The only difficult aspect of spending time in Chennai is working out where to start. Do you visit an incredible temple? Sip chai in a local cafe? Spend the day hanging out at the beach or nab a bargain at the flea market? Here are five ideas to get you moving.
Stay in a luxurious hotel
In Chennai, a night in a five-star hotel often comes at a much more affordable price than it does at home. So, a holiday can be a good excuse to treat yourself to a spacious room, fully-equipped gym, 24-hour room service, high-end spa facilities, and on-site fine dining. To secure the best possible deals, especially during special events and peak periods, it’s a good idea to find accommodation in Chennai to book and reserve a hotel in advance. Having your own tranquil oasis away from the hot, busy city street is definitely one way to get the most out of your trip.
Make a votive offering at Kapaleeshwar Temple
At 1,400 years, Kapaleeshwar, North Mada Street, Mylapore, dedicated to Shiva, is one of the oldest temples in Chennai. On the way in, stop at the local shops to pick up coffee, breakfast, a sample of famous rasi silk, a bottle of miraculous native medicine, or worship material. The clean, well-maintained temple boasts elaborate Dravidian architecture, intricately carved statues, and a tranquil atmosphere.
Drink a sunset cocktail at the beach
Chennai’s stunning Coromandel coastline is one of its finest assets. For a buzzing vibe, head to Marina Beach, where you’ll have your choice of restaurants, cafes, and cocktail bars. At 13 kilometers, it’s the longest natural urban beach in India. To see Marina at its best, be sure to head out in the evening when you can enjoy a martini or mojito while watching the sun disappear beneath the horizon. If you are an ocean lover and can spare a few hours, leave time to take a drive or catch a bus along the East Coast Road.
Grab a bargain at T Nagar Market
Chennai is home to South India’s largest market - T Nagar. If you head to Ranganathan Street, you’ll soon come across hundreds of stalls selling spicy street food, aromatic incense, massage oils, trinkets of all kinds, and brightly patterned silk sarees. Do be aware that the crowds can be rather overwhelming and you will have to navigate your way around street hawkers. To get the most out of it, your best bet is to smile gracefully and go with the flow, it’s all part of the Chennai experience.
Sip chai with local celebrities
Chennai is home to hundreds, if not thousands, of chai houses. But for the high-end experience, where you'll be rubbing shoulders with spice-loving celebrities, you should head to Lloyds Tea House (179 Lloyds Rd, Gopalapuram). The chai comes accompanied by an hourglass, so you can decide exactly how long you’d like it brewed for, and there’s a bunch of other teams on the menu, from fennel to wine to mango, as well as a selection of snacks.
Author Bio
Pradeep is an SEO Expert and an avid traveler who loves to share his experiences through skilled travel photography and videography. He works for Namaste India Trip, a leading travel company that offers Tamil Nadu tour packages. Feel free to get in touch for more information on Namaste India Trip and other travel packages.
