Chennai (India) is located on the south-eastern coast of the country, on the Coromandel coast of the Bay of Bengal. Founded in 1639, this city is now the capital of Tamil Nadu.
Interesting fact! Until 1996, Chennai had a different name: Madras. This name was changed because it had Portuguese roots.
Chennai is recognized as the central gateway to South India, and this is quite reasonable. Chennai International Airport is the 3rd busiest in India, and from there there are flights to many cities across the country, and even to very small towns in Southern India.
Chennai, which has a total area of more than 181 km2, is divided into 5 districts. On the northern side of the city, most industrial enterprises are located, and in the central part – business districts. Residential areas and offices of many IT companies are located on the southern side. To the southwest is the main thoroughfare Mount Road and the main railway stations: Egmore for connections across the state of Tamil Nadu and Central, where flights depart from all over the country.
The city of Chennai, which has a population of more than 9,000,000 people, makes a different impression. On the one hand, it ranks 13th from the end in the world for cleanliness, its streets are literally stuffed with transport, and the hot air is saturated with heavy smog. On the other hand, it is recognized as the center of cultural life in South India and has many unique attractions.
Interesting fact! The city has the second largest film studio in India – Kollywood. It produces about 300 films a year.
Temples worth seeing
Like any city in India, Chennai has many temples worth seeing.
A tip! When examining them, you should beware of so-called ” guides “who” accidentally ” go along and conduct a spontaneous tour. You should immediately say that their services and explanations are not needed, and in the future do not maintain any communication with them. Otherwise, at the end of the “tour”, these ubiquitous “guides” will start demanding money, and not at all small – sometimes the amount reaches $60.
Kapalishwarar Dravidian Temple
It is believed that this temple of Shiva was built in the VIII century, but the modern building in various sources is attributed to the XII or XVI centuries. And the main pyramid tower, which rises above the gate on the east side, was built in 1906.
Kapaleeshwarar Temple is Chennai’s main architectural landmark and one of the most interesting examples of Dravidian religious art. The main entrance, located on the east side, passes under a unique gate: its height is 37 m, and it is decorated with a huge number of sculptures of Hindu deities.
Behind the structure there is a vast pond, which is used for religious rites not only by Hindus, but also by Muslims. In addition, Kapaleeshwarar Temple often hosts various festivals and festivals.
- Kapalishwarar Temple is open every day from 5: 00 to 12: 00 and from 16: 00-22: 00.
- Admission is free.
- Location of this landmark: Kapaleesvarar Sannadhi Street / Vinayaka Nagar Colony, Chennai 600004, Tamil Nadu, India.
Sai Baba Temple
Shirdi Sai Baba Temple is well known among Sai Baba devotees. Although the exterior of the building is not very remarkable, inside there are many colorful sculptures dedicated to Sai Baba and various deities of India. It’s a peaceful, serene place where you can sit for long hours and get peace of mind.
Shirdi Sai Baba Temple is quite spacious and green, and to the right of the entrance there is a tree walled up in concrete.
At the temple there is a small cafe where you can buy very, very cheap delicious tea ($0.028 = 2 rupees), strong coffee ($0.042 = 3 rupees), mineral water ($0.14 = 10 rupees).
This religious attraction is located at Gowramsnkovil St, Cholamandal Artists Village, Injambakkam, Chennai 600115, Tamil Nadu, India.
Radha Krishna Temple
The temple for Krishna is located in the interior of the property, from the entrance gate you need to walk about 1 km. Like the surrounding area, the building is large and can accommodate thousands of visitors inside. However, it is a very quiet place where you can meditate in peace.
The spacious halls feature statues of Krishna and other Indian deities, beautifully decorated with fabrics and ornaments.
In the building, not far from the entrance, there is a small shop with books. Next to the temple, there is a souvenir shop and a dining room, where a buffet with delicious vegetarian dishes is served for lunch and dinner.
Sri Sri Radha Krishna Temple looks especially beautiful in the evening, when the multi-colored lights are turned on.
- This Chennai landmark is open to the public daily from 4: 30 to 13: 00 and from 16: 00 to 21: 00.
- It is located on the outskirts of the city: Hare Krishna Land, Bhaktivedanta Swami Road / Injambakkam, Chennai 600119, Tamil Nadu, India.
Sri Parthasarathi Temple
This landmark belongs to the most ancient buildings of Chennai-it dates back to the VIII century.
The two main towers of the temple complex stand on two opposite sides: Parthasarathi on the east and Narasimha on the west. Five small towers-vimanas house all the main shrines of the temple. The main deity Parthasarathi (a statue almost 3 m high) holds a sword with one hand, and his other hand is folded in a gesture of mercy and compassion.
Sri Parthasarathy Temple hosts several large-scale festivals throughout the year. The most famous and interesting water festival is Theppam (Theppothsavam), held in January-February.
Entrance to the territory is free, but only Hindus can approach the idols. Everyone else has to look at them from a distance of 7-12 m.
- Sri Parthasarathy opening hours: every day from 6: 00 to 21: 00, break from 12: 30 to 16: 00.
- Place of interest: Nareyana Krishnaraja Peram, Triplikan, Chennai 600005, Tamil Nadu, India.
Ashtalakshmi Temple
Compared to the majority of religious buildings in India, Ashtalakshmi Temple was built only recently – in 1974. This is a bright, beautiful multi-storey building with interesting architecture.
This attraction is dedicated to Lakshmi-the goddess of prosperity, good luck and happiness. In 9 rooms on different floors, 8 of its incarnations are presented.
- Admission to Ashtalakshmi is free. Opening hours: daily from 06: 30 to 21: 00, break from 12: 00 to 16.00.
- Ashtalakshmi Temple is located on the beach in Besant Nagar. Address: Elliots beach, 6/21 paindi Amman Kovil, Besant Nagar, Chennai 6000090, Tamil Nadu, India.
Vadapalani Murugan Temple
Vadapalani Murugan Temple is a completely extraordinary landmark in the city of Chennai. Throughout the year, there are a huge number of marriages – from 6,000 to 7,000.
On the territory of the temple complex, in addition to the temple itself with a very spacious hall for marriages, where several couples of newlyweds can be located at the same time, there is also a hotel where you can organize a feast for guests with special food for marriage. This combination allows couples from the poorest strata of society to marry here, while avoiding additional costs.
Photo and video shooting is prohibited on the territory of this attraction of Chennai.
Vadapalani Murugan is located very close to the Vadapalani metro station: Palani Andavar Koil St, Vadapalani, Chennai 600026, Tamil Nadu, India.
Other attractions
The city and port of Chennai was built as an outpost of Britain, and the British colonialists brought European culture and architecture to this city. Some buildings that serve as a striking example of such architecture have survived to this day.
Interesting fact! Chennai is quite a conservative city, there are not so many clubs and discos here. Night clubs are also bars, and there are more and more of them in the city. They are open until approximately 3: 00.
Central Railway Station
Chennai Central Railway Station was built in 1873 and is designed in the New Gothic style with elements of romance. The building looks very beautiful and rich, which is facilitated by its rich red color and white finish. This landmark is classified as a cultural heritage of India, and it is maintained in decent condition.
Chennai Central Railway Station is the busiest transport hub in South India and one of the most important terminals in the country, with about 550,000 passengers using it daily. The station has bookstores, restaurants, shopping and Internet centers. And at the same time, a completely inadequate waiting room, capable of accommodating no more than 1000 people.
But, despite its historical and architectural value, this landmark is an ordinary railway station, which there are many in India. It is very far from international standards: it is dirty, noisy, unsafe, and full of beggars.
Location of Central Railway Station: Kannappar Thidal, Periyamet, Chennai 600003, Tamil Nadu, India.
St. Thomas ‘ Catholic Cathedral
The very first church on the site of the burial of St. Thomas was built in the XVI century by the Portuguese, and at the very end of the XIX century it was rebuilt by the British.
San Thome Church is a beautiful white building with pointed towers, made in the Neo-Gothic style, has a height of 47 m. Nearby there are new buildings: a tombstone chapel, a theater, a museum. Since the chapel is closed, pilgrims can pray at the tomb, and tourists can visit there without interfering with the service in the cathedral.
In the museum you can see things that relate to St. Thomas and tell about the history of the cathedral, and in the theater they show a short video about the life of the apostle.
The cathedral houses a special attraction: the ancient image of “Our Blessed Mother”.
- You can visit the cathedral any day from 6: 00 to 22: 00.
- Location: 38 San Thome High Road, Chennai 600004, Tamil Nadu, India.
Ranganathan Street, T Nagar Market
Ranganathan Street, T-Nagar – this landmark has a completely extraordinary character. This is the busiest street in the city-market street, where a large number of cafes and restaurants are concentrated, as well as a variety of shops with an extensive range of goods (things and food) at low prices.
Getting to T-Nagar is very convenient, as there is a metro flyover line along it, and the station is located on the street itself.
But how noisy and dusty it is here, how chaotic the crowds of jostling people are-it is difficult to gather more people within 1 m2 than it is done on Ranganathan Street. Here you have to carefully monitor your pockets, purse and wallet, so as not to become a victim of lovers of easy money.
Although it is difficult to spend more than an hour on T-Nagar, this attraction deserves attention. You need to visit here at least once.
Chennai Beach Holidays
Chennai is located on the Bay of Bengal and its beaches are very beautiful. But, unlike other resorts in India, Chennai beach holidays have their own characteristics: due to the strong undercurrent along the entire coastline, you can not swim there.
None of the city’s beaches have life-saving equipment, as well as the lifeguards themselves. But there is a special beach police that monitors the order.
A tip! You need to come to the beaches in ordinary clothes. People in bathing suits look completely out of place here and attract close attention.
Marina beach
Marina beach stretches for 12 km in length, and the width of the sandy coastal zone reaches almost 300 m. This beach is popular with locals, it is always full of people, especially on weekends and in summer, when it is very hot. Although you can not swim here, but you can see the real India: how family and friendly picnics are held, how fishermen go about their fishing, how young people play cricket and fly kites. On the territory of this beach there are many cafes where fishermen hand over their newly caught catch, so you can always taste fresh seafood here.
But Marina beach causes mixed impressions. Unfortunately, this is one of the dirtiest beaches, and it can be difficult to find a clean place to lie down or sit on the sand.
Edward Elliot’s beach
Just south of Marina beach, just past the marina, is Elliot Beach. Because it is located in the neighborhood of Besant Nagar, it is often referred to as Besant Nagar beach.
Elliot Beach is small, and much cleaner than Marina beach. And although this beach is also popular with city residents, it has a quieter and more serene atmosphere. Elliot Beach is usually crowded on weekends, so it’s best to relax on weekdays.
There are several surf spots on Edward Elliot’s beach, and there are often good waves for practicing this sport. If desired, it is even possible to swim here, since the current is not too strong everywhere.
Breezy beach
This beach is located on the south side of the city, in the residential area of Valmiki Nagar. There are not too many cafes and merchants on Breezy beach, the infrastructure is poorly developed. The beach is not very popular, but it is much quieter and quieter than other beaches in the city. And also, cleaner than the rest – perhaps this is the cleanest local beach.
Accommodation options and costs
Accommodation in Chennai is more expensive than in other cities of Tamil Nadu, and the local service is not worth the money spent. Guest houses, 3* hotels and, to a slightly lesser extent, 4*hotels are in demand among tourists.
The best budget accommodation can be found in the vicinity of Triplicane High Road. Low-cost options can be found in Kenneth Lane in Egmore, and the majority of mid-level hotels are located in Egmore. More expensive hotels are located in the green south-western part of the city.
In high season, a double room for a day can be rented for such money:
- in the guesthouse: from $ 9, there are places for $ 16, the average cost is $13;
- in a 3* hotel: from $ 20 to $ 40, although there are rooms for $50;
- in a 4* hotel: from $ 50 to $ 100.
Weather: when to arrive in Chennai
The climate in Chennai (India) is subequatorial, monsoon, and quite humid.
The air temperature does not change very significantly throughout the year:
- the air warms up the most in May-June: +37…+42 °C;
- from September to the end of December, the temperature is more comfortable: +28…+34 °C;
- The coolest weather is in January: +24 °C;
- in January-March, the air warms up to +27 °C on average.
Interesting fact! The minimum temperature recorded here is +14.8 °C, the maximum is +45°C.
When the south-west monsoon season (June to September) covers the whole of India with heavy rains, Chennai receives modest rains. Heavy rains caused by the northeast monsoon occur in the city from October to mid-December.
High season in Chennai (India)-in December-March. At this time, the daytime temperature rarely exceeds +30 °C, at night it is also quite comfortable. Humidity during this period is minimal: 3-16 mm of precipitation per month.
A tip! In the summer, when it is too humid and stuffy, you need to walk with an umbrella, and always have a bottle of water and perroral rehydration salt (sold in Electral pharmacies) in case of dehydration.
