Overview
Chennai is the capital of Tamil Nadu, on India's east coast. It was founded by the British East India Company in 1640 and remains a major cultural and economic hub.
Beach · Budget Travel · Day Trips · History
Before you go
Food
Wide range from street food to fine dining. Vegetarian meals are common. Alcohol is restricted to hotel bars.
Health
Drink bottled water. Carry rehydration salts. Avoid raw vegetables from street stalls.
Language
Tamil is the main language; English is widely understood. Hindi is not widely spoken.
Safety
Generally safe but watch for pickpocketing. Autorickshaws overcharge; fix fare upfront.
Transport
Public transport includes suburban trains and buses. Auto-rickshaws are common but negotiate fare.
Weather
Hot and humid year-round. Best visited November–February. Monsoon October–December with heavy rain.