Flights from Australia to Chennai (MAA)

Discover Chennai

Discover Chennai

Why visit Chennai?

Chennai blends coastal charm with a rich artistic and cultural heritage, from classical music and dance to historic architecture and lively beaches. You experience both a modern metropolis and the traditions of South India in one city.

What to expect

You find busy streets lined with colourful shops, elegant colonial-era buildings, and long stretches of shoreline along the Bay of Bengal. Neighbourhoods range from business districts and leafy residential areas to cultural quarters filled with theatres and galleries.

Plan your trip

Chennai works well as both a standalone city break and a starting point for exploring Tamil Nadu, from temple towns to coastal retreats. Give yourself time to adjust to the tropical climate and to venture on day trips along the scenic East Coast Road.

Top sights in Chennai

Marina Beach

Stroll along one of India’s longest urban beaches, where wide sands, sea views, and an evening buzz make it a favourite local gathering place.

Fort St George

Step inside Chennai’s historic waterfront fort complex to see grand colonial architecture, a museum, and views across the harbour area.

Government Museum and National Art Gallery

Explore galleries filled with South Indian bronzes, sculptures, and paintings in a striking 19th-century complex in Egmore.

Kapaleeshwarar Temple, Mylapore

Admire the towering, intricately carved gateway and colourful sculptures at this famous Dravidian-style temple in a lively neighbourhood.

Santhome Cathedral and seafront

Visit this neo-Gothic white church near the water, then wander towards the promenade to enjoy the sea breeze and street life.

DakshinaChitra Heritage Museum

Travel through recreated traditional homes and exhibits that showcase crafts, architecture, and lifestyles from across South India.

Mahabalipuram (Mamallapuram) day trip

Take a coastal drive to see rock-cut temples, shore-side monuments, and stone sculptures in this UNESCO-listed heritage town.

Experience Chennai’s everyday rhythm

Getting around

Use the Chennai Metro and suburban trains for longer journeys, especially between central areas and the airport or outer districts. Auto rickshaws and ride-hailing apps are handy for shorter trips, while walking works well within compact neighbourhoods in the early morning or evening.

Local life & culture

You feel Chennai’s cultural energy in its music halls, dance academies, and small theatres, especially during the December music season. Wander through areas like Mylapore and Triplicane to see daily life unfold in narrow lanes, busy markets, and around historic buildings.

Where to unwind

Head to Marina Beach or Besant Nagar’s Elliot’s Beach for a sea breeze and sunset stroll. City parks and seafront promenades offer shaded spots to pause during the day, while early mornings are ideal for quieter walks before the heat builds.

A taste of Chennai

Street food & local specialties

Sample crisp dosas, idlis, and filter coffee in traditional eateries across Mylapore and Triplicane, or try savoury snacks and sweets from popular tiffin shops. Beachfront stalls around Marina and Elliot’s Beach add a casual seaside flavour to your meal.

Casual & modern dining hubs

Find global and regional Indian cuisine in malls and business districts such as Velachery, T Nagar, and along Old Mahabalipuram Road. Many menus are designed for sharing, so you can try several small dishes in one sitting.

Signature & scenic dining

Book a table at rooftop or high-floor restaurants for skyline or sea views, especially around central Chennai and the coastal stretch towards the south. Long, unhurried dinners let you savour multi-course meals paired with city lights or ocean breezes.

Retail therapy in Chennai

Malls & lifestyle hubs

Spend time in large shopping centres around Velachery, Vadapalani, and the Old Mahabalipuram Road corridor, where you find international brands, cinemas, and casual dining. These hubs are popular meeting spots for both shopping and entertainment.

Markets & local crafts

Explore T Nagar for silk sarees and jewellery, browse boutiques in Mylapore for crafts, or look for handicrafts and textiles in Egmore. Smaller streets often hide independent designers and workshops worth seeking out.

Evening retail scene

In the evening, shopping streets and some markets stay lively, with illuminated storefronts and late-night snacking options. Auto rickshaws, taxis, and app-based rides make it straightforward to reach these areas and return to your hotel after dark.

Best time to visit Chennai

Chennai has a tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round. From November to February (shoulder season), days are relatively cooler, around 24–29°C (75–84°F), with lower humidity and comfortable evenings. March to June (peak season) brings hotter weather, often 28–38°C (82–100°F), with strong sun and sultry nights. October to mid-December is the main monsoon period (low season), when temperatures are about 25–32°C (77–90°F) but you can expect heavy showers and occasional storms, especially in the afternoons and evenings.

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