Best months
Per-day budget
₹640–1,210/day
Getting there
Chennai (formerly Madras) is the capital of Tamil Nadu and India's fourth-largest city. Founded in 1639 by the British East India Company, Chennai is a blend of colonial architecture, Dravidian temple culture and Tamil film industry (Kollywood). The city has the second-longest urban beach in the world (Marina Beach), the 7th-century Kapaleeshwarar Temple, and the Fort St George (the oldest British building in India, 1644). Chennai is the base for visiting the UNESCO-listed temples of Kanchipuram and Mahabalipuram, both within 60 km of the city. It is a great destination for student backpackers looking for an affordable trip. The area is well-connected to major Indian cities by road, rail and air. The destination offers a mix of experiences that cater to all kinds of travellers, from solo backpackers to small groups.
Plan your trip to Chennai Travel Guide — Gateway to South India on a Budget
Search and compare prices — we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Flights
Hotels & Hostels
Trains
Search train routes, schedules and fares across India.
Buses
Compare bus operators, schedules and prices.
Why go
The Kapaleeshwarar Temple in Mylapore (7th century) is a Dravidian masterpiece with a 40 m gopuram covered in carvings. Fort St George has the Fort Museum and the 200-year-old St Mary's Church. The Government Museum has the largest collection of Roman antiquities outside Europe and a Bronze Gallery with Chola bronzes. The San Thome Basilica is built over the tomb of St Thomas the Apostle. The DakshinaChitra heritage museum has traditional houses from across South India. Chennai is the land of filter coffee. The South Indian breakfast — idli, dosa, vada, sambar — is the city's staple. Murugan Idli Shop serves the best idli. The Marina Beach has stalls selling sundal (spiced chickpeas) and bhajji. The Chettinad cuisine (spicy non-vegetarian) is available at Karaikudi restaurants. The Anna Nagar Tower Park area has a food street that comes alive in the evening.
How to reach
Chennai has two railway stations (Chennai Central and Egmore) with direct trains from Delhi (Tamil Nadu Express, sleeper class ₹1,000-1,500, 27-30 hours). The airport has flights from all major cities. The city has a metro system (Chennai Metro), suburban trains, and buses. Autos and app-based cabs are widely available.
What a day costs
| Budget hotel | ₹500–900 |
| Food (South Indian thali) | ₹100–200 |
| Metro ticket (one way) | ₹20–60 |
| Fort Museum entry | ₹20–50 |
When to go
November to February is the best period — pleasant weather (20-30°C). October and March are also good. April-June is very hot and humid (up to 40°C). July-September is the northeast monsoon — heavy rain in October-December, especially during cyclone season.
Suggested itinerary
Day 1: Colonial Chennai
Visit Fort St George and the Fort Museum in the morning. Visit St Mary's Church. Walk along the Marina Beach in the afternoon. Evening at the San Thome Basilica and Besant Nagar beach.
Day 2: Mylapore and Culture
Visit the Kapaleeshwarar Temple in Mylapore (morning). Visit the Government Museum and the Bronze Gallery. Afternoon at DakshinaChitra heritage museum (30 km from city centre). Evening dinner at a Chettinad restaurant.
Day 3: Kanchipuram Day Trip
Take a bus or train to Kanchipuram (60 km, ₹100-150). Visit the Kailasanathar Temple, Ekambareswarar Temple and Varadharaja Perumal Temple. Return to Chennai by evening.
Student hacks
- ▸Chennai's South Indian meals are the cheapest in India — ₹100-200 for a full thali at Mylapore eateries.
- ▸The Government Museum entry is ₹20 — the Bronze Gallery has the finest Chola bronzes in the world.
- ▸Take the train to Kanchipuram (₹100-150) instead of a taxi — the temples are within walking distance of the station.
- ▸The filter coffee at any Chennai restaurant costs ₹15-25 — a must-try and the cheapest caffeine in any Indian metro.
- ▸Stay in the Mylapore area — walking distance from the Kapaleeshwarar Temple and good South Indian food.
Safety & permits
Indian nationals do not need any permit for Chennai. The city is safe. Fort St George closes at 5 PM. Kapaleeshwarar Temple requires removing shoes and covering shoulders. ATMs and mobile coverage are excellent. Chennai has good medical facilities. The Marina Beach is safe during daylight.
FAQs
How do I reach Chennai from Delhi?
Tamil Nadu Express from Delhi (27-30 hours, sleeper class ₹1,000-1,500) or flight (3 hours, ₹3,000-6,000).
What is Chennai famous for?
Marina Beach, Kapaleeshwarar Temple, Fort St George, South Indian food, and the Tamil film industry.
How many days do I need?
3-4 days — one for the city, one for museums, one for Kanchipuram.