Chennai, on the Bay of Bengal, blends a busy modern city with a long, breezy seafront. Wide avenues, leafy neighbourhoods, and the crash of waves along Marina Beach give the city a distinct coastal character, even as new developments rise across the skyline.
You will find film studios, classical music venues, IT parks, and long-established cultural institutions all within easy reach of each other. Chennai moves with purpose, but there is always time for a cup of strong filter coffee and a relaxed conversation at a neighbourhood cafe.
As the gateway to much of southern India, Chennai is also a starting point for day trips to coastal towns, historic forts, and impressive landmarks along the East Coast Road, giving you many options beyond the city itself.