Situated on the beautiful Bay of Bengal, Chennai, formerly known as Madras, is a lively city famed for its colourful culture and rich history. Once you’ve soaked up the atmosphere in the country’s fourth largest city, you can discover more of India’s enchanting eastern coastline.
Indulge in Indian cuisine
No trip to Chennai is complete without trying a dosa. This south Indian crisp and savoury treat is best tried at the Mami Tiffin Stall near the Kapaleeshwarer Temple. The thin and spicy crepe-like food is made from fermented rice, packing a seriously flavoursome punch. Whilst in the city, be sure to try a bowl of Sambar too. The lentil-based stew offers a myriad of delicious local flavours.
Gaze in awe at the temples
There are several sacred temples to discover in Chennai. Located in Mylapore, Kapaleeshwarar Temple is one of the oldest and most visited temples in the city. Built in Dravidian style, this building will capture your attention from afar, as it features thousands of intricate, colourful designs rising high into the sky. You’ll also find Mahabalipuram Temples and Puri Jagannath Temple close to the city, both equally striking and remarkable to behold.
Experience the thrill of the theme parks
There are several theme parks in Chennai where you can experience the thrill of both water and land rides. Queens Land offers a total of 51 rides, including the Free Fall Tower and Super Waves. Pay a visit to VGP Universal Kingdom, India’s largest amusement park. Here, adrenaline lovers will scream in joy on the Top Gun ride or, if you’re looking for something a little more relaxing, you can visit the petting zoo or watch some of the spectacular live shows.
Trek through the lush greenery
There are plenty of beautiful locations to explore just outside of Chennai. Get out of the city for a day and discover the lush greenery and rugged terrain synonymous with this part of India. One of the most popular is the Nagalapuramare trek. Hike your way around beautiful hills located in the state of Andhra Pradesh and see incredible views of the surrounding area as you head out on your eight mile walk.