Known as the 'Gateway to the South India', Chennai is a beautiful, picturesque city in the Indian province of Tamil Nadu. A former traditional fishing village located on the coast of Bay of Bengal, the city is famed for its rich heritage and has stunning beaches, ancient temples, colonial buildings and old monuments. Covelong, Marina and Elliot's are the top beaches here and attract tourists from all over the globe.
Tamil art, classical dance and carnatic music are major lures as well. All in all, Chennai is one of the most thriving, commercially vibrant and naturally gifted state capitals in India.
Top Attractions in ChennaiMostly build by the kings and rulers and famed for their impressive design, architecture and gopurams, temples such as Parthasarathy Temple, Kapaleeswarar Temple, Sri Vadapalani Andavar Temple, Ashtalakshmi Temple and Kaligambal Temple are top attractions in Chennai. Chettinad Palace, Chepauk Palace, Victory War Memorial, MGR Memorial, Madras War Cemetery, Valluvar Kottam, Kannagi Statue and Napier Bridge are other interesting attractions that deserve a visit by the travellers who are interested in the quintessential Chennai holiday! Of course you cannot leave the city without visiting its beaches.
Shopping in ChennaiBe it pattamara mats, leaf handicrafts, bronze statues, brass castings, traditional jewellery, metal works, stone carvings, silk clothes, temple style gold jewellery or the famous Kanchipuram sarees, Chennai has so much for the shoppers! With different street shops, traditional markets and malls found across the city, shopping in Chennai is truly a majestic experience. George Town, Thyagaraya Nagar, Pondy Bazaar, Godown Street and Sowcarpet are among the best spots to shop in Chennai.
Eating Out in ChennaiFood in Chennai is among the best in India. Along with regular South Indian delicacies, Murukku (crunchy Indian snack), Atho (noodle dish), Parotta (layered flatbread made from Maida flour), Muttai Dosa, Idiyappam (string hoppers), kothu (Parotta, egg, meat, and salna, a spicy sauce), puliyodarai (rice), thayir sadam (yogurt rice), appam (pancake) and aviyal (mixture of vegetables and coconut) are some of the top dishes that are sure to gladden your hearts. While there are several eateries and restaurants across the city, eating at one of the beachside shacks or traditional street shop could be a memorable experience.
Best Time to Visit ChennaiThe months from November to February are considered the best time to be in Chennai. During the period, the weather conditions are mild and ideal to enjoy the city attractions and indulge in beachside frolics. May to June is the summer time and it can be really hot and humid in the city; avoid travelling if you are not too fond of the heat. But, this is the time when you can have cheap flights and low tariffs in hotels. During the monsoon months from July to September, Chennai experiences heavy rainfall.
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