Hot and crowded Chennai has always been a city steeped in Southern Indian culture, religion and art. As tourism and business increases, however, new hotels, restaurants and attractions are beginning to pop up among the historic temples and bazaars.
Start your day with breakfast at Murugan Idli Shop, a regional chain with several locations across India and Singapore. Idll is a traditional breakfast food in the form of a savory cake made with lentils and rice. The shop is budget friendly and a favorite of the student population.
Be sure to visit Fort St. George, built in the 17th century by the British East India Company, and the accompanying museum. In addition to the magnificent architecture and interesting exhibits on British colonialism, you’ll also find India’s oldest British church. Admission is only $2.
Visit Annalakshmi for lunch, a vegetarian restaurant featuring Indian cuisine. The staff is almost entirely voluntary and the restaurant’s profits benefit charities serving the city’s impoverished. You can walk out with lunch for about $20.
Kapaleeswarar Temple © Jorisvo | Dreamstime
Chennai’s most famous temple is Kapaleeshwarar Temple, built in the 16th century and open to visitors from 5:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. If you’re in the city coinciding with one of their springtime festivals, stick around for parades, theatrics and a neighborhood-wide celebration.
Visit the Madras Light House on Marina Beach and the Bay of Bengal for a view of both the city and the ocean. It’s the only lighthouse in India with an elevator to take guests quickly to the viewing deck. You’ll also find a museum honoring India’s maritime history. Admission for both is less than a dollar.
Located in the Vivanta by Taj – Connemara hotel, The Raintree is a restaurant known for its authentic Chettinad cuisine, which relies heavily on lots of spices and non-vegetarian options. You’ll be able to find a full, multiple-course and delicious meal for around $30.
Mahatma Gandhi Statue, Marina Beach © Vikiclicks | Dreamstime
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