Flights from Zurich (ZRH) to Chennai (MAA)

About Chennai

Chennai, gateway to South India

Chennai is a vibrant coastal city where historic neighbourhoods, lively streets, and a fast-growing modern skyline meet the Bay of Bengal. It is known for its long beachfront, classic movie houses, and tree-lined avenues that give the city a distinctive character and charm.

The city is a key hub for technology, automotive, and healthcare, attracting business travellers from around the world. At the same time, you will find galleries, music venues, and performance halls, as well as traditional markets and cafés, creating a rich blend of old and new.

Whether you are travelling for work, visiting family, or discovering South India for the first time, Chennai offers a welcoming base with easy access to nearby coastal towns and historic sites.

Top sights in Chennai

Marina Beach

Stroll along one of the world’s longest urban beaches, especially lively in the early morning and evening breeze.

Fort St. George

Explore this historic coastal fort, with museums and colonial-era buildings that trace the city’s early development.

Government Museum Chennai

Discover impressive collections of sculptures, paintings, and artefacts housed in a striking 19th-century complex.

Kapaleeshwarar Temple area

Admire colourful architecture and wander the surrounding streets, which are filled with shops and traditional eateries.

Elliot’s Beach

Head to this relaxed stretch of sand in Besant Nagar, popular for evening walks and casual seaside dining.

Experience Chennai’s energy

Chennai rewards those who take time to explore its neighbourhoods on foot. Walk through Mylapore or Triplicane in the morning to see classic streetscapes, busy markets, and cafés serving fresh filter coffee. Along the coast, jogging paths and promenades invite you to start or end your day with sea views and a cool breeze.

Cultural venues play a central role in the city’s life. You can attend concerts, dance performances, and theatre shows at established halls and modern auditoriums across the city. Many visitors also take day trips to nearby seaside towns or heritage areas, combining the bustle of Chennai with quieter coastal escapes.

Guided city tours, food walks, and photography outings are increasingly popular, helping you get under the surface of the city. From modern art spaces to traditional craft studios, there are many ways to experience Chennai’s creative side at your own pace.

A taste of Chennai

Chennai’s dining scene ranges from no-frills breakfast spots to contemporary restaurants, all celebrating bold flavours and fresh ingredients. Start your day with crisp dosas, idlis, and strong filter coffee at a local eatery, where meals are often served on stainless steel plates and shared at bustling tables.

Across the city, you will find restaurants specialising in South Indian vegetarian meals, coastal seafood, and regional dishes from across India. International cafés, bakeries, and hotel restaurants add to the range, making it easy to find familiar favourites or try something new.

In the evening, popular areas such as Nungambakkam, Adyar, and Velachery come alive with casual dining spots, dessert parlours, and late-night eateries. Whether you are looking for a quick bite between meetings or a leisurely family meal, you will have plenty of options.

Retail therapy in Chennai

Chennai is a well-known destination for textiles, jewellery, and everyday shopping. Traditional stores and boutiques across the city offer a wide range of fabrics and garments, from simple cottons to elaborate occasion wear. Modern shopping centres add international brands, cinemas, and family-friendly entertainment to the mix.

Busy commercial districts feature everything from electronics and books to homeware and lifestyle products. You can browse air-conditioned malls when it is warm outside, or explore high streets lined with independent shops and long-established businesses.

Smaller neighbourhood markets and craft outlets are ideal for picking up souvenirs, local snacks, and handmade items. Many visitors combine practical purchases with relaxed browsing, making shopping a comfortable part of their time in the city.

Best time to visit Chennai

Hot summer season (March to June, shoulder season): Daytime temperatures often range between 30°C and 38°C (86°F to 100°F), with strong sunshine and humid conditions. This is a good time for early-morning walks by the sea and indoor activities in museums, malls, and cafés.

Monsoon season (July to November, peak season): Temperatures usually sit between 26°C and 34°C (79°F to 93°F), with short, intense showers that refresh the air. The city’s greenery feels especially lush, and coastal areas can be pleasantly breezy between rain spells, making relaxed sightseeing rewarding.

Cooler winter season (December to February, low season): Average temperatures range from 22°C to 30°C (72°F to 86°F), with lower humidity and comfortable evenings. Outdoor activities, festivals, and seaside walks are particularly enjoyable, and you can explore different neighbourhoods throughout the day with ease.

Frequently Asked Questions