Flights To Chennai Guide

Chennai’s aviation traffic is predominantly managed by the Chennai International Airport (MAA), which, with its modern facilities and services, represents the gateway to Southern India. Alternative airports include Bengaluru Kempegowda International Airport (BLR), 350 km away, Hyderabad Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (HYD), 630 km away, and Cochin International Airport (COK), 550 km away.

Direct flights from the UK to Chennai take around 9 to 10 hours and the main airlines that facilitate this operation are British Airways, Air India, Emirates, and Qatar Airways.

Woking Travel offers convenient transfer services from the airport to your accommodation. To book your transfer, please visit Transfers-Woking Travel.

Woking Travel provides a range of accommodations in Chennai. You can explore hotels by visiting our Hotels page at Hotels-Woking Travel or browse our holiday packages at Packages-Woking Travel. Here are some of the top hotels catering to all kinds of budgets in Chennai:

1. The Leela Palace: An emblem of seafront grandeur, The Leela Palace provides lavish accommodation with magnificent views of the city.
   
   
2. ITC Grand Chola: Exhibiting utmost opulence, ITC Grand Chola provides guests with extensive amenities, offering impeccable services.
   
   
3. Savera Hotel: Savera hotel combines comfort with convenience, providing guests with cosy lodging, standard amenities, and convenient access to the city’s prime attractions.
   
   
4. The Lotus Hotel Sameera: Curating a unique and personal experience, The Lotus Hotel Sameera offers chic rooms, a cosy ambience, and a cooperative staff to attend to guests.
   
   
5. Hotel Pandian: Being an affordable option for budget travellers, this hotel provides all standard amenities and services at a reasonable price. 
   
   
6. Zostel Chennai: For backpackers and young explorers, Zostel provides a dynamic community experience. With shared living spaces, a lively ambience, and standard facilities, this is a considerable option for those focusing on frugality.
   
   
7. Radisson Blu Hotel Chennai: With a variety of dining facilities, spacious suites, and amenities such as a fitness centre, a swimming pool and conference spaces, this hotel is a popular choice among tourists.
   
   
8. Taj Coromandel: Providing chic living spaces, lavish dining options, and a famed spa, this hotel offers a top-notch experience for guests with a focus on remarkable service and convenience.
   
   
9. Hôtel de Petit: Hôtel de Petit provides guests with cosy rooms, a pleasantly old-fashioned dining space, and a warm atmosphere, perfect for those seeking a more personal experience.
   
   
10. Ginger Chennai: Being another viable option for budget travellers, this hotel fulfils all essential needs of customers and provides decent accommodation at a reasonable price.

Navigating the city is made easy with a range of transport options that include:

• Metropolitan Buses: Metropolitan buses connect various parts of the city, conveniently accommodating passengers.
• Auto Rickshaws: Auto rickshaws are a popular mode of transportation in the city, ideal for short distances.
• Taxis and App-Based Cabs: Taxis and app-based cabs are readily available in Chennai through services like Ola and Uber.
• Local Trains: Local trains provide a quick way of travelling and affordable service to passengers.
• Metro Rail: The metro rail is a fast, clean, and efficient mode of transportation in the city.
• Bicycle Rentals: Renting a bicycle is an eco-friendly and fitness-promoting travel option.
• Car Rentals: Tourists can rent a car and acquire the freedom to explore Chennai at their own pace.
• Walking: Chennai has certain pedestrian-friendly areas for a closer look at its street life.

1. Marina Beach: The Marina Beach curates a vibrant nightlife and provides stunning views of sunsets over the Bay of Bengal.
   
   
2. Kapaleeswarar Temple: The Kapaleeswarar Temple is a majestic Dravidian architecture dedicated to Lord Shiva, holding immense significance for the Hindus.
   
   
3. George Town: George Town possesses historic streets that showcase the colonial-era churches and buildings.
   
   
4. San Thome Basilica: San Thome Basilica is a revered pilgrimage site with breathtaking neo-Gothic architecture.
   
   
5. Mylapore: Mylapore is a rich cultural hub with traditional music, cultural dance, and beautiful art.
   
   
6. IT & Tech Parks: Innovation centres offering insights into Chennai’s progressive tech scene.
   
   
7. T Nagar: The bustling shopping district is renowned for traditional sarees and gold jewellery.
   
   
8. Guindy National Park: The Guindy National Park is a serene urban retreat that features diverse flora and fauna of Chennai.
   
   
9. Government Museum: The Government Museum exhibits a fascinating collection of art, archaeology, and natural history exhibits.
   
   
10. Kanchipuram: Kanchipuram is a day trip destination where tourists can explore temples and witness the intricate silk-weaving tradition.

Here are the top 10 restaurants in Chennai that serve exquisite food:

1. Southern Spice: Located in the ITC Grand Chola hotel, this restaurant serves authentic South Indian cuisine.
   
   
2. Murugan Idli Shop: Famous for its idlis and dosas, this restaurant is particularly popular for its South Indian breakfast fare.
   
   
3. Dakshin: Located in Crowne Plaza, this restaurant offers traditional South Indian cuisine including delicacies from Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka.
   
   
4. Saravana Bhavan: Saravana Bhavan is a popular restaurant chain that serves hearty vegetarian food.
   
   
5. Amethyst Cafe: With an alluring ambience, Amethyst Cafe is known for offering an amalgam of continental and classic Indian cuisine.
   
   
6. Madras Pavilion: Located in ITC Grand Chola, Madras Pavilion presents an extensive buffet dining with a diverse range of South Indian, North Indian, and international delicacies.
   
   
7. Rayar’s Mess: Rayar’s Mess, a local favourite, is renowned for its simple yet flavourful South Indian dishes.
   
   
8. Annalakshmi: Another vegetarian restaurant, Annalakshmi serves South Indian dishes with a traditional take.
   
   
9. The Marina: For fulfilling their seafood cravings, tourists can head to The Marina to savour their Chennai coastal specialties.
   
   
10. Absolute Barbecue: To enjoy a live grill and barbecue scene, Absolute Barbecue is the ideal place to go in Chennai.

Here are the top 10 essential things to do when in Chennai:

1. Indulge in South Indian Cuisine: Visit South Indian restaurants, taste Chettinad curries and try filter coffee for an authentic Chennai experience.
   
   
2. Attend a Bharatanatyam Performance: Enjoy the traditional Bharatanatyam dance shows that take place in Chennai for a distinct experience.
   
   
3. Take a Heritage Walk: Explore historic neighbourhoods in Chennai and take in the essence of the city’s rich heritage.
   
   
4. Experience a Cricket Match at Chepauk: Catch a cricket match at Chepauk and experience the thrill and the city’s devotion for cricket.
   
   
5. Relax with Ayurvedic Treatments: Unwind and rejuvenate at Ayurvedic spas, indulging in natural treatments.
   
   
6. Visit the Birla Planetarium: For astronomical exhibits, visit the Birla Planetarium and immerse in the ultimate astronomical experience.
   
   
7. Support Local Artisans: Support the local South Indian artisans by shopping for handmade goods at small kiosks and shops.
   
   
8. Stroll through the Botanical Gardens: Take a relaxing walk in the Chennai Botanical Gardens and unwind in the verdant green spaces.
   
   
9. Chronicle Your Visit with a Photography Tour: Capture the city’s essence through a personalised photography expedition with professional guidance.
   
   
10. Shop at T-Nagar: To find the best traditional goods, visit T-Nagar, experience the local markets and the bustling streets, and shop your heart out.

Chennai has a tropical wet and dry climate. The best times to visit are during the cooler months, from November to February.

• Summer (March – May): Average temperatures range from 27°C to 42°C, with high humidity that intensifies the heat. 
• Monsoon (June – September): The monsoon season is typically characterised by heavy rains with temperatures between 25°C to 35°C.
• Winter (November – February): Winter brings pleasant weather with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C.
  
  

To stay up-to-date with live weather conditions, check out the Chennai Weather Guide.

• GMT to IST: Chennai is 5 hours 30 minutes ahead of GMT.
• BST to IST: Chennai is 4 hours 30 minutes ahead of BST.

Currency:

• Indian Rupee (INR) is the official currency that is used in Chennai. Credit cards are widely accepted, and ATMs are prevalent in the city. However, it is advisable to carry some cash with you at all times in cases of small purchases, tipping, and possible emergencies.

Language:

• Tamil is the official language of Chennai. Moreover, English is widely understood and spoken around the city, as well.

Local Customs

The local customs in Chennai include respecting the religious customs and traditions of the city. This includes dressing modestly when visiting temples. It is common to greet people with Namaste/Namaskar. Moreover, food is generally savoured using hands, particularly the right hand, and not cutlery. 

Laws:

To know more about the laws pertaining to travellers in Chennai, please refer to the following links:

• UK Government Travel Advice
• Local Government Tourism Information

By blending cultural heritage with modern comforts, Chennai strikes a delicate balance between tradition and contemporary living. This guide provides essential insights to navigate the vibrant city effortlessly. Explore ancient temples, relax on the beach, or savour local cuisine in Chennai for a rich experience. Embrace the local vibe, respect cultural norms, and depart with cherished memories of Chennai’s warmth and vibrancy.

Book your flight to Chennai with Woking Travel and explore Chennai like never before!