rarely go below 25°C. In May, daytime temperatures can reach up to 42°C.

Needless to say, summer is certainly not a good time to choose Chennai tour packages. However, if you are interested in a budget-friendly travel experience, we suggest you look at summer packages. We suggest that you avoid travelling during midday to avoid heat exhaustion.

Despite the heat, you can enjoy Chennai during the summer thanks to some of its festivals like the Tamil New Year and Masi Magam.

Tips for Visiting Chennai During Summer: Avoid visiting tourist attractions during the midday heat, and drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.

While rain brings down temperatures and provides much-needed respite from the scorching sun, the city experiences high humidity, around 65%, making the weather sweaty and sticky. The city experiences two monsoon seasons – one from July to September and the other from October to the first few weeks of December.

The Southwest monsoon rains last from June to September, but the city receives little to moderate rainfall. The average temperature ranges from 24°C to 39°C between these months.

While Chennai is not really a monsoon destination, we suggest checking the weather for heavy rains before booking Chennai tour packages. The lush greenery during the monsoon makes it a perfect season to explore Pulicat Lake and the Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary, both green havens on the outskirts of the city.

Chennai receives the northeast monsoon at the end of the year, bringing heavy rainfall that often causes flooding. This retreating monsoon is a major source of the city’s annual rainfall and generally starts around 20th October, with a deviation of about one week on either side.

We suggest you pay close attention to weather reports before booking Chennai tour packages during the post-monsoon season. Rain usually falls at night or in the early morning, and showers are quick (albeit heavy), allowing you to plan your itinerary accordingly.

Late December to January is the perfect time to visit Chennai for music lovers, thanks to the Madras Music Festival held by the city’s many Sabha Gruhas.

While Chennai does not have a winter season per se, the weather is pleasant from late December to February, making it the best time to choose our Chennai tour packages. These months are cooler with average temperatures ranging from 21°C to 30°C. Night-time temperatures drop even further, to 18°C, in January and February. Pleasant weather, low humidity and dry days make it a perfect time to explore the city.

Chennai is a living museum of culture with its temples, churches, centuries-old markets, and colonial architecture. Some of the places included in your Chennai tour packages itinerary include:

The Kapaleeshwarar Temple in Mylapore is dedicated to Lord Shiva and his consort, Goddess Parvathi (worshipped as Karpagambal). The temple is at the heart of Mylapore, with the entire neighbourhood built around it. It is believed that the temple is over 1000 years old and was even mentioned in the Thevaram songs sung by Shaivite saints like Sambandar and Appar. It was renovated in the 16th century by the Vijayanagara Kings when the original temple was destroyed.

A little further away from Mylapore is Triplicane or Thiruvallikeni, famous for the Parthasarathy Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu in the form of a charioteer for Arjuna. The temple was originally built in the 8th century by the Pallavas and is one of the 108 Divya Desams. A unique feature of the temple here is the deity’s idol, which features a prominent moustache and a serious expression. It is only here that you can worship Lord Vishnu in his five forms, viz., Krishna, Narasimha, Rama, Varaha, and Venkatesa. The best time to visit the Parthasarathy temple is during Brahmotsavam and Vaikuntha Ekadashi.

As the name suggests, the temple is in Vadapalani, a suburb in Chennai and is dedicated to Lord Subramanya. It was built in the late 19th century by Annasamy Naicker, an ardent devotee of Lord Murugan, who also served as its priest. The temple became popular primarily because of the reputation of Annasamy Naicker, who made prophecies regarding people’s daily challenges in marriage, career, and health. The idol here is known to be made of Navapashanam, the same material as the idol in Palani. People visit the temple as the Lord here is known to benevolently grant the wishes of his devotees. It is an integral part of our Chennai tour packages itinerary.

The San Thome Cathedral and Basilica was built in the 16th century by the Portuguese over the tomb of St Thomas the Apostle. In fact, it is only one of the three churches in the world built over the tomb of an apostle. The church is built in the Neo-Gothic style and features classic interiors with rows of wooden pews, striking windows with colourful panes, and imperial-looking chandeliers. Along with the church, you can also visit the museum, which houses important artefacts such as the spear used to kill Saint Thomas, an Episcopal chair, and the great apostle’s fingerprints.

Marina Beach, stretching for 13 km from Fort St George to the north of Besant Nagar, is considered India’s longest and the world’s second longest urban beach by many. But the beach is more famous for its entertainment options, ranging from a sea of street food carts selling fresh fish fry and curry, Sundal, chaat, crispy Bhajjis, and slices of raw mango spiced with chilli powder and salt. Thousands of families visit the beach to enjoy games, buy artefacts and accessories, or chill with their families. A highlight of the beach is the promenade built by Elphinstone Grant in the 1880s. A visit to the beach is a must in most itineraries for Chennai tour packages.

Popularly called Besant Nagar Beach or Bessy by the locals, Elliot’s Beach is loved by the young and trendy for its hip cafes and music jamming sessions. Unlike Marina, which is crowded, Bessy is cleaner, more laidback, and known for its hipper crowd. Locals and tourists come here to enjoy horse riding, practice yoga and meditation, or enjoy some of the local delicacies at the many food carts.

Mylapore is an emotion to Chennaiites and is often thought of as the city’s cultural living room. While Chennai has changed drastically over the past three decades, the Mylapore neighbourhood retains its original charm, with the fragrances of jasmine and incense, quaint shops selling filter coffee, and the sounds of classical music. A walk across the bylanes will introduce you to intricate geometric Kolams, old-world bookstores, music shops, and festival processions across the streets. Here you will find age-old shops selling everything from freshly ground coffee and brass and other pooja items, handmade Maavadus, Nalangu Maavus, and books on philosophy and spirituality. Call us at +91 9940882200 to include a heritage walk along Mylapore in your Chennai tour packages.

The Dakshinachitra Museum is an open-air museum and the best place to explore vernacular architecture and everyday art. The museum’s collection also includes over 4000 artefacts and over 14,000 books. But that’s not all!

The highlight of the museum is a series of vernacular homes reproduced from across South India. These replicas are completely authentic and true to the community or class they represent. Here, you will find a typical potter’s home, the abodes of a farmer, a landed gentry, a weaver, etc.

T Nagar, an abbreviation of Thyagaraya Nagar, is said to be the first planned urban neighbourhood in Chennai. Originally, the neighbourhood was designed around a central hub that includes Panagal Park, a European-style residential area. Today, it is one of the most sought-after residential and commercial areas, with rows of shops selling sarees, jewellery, accessories, and even home décor. You must visit T Nagar not only for shopping but also soak in the culture and charm of Chennai. Call us at +91 9940882200 to include T Nagar in your Chennai tour packages.

On the way to Mahabalipuram is the Cholamandalam Artists’ Village, an artists’ commune established in the mid-1960s. The commune is the brainchild of KCS Paniker, who wanted to bring together various artists, allowing them to interact and put up exhibitions for visitors. Even today, artists from across the world gather here to showcase their work and participate in workshops. The village includes the Museum of the Madras Movement, an open-air theatre, multiple art galleries, and workshop areas.

Call us at +91 9940882200 to include the Cholamandalam Artists’ Village in your Chennai tour packages.

While Mahabalipuram is not in Chennai per se, it is part of the Chengalpattu district, and we have included it in our Chennai tour packages as the UNESCO World Heritage Site is integral to exploring the city. Once a port town, Mahabalipuram was established by the Pallava kings, who patronised art and architecture by commissioning temples, rock-cut caves, and granite sculptures. Some of the important structures in Mahabalipuram include the Descent of the Ganges, Five Chariots, Shore Temple, and the famous Butter Ball.

The Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary is in the Chengalpattu District, but is an integral part of our Chennai tour packages because of its immense popularity among bird lovers. The 74-acre sanctuary was once a hunting ground, but is now a nesting site for hundreds of bird species, including migratory birds such as the Grey Wagtail and the Painted Stork. It is also a great place to spot rare varieties of butterflies and flowers.

Located in Egmore, the Government Museum is one of the oldest museums in the country and home to thousands of art and artefacts, including bronze Nataraja statues, coins of the Chola period, stone and copper inscriptions, and paintings from the 16th and 18th centuries. The museum is divided into distinct sections, dedicated to archaeology, numismatics, zoology, botany, geology, anthropology, and children. Call us at +91 9940882200 to include the museum in your Chennai tour packages.

Fort St George is one of colonial India’s greatest legacies. Built in 1644 by the East India Company, this towering fortress helped protect the company’s trading interests. It also helped create a new settlement called George Town, which later grew into what is now Chennai city. Today, visitors can explore the Fort Museum, which houses artefacts and antiques from different ages. Here, you will find portraits of rulers such as Queen Victoria and King George III, British coins, military uniforms of company soldiers, and other vintage furniture, such as lampshades and clocks.

The Kalakshetra Foundation is recognised as an institute of national importance by the Government of India and is a must-visit for lovers of art and craft. The institution was formed by Rukmini Devi Arundale to preserve Indian art forms, especially Bharatnatyam and Gandharvaveda music. Students enrolled in Kalakshetra stay here to study dance and music through the Gurukulam system. Visitors can explore the campus, visit the crafts centre, and even watch dance and music performances while enjoying the serene atmosphere.

Call us at +91 9940882200 to include Kalakshetra in your Chennai tour packages.

The Ashtalakshmi Temple is located on the shores of Besant Nagar Beach and as the name suggests, is dedicated to the eight forms of Goddess Lakshmi. People visit the temple seeking prosperity and progeny while students visit the place seeking academic success.

Famous For: Temples, Handloom Shops

Top Attractions: Kamakshi Amman Temple, Ekambaranathar Temple, Kailasanathar Temple, Varadharaja Perumal Temple, Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham, Chitragupta Swamy Temple.

Famous For: Architecture, Wildlife, Temples, Forts, Beaches

Top Attractions: Mamallapuram, Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary, Dakshinachitra Museum

Famous For: Beaches, French Colonial Architecture & Culture, Temples, Spirituality

Top Tourist Attractions: Auroville, Manakula Vinayagar Temple, Sacred Heart Basilica, Paradise Beach, Varadaraja Perumal Temple, Serenity Beach, Promenade Beach, White Town, Arikamedu, Pondicherry Museum

Famous For: Temples, Fort, Cuisine

Top Tourist Attractions: Vellore Fort, Golden Temple, Jalakandeswarar Temple, Yelagiri

Famous For: Temples, Wildlife, Waterfalls

Top Tourist Attractions: Venkateswara Temple, Padmavati Ammavari Temple, Kapila Theertham, Sri Kalahasti Temple, Talakona Falls, Sri Venkateswara Zoological Park, Govindaraja Swamy Temple, Chandragiri Fort

Famous For: Temples, Ashrams, Trekking

Top Tourist Attractions in Tiruvannamalai: Arunachaleshwarar Temple, Ramana Ashram, Virupaksha Cave, Skandasramam, Gingee Fort, Parvadhamalai Hills

Famous For: Nature, Temples, Beaches, Fort

Top Tourist Attractions: Pichavaram Mangrove Forest, Bhuvarahaswamy Temple, Chidambaram Nataraja Temple, Veeranam Lake

• Do not discuss language or the North-South divide with the locals.
• Do not misunderstand people to be rude – the slang may seem like people are rude or direct, but they’re among the sweetest people.
• Do not disparage Tamil actors or politicians – most enjoy cult status and locals take offence when you ridicule them.
• Don’t underestimate the local auto-walas. Some will fleece you, especially if you are new to the city. It’s best to stick to app-based ride-hailing platforms.

While Chennai is a melting pot of different cuisines and cultures, the city has its own distinct cuisine, influenced by the communities that have lived here for centuries. Chennai’s famous foods encompass everything from soft, pillowy Idlis and crispy Dosas to Burmese Atho and Egg Bhejo, not to mention Vada Curry, Chennai Biryani, and Chicken 65 thrown in for good measure.

The famous Chicken 65 was, in fact, invented in Chennai, at the Buhari Hotel. Although there are various stories about how it started, the most widely accepted one is that it was invented in 1965, hence the name.

Another dish synonymous with Chennai is the Vada Curry, where baked or fried lentil dumplings are cooked in a spicy gravy and served as an accompaniment to hot, steaming Idlis.

Every region of Chennai has its own signature cuisine. For instance, North Chennai is famous for its seafood and rustic dishes, such as beef offal curries called Kavab. Organ meats are cut into small pieces and cooked in a spicy gravy until tender. North Chennai is also famous for its Burma Nagar, where you can enjoy spicy dishes such as Atho, Muttai Bejo, Khao Suey, and Mohinga.

Central Chennai neighbourhoods like Mylapore, Triplicane, and Anna Nagar are famous for traditional South Indian staples such as Idli, Dosa, Wada, and filter coffee. It is also home to some of Chennai’s famous restaurants (called Messes or Hotels), such as Rayar’s Mess, Karpagambal Mess, Jannal Bhajji Kadai, Ratna Café, and the Buhari Hotel.

South Chennai neighbourhoods of Adayar, Besant Nagar, and Velachery are known for their trendy upscale restaurants and cafes serving world cuisine. Some of the area’s famous restaurants include Dakshin, Southern Spice, Avartana, and Anise.

Chennai is famous for being India’s first drive-in restaurant. Woodlands Drive-In specialised in Udipi cuisine and was famous for its filter coffee.
The city is also famous for its Chettinadu restaurants, such as Anjappar and Karaikudi, serving authentic Chettinadu dishes like mutton Chukka, Chicken Chettinad, and Kola Urundai.

Popular Chennai Specialities You Must Try With Our Chennai Tour Packages Include:

• Paya (goat trotters) with Aapam or Idiyappam in Royapettah or Royapuram.
• Filter coffee in Mylapore or Triplicane (places like Ratna Café, Karpagambal Mess are legendary)
• Saidapet Vada Curry in Saidapet or any street food stall in Chennai
• Fish fry or fish meals on Marina Beach or Besant Nagar Beach
• North Indian Chaat and Lassi in Sowcarpet (Kakada Ram Prasad, Maya Chaat, and Agarwal Sweets are legendary places)

Chennai is undoubtedly the cultural capital of Tamil Nadu, and, to a certain extent, the entire South India as well. It is famous for the Margazhi Mahotsavam, a month-long music and dance festival held between December and January. The festival includes performances across the city’s Sabha Gruhas and attracts art aficionados from around the world.

Chennai is home to Kalakshetra, the best place to learn classical music and dance and other art forms. Dakshinachitra is known for showcasing South Indian heritage and culture and even features various folk arts and textile crafts from across South India.

The city is also known for its contemporary art scene. Some of the popular art galleries in the city include Apparao in Nungambakkam, Gallery Veda, and Art Houz. Don’t miss visiting Cholamandalam Artists’ Village on ECR or the Chennai Photo Biennale, one of India’s most celebrated contemporary art events.

Chennai is also home to a unique folk-art form – Gaana, a genre specific to North Chennai, rooted in the lives of the labour class in Chennai and using the Madras Bhashai dialect. The lyrics include everyday occurrences and the singer’s satirical take on these events.

The city’s folk music also uses instruments with a percussion base. For instance, Parai, Udukkai, Thappu, and Pambai were used as accompaniment with the Gaana songs.

Call us at +91 9940882200 to include a music or dance performance in your Chennai tour package itinerary.