Chennai Overview

Rain is the big troublemaker in Chennai thanks to its two rainy seasons which ensure the city is lashed by heavy precipitation for half the year. The hot and humid monsoon, which lasts from June to August, is followed by a north-easterly monsoon from September to December. Expect an average of 50cm of rainfall per year during this period. more...

Chennai Activities

About an hour north of Chennai near Chengalpet is one of South India's best bird sanctuaries. This marshy 76-acre park with a sizable lake is one of the largest in India, attracting more than 100,000 migratory birds in dozens of species each year. November and December are the premier viewing months, but any time of the year this wildlife preserve is a beautiful and relaxing place to visit. more...

Chennai Events and Festivals

Tayagaraja Festival: this famous South Indian composer is honoured for his many Telugu songs at an annual event where young artists come to showcase their talents at the composer’s memorial. more...

Chennai Sightseeing

This fascinating church built by the Portuguese in 1551 has some incredible stories based around St Thomas, the first Christian missionary in India. St Thomas supposedly lived in a tiny cave when he first arrived here in 58 AD, which can be accessed through a hole in the back of the church. A number of relics, such as the stone cross St Thomas was holding when he was killed, are on display. The church is located near Saidapet Bridge, Saidapet; Phone: +91 44 2235 1863. more...

Chennai Transport

Chennai has a large international airport about 17kms south of the city centre known as Meenambakkam Airport. The airport is divided into two distinct terminals. Anna International Terminal handles a good selection of routes to Europe the Middle East and parts of Asia, including direct flights from London on British Airways and New York on Delta. The Kamaraj Domestic Terminal services flights from every city in India via Jet Airways, Air Sahara and Indian Airlines. more...

Chennai Travel Tips

India has more social rules than most countries due to its deeply entrenched social and religious tenets. It will serve you well to study up on the basics of Indian etiquette before arriving. Most Indians are Hindu, which means they are vegetarian and don't drink much alcohol. You may have to adjust your eating and drinking habits a bit to ease into life in Chennai. more...