Flights from Copenhagen (CPH) to Chennai (MAA)

About Chennai

Discover Chennai

Why visit Chennai?
Chennai is a coastal metropolis that blends historic architecture, long sandy beaches, and a thriving arts scene. You will find a city that moves at a steady pace, with colourful streets, lively music traditions, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

What to expect
The city stretches along the Bay of Bengal, with neighbourhoods that range from busy commercial districts to quieter residential areas shaded by trees. Grand boulevards, seafront promenades, and bustling cultural venues shape daily life, while a growing technology and business hub adds a contemporary edge.

Plan your trip
Chennai is an excellent base for exploring the wider region of Tamil Nadu, with easy access to coastal towns and heritage-rich cities nearby. Whether you are here for business, a family visit, or a longer journey through southern India, you can plan varied day trips and onward adventures from the city.

Top sights in Chennai

Marina Beach

Stroll along one of India’s longest urban beaches, especially atmospheric in the early morning and at sunset.

Fort St. George

Explore this historic coastal fort complex, which showcases colonial-era architecture and museum exhibits.

Santhome Cathedral Basilica

Admire the striking white neo-Gothic architecture and quiet interior of this prominent waterfront landmark.

Kapaleeshwarar Temple

View the colourful, intricately carved tower and detailed sculptures at this iconic Dravidian-style complex in Mylapore.

Government Museum Chennai

Discover extensive collections of bronze sculptures, archaeological finds, and regional art in one of India’s oldest museums.

Elliot’s Beach (Besant Nagar Beach)

Relax on this more laid-back stretch of sand, popular with locals for evening walks and coastal views.

Theosophical Society Gardens

Wander leafy paths and see the famed ancient banyan tree in this peaceful riverside green space.

Phoenix MarketCity

Spend time in this large lifestyle mall, home to international brands, entertainment, and many dining choices.

Experience Chennai’s everyday rhythm

Getting around
Auto-rickshaws and app-based taxis are widely used for short hops between neighbourhoods and along the coastline. For longer journeys, suburban trains and the Chennai Metro help you cross the city efficiently. Walking works well for exploring compact areas like Mylapore and Besant Nagar.

Local life & culture
Chennai is known for its classical music and dance traditions, with regular performances in auditoriums and cultural centres. Residential districts feel community-focused, with small parks, corner shops, and busy tea stalls. You will notice a strong connection to the arts, education, and theatre across the city.

Where to unwind
Along the seafront, wide beaches provide space for fresh air and gentle exercise at sunrise or in the cooler evenings. Inner-city parks and tree-lined campuses offer pockets of shade when you need a quiet pause. Early mornings and late afternoons are ideal times to enjoy outdoor spaces comfortably.

A taste of Chennai

Street food & local specialties
You can try crisp dosas, idli, and fragrant rice dishes at simple eateries and traditional cafés across the city. Areas such as Mylapore, T. Nagar, and Triplicane are known for lively food streets where snack stalls and small restaurants sit side by side.

Casual & modern dining hubs
Large malls and office districts host contemporary restaurants offering regional Indian favourites and international cuisines. Food courts make it easy to sample several dishes in one visit, with smaller portions that encourage sharing. These areas are convenient if you are combining shopping, work, and dining.

Signature & scenic dining
For a special evening, you will find refined restaurants in upscale hotels and rooftop venues with skyline or coastline views. Many offer multi-course menus that highlight regional flavours with a modern touch. Booking ahead is recommended for weekend dinners and celebrations.

Retail therapy in Chennai

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Chennai’s major malls combine international brands, local labels, cinemas, and family-friendly entertainment. Places like Phoenix MarketCity and Express Avenue are popular for a day out, with air-conditioned spaces that make browsing comfortable in warmer months.

Markets & local crafts
Traditional shopping streets in T. Nagar, Mylapore, and Pondy Bazaar are known for textiles, jewellery, and everyday essentials. You can look for handloom fabrics, accessories, and contemporary Indian designs in smaller boutiques and co-operative stores dotted around the city.

Evening retail scene
As the day cools, many high streets and mall districts become livelier with illuminated shopfronts and extended opening hours. Window-shopping and a relaxed walk between cafés and stores make evenings enjoyable. Local buses, the metro, and taxis help you reach these areas easily after dark.

Best time to visit Chennai

Dry and warm season (late winter to early summer, January to May, shoulder season)
During these months, days are typically warm to hot, with average temperatures around 26–33°C (79–91°F). Skies are often clear, and lower humidity in January and February can make sightseeing and beach walks more comfortable, especially in the mornings and evenings.

Southwest monsoon and humid months (June to September, shoulder season)
This period brings higher humidity and occasional showers, with average temperatures of about 27–32°C (81–90°F). Rain is usually intermittent, and you can enjoy greener surroundings and quieter attractions between showers, particularly if you plan indoor visits during the heaviest rain.

Northeast monsoon and cooler evenings (October to December, peak season)
The northeast monsoon arrives with more frequent rain, especially in October and November, and average temperatures of 25–30°C (77–86°F). Showers tend to be intense but brief, leaving fresher air, and December often brings slightly cooler evenings that are pleasant for festivals and seaside outings.

Frequently Asked Questions