Flights from Taipei (TPE) to Chennai (MAA)

About Chennai

Discover Chennai

Why visit Chennai?
Chennai is a vibrant coastal city where historic architecture, lively arts, and a dynamic business scene come together by the Bay of Bengal. You will find wide beaches, leafy neighbourhoods, and a pace of life that feels energetic yet unhurried.

What to expect
The city stretches along a long urban beachfront, with distinct districts ranging from heritage-filled central areas to modern IT corridors and relaxed residential enclaves. Expect busy streets, colourful markets, colonial-era buildings, and a growing selection of galleries and cultural venues.

Plan your trip
Chennai is a major gateway to southern India, with easy connections onwards to Tamil Nadu’s hill stations, heritage towns, and coastal getaways. Many visitors combine time in the city with day trips and short journeys into the surrounding countryside.

Top sights in Chennai

Marina Beach

Stroll along one of the world’s longest urban beaches, where early mornings and evenings bring cooler air and a lively promenade atmosphere.

Fort St. George

Explore this historic coastal fort complex, with grand colonial-era buildings and a small museum detailing Chennai’s early urban story.

San Thome Cathedral

Visit this striking whitewashed coastal landmark, admired for its neo-Gothic architecture and peaceful interior.

Government Museum and National Art Gallery

Discover sculptures, bronzes, and paintings in one of India’s oldest museums, set in a leafy complex of red-brick buildings.

Kapaleeshwarar Temple, Mylapore

Admire the colourful carved gopuram and bustling streets around this historic landmark in one of Chennai’s oldest neighbourhoods.

Kalakshetra Foundation

Experience Chennai’s renowned performing-arts heritage at this coastal campus dedicated to classical dance, music, and crafts.

Elliot’s Beach (Besant Nagar)

Relax at this laid-back beachfront, popular with locals for evening walks, café hopping, and sea views away from the city centre.

Mahabalipuram day trip

Take a coastal drive to this UNESCO-listed town, known for rock-cut monuments, stone-carved reliefs, and seaside views.

Experience Chennai’s everyday rhythm

Getting around
Auto-rickshaws and app-based taxis are the most flexible way to move between neighbourhoods, while the suburban rail and metro help you avoid traffic on longer journeys. For short distances, especially along the beachfront or within compact areas like Mylapore, walking lets you take in everyday street life.

Local life & culture
Chennai’s rhythm is shaped by early-morning walks on the sand, bustling flower markets, and a strong tradition of classical music and dance. Neighbourhoods such as Mylapore and Triplicane feel distinctly old-town, while areas like T Nagar and Velachery mix residential life with busy commercial streets.

Where to unwind
Head to the beaches at sunrise or sunset for a cooler, breezier side of the city, or seek out shaded parks and lakeside promenades in the afternoon. Many hotels offer pools and wellness centres, giving you a calm place to recharge between sightseeing and business meetings.

A taste of Chennai

Street food & local specialties
Chennai is known for crisp dosas, soft idlis, and aromatic filter coffee, often enjoyed in bustling local eateries. Look for long-established cafés and breakfast spots in Mylapore, Triplicane, and central Chennai to sample everyday favourites alongside hot snacks.

Casual & modern dining hubs
You will find relaxed restaurants and food courts throughout the city’s malls and IT corridors, with menus that range from local flavours to Pan-Asian and international cuisines. Smaller portions, shared plates, and taster menus are common, making it easy to try several dishes in one meal.

Signature & scenic dining
For a special evening, choose a rooftop restaurant with skyline views, or a coastal venue overlooking the Bay of Bengal’s waves. Many leading hotels host refined dining rooms where carefully presented regional and contemporary menus are paired with attentive service.

Retail therapy in Chennai

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Chennai’s modern malls combine international brands, cinemas, and family entertainment under one roof, offering a convenient break from the heat. These lifestyle centres serve as social meeting spots, where you can browse, dine, and unwind in air-conditioned comfort.

Markets & local crafts
For local textiles, jewellery, and crafts, explore streets and smaller shops in areas such as T Nagar, Mylapore, and Georgetown. Here you can discover silk, cotton, and handcrafted items that reflect long-standing artisanal traditions in and around the city.

Evening retail scene
After dark, main shopping streets and mall façades stay bright and busy, with late-opening stores and plenty of places to pause for a snack. Night-time brings slightly cooler air, and public transport and taxis make it straightforward to reach the city’s key retail districts.

Best time to visit Chennai

Summer season (late March to June, peak season)
Chennai’s summer is warm to hot, with daytime temperatures around 30–38°C (86–100°F) and plenty of sunshine. This period is popular for beach walks and coastal drives, especially in the mornings and evenings when sea breezes bring a more comfortable feel.

Monsoon and green season (July to October, shoulder season)
During the monsoon months, temperatures usually range from 27–33°C (81–91°F), with showers that refresh the air and deepen the city’s greenery. Between rain spells you can enjoy quieter attractions, dramatic skies over the Bay of Bengal, and a relaxed tempo in the parks and beachfront areas.

Cooler months (November to February, low season)
The cooler season brings gentler temperatures of about 23–30°C (73–86°F), with lower humidity and pleasant evenings. It is a comfortable time for outdoor exploring, seaside strolls, and day trips along the coast, with many cultural events adding extra interest to a visit.

Frequently Asked Questions