In the dynamic metropolis of Chennai, South India, you can experience every feeling! This city seamlessly blends contemporary wonders with historical echoes, whether strolling along Marina Beach or sipping filter coffee. But where can you put your tired feet down after enjoying delicious dosas and temple darshan all day? Wanderlust warriors, do not fear!
Every Chennai hotel Cleartrip offers, from skyscraper stunners to heritage havens, promises to be a peaceful refuge. So put down the guidebooks and explore this carefully chosen selection instead; opulent spas call, vibrant bazaars murmur, and a Cleartrip reservation are waiting to turn your dreams of Chennai into reality.
About Chennai
Chennai, known as the "Gateway to South India," beckons with its colourful tapestry of traditional and modern colours. Explore the Kapaleeswarar Temple beneath the towering gopurams, where Dravidian deities whisper stories of a golden past. Take in the merriment and the salty breeze as you experience the vibrancy of Marina Beach, the second-longest urban beach globally.
Explore the city's colonial roots at Fort St. George, where museums hint at past empires. Savour aromatic filter coffee in busy bazaars before succumbing to Bharatanatyam's rhythmic, hypnotic flow, an age-old classical dance. From bargaining for silks on Parrys Corner to having a picnic beneath banyan trees in Guindy National Park, Chennai offers various experiences.
But Chennai is not just about the sights and noises either. The streets of this city, known as the "Detroit of India," are alive with the creativity of tech startups and car titans, exuding an enterprising energy. It is a city home to Carnatic music, infused with the spirit of a deeply traditional region in every note.
City Attractions & Nearby Attractions
- Marina Beach: Adjacent to the Bay of Bengal, Marina Beach is an undeveloped urban beach. With approximately 30,000 people daily, the 13-kilometre beach is the most crowded in India and the longest natural metropolitan beach in the nation. It is also the second-largest beach in the globe.
- Marundeeswarar Temple: Shiva is worshipped at the majestic Marundeeswarar Temple at Thiruvanmiyur, near Chennai, as Marundeeswar, also known as Aushadeeswarar, the God of Medicines. This temple, a magnificent example of Dravidian architecture, is a must-see for travellers to Chennai or other cities.
- Pulicat: Despite being a tiny town near the sea, hundreds of visitors come here each month. However, the stunning Pulicat Lake deserves the most praise for this, as everyone may enjoy and re-energise there. Apart from that, its peaceful surroundings and visually calming greenery make it a great spot for photographers.
- Elliot Beach: Anyone who has visited Elliot's beach at least once will never forget it as a display of elegance, tranquillity, beauty, and everything that embodies nature at its most sublime.
- Kanchipuram: Conjeevaram is another name for the Indian silk town, and its handcrafted sarees are well-recognised worldwide. The primary draws of this location are the numerous temples that are present. Connect with your spiritual side while you are in this city of a thousand temples.
Places To Visit
Go past the well-known Marina Beach, the second-longest in the world, and explore Mylapore first. This historic neighbourhood, home to the magnificent San Thome Basilica, where St. Thomas's final resting place beckons, hums with spiritual energy.
At the Kapaleeshwarar Temple, where Dravidian architecture explodes in a riot of colourful carvings, you may immerse yourself in the artistic essence of the city. Take a trip through Parry's Corner, where the city's culinary culture flourishes and is a bustling tangle of alleyways fragrant with spices.
Next, sail away from the beat of the city to Elliot's Beach, which is tucked away beneath the protective wing of Guindy National Park. Explore the Madras Crocodile Bank's world of rescued reptiles or immerse yourself in the peace of the Ashtalakshmi Kovil temple, which honours eight incarnations of the goddess of luck, Lakshmi.
As the sun sets, take a peek at Besant Nagar, Chennai's bohemian side. Enjoy chai while taking in the scenery, watch surfers turn tricks on the waves, and feel the contagious spirit of a city that
embraces history and contemporary.
Beyond its beaches and temples, Chennai has many interesting things to offer. So throw away the guidebooks and use your curiosity as a reference point. Discover Chennai's hidden treasures, try the local cuisine and fall in love with the city that begs you to join its enthralling narrative.
Best Time To Visit Chennai
Get away from the bitter cold and enjoy clear skies and a warm 23°C in the winter, which is ideal for sightseeing and visiting temples. The vivid Pongal harvest festival, a kaleidoscope of vibrant rice decorations and upbeat tunes, ushers in spring.
Mango fever fires in the summer, bursting with delicious sweetness around every turn. Additionally, the city is draped in emerald during the monsoon, making it the perfect time for romantic coffee shop crawls and seeing cultural events under the steady downpour of rain.
So, Chennai offers a special season of smiles, surprises, and sunlight (literally, in most cases!) whenever the travel bug bites. Come and create your tale about Chennai; each season is a work of art.
Things To Do In This City
- Attend Chennai Sangamam: It's a sizable open Tamil celebration during the Pongal season. It is held in different outdoor spaces, such as parks or beaches, and features, among other things, classical dance, martial arts, and traditional folk events.
- Try Spending A Day At The MGM Dizzee World With Your Loved Ones: Among the largest Indian amusement parks, MGM brought Jurong's Bird Show to India again in 1999 from Singapore. Extreme adrenaline coasters are available, but there are also pleasant and entertaining rides.
- When In Chennai, Go Parasailing: Look closer if you believe Chennai is just known for its peaceful beaches and opulent temples. The city is also home to parasailing, one of the most daring sports ever. This is not a water sport for the timid, unlike numerous others. A securely secured parachute fastened to your back enables you to glide over the sea.
- Go To The Anna Zoological Park In Arignar: The day journey from Chennai is perfect. Numerous types of plants and fauna can be found in the area. You may find more than 138 different species of organisms here.
