Things to do in Chennai

Located beside the Bay of Bengal, Chennai in Tamil Nadu is known for its long stretches of golden beaches, backwaters, gentle winding rivers and serene lakes that contrast sharply with the hustle and bustle of the city. If you have a passion for water sports, this coastal region draws you in with the promise of exhilarating experiences on the shores of South India as you explore the gleaming waters that border the city. 

Watersports in Chennai are still in its nascent stage as this capital is primarily a fishing and port city, and scuba diving is not conducted here. The large amount of fishing activities nearby makes the water cloudy and visibility is low, so this can make it hard to see the gorgeous ocean bed that lies beneath. However, watersports in Chennai finds its heart in Pondicherry just 165 km away. So if you’re up for a road trip, hop into a car or bus and drive down to this picturesque Union Territory that is home to spectacular dive sites such as Aravind’s Wall, Four Corners, Temple Reef and The Hole. 

If you’re still itching for watersports in Chennai that are being conducted closer than Pondicherry, don’t be discouraged just yet! Surfing has taken off thanks to a small group of surfing enthusiasts that are excited to ride atop the waves of the Bay of Bengal with you. If you’re new to surfing, you can take up one of the courses at the surfing schools in Covelong and also make friends with local surfers in the region. 

Give your love for water a brand new twist by dipping into a world of watersports! 

Chennai the capital of Tamil Nadu is primarily known for its wealth of golden beaches, rich Tamil culture and hot, humid climate. But if you’re a rock-climber looking to conquer some beautiful rock formations, rock climbing in Chennai shouldn’t be off your list. The landscape around the city is rugged, promising an exhilarating rock climbing experience amidst lush greenery and deep blue skies. 

For a rock climber, making your way to the summit of majestic rocks is a test of fitness, skill and determination. Using your strength and agility to navigate up these natural beauties is a challenge for your body and mind. Rock climbing in Chennai is a fairly recent trend and is still in its early days but a variety of boulder problems and routes have been emerging in the crags around this coastal hub, largely due to the efforts of a budding, active group of enthusiastic climbers. 

Rock climbing in Chennai involves clambering up granite rock formations and bouldering dominates the climbing scene. However, taller routes are slowly being put up just a few kilometers out of the city and provide gorgeous vistas once you’re done with your climb. Because of this regions sweltering heat, the best time to go rock climbing is December to February. 

Get your climbing gear ready and read on to discover climbing hotspots in Chennai that will give you a satisfying rush of endorphins! 

Have you ever wanted to take control over your own watercraft and sail your way down to a new adventure? Chennai is a beautiful city but after days of walking down roads in the sweltering heat or navigating through throngs of tourists, your heart begins to long for the simplistic beauty of the outdoors, adorned with cooling greenery and water bodies perfect for you to dip your toes into its refreshing depths. Kayaking in Chennai offers you the chance to paddle on serene bays, gently flowing rivers or on placid lakes as softly coloured birds take flight above your head. 

Kayaking in Chennai is fairly new with only one or two spots for you to enjoy kayaking. But this shouldn’t stop you from taking up this adrenaline pumping water sport that will give you a different perspective of Chennai from atop its grayish-blue glistening water. New to kayaking? Kayaking in Chennai is taught by experienced instructors and guides that will make sure you glide across the waters with confidence and all safety measures in place. If you’d love to take up a course in kayaking or try your hand at a different yet exciting water sport, you can check out the Bay of Life Surf School and Ocean Literacy or other surfing/kayaking schools near Chennai and take up a beginners or pro course! 

Steer yourself into a world of fun with kayaking in Chennai.

If you’ve stepped foot into what could only be called a well-loved and known commercial hub in the south, be ready to have your mind blown when you see what it has to offer. Chennai is a dynamite city; they wake early and the bustle in the street almost never stops. Shopping in Chennai can be described the same way.  

The local shops here feature some of the classic, traditional products like the Pattamara mats and metal work from Thanjavur; stone carvings from Mamallapuram; bronze, leaf handicrafts from Tirunelveli, and silks from Kanchipuram to large, well-equipped malls that feature both global and domestic brands. Shopping in Chennai is never a bore. Yes, it is also an established cotton, silk and gold hub so if you're in the mood for any of these, they have something that will suit whatever price range you have.  

Like in every other city in India, besides the unique local handicrafts, Chennai also has street shops that sell beautiful prints, materials, jewellery and readymade outfits. You can also make a pit stop at Nalli's and Pothys which are Chennai's favourite shopping centers for some beautiful, high quality Indian wear that has endless options. After walking the streets and shopping to your hearts content, you can treat yourself to the lip-smacking snacks and food joints you will find here. Shopping in Chennai will instantly make you feel like you're part of the city and is a great way to remember it, long after you leave.  

The capital of Tamil Nadu, Chennai is a beautiful coastal city perched next to the majestic Bay of Bengal. With a rich history and culture, the ‘Detroit of India’, was added to the UNESCO Creative Cities Network list for its rich musical traditions and walking through its long winding roads unveils houses boasting of traditional South Indian lifestyles that have been kept in place for decades. 

The heritage tours in Chennai takes you through the past of this vibrant city and its impact on its present. From touching upon food such as the Mulligatawny Soup which originated in Chennai and became a global favorite during the British colonial rule to taking you through Alamparai Fort, Valluvar Kottam, the Government Museum and more, the heritage tours in Chennai reveal the heart and soul of this urban hub in Tamil Nadu.

When we visit a region, we often enjoy things as they are rather than learning about how it came about. The heritage tours in Chennai offer you a chance to look below the surface of this enchanting seaside city so that your travel experiences are more satisfying and fulfilling. 

Amusement parks are hands down the best way to spend a day with your family and friends. If you want to bring back the childlike joy, it might be time for a trip to an amusement park. There are so many elements about them that are so exciting. They’re spread over many acres of land and have something for every age group. So, if you are visiting Chennai, you best believe that there are some amazing parks here for you to enjoy. It is the infectious enthusiasm of the people here to live life to the fullest that makes this city such a distinct destination to have and ensure other people are having a good time. And what better place to enjoy a fun-filled day than by visiting amusement parks in Chennai?  

The capital city of Tamil Nadu is dotted with amusement parks and theme parks where you can have your share and more of fun and frolic. The thrilling rides and adventure activities at these parks promise you more than just excitement; they also promise you lasting memories that you can create with your family and friends. If you’re time bound and aren’t in a position to leave the city entirely, the least you can do to have given yourself that break is set foot in an almost dream world built for you in your own city. Amusement parks in Chennai are easily accessible by cab, local buses or autos and have parking spaces if you’re using your own mode of transportation. If you’re looking to see which of the amusement parks in Chennai would be best for you and your family to spend the weekend at, keep reading! 

This watersport has become the most recent addition to the array of adventures offered in beach cities. If you’re encountering this for the first time, this watersport activity is now piquing the interest of many. It allows you to experience the thrill of flying by the use of jet propulsion powered by a watercraft. The flyboard helps secure your feet with straps under which cold water jetpacks are fixed. The flyboard is then connected to a jet ski using a long tube and an adapter which propels you upwards and then sends you diving back into the water.  

Flyboarding in Chennai means you get to catch a glimpse of this metropolitan city and its Arabian waters from a completely different perspective. This watersport is also extremely beginner friendly so if you’re considering flyboarding in Chennai, you can try it with no hesitation or fear. Trained professionals and experts will be around to help you gear up and supervise you to ensure that this adrenaline filled activity is also safe. 

This sport is still in its initial stages in India but is drawing an overwhelming response and is available with trained professionals around only in some beach cities. Learning to ride the flyboard can be an intimidating and tricky task; however, with practice you will be able to perform diving, precision flying, flying underwater and aerobatics like spins, back flips, twists and dolphin swimming. Flyboarding in Chennai can cost anywhere between INR 1000 – INR 3000 but will be worth your money, time and energy.  

Pal kova, thattu idli and murukku sandwich – are you drooling yet? Those are the names of the snack foods that are commonly available in any street in Madras.  The top and classic dishes you must try on food trails in Chennai would be the ubiquitous  Idli/Dosa breakfast, a filter coffee to quench the thirst of  a hot day, and  pakodas and bajjis you will find on every street. But besides these classics, if you’re looking to try food that roots back to many communities in Chennai and is served with a fistful of spicy stories, embark on a journey of discovering food trails in Chennai.  

While you’re here, you are bound to encounter stories of people and their passion for food, and of recipes that to this day remain jealously guarded secrets. You could go on a walk through the streets of Sowcarpet where you can sample the best of local food. You will see how a morsel of food could hide a million pointers to the way of life of a people. Chennai’s food is often summarised in just three dishes but the truth is that it embraces foods and delicacies from across the state and across communities with the same enthusiasm. The flavours of this city change constantly but while discovering the food trails in Chennai, the old gems, are the ones that ground you and leave your taste buds tingling. As you move across the city, you will come across many old gems like pakodas and biryani and land up visiting some off-beat places. Come and discover the hidden food gems if you love a foodie adventure, and make sure you visit with an empty stomach!  

Is there anything more fun than a waterpark? Easy, effortless adventure that is suitable for both adults and children, water parks have something for everyone. Whether its rides on land that drop you from towering heights before softly reaching the ground, or curling slides that allow you to zoom through its many curves until you’re deposited with an icy splash and a big toothy grin on your face, a day spent in these thrilling amusement parks will give you chills and a happy dose of dopamine. 

The  water parks in Chennai are a clear favorite amongst locals and visitors. The dry heat of the city can get you down during its long afternoons and refreshing yourself at these watery escapades can cheer you up and reinvigorate you for the rest of your trip. Not to mention, water parks in Chennai are family friendly and a great option to entertain your little ones, boasting of lazy rivers and wave pools that your kids can safely dip into an have a rollicking good time. 

From tall slides, water discos and sprawling pools, the water parks in Chennai keep you guessing at every turn and can delight you with every new ride. If you’re feeling a rumble in your tummy, you can drop by the in-house restaurants that dot the premises, offering you smoothies, snacks and dishes that capture the tangy flavors of Tamil Nadu. 

As human beings, we will always want to switch things up, look for newer places to explore and experience. If you've been in Chennai a while as a local or as a tourist and want to experience something other than the beaches and markets, head out to experience wildlife tours in Chennai. Though we forget to see past the metropolitan culture this city holds, its location, geographically points and leads to many important, beautiful wildlife sanctuaries in the South. In a time of global crisis like we find ourselves in now, making a trip to one of these sanctuaries can help remind us that we are part of a larger ecosystem and also give us a glimpse into what it is like to care for these mammals.  

Wildlife tours in Chennai are eye-opening, many sanctuaries and parks around the city have been granted world heritage site status or are nationally acclaimed tiger reserves which goes to show the important and critical state these reserves find themselves in. Nevertheless, the animal kingdom that we get a sight of here can be seen enjoying their space. The safaris, treks and nature walks through the park shed light on their habitat and also give you a chance to get a closer look at these rare species. The forests they are surrounded by are extremely resourceful and create a safe home for these beings. The wildlife tours in Chennai are not limited to adventure sport and wildlife enthusiasts but can prove very useful for photography and research purposes too. The workers and caretakers of the place always have valuable and important insights to share, so if you’re planning a trip down to the hot tropical city, make time to visit one of these wildlife reserves.  

Blue and seemingly bottomless, the ocean calls out to us to explore its hidden depths. For those of us who love the water, the aquatic world is our dream destination, with delicate jellyfish fanning out their tendrils, manta rays swimming serenely under the waves, lionfish with elegant spikes and more, splashing about their natural habitat. Scuba diving in Chennai takes you into the mysterious Bay of Bengal and treats you to the beautiful sight of its ocean bed. 

Although you might be ready to begin scuba diving in Chennai, this lovely coastal region does not have many dive sites and the visibility is low. However, right near Chennai is Pondicherry, and this enchanting Union Territory has plenty of stunning dive sights to leave you spellbound and fulfilled. 

So, if scuba diving in Chennai is on your mind and you’re disappointed you can’t dip into the Bay of Bengal, we give you the next best thing with scuba diving in Pondicherry! Scroll through this page to discover the spectacular dive sites that are available in Tamil Nadu. 

Located on the Bay of Bengal, this beautiful seaside capital draws you in with its vibrant, energetic South Indian culture. Chennai in Tamil Nadu is more than its iconic Marina beach and for tourists ready to discover the many shades of their travel destination, it can open up hidden secrets that will enrich your journey to this coastal region. 

With long golden beaches, seaside markets filled with fish sellers calling out their wares in cheerful voices, stone temples embedded with rock art and majestic sculptures, and food that carries with its flavours, the taste of this state; sightseeing in Chennai will leave you spellbound. 

Travel to the multi-domed Thousand Lights Mosque, a place of religious worship that lights up the surrounding area with different neon lights so that you feel like you’re looking at a sparkling gem. Sightseeing in Chennai isn’t complete without making your way to the one-of-a-kind Marina Beach, the longest beach in India and one of the longest in the world. Slurp on an ice-cream cone sold beachside and take in the blues of the ocean, as its waves crash gently onto the shore. 

Other great spots for sightseeing in Chennai include Elliot’s Beach, Dakshinachitra, Ashtalakshmi Temple, Valluvar Kottam and for film lovers, MGR Film City! The list goes on and its going to be tough to fit all the spectacular wonders of Chennai in this page, but we’re going to try our best. 

Scroll through our list of the top places to visit in Chennai and discover the tiny special elements about it that make these spots a must visit. 

We work hard to afford the finer things in life and vacations are the best time to splurge on ourselves. We all need a little bit of pampering before we return back to juggling household responsibilities and busy work schedules. The resorts in Chennai offer you a slice of luxury in the coastal city that is bordered by the majestic Bay of Bengal, tempting you with golden beaches, waving palm trees and delicious South Indian food. 

There are a variety of resorts in Chennai that are conveniently located in the best parts of this lovely beachside region. Stay at a resort perched near the beach and take in the sun as it dips below the horizon creating a spectacular beach sunset right outside your window! You could even snooze your nights away at a more homely resort that fits in your budget while providing luxury amenities such as fitness centers and an in-house restaurant for you to further enjoy your stay in the ‘Detroit of India’. 

The capital of Tamil Nadu is known for its sweltering, humid heat that can make it tough to walk its street during the day. The resorts in Chennai offer luxurious pools complete with lounge chairs for you to lean back and relax before exploring the cultural hubs of the city. 

Make your way to Chennai and stay in one of its beautiful resorts to relax and rejuvenate under the blue skies of Tamil Nadu. 

When it comes to dream vacations, most of us picture ourselves on the golden sands of a beach, sprawled out on a lounge chair just inches from blue sparkling waves and refreshing drinks with little umbrellas being brought to us as we relax. The beach resorts in Chennai make your dream a reality by offering you sumptuous stays, complete with swimming pools and spas that help you unwind beside the majesty of the ocean. 

 After spending your days exploring the cultural hubs of this coastal capital, sink into fluffy white beds and order room service before taking an afternoon siesta. The beach resorts of Chennai give you lovely seaside balconies and without moving from your room, you can catch a glimpse of the stunning sunsets as the sky turns flaming shades of orange, pink and soft yellow. With private beach access, you can build sandcastles on the shore or take a long dip without being hassled by crowds of tourists and make memories with your loved ones. 

Wish you could stay at the beach in your own little cottage? The beach resorts in Chennai have enchanting cottages complete with your own living room, outdoor sit out areas to take in the vistas of the ocean and a fully equipped kitchen in case you want to whip up your own tasty meals and relish it by having a picnic on the shore. 

After all, what’s the point of visiting a coastal region if you can’t see the azure ocean as soon as you wake up? 

You might be familiar with scuba diving but have you ever heard of snorkeling? For those of us that aren’t too comfortable with diving into the mysterious depths of the ocean, snorkeling is a great segue into the exhilarating world of water sports. For snorkeling, you wear a mask and a breathing tube called a snorkel to take in the beautiful aquatic world that lies below the surface of the gentle waves of the ocean. The key difference is how deep you go into the water; snorkelers can catch panoramic vistas of marine life while floating close to the surface while scuba divers immerse themselves deep into the ocean as they explore coral reefs and sea wildlife. 

Although Chennai is surrounded by the frothy curls of the Bay of Bengal, snorkeling in Chennai hasn’t taken off due to strong currents and low visibility. There’s also significant fishing activities that happen near the ‘Detroit of India’, and while snorkeling in Chennai, this can muddy up the water, making your vision cloudy. 

But when you’re a watersports enthusiast, you should know that where there is a will, there is a way and if you’re in this cultural hub, you can still put snorkeling in Chennai on your to-do list. Pondicherry is 163 kms away from Chennai by road and is a beautiful spot for you to snorkel, giving you a chance to catch a glimpse of lionfish, manta rays, red snapper and so much more! If you’re ready to board a flight for a vacation on a beautiful island, catch one to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands which is also located in the Bay of Bengal and provides a fantastic snorkeling and scuba diving experience. 

Browse through our pages on Pondicherry and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and discover the different dive sites that are well worth a visit! 

Traditional South Indian hospitality puts the guest first, ensuring that all their needs are met, from cooking food that will match their preferences, to setting up rooms that give you a peaceful, cozy slumber under the inky black sky. The Homestays in Chennai give you a taste of the hospitality Tamil Nadu is famous for and leaves you feeling relaxed as you turn on your vacation mode and forget about hectic work schedules or responsibilities at home. 

Homestays in Chennai bring out the wonderful simplicity and comfort of living in an authentic Tamilian home. Why head out to a restaurant when you can relish the dishes Chennai is known for, made by your hosts who have lived there their whole lives? Sink your teeth into Idli and Sambhar, Dosa, Uttapams or delicious banana Paniyarams, flavoured with the spices that are well known in the region and give the cuisine a unique taste. 

The homestays in Chennai also give you a chance to learn about this lovely coastal city with stories from your hosts to regale you during the long evenings. As a bonus, you’ll also get the insiders scoop on the best sightseeing spots, eateries and beaches to visit during your stay! Immerse yourself in homely hospitality at one of these lovely, spacious bungalows. 

There’s a certain magic to surfing. The feeling of surfing is akin to flying, as you glide over the gleaming frothy swells of the ocean with a salty sea breeze caressing your face, the golden sun above you, warming your skin with its rays and an endless vista of blue without a concrete building in sight.

Chennai’s proximity to the majestic and beautiful Bay of Bengal promises a wealth of adventure atop its glistening waves and for watersports enthusiasts, every water body is a playground worth exploring. However, surfing in Chennai is just kicking off, thanks to a small group of enthusiastic, dedicated surfers who love to set sail across the glorious waters of Tamil Nadu. 

If you’re longing to master the unpredictable waves of the ocean and get away from the sweltering heat of the city, surfing in Chennai is sure to delight you and help you create a lifelong passion. If you’re a beginner that’s new to surfing or a professional that wants the local know-how on surfing in Chennai, there are plenty of courses offered by surfing schools such as Bay of Life Surf School & Ocean Literacy, Covelong Point, Ocean Delight Surf School, Surf Turf and more that will help you board your surf board and set sail on a thrilling new surfing adventure! 

Chennai, near the Bay of Bengal is a bustling coastal city hub and has been nicknamed the ‘Detroit of India’ thanks to its numerous automobile industries around the city. However, other than walking the winding roads of Chennai or spending the day at the beach, the outdoors of this bustling urban hub can soothe your heart and soul. From thickets of evergreen forests, craggy terrains and low-lying hills that offer a peek of the blue ocean waters in the distance, camping in Chennai can give you a bite of the richness of nature that Tamil Nadu has to offer. 

Spend a night under the stars with the trickling sound of waterfalls in the background at Nagalapuram. You can trek through the lovely forest trails or enjoy an outdoors picnic besides a bubbling stream. Camping in Chennai can also be done at the iconic Tada Falls, with refreshing rock pools at different points of the trekking routes to keep you going to the falls. If you’re ready for a road trip as you bop to your favorite summer songs, travel to Yercaud and take in the mesmerizing view of clouds touching the tips of the surrounding hills. 

Camping in Chennai isn’t complete without setting your tent besides the majestic dark swells of the Bay of Bengal and Mahabalipuram is a top spot that allows you to take in seaside vistas outside your chosen campsite. 

Pack up your trusty hiking boots, tent equipment and your camera as you set off on an adventure in the wild outdoors of Chennai!