Chennai
IndiaAw
© OpenStreetMap, CARTO
|த|ம|ி|ழ|ி|ன|்| |ப|ெ|ர|ு|ம|ை| | ||| | |ச|ெ|ன|்|ன|ை|ய|ி|ன|்| |இ|த|ய|ம|்|.| ||| |T|a|m|i|l|'|s| |p|r|i|d|e| | ||| | |C|h|e|n|n|a|i|'|s| |h|e|a|r|t|.|
Why visit
December and January are the most pleasant, coinciding with the famous Margazhi music and dance festival (the world's largest classical Indian music event, with over 1,000 free concerts across the city). Walk Marina Beach (one of the world's longest urban beaches), explore Mylapore around the Kapaleeshwarar Temple, see the Government Museum's bronze galleries, and take a heritage walk through Fort St. George and George Town. Day trips reach Mahabalipuram (UNESCO Pallava-era temples) and Pondicherry.
When to avoid
April to June is very hot and humid (over 40°C and sticky). The October to December northeast monsoon brings flooding (the December 2015 and 2023 floods were catastrophic). Beach swimming is risky due to currents. Drink only bottled water. Food hygiene varies wildly. A day in Chennai should be built after the practical checks, not before them. Do not let the map of Chennai make the route look simpler than it is.