India · Region
Chennai
Photo: L.vivian.richard at English Wikipedia / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)
Chennai, capital of Tamil Nadu on India's southeastern coast, blends centuries-old Dravidian temple culture with a modern hub for IT, automobiles, and healthcare tourism. Its long Bay of Bengal shoreline, colonial-era architecture, and deep-rooted Carnatic music and dance traditions give the city a distinct South Indian character quite different from the north.
Top attractions
attraction Arulmigu Marundeeswarar Temple: Chennai Travel Guide (4.8★)
Arulmigu Marundeeswarar Temple in Thiruvanmiyur, south Chennai, is a Shiva temple famous for its healing associations, open daily 5:30am–12pm and 4–9pm. 4.8★ (14,517 reviews) — what visitors say, hours, and tips.
attraction Government Museum: Chennai Travel Guide (4.3★)
The Government Museum in Egmore is Chennai's best repository of Chola bronzes, stone sculpture and natural history, and it's open daily 10:30am–6:30pm except Fridays. 4.3★ (20,110 reviews) — what visitors say, hours, and tips.
attraction Thiru Vi Ka Park: Chennai Travel Guide (4.5★)
Thiru Vi Ka Park in Shenoy Nagar, Chennai, is a fenced neighbourhood park open only during two windows: 5–9am and 5–9pm daily. 4.5★ (2,094 reviews) — what visitors say, hours, and tips.
Hidden gems
hidden gem Koyambedu Market: Chennai Travel Guide (4.1★)
Koyambedu Market is Chennai's huge wholesale market for vegetables, fruit and flowers in Koyambedu, next to the CMBT bus terminus and a short walk from Koyambedu Metro Station on the Green Line. 4.1★ (8,410 reviews) — what visitors say, hours, and tips.
hidden gem Snow Kingdom: Chennai Travel Guide (4.7★)
Snow Kingdom is an indoor snow park on the East Coast Road in Injambakkam, next to VGP Universal Kingdom, with real manmade snow, a sled slope and a climbing mountain. 4.7★ (37,580 reviews) — what visitors say, hours, and tips.
Festivals & events
event Chennai Open (ATP Challenger): Dates, Tickets & Venue (Chennai)
The Chennai Open (ATP Challenger) is Chennai's annual professional tennis week, and it takes place in February 2027.
event Chennai Open International Grandmaster Chess Tournament: Dates, Tickets & Venue (Chennai)
The 17th Chennai Open International Grandmaster Chess Tournament runs from January 2 to 9, 2027 in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, with the Sakthi Group Dr. N. Mahalingam Trophy at stake.
Ended WTA Chennai Open: Dates, Tickets & Venue (Chennai)
The WTA Chennai Open was set for November 2-8, 2026 in Chennai, India. Earlier editions were played at the SDAT Tennis Stadium in Nungambakkam.
Ended WTT Feeder Chennai 2026: Dates, Tickets & Venue (Chennai)
WTT Feeder Chennai 2026 was set for October 28 to November 1, 2026 at Tamil Nadu Physical Education and Sports University (TNPESU) in Melakottaiyur.
Top-rated things to do in Chennai
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Where to stay in Chennai
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Plan your trip to Chennai
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Frequently asked questions about Chennai
How do I get to Chennai?
Most travellers arrive via Chennai International Airport (MAA) in Tirusulam, ~21 km southwest of the city centre, with taxis, app-based cabs, and the Chennai Metro Blue Line running into town; long-distance trains typically arrive at Chennai Central (MAS), the city's main railway terminus. Onward regional travel is generally handled through buses from the city's regional bus hub.
How many days should I spend in Chennai?
~2-3 days is enough to cover Chennai's core sights—its temples, Marina Beach, museums, and colonial quarter—while longer stays suit those using it as a base for day trips along the Tamil Nadu coast.
What is Chennai known for?
Chennai, capital of Tamil Nadu on India's southeastern coast, blends centuries-old Dravidian temple culture with a modern hub for IT, automobiles, and healthcare tourism. Its long Bay of Bengal shoreline, colonial-era architecture, and deep-rooted Carnatic music and dance traditions give the city a distinct South Indian character quite different from the north.