🏆 Top Must-See Attractions
Nov–Feb Best Time
24 Attractions
8 Categories
9 Guides
11 Cities in India

Things to do in Chennai

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Religious Sites

Explore Chennai's magnificent temples and sacred places that showcase Dravidian architecture and spiritual traditions spanning…

Top picks

  • Kapaleeshwarar Temple Must See

    A stunning 16th-century temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, featuring intricate gopuram…

  • San Thome Cathedral Must See

    A magnificent Neo-Gothic cathedral built over the tomb of St. Thomas, believed to be an…

  • Parthasarathy Temple Top Pick

    One of the oldest functioning temples in India, dedicated to Lord Krishna. This…

See all 4 Religious Sites in Chennai →
Visit Chennai's iconic landmarks that tell stories of colonial heritage, cultural pride, and architectural excellence from…

Top picks

  • Fort St. George Must See

    India's oldest British fort, built in 1644, this historical compound houses government…

  • Government Museum Must See

    One of India's oldest and largest museums, established in 1851, housing exceptional…

  • Chepauk Palace Top Pick

    An 18th-century Indo-Saracenic palace, once the residence of the Nawab of the Carnatic.…

See all 3 Landmarks & Monuments in Chennai →
Immerse yourself in Chennai's art and cultural institutions showcasing everything from ancient bronzes to contemporary…

Top picks

  • DakshinaChitra Top Pick

    A living museum of South Indian art, crafts, and culture set across 6 acres. Featuring…

  • Kalakshetra Top Pick 📌 Book Ahead

    A renowned institution for learning and promoting classical Indian arts, particularly…

  • National Art Gallery Notable

    Housed in a beautiful Victorian building, this gallery showcases Indian contemporary and…

See all 3 Museums & Galleries in Chennai →
Escape the city bustle in Chennai's lush green spaces offering recreation, relaxation, and beautiful natural landscapes.

Top picks

  • Marina Beach Must See

    Asia's second-longest urban beach stretching 13 kilometers along the Bay of Bengal.…

  • Guindy National Park Top Pick

    India's smallest national park, a pristine urban wildlife sanctuary within the city. Home…

  • Arignar Anna Zoological Park Top Pick

    One of India's largest zoos featuring over 1,400 animals representing more than 100…

See all 3 Parks & Gardens in Chennai →
Explore ancient ruins and heritage structures that showcase the architectural brilliance and cultural legacy of South India's…

Top picks

  • Arulmigu Arunachaleswara Temple Top Pick

    Though located in Tiruvannamalai (near Chennai), this 9th-century temple is one of South…

  • Madras High Court Notable

    A magnificent Indo-Gothic structure built in 1892, one of Asia's largest court buildings.…

See all 2 Ancient & Historical Sites in Chennai →
Wander through Chennai's distinct neighborhoods, each with unique character, local life, and authentic experiences.

Top picks

  • Mylapore Must See

    One of Chennai's oldest and most culturally vibrant neighborhoods, home to the famous…

  • George Town Top Pick

    Chennai's historic commercial district, established during the colonial period. George…

  • T. Nagar Top Pick

    Chennai's premier shopping and entertainment hub featuring shopping malls, traditional…

See all 3 Neighborhoods & Districts in Chennai →
Engage in guided experiences and activities that provide deeper insights into Chennai's culture, history, and natural beauty.

Top picks

  • Guided City Tours Top Pick 📌 Book Ahead

    Comprehensive guided tours covering Chennai's major attractions including temples,…

  • Backwater Tours Top Pick 📌 Book Ahead

    Explore Chennai's serene coastal backwaters and lagoons by boat. These tours offer…

  • Bharatanatyam Dance Classes Notable

    Learn India's classical dance form at Kalakshetra or other cultural institutions. Classes…

See all 3 Tours & Activities in Chennai →
Discover fascinating destinations within short drives from Chennai, perfect for full-day excursions and extended exploration.

Top picks

  • Mahabalipuram Must See

    Ancient port city 58km south with stunning shore temples and rock-cut monuments. UNESCO…

  • Tiruvannamalai Must See

    Sacred pilgrimage town 140km west known for the massive Arunachaleswara Temple. The…

  • Pondi cherry (Puducherry) Top Pick

    Charming coastal union territory 165km south with French colonial heritage and French…

See all 3 Day Trips & Excursions in Chennai →
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Explore Chennai on the Map

  • Winter (November to February)
  • Summer (March to May)
  • Monsoon (June to September)
  • Post-Monsoon (October)
Read the full Best Time to Visit guide for Chennai →
  • Public Transportation
  • Metro Rail
  • Taxis & Auto-rickshaws
  • Cabs & Private Transport
  • Bicycles & Two-wheelers
  • Airport Transfer
  • +1 more
Read the full Getting Around guide for Chennai →
  • Silk & Sarees
  • Traditional Crafts
  • Shopping Districts
  • Markets
  • Bargaining Tips
  • Timings
Read the full Shopping Guide guide for Chennai →
  • Pongal (January)
  • Tamil New Year (April)
  • Navratri/Dussehra (September-October)
  • Deepavali/Diwali (October-November)
  • Chithirai Festival (April-May)
  • Margazhi Music Season (December-January)
Read the full Festivals & Events guide for Chennai →
  • Day 1: Heritage & Spirituality
  • Day 2: Colonial History
  • Day 3: Culture & Arts
  • Day 4: Spiritual Pilgrimage
  • Day 5: Coastal Exploration
Read the full Day Itineraries guide for Chennai →
  • Marina Beach Sunrise & Sunset (Golden Hour: 5:30-6:30am & 5:30-6:30pm)
  • Kapaleeshwarar Temple Gopuram (Morning Light - 6am-8am)
  • Mylapore Streets & Flower Markets (Early Morning - 5am-8am)
  • Fort St. George Architecture (Late Afternoon - 2pm-4pm)
  • San Thome Cathedral Interior (Mid-morning - 9am-11am)
  • Arignar Anna Zoo Wildlife (Early Morning - 6am-8am)
  • +1 more
Read the full Best Photo Spots guide for Chennai →
  • Voltage & Frequency
  • Plug Types
  • Adapters & Converters
  • Power Supply Reliability
  • Where to Buy
  • USB Charging
Read the full Electricity & Plugs guide for Chennai →
  • South Indian Classics
  • Chettinad Cuisine
  • Seafood Specialties
  • Street Food & Snacks
  • Sweets & Desserts
  • Dining Tips
Read the full Food Guide guide for Chennai →
  • Chennai Tourist Card
  • Chennai Metro Card
  • Museum Entry Passes
Read the full Tourist Passes guide for Chennai →

More about Chennai

Religious Sites Landmarks & Monuments Museums & Galleries Parks & Gardens Ancient & Historical Sites Neighborhoods & Districts Tours & Activities Day Trips & Excursions Best Time to Visit Getting Around Tourist Passes Shopping Guide Festivals & Events Day Itineraries Best Photo Spots Food Guide Electricity & Plugs