Flights from Surabaya (SUB) to Chennai (MAA)

About Chennai

Discover Chennai

Why visit Chennai?
Chennai combines a lively seaside setting with a deep artistic and cultural heritage. You will find grand colonial-era architecture alongside contemporary glass-fronted towers, and a coastline that stretches for kilometres, giving the city a relaxed yet energetic atmosphere.

What to expect
The city is known for its broad avenues, busy markets, and thriving arts scene, from classical music and dance to film studios. Neighbourhoods such as Mylapore, T. Nagar, and Besant Nagar each offer a distinct character, whether you are drawn to historic streets, bustling shopping, or beachfront promenades.

Plan your trip
Chennai is a welcoming base for exploring the wider Tamil Nadu region, with road and rail links to heritage towns, hill stations, and coastal getaways. You can spend a few days discovering the city itself, then use it as a gateway to places like Mahabalipuram and Pondicherry along the scenic Coromandel Coast.

Top sights in Chennai

Marina Beach

Walk along one of the world’s longest urban beaches, especially lively at sunrise and in the cool of the evening.

Fort St. George

Explore this 17th-century coastal fortress and its museums, which showcase the city’s early colonial-era history and artefacts.

Kapaleeshwarar Temple

Admire the richly decorated gopuram towers, intricate carvings, and colourful sculptures that define this historic landmark in Mylapore.

Government Museum and National Art Gallery

Discover impressive collections of bronze statues, traditional paintings, and archaeological exhibits in a heritage complex at Egmore.

Santhome Basilica

Visit this striking white neo-gothic church near the coast, noted for its stained glass, tall spire, and peaceful interior.

Theosophical Society Gardens

Stroll through expansive, tree-shaded grounds featuring one of the city’s oldest banyan trees and tranquil walking paths.

Mahabalipuram

Take a day trip to this coastal town, known for its UNESCO-listed rock-cut monuments, shore-side stone carvings, and relaxed beach vibe.

Elliot’s Beach

Unwind on this relatively quieter stretch of sand in Besant Nagar, surrounded by cafés and a laid-back promenade.

Experience Chennai’s everyday rhythm

Getting around
Auto-rickshaws, app-based taxis, and the suburban train and metro networks are the most practical ways to move across Chennai’s spread-out districts. For shorter distances, cycle rickshaws and walking along shaded streets in older neighbourhoods provide a closer look at daily life.

Local life & culture
You will notice a strong connection to classical music, dance, and theatre, especially during the December–January arts season when auditoriums and sabhas are busy. Daily life moves between office hubs, coastal promenades, and local markets, where you can see flower sellers, artisans, and families going about their routines.

Where to unwind
For quiet moments, you can head to the city’s seafronts early in the morning or late in the evening, when sea breezes soften the heat. Inner-city green pockets, riverside walks, and cultural centres often host low-key performances and exhibitions, offering restful spaces to pause during a day of sightseeing.

A taste of Chennai

Street food & local specialties
Chennai is known for crisp dosas, steamed idlis, and aromatic filter coffee served in traditional eateries and bustling tiffin centres. Areas like Mylapore, T. Nagar, and Sowcarpet are ideal for sampling snacks, sweets, and quick bites from long-running local establishments.

Casual & modern dining hubs
Shopping districts and newer business corridors host cafés, bakeries, and contemporary restaurants offering both regional and international flavours. Food courts in major malls make it easy to try a variety of dishes in one stop, with smaller portions that encourage you to sample more than one speciality.

Signature & scenic dining
You can look for rooftop restaurants and hotel dining rooms that overlook the city skyline or the Bay of Bengal, especially atmospheric after dusk. Many offer thoughtfully designed menus and quiet service, making them good choices for marking a special evening in Chennai.

Retail therapy in Chennai

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Large malls in areas like Velachery, Vadapalani, and the Old Mahabalipuram Road corridor bring together international brands, cinemas, and family entertainment. They are useful one-stop destinations if you want air-conditioned comfort and a wide range of shops, cafés, and services in a single place.

Markets & local crafts
Neighbourhoods such as T. Nagar, Mylapore, and George Town are known for streets lined with textile shops, jewellery stores, and small workshops. Here you can browse silk garments, traditional crafts, and contemporary local labels while experiencing the city’s energetic street-level commerce.

Evening retail scene
After sunset, many of Chennai’s main shopping streets remain lively, with illuminated storefronts, snack stalls, and steady crowds. Certain night markets and late-opening stores make it easy to combine an evening stroll with browsing, and public transport and taxis help you return to your hotel comfortably.

Best time to visit Chennai

Summer season (Chennai summer, April to June, 28–38°C / 82–100°F, peak season)
Summer in Chennai is hot and bright, with long sunny days ideal for early-morning and late-evening seaside walks. Sea breezes along the coast and indoor attractions, such as museums and malls, help you balance outdoor exploring with comfortable breaks.

Monsoon season (Southwest and northeast monsoons, July to November, 25–33°C / 77–91°F, shoulder season)
During the monsoon months, Chennai experiences showers that refresh the city and keep the landscape green. Rainfall often comes in bursts, leaving clear periods for sightseeing, and the slightly milder temperatures can make cultural visits and city walks feel more pleasant.

Cooler season (Post-monsoon winter, December to March, 22–30°C / 72–86°F, peak season)
The post-monsoon months bring warm but more comfortable weather, with lower humidity and gentle sea breezes. This is a popular time for outdoor events, festivals, and beach visits, and you can enjoy long days exploring both the city and nearby coastal destinations.

Frequently Asked Questions