Chennai

" GST Road 12.9935, 80.1725 Approx. 19 kilometers south-west from downtown ☎ +91 44 2256 0551 - Chennai International Airport - Chennai airport front view.jpeg - The fourth busiest in India (after Bangalore, Mumbai & Delhi). All international flights arrive at Anna Terminal, whereas domestic flights arrive at Kamraj Terminal. Both terminals are on the same road and are 150 away from each other. It is the second largest cargo hub in the nation, after Mumbai.

• Europe and North America: British Airways (London-Heathrow) and Lufthansa (Frankfurt) fly nonstop to Chennai with connecting services from destinations in the United States and Canada. Jet-Airways introduced Flights to Paris in 2017.
• Southeast Asia: Thai-Airways offers nonstop service from Bangkok. Silk-Air, Singapore-Airlines and Scoot Tigerair connect Chennai with Singapore along with many Indian carriers like AirIndia Express. Air Asia flies from Kuala Lumpur, Penang and Bangkok while Malaysia Airlines offers nonstop service from Malaysia. India's Jet-Airways flies nonstop from Kuala Lumpur and Singapore. Cathay Pacific flies non-stop from Hong Kong. Batik-Air offers service from Jakarta and Denpasar, Bali with a stopover in Kuala Lumpur.
• Middle East: Nonstop services are available to Chennai from all major Middle Eastern city's on Air Arabia, AirIndia Express, Oman Air, Emirates, Etihad Airways, Kuwait Airways, Qatar-Airways, Saudia and Gulf Air.
• Sri Lanka: Chennai is a hub for Flights from Colombo with Sri Lankan Airlines, Jet-Airways, AirIndia Express and JetLite.
• Domestic: All major Indian domestic carriers ( Jet-Airways, Spice, GoAir, Indigo) fly to and from Chennai, connecting the city with destinations all across India. Most domestic carriers also use Chennai as a hub for Flights to the smaller towns in Southern India.

Airport to central business neighborhood

• Tirusulam Suburban Railway Station 12.9802, 80.1658 directly across the street from the domestic terminal. Walk through the vehicle park, cross the street and walk left until you see the station. Due to the distance from the airport (500-600 m) and the high volume of traffic on the road, walking to the station is only advisable with limited luggage. Regular ticket: ₹5. First class ticket: around ₹70 to/from Downtown Tirusulam train station Tirusulam Station 809428 Thit is the most affordable option for getting into downtown Chennai. The train stops at both Egmore and Chennai Park. To get to Chennai Central, follow the crowds exiting the train at Chennai Park station. It is recommended to get first-class tickets if you end up reaching the airport at a peak time. Overcrowding frequently occurs in the general compartments as they take commuters to and from work. During peak periods, even first-class compartments can get crowded.

Use the prepaid taxi to reach the central business neighborhood. Every terminal has many taxi booths when you leave the airport. Fast Track has the best rep, figure on around ₹560 to the downtown for a Toyota Innova or equivalent. The fares differ for the international and domestic terminals though the terminals are next to each other. You can either choose the standard taxis (black with yellow tops) or the private call-taxi (which can come in any colour). It is better to have some loose change when paying at the counters. The taxi number is written on your charge slip. One copy is for the passenger while the other is for the driver to collect the fare from the counter. Make your way to the taxi stand and get the taxi number allotted at the designated desk. The helpful drivers will offer to take your luggage and guide you to the taxi that drives up quickly near the allotment desk.

"Fasttrack" pre-paid taxi service has booths in the domestic and international terminals. Comparing with the rest of the taxis their fare and service is pretty much good. Depends on your need you can get from Maruti van to Toyota Innova.

The prepaid and yellow top taxis are not air-conditioned, were made in the 1970s and 80s, are rickety and are prone to stop midway in a journey. The drivers sometimes exhibit rough dangerous behaviour and can demand exorbitant fares. The "prepaid" may mean nothing and they may demand more when you get down. Stay away from these types of taxis.

Aviation Express is very overpriced.

The Chennai Metro connects the airport to the city for up to ₹50, e.g. to the CMBT bus station or Koyambedu with a change at Alandur (Jan 2022). It is being expanded into the centre of the city.

Ola and Uber have become more prominent and travellers can easily book a journey on these services using a smart phone. They are generally cheaper than all prepaid taxis.

Travel by train to Chennai

Chennai Central D - 275px" redirects here. For Chennai Central Railway Station Chennai Egmore station - Chennai Egmore station

• Chennai Central Railway Station - code: MAS, former: Madras Central, சென்னை நடுவம், see [[: 13.0824, 80.2752 You can arrive at the prepaid taxi/auto stand and book a cab to transport you to your exact place of stay. The main entrance is at Park Town at the intersection of the arterial Poonamallee High Road, Pallavan Salai, and Wall Tax Road between the People's Park and the Southern Railways headquarters. The station premises is located on either side of the Buckingham Canal, formerly known as Cochrane's Canal, which separates the main station and the suburban terminus. Connected with the Park train station by subway. - Chennai Central train station - Chennai Central D

]]

• Chennai Park Suburban train station Poonamallee High Road, Poongavanapuram 13.0805, 80.2734

'South' Line. Take it to west to Central Beach or to South(west) to Tambaram passing Tirusulam station (a couple hundred metres away from Chennai International Airport).

• Chennai Egmore Railway Station - code MS | 13.07793, 80.26135 You can arrive at the prepaid taxi/auto stand and book a cab to transport you to your exact place of stay. One stop from Chennai Central train station by suburban rail - Chennai Egmore station.JPG - The other main long-distance train station. It has trains which cover all the places in Tamil Nadu and also a few important places outside it. Many long distance trains to Egmore stop at Tambaram (code TBM).

• Chennai Beach Station North Beach Road, George Town 13.0940, 80.2924 Near to Chennai Port - ChennaiBeach StationMainBuilding - Serves the suburban services of the Chennai suburban railway (headstation of the South line) and Mass Rapid Transit System of Chennai and a few passenger trains.

• Perambur Railway Station - code PER | Perambur High Road, Rajiv Gandhi Nagar, Bunder Garden, Perambu 13.10745, 80.24438 Northwest four kilometers from Chennai Central - Serves the suburban areas of Chennai.

• Tambaram Railway Station - code TBM, தாம்பரம் இரயில் நிலையம் | Railway Station Road, Tambaram East 12.92586, 80.11801 Southwest 29 kilometers from Chennai Central - Tambaram train station - Serves the suburban areas of Chennai. Trains to Chennai Beach (every 5-10 min), to Chengalpet (every 10-15 min) and to Kancheepuram (half hourly or so)

}} Trains that connect Chennai to major hubs like Bangalore, Mumbai and Delhi are booked out days in advance. If you plan to travel by train, consider making an advance reservation and the reservation opens 60 days before the day of travel. The AC compartments in the trains are preferable for new travelers as the sleeper class and sitting class compartments are generally very crowded. A 3-tier AC berth from Chennai to Bangalore or Coimbatore costs around ₹700 and that to Delhi around ₹2500 including meals.

Take a bus to Chennai

Chennai Mofussil Bus Terminus - Chennai Mofussil Bus Terminus (CMBT)

• CMBT - Chennai Mofussil Bus Terminus சென்னை புறநகர் பேருந்து நிலையம் | CMBT Passenger Way, Koyambedu 13.06637, 80.20569 on the 30 m inner-ring road (Jawaharlal Nehru Road) in Koyambedu between SAF Games Village and the Koyambedu Vegetable Market. -Chennai Mofussil Bus Terminus metro station ☎ +91 44 24794705 (Enquiry) - Chennai Mofussil Bus Terminus - One of Asia's largest bus stations. Seven different state owned corporations drive buses to and from various destinations within South India. There are hourly buses for places like Tirupati, Pondicherry, Coimbatore, Tirunelveli. You will get the option of A/C or Non-A/C coaches for city's like Bangalore, Trivandrum, Hyderabad. It has six platforms in three bus fingers with 180 bus bays

• Omni bus terminus - Chennai Contract Carriage Bus Terminus, CCCBT | Kaliamman Koil St, Virrugambakkam, Koyambedu 13.07052, 80.19953 West to Kaliamman Koil St. Take bus to stop Arihant Towers Bus Stop. CMBT Metro Station 400 m away - This one is used by several private players that also operate buses between most southern destinations. During the weekends most buses are fully occupied and it's better to reserve a ticket in advance. Omni Bus Booking: No:B-15, Ground Floor, Sriji majestic complex (right next to Omni bus terminus).

All buses terminate near Koyambedu but there are different stands for state owned (CMBT) and private buses (Omni bus terminus). The two terminals are near each other, and it is better to tell your exact destination to the taxi/auto-rickshaw driver. Buses drop passengers at various points in the city before reaching the terminus. Ak the driver or fellow passengers the closest drop-off point to your destination.

Several private players also operate buses between most southern destinations. During the weekends most buses are fully occupied and it's better to reserve a ticket in advance. All buses terminate near Koyambedu but there are different stands for state-owned (CMBT) and private buses (Omni bus terminus). The two terminals are near each other, and it is better to tell your exact destination to the taxi/auto-rickshaw driver. Buses drop passengers at various points in the city before reaching the terminus. Feel free to ask the driver or fellow passengers the closest drop-off point to your destination.

Rent a Car or Limousine in Chennai

Chennai is very well connected and to other parts of India by road. Five major national highways radiate outward towards Kolkata, Bengaluru, Tiruchy/Madurai, Tiruvallur, and Pondicherry. With the progress of the Golden Quadrilateral project, driving down from Bangalore is an option too. There are many automobile rental services available.

Get around

13.090|80.269

1. Chennai Central Suburban Railway Station (see above)

• Gummidipoondi Suburban Railway Station | 13.40932, 80.123461 40 kilometers north of the center of the city

}}

• Sulurpet Suburban Railway Station Sulurpeta, Andhra Pradesh State 13.69683, 80.01848 84 kilometers north of the center of the city

}}

• Gudur Railway Station - Telugu: గుడూరు, Newari: गुडूरु | Gudur, Andhra Pradesh State 14.1483, 79.84541 N-NW 58 kilometers from Sulurpet

}}

• Chennai Beach Suburban Railway Station 13.0927, 80.2926

}}

• Tambaram Suburban Railway Station - Tamil: தாம்பரம், Code:TBM | GST Road, Tambaram 12.9266, 80.1206 Southwest 29 kilometers from Chennai Central - Tambaram train station.jpg

}}

• Chengalpet Suburban Railway Station State Highway 58, J C K Nagar 12.69329, 79.98101 Southwestern shore of the Kolavai Lake. - Southwest 29 kilometers from Tambaram - Chengalpattu Junction.jpg

}};

1. Chennai Beach Suburban Railway Station (see above)

• Velachery (MRTS) Suburban Railway Station 12.9673, 80.2196 near the junction of Velachery Main Road and Inner Ring Road in Velachery. North of Pallikaranai Marshland. - Velachery Train station June 2010.jpg

The suburban trains are generally reliable and fast. The frequency of suburban trains is generally good and it is advisable to take a first class ticket during peak hours. Trains offer a reliable alternative to quickly reach your destination when compared to buses which might get trapped in traffic jams. The fare in Chennai suburban trains is the lowest in the nation and you don't have to compromise comfort for the meagre amount that you pay as in other Indian metros. There is a separate ladies compartment in the suburban trains that are relatively less crowded even in peak hours. The lowest second class train fare is ₹5/-. However, you might need to wait even for almost half an hour in a queue for ticket during peak hours. So it would be best if you buy a card that is available at every station that can be used to buy tickets from a ticket vending machine that almost nobody uses. Always keep your baggage safe when you are travelling in the suburban railway system.

Chennai Metro Rail

Chennai Metro Rail is regularly being extended. Other lines are under construction and will soon be operational. They will connect the airport and the train station and the CMBT bus station and most of the city. Frequency is 10 minutes between Alandur and Shenoy Nagar and 20 minutes between airport and Nehru Park. Chennai Metro Rail operates Monday to Saturday 6AM Monday - 10PM and Sunday 8AM Monday - 10PM.

The maximum fare between Chennai Airport to Nehru Park (which is 1½ kilometers from Egmore and 2½ kilometers from Chennai Central) is ₹60 per person. The Tourist Travel Card offers unlimited travel within the Chennai Metro Rail network for a day. It costs ₹100, of which ₹50 when it is returned. Chennai Metro Rail has baggage checking like airport and is very safe.

Chennai Airport Metro is 400-500 m away from Chennai International and Domestic Terminal.

Also tourist can use the Chennai Metro Rail app (Google Play store/Apple Itune). The app provides details about train timings, exit gates and platform, fare between two stations and the nearest metro station, and how to reach the station by car, public transport and walking.

Take a bus to Chennai

Metropolitan Transport Corporation buses ply throughout the city. These are government-run and extremely cheap.

• Broadway city bus terminus NSC Bose Road, Esplanade, George Town 13.08751, 80.28400 In the centre of the city- Parry's corner & Fort. Very close to Chennai Central train station. The nearest suburban train station is Chennai Fort. - The largest city bus terminus of the Metropolitan Transport Corporation (Chennai), Chennai. - It lies opposite the Madras High Court along the Esplanade in George Town. It is a connecting point to several areas in the city. The bus terminus is at the southern end of Broadway.

Normally bus fare in MTC range from ₹4-30. State corporation also has Deluxe and A/C Buses for Chennai Passengers. Fare for deluxe bus is almost two times as compared to normal bus. For same route, deluxe and normal bus have same number but deluxe buses are being run targeting long distance journey since it will stop at major bus stops only. So if you find normal buses too crowded, take a deluxe one. Non-AC deluxe also have power gates and better suspension which you won't find in normal bus. If you have luggage with you, you might have to pay the cost of an extra person depending upon its size.

MTC Chennai operates AC bus service between important routes like Parrys - Tambaram, Parrys - CMBT, Chennai Central - CMBT, Chennai central - Tambaram, etc. Most frequent AC bus runs between CMBT towards Pondicherry and are known as East coast road (ECR) buses and is very popular for intracity travel too.

Daily and weekly bus passes are available for tourists costing ₹50 or ₹300. They can be used on normal and deluxe bus services (but not AC) on all routes within the city. It is worthwhile to purchase the daily pass if you plan to visit more than a couple of places in a day and it will save you from the trouble to maintain loose change. The daily pass can be purchased on the first bus you board from the conductor, while the weekly and monthly passes are sold at kiosks in major termini.

Bus route information for MTC Chennai is available online at official site and -to-get-bus-route-information-mtc-chennai/ Jaanlo.

State Express Transport Corporation buses go to different parts of the state. Private carriers also run to other towns/city's in state. You can buy these bus tickets online at redBus or readIndia or RathiMeena or com Myticketbuddy.

By auto-rickshaw

Chennai has about 71,000 auto rickshaws.

The fares of Chennai auto-rickshaws have been an enormous political topic for many years and has contributed to the perception that the city's auto rickshaw drivers never use meters and continually fleece passengers. However, despite the reputation, trips by auto rickshaw actually are quick, affordable and quite often based on the metered price.

The minimum fare is set at ₹25 for the first 1.8 kilometers and ₹12/km for every additional kilometre (2022). Waiting charges were set at ₹3.50 for every five minutes and ₹42 per hour. Between 11PM and 5AM and the fare is 50% higher than the normal daytime rate.

Auto rickshaw meters are being outfitted with GPS and electronic digital receipt printers. As of 2023, though, only a small fraction of autos have these features.

Despite the official fares and the situation as of 2022 is for the driver and passenger to agree before the ride begins to a price of a) meter, b) meter + some additional amount, or c) a fixed price.

Whether the auto driver will agree to a metered fare depends on many factors. Generally, many drivers will agree to a fare of meter plus ₹10-30 additional. But at busy times such as rush hours on weekdays, almost no drivers will agree to the metered price and will insist on a fixed price, or at a minimum demand a fare of meter plus ₹30-100. On the other hand, at slower times, for example Sundays, many drivers will agree to metered prices with no extra charge. Some drivers will simply never accept metered fares no matter what time it is.

The fixed prices which auto drivers demand is related to distance. They generally have a good sense for how much the fare would be for a given route and ask for fixed prices around double what it would cost by meter. For shorter distances which would cost ₹25-50 by the meter and the fixed price demanded is ₹100-150. For longer distances which would cost ₹50-150 by meter and the fixed price demanded will be ₹200-300. Depending on the situation, it's feasible to negotiate down the demanded fixed price.

For short distances up to 1.8 kilometers, auto drivers as of 2022 very rarely will agree to the metered price of ₹25. Generally, ₹40-50 is the minimum most will require for any trip, although at off-peak hours, it might be feasible with negotiation and speaking to many autos to find a driver who will agree to ₹30-40. For a typical trip in the city of 3-5km, many drivers will demand ₹100-150, but at non-peak hours a fare of ₹50-₹0 will be sufficient after speaking to a few drivers.

At all times and the price agreed depends very much on the passenger's knowledge of the distance involved and price it would cost by meter, his/her negotiation skill, and the time s/he is willing to spend asking auto after auto. In almost any central area and there are many autos around, so if you have the time, it's feasible to save quite a bit by speaking to many auto drivers until you find an acceptable fare.

Many passengers now opt for Ola, Uber or other similar taxi-order services simply to avoid the frustration and time involved with negotiating with auto after auto.

All autos in Chennai have meters, but at least a quarter of drivers have disabled their meter in some way in order to make it not functional and the passenger must agree to a fixed price if s/he wants to use that auto. For those meters which function, you can see the price, kilometers and waiting time, and thereby confirm that the meter is fairly following the official tariff structure.

Share autos have emerged as an alternative mode of transport in Chennai. They are over-sized three wheelers running on diesel and charge slightly more than the bus. There are four wheelers known as meter taxis, which don't have a meter and are not taxis. Another four wheeler, Magic (manufactured by Tata), has started running in and around the town, which operate similar to share autos and meter taxis. They are all over crowded and the drivers indulge in rash driving, owing to the competition. The only advantage is that it is cost effective.

If you are fascinated by the idea of going around in an auto, think about all those foreigners, who are riding an auto from Chennai to Mumbai.

A Chennai-based event management company, Chennai Event Management Services, has been having m auto-rickshaw rallies from Chennai to Mumbai, or Kanyakumari, etc., and has developed a great fan following for them.

Best way to travel in Chennai by a Taxi

Taxis (locally called "call-taxis" since they must be pre-arranged) are available by phone. They are mostly reliable, can be ordered air-conditioned, and have digital fare meters, although time-based hire is also feasible with some companies. Most companies charge a minimum fare of ₹150/-, which is for 5 km (3 mi) and for every subsequent kilometre they charge ₹18/-.Alternatively, you can hire a vehicle for a half/full day for around ₹800/1300. These figures are for basic non-AC Ambassadors, add about 50% if you want a comfier aircon Tata Indica. Waiting charges are included in the meter cost but you are required to pay parking and toll fees additional to the fare displayed in the meter. If your trip is time-sensitive, it's best to book your taxi a few hours in advance and call shortly before your trip to confirm.

Most prepaid taxi operators have choice of vehicles. Indica is the ubiquitous hatch back that can seat 3 passengers, but it is almost imfeasible to find one of these well maintained. Opt for a Figo or Liva instead of the Indica when you book the taxi and these are newer models and likely to be in better state of maintenance. If you prefer a sedan, choices are Etios, Maruti Dzire and Ford Fiesta. SUV models Innova or Xylo have more space and are suitable for small groups (up to 7). Innova has a well deserved reputation with travellers for airport transfers due to the reliability, spacious seats and capacity to carry more luggage.

Tourist cabs - Are the best choice in case you want to tour the city all day or visit nearby places like Mahabalipuram, Tirupati, etc. Costs about ₹10 per kilometre and ₹100 per hour as hire charges. Also generally there is special price if you need to go Chennai Central or Chennai Airport.

Some radio taxi services are:

• Bharathi Call Taxi ☎ +91 44 3000 2000
• Friends Track Call Taxi | ☎ +91 44 3006 3006
• Meru Cabs | ☎ +91 44 4422 4422
• Taxi for Sure - TFS | ☎ +91 44 6060 1010
• Taxi Chennai |

}} Drop Taxi| ☎ +91-44-44 55 66 77

By car

It is generally not advisable for foreign travellers to drive on their own as they might be unaware of the traffic rules and congestion in the city. The roads in Chennai are better maintained than the average Indian road. The main highway is Anna Salai commonly called Mount Road.

The complex road routes may confuse novice driver and it is sheer waste of time. If you choose to hire a car, it's strongly advised to hire a driver as well. Typical driver fee comes to around ₹250 for 4-hour shift and an additional ₹50 every hour thereafter. Outstation trips cost a driver fee of ₹750 for a 12-hour journey.

Diesel and petrol are used as fuel in India and it varies with the model of the car. Some cars have identical models with only a D badge to indicate diesel. Make sure you find out what type of fuel the vehicle uses from the rental company.

ECR or East Coast Road is one of the very few places around Chennai that is best enjoyed by car. There are a lot of scenic views with many sightseeing options along the route. For most of the sights within the city limits, Muslim travellers would be better served by public transport or a taxi.

What to see in Chennai

Churches

St. Thomas - Basilica of the National Shrine of St.Thomas Armenian Church Madras - St. Anthony Armenian Church

• Basilica of the National Shrine of St.Thomas 38, Santhome High Road, Mylapore 13.03360, 80.27786 Thirumayilai MRTS one kilometers west ☎ +91 44 24985455, +91 44 24980758 Opening Hours: Daily 5AM Monday - 9PM St. Thomas Gothic Church Basilica, Chennai Santhome Basilica In the whole world and there are only three churches built over the tomb of an Apostle of Isa ibn Maryam- the Basilica of Saint Peter built over the tomb of St.Peter in Rome, Gothic Church of Santiago de Compostela built over the tomb of St.James in Spain and Basilica of the National Shrine of St.Thomas built over the tomb of St.Thomas. Basilica of the National Shrine of St.Thomas is in Chennai, India. The present National Shrine of St.Thomas is built over the tomb of Saint Thomas the Apostle, who came to India in the year 52 AD. After preaching on the west coast, he came to Chennai (formerly Madras), and suffered martyrdom on a hill at the outskirts of the city, today known as "St. Thomas Mount." His body was buried on the spot over which the present Basilica stands. A valuable work of art kept in the Basilica is an ancient painting of Our Blessed Mother, in front of which the other great apostle of India, St. Francis Xavier, used to pray. There are two new structures today: the Tomb Chapel below the Basilica and 'Museum cum theatre'. The new underground chapel with a separate access outside the church structure, allows pilgrims to pray at the tomb and tourists to visit it, without disturbing the sacred functions in the church. The museum exhibits artifacts connected with St. Thomas and the Basilica, and the theatre is used for screening a short video on the life of the Apostle.

• Church in honour of Our Lady of Health - Church of the Madonna of Velankanni, Annai Velankanni Shrine | Elliot's Beach, Beach Road, Ashtalakshmi Garden, Besant Nagar 12.99516, 80.270678 From Indira Nagar MRTS ☎ +91 44 24911246, +91 44 365 263 421 +91 43 65263 517 Opening Hours: 5AM Monday - 9PM Founded in the 16th century after the three miracles: the apparition of Mary and Jesus to a slumbering shepherd boy and the curing of a lame buttermilk vendor, and the survival of Portuguese sailors assaulted by a violent sea storm.

• Church of Our Lady of Light - Luz Church | 13.033333, 80.25 Church of Our Lady of Light, Chennai Luz church, Chennai Built in 1516 by the Portuguese.

• Descanso Church St. Mary's Road, Mylapore 13.03024, 80.262974 Mandaiveli MRTS Station 700 m Descanco Church A cultural and religious centre. Built in the 17th century. This was where St. Thomas, one of the 12 apostles of Isa ibn Maryam, took rest and also served the people.

• Holy Cross Church - Church of South India | Perumal Nagar, Mogappair East 13.0848, 80.1804 Thirumangalam Metro Station 2 kilometers east). Or near to Golden Flats Bus Stop ☎ +91 90431 13263 (Mobil) - Built in the 1890s as the Perambur Railway Church, when it was under the railway authorities. Here was earlier a predominantly Anglo-Indian congregation though now there are also families from other southern states.

• Lutheran Adaikalnathar Church (TELC) Tana Street 13.087718, 80.255393 ☎ +91 44 2642 4005 - Protestant Church which is more than 100 years old.

• Street Andrews Church - The Queen of Scottish Churches in the East, Tamil: புனித அந்திரேயா கோவில் | Poonamallee High Road, New Bupathy Nagar 13.07953, 80.26406 Chennai Egmore Railway Station 200m - Street Andrew's Church, Chennai Street Andrews Church - The Kirk - Neoclassical church. Built in 1821. The St. Andrews Church has finely etched white Doric columns, black and white tiled marble roof, and a high, sky-blue dome of enviable beauty. On the inner surface of the dome, constellations of stars, as they can be viewed in Scotland, are painted realistically. The body of the church is a circle, with rectangular compartments to the east and west. The circular part 24.5 m in diameter, is crowned by a shallow masonry dome colored a deep blue. Thit is painted with golden starsand supported by 16 fluted pillars with Corinthian capitals

• St. Anthony Armenian Church - Tamil: ஆர்மேனியன் தேவாலயம் | Armenian Street, Parrys 13.08958, 80.28745 Chennai Beach Railway Station 400m - Armenian Church Madras - Opening Hours: Opened for visitors 9AM Monday - 2:30PM Constructed in 1712 and reconstructed in 1772. The graves of about 350 Armenians have been laid out throughout the Church. The founder, publisher and editor of the world's first Armenian periodical "Azdarar", Reverend Haroutiun Shmavonian, is buried here. The Belfry adjacent to the main church structure houses six large bells which are rung every Sunday at 9:30AM.

• St. George's Gothic Church 224, Gothic Church Road 13.05210, 80.25292 Next to U.S. Consulate ☎ +91 44-28114261, +91 98409 31556 (mobile) - St. George's Gothic Church, Chennai - George'sGothic Church - Built in 1815. A neoclassical church. Showing elements of Georgian architecture. It has a towering 45-m spire and ionic columns. The highlight of this cathedral is the graveyard. Connected by a guardrail what was made up of war emblems of the capture of Srirangapatnam in 1799.

• St. Lazarus' Church 13.0261, 80.2743 St. Lazarus' Church, Chennai

• St. Mary's Church Rajaji Salai 13.07875, 80.28671 Situated in the fort, south to Legislature and Secretariat - Street Mary's Church Chennai - Opening Hours: Saturday - Thursday 10AM Monday - 5PM Thit is one of the oldest surviving churches built by the British in India. Thit is the first English church in India and the oldest Anglican church in the East. Designed by William Dixon and the then Master Gunner of the Fort, it was constructed under the supervision of the Governor Streynsham Master. Given the precarious nature of the English presence in India at the time (not to mention later attacks by the French and the local residents) and the church has a defensive stance- thick walls, castellated parapets and a well within the grounds - to withstand any bombardment or siege). The church was consecrated on 28 October 1680. The tower was completed in 1701; the steeple added in 1710 and the tower was connected to the main body of the church in 1759. Robert Clive - more famous as Clive of India - married Margaret Maskelyne here in 1753. The first but equally famous wedding was that of Governor Elihu Yale (who was to become the benefactor of Yale College) to Catherine Himmers in November 1680. The interior of the church contains many fascinating plaques and monuments to early British India evoking past glories and lives full of achievement. It also contains the old colours of the Madras Fusiliers and the first European regiment of the East India Company. The glass windows, wall frescos, teak plaques still shine with their all time glory.

• St.Mary's Co-Gothic Church 63/110, Armenian Street,George Town 13.089879, 80.287356 ☎ +91 44 2538 4848 - Street Mary's Co-Gothic Church
• St. Mark's Church Pedariyar koil Street 13.103198, 80.285920 St. Mark's Church, Chennai
• St. Matthias Church 7, Vepery Church Road, Vepery 13.087062, 80.262050 ☎ +91 44 2532 3124 - One of the oldest churches in Chennai which was built by the British. Its also has a higher secondary school in the campus which has boys and girls studying in the school.

• Saint Patrick's Gothic Church 13.008099, 80.195327 Saint Patrick's church, Chennai Street Patricks Church Chennai
• Saint Theresa Church Perambur Siruvallur High Road, Jagannathan Colony 13.10905, 80.24102 Perambur Station 400m away - Lourdu Church Perambur
• St. Thomas Mount Parangi Malai, Street Thomas Mount, Chennai South. 13.00531, 80.19357 OTA Metro Station ½ kilometers away (2023), or take bus to stop Butt Road - Street Thomas Mount - St. Thomas, referred to as Didymus, in the Gospel of St.John is one of the twelve disciples of Isa ibn Maryam. He is one of the prime witnesses to the resurrection of Jesus. St. Thomas Mount is associated with St. Thomas and the apostle of Christ, who is believed to have been martyred here. The mount is commonly called in Tamil "Parangi Malai" or "Bhringi Malai'.History says 2000 years ago, a saint 'Parangi' lived here ('parangi' in Tamil language is used to refer to a white person). According to local myth, St. Thomas was one of the first Christians to reach India and to preach Christianity. He is believed to have reached South India in AD 52, and spent the last years of his life in a cave on this hill. Tradition states that Thomas was assassinated by an arrow in AD 72, by persons hostile to him. Thus and the hillock acquired the name St. Thomas Mount. Over time Anglo-Indians predominated in this area. A small relic-filled Church built in 1523 by the Portuguese stands at the summit of the 300 feet (90m) high St. Thomas Mount. The place was visited by Pope John Paul II during his visit to India on 5 February 1986. At the northern foot of the mount, is a gateway of four impressive arches surmounted by a cross bearing the inscribed date 1547. A flight of 160 steps leads up to the summit of the mount. There are fourteen stations of the cross erected on the way to the summit.

• Queenship of Mary Church Vethagiri St, Chintadripet, Adikesavarpuram, Park Town 13.077615, 80.269188 Queenship of Mary Church Chintadripet
• The Tamil Baptist Church 78/91, Medavakkam Tank Road, Sanyasipuram, Kilpauk 13.087209, 80.243612 ☎ +91 44 2640 0717 - In Kilpauk is worth a visit. It is a 107-year-old monument.

• Wesley Church 13.079444, 80.256667 Wesley Church, Egmore - Wesley Church, Egmore3 A

Mosques

• Bahram Jung Mosque Anna Salai, Nandanam 13.062732, 80.264363 Next to Witco - Bahram Jung Mosque Late 18th century.

Triplicane Wallajah Mosque - Big Mosque, Chennai

• Big Mosque - Wallajah Mosque | Walajah Road in Triplicane 13.06345, 80.27286 M: Government Estate Metro Station (2023) or take bus to Stop Adams Market - Triplicane Big Mosque Triplicane Wallajah Mosque A Thit is a historical landmark. Constructed by Wallajah family in memory of Nawab Muhammad Ali Walajah, in 1795. It is an imposing structure of symmetry and form of architectural magnificence with an imposing facade. The Mosque stands in extensive grounds, which are being used as a forum for religious and cultural activities. The magnificent grey granite structure is built without steel and wood. This architectural marvel is one of the important masjids in Chennai. The Nawab’s descendants are still living in a mansion known as Amir Mahal. One distinctive feature of this mosque is that the chronogram engraved in stone and fixed on the inside of the western wall of the mosque is by a non-Muslim, Rajah Makkan Lal “Khirad”, a Persian and Arabic scholar of repute, who was the private secretary to the Nawab. It may be mentioned in this regard that, as far as is known, no other mosque in the world has a chronogram composed by a non-Muslim. The Mosque has two minarets at the front. Medieval architecture is clearly visible in the construction of this great mosque. The Eid Prayer timing remains the same, 10AM, since 1749 A.D. This historic mosque is under the management of H.H. Adjoining the Wallajah Mosque is the tomb of the great Islamic saint Maulana Abdul Ali Bahrul Uloom, a divine scholar of the days of the Nawab Wallajah. In this enclosure also are the tombs of the late Nawabs of the Carnatic and the Princess of Arcot and other eminent Muslim scholars and theologians. Wallajah Mosque can be visited either from Ellis Road (backside) or the Triplicane High Rd.

• Casa Verona's Mosque - Casa Verona's Mosque
• Dharma Kidangu Mosque Angappa Naicken St, Mannady, George Town 13.093619, 80.290275 Dharma Kidangu Mosque Rebuilt 2008.

• Hafiz Ahmad Khan Mosque next to Vivekanandar Illam - Hafiz Ahmad Khan Mosque
• Makkah Masjid and Islamic Center - 822, Mt Road, Anna Salai 13.06648, 80.26782 Near to Mount Road Dhargah Bus Stop - Makkah Masjid, Chennai Mosque in Anna Salai
• Masjid Mamoor - Masjid Mamoor

• Masjid-o-Anwari - Masjid-o-Anwari
• Periamet Mosque - Masjid Periamet | 13.08468, 80.27018 Periamet Mosque 68354
• Thousand Lights Mosque Peters Road, Peters Colony, Royapetta 13.055028, 80.255068 19th-century multi-domed mosque.

Temples

• Adeeswar Temple - Vada Sabari | 82 Santhome Highway Road, Raja Annamalaipuram, Chennai-28 13.018964, 80.268064 This temple is the exact replica of Sabari Malai, Kerala where Lord Iyyappa is worshipped.

Kapaleeshwarar Temple - Gopurams of Kapaleeshwarar Temple

• Alamelumangapuram Anjaneya Temple - Anjaneya Temple, Alamelumangapuram
• Anantha Padmanabhaswami Temple Adyar Signal - Anantha Padmanabhaswami Temple, Chennai
• Angala Parameswari Temple Royapuram - Angala Parameswari Temple, Royapuram
• Angalamman Temple Choolaimedu - Angalamman Temple
• Anjaneyaswami Temple - Luz Anjaneya Temple | Nanganallur, Chennai-61 12.98626, 80.19408 This temple is very famous because of the deep veneration shown for Lord Hanuman. One amazing fact about this temple is the 32 feet (10m) idol of Anjaneyar that is moulded out of a single rock.

• Apparswami Temple 13.040278, 80.267473 Apparswami Temple
• Arulmigu Bala Subramanya Swamy Temple Eldam's Road - Arulmigu Bala Subramanya Swamy Temple. Eldam's Road by KGB
• Ashtalakshmi Temple - Ashtalakshmi Kovil | Elliots Beach, Besant Nagar, Chennai. 12.9925, 80.2706 Opening Hours: 9:30AM Monday - 12:30PM, 4PM Monday - 8:30PM Ashtalakshmi Temple, Chennai The temple is dedicated to Lakshmi and the consort of Vishnu. Astha, in Sanskrit, is the number eight and eight forms of Lakshmi are worshipped in the Ashtalakshmi temple.

• Ayyappan Koil Temple Anna Nagar 13.085, 80.213056 Anna Nagar Ayyappan Koil, Chennai - AnnaNagarAyyappanTemple OuterView
• Ayyappan Temple - R.A. Puram Ayyappan Koil | Madhavan Nair Street, Mahalingapuram, Nungambakkam, Chennai-34 13.01898, 80.26820 Rajah Annamalaipuram Ayyappan Koil, Chennai - Thit is the first temple dedicated to lord Ayyappan in Chennai city. The temple also houses Lord Vinayakar and Lord Subramanian with his consorts Valli and Devayani constituted the Parivarams.

• Bhaktavatsala Perumal Temple 13.111389, 80.026111 Bhaktavatsala Perumal temple, Thirunindravur - Bakthavtsala perumal gopuram

• Chennakesava Perumal Temple 13.083889, 80.27 Chennakesava Perumal Temple, Chennai

• Chennai Om Sri Skandhashramam - Chennai Om Sri Skandhashramam
• Chintadri Pillaiyar Kovil Ekambareswarar Temple Ekambareshwar Agraharam St, Edapalaiyam, George Town 13.088185, 80.278565
• Ettampadai Temple Ettampadai Temple
• ISKCON Temple, Chennai - ISKCON Temple Puri | 12.906111, 80.241667 ISKCON Temple Chennai - Iskcon Temple Chennai - Injambakkam. Krishna temple built in 2012.

• Jagannath Temple, Chennai Jagannath Temple, Chennai Main Temple, Jagannath Temple, Chennai

• Kachchaleswarar Temple 13.033634, 80.270199 Kachchaleswarar Temple - Facade of Kacchaaleeshwarar Koil, Chennai Shiva temple.

• Kali, Bari Mallikesvarar Temple Madhya Kailash near IIT Madras and Adyar Cancer Institute.

• Kaligambal Temple - Kamakshi Temple | Thambu Chetty Street, Chennai-1. 13.09455, 80.2891 Opening Hours: 6AM Monday - 1PM, 3PM Monday - 8PM Kalikambal Temple Kaalikaambaal Temple Main Entrance, Chennai Dedicated to Kalikambal and Kamateswarar, this temple was built close to sea shore but was relocated in 1640 AD. The great Maratha ruler Shivaji came in the temple to worship on 3 October 1667.

• Kamaleswarar Temple Kamaleswarar Temple
• Kamakshiamman Temple of Mangadu 21, Permual Koil Street, Srinivasa Nagar, Mangadu 13.030005, 80.110381 Opening Hours: 6AM Monday - 1PM, 3PM Monday - 8PM This temple is dedicated to the Divine Mother Shakti as Kamakshi Amman.

• Kandaswamy Temple Cheyyur village 12.3525, 80.039444 About 29 kilometers from Madurantakam. Kanthaswamy temple, Cheyyur - Cheyyur Murugar A The temple was built in 11th century AD and is home to some unique, rich inscriptions of that century, giving an insight into the architectural characteristics of the style adopted by Chola Kings, who dominated those times. Veera Rajendra Chola and Kulothungan III built the Kandaswamy Temple. More two temples built here, at same time, are dedicated to Vanmikhanathar, i.e. Lord Siva, and to Perumal or Lord Vishnu. The Kandaswamy Temple is situated between the Shiva and Vishnu temples and Lord Kandaswamy or Shiva is the principal deity of the temple. The temple has number of shrines of other demigods like Lord Someswara, Goddess Meenakshi, Vinayaka, Dakshinamurthy, Chandikeswara and Muthukumaraswamy, also called as Samharamurthy. The temple has an idol of Muruga, son of the Lord Shiva, standing on five different positions, called by distinct names like: Nrutta Skandar (dancing Muruga), Brahma Sastha (created from Brahma), Balaskandar (child Shanmuga), Sivagurunathar (as teacher to Siva) and Pulinthar (vedan hunter). This Kandaswamy temple of Chennai is the most distinctive one. Other than the deities of utmost belief and the tranquil environment and the temple has an image of Kazhukundran, who had made an artful creation of a temple vehicle in 1521 CE, which is used during the Skanda Sashti festival.

• Kandhazheeswarar temple Kapaleesvarar Sannadhi Street, Mylapore 13.033770, 80.269937 - Kandhazheeswarar temple- Kundrathur - Entrance.JPG Shiva temple.

• Kapaleeswarar Temple - Kapaleeshwara | # 12, North Mada Street, Mylapore 13.03370, 80.26985 Thirumayilai MRTS Opening Hours: 6AM Monday - 1PM, 3PM Monday - 8PM Kapaleeshwarar Temple MylaporeKapaleeshwararTemple - One of Chennai's oldest and best-known temples, said to date to the 8th century, although the present structure dates to the 1600s. Notable above all for its soaring, incredibly detailed 37m gopuram (entrance gate). There is a large water tank behind the temple, used for the Thaipusam festival (January - Feb), and plenty of flower shops all around and the famous street markets of Mylapore selling Indian handicrafts and brass vessels. Within easy striking distance of the downtown. This temple is for Goddess Karpagambal or 'Goddess of the Wish-Yielding Tree'. The goddess is one of the forms of Parvati, Lord Shiva's wife. Nearby the temple and there are pharmacy shops selling traditional Indian medicines of Ayurveda and Siddha.

• Karaneeswarar Temple (of Lord Siva) Mylapore Karaneeswarar Temple, Mylapore

• Karaneeswarar Temple (of Lord Siva) Saidapet 13.02468, 80.22331 Karaneeswarar Temple, Saidapet 980197
• Kasi Viswanatha Temple (of Lord Siva) Ayanavaram Kasi Viswanatha Temple, Ayanavaram
• Kasi Viswanatha Temple (of Lord Siva) Mambalam Kasi Viswanatha Temple, West Mambalam
• Kothandaramar Temple (of Lord Rama wielding Kothandam - His bow) Mambalam Kothandaramar Temple, West Mambalam
• Kothandaramaswami Temple (of Lord Rama wielding Kothandam - His bow) Nandambakkam Kothandaramaswami Temple, Nandambakkam
• Krishnaswami Temple (of Lord Krishna) Muthialpet Krishnaswami Temple, Muthialpet
• Kundrathur Shiva temple - Vada Thirunageshvaram | Kundrathur kndrathur bus depot - Sekkizhar built this temple 1,000 years ago.

• Kumaran Kundram - The Deity of Lord Murugan in Kumaran Kundram is considered to be equivalent to the one in Swamimalai | Very near MIT Fly over Kumaran Kundram small hillock at Kumaran Kundram near by Madras Institute of Technology, very near by the Chennai airport (around 9 kilometers or 5 miles or 15-20 minutes). The temple can also be reached from the airport to Chromepet station by the MRTS train towards Tambaram.

• Kurungaleeswarar Temple Kurungaleeswarar Temple

• Marundeeswarar Temple - Marutheeswarar Temple, Tamil: மருந்தீஸ்வரர் ஆலயம் | Thiruvanmiyur, Chennai-41. 12.985556, 80.261389 in Thiruvanmiyur Opening Hours: 6AM Monday - 1PM, 3PM Monday - 8PM. Shaiva sidhantha lectures daily 7PM Monday - 8:30PM Marundeeswarar Temple Marundeeswarar7 This temple is believed to have been built in 11th century and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is believed that the temple was also visited by Saint Valmiki, who authored the Hindu epic Ramayana. The temple has two entrances, one from East Coast Road and the other from West Tank Street, both adorned by 5-tiered gopuram (gateway tower). The entrance from the West Tank Street has got three gates whereas the entrance from the East Coast Road has only one gate. The temple occupies an area of about acre 1 - numerous images adorn the pillars of the temple, while stucco figures adorn the gopurams. The Mandapam (hall) housing the Somaskanda form of Shiva has 36 massive pillars adorned with carvings.

• Marundeswarar Temple 12.985556, 80.261389 Marundeeswarar Temple Marundeeswarar7 A Shiva temple having a rich sthala purana or location history.

• Mathyakailash Temple - Nadukailai | Sardar Patel Road, Adyar, Chennai-20. 13.00650, 80.24710 Opening Hours: 5:30AM Monday - noon, 4PM Monday - 8PM Madhya Kailash Madhya Kailash - Adyar 445208 Very popular for local residents. Ananda Vinayagar Lord Ganesha (the bestower of Happiness. Ananda, in Sanskrit, means Happiness) sits right in the centre of Parameshwar, Ambikai and Thirumal. The temple is very close to the IIT Madras and Adyar Cancer Institute.

• Mundaka Kanni Amman Temple (of Goddess Shakthi) Mylapore - Mundaka Kanni Amman Temple
• Muthialpet Bairagimadam Temple - Bairagimadam Temple

• Nandeeswarar Temple - Nandeeswarar Temple
• Neelagandeeswarar Temple - Neelagandeeswarar Temple
• Parasuramalingeswarar Temple - Parasuramalingeswarar Temple
• The Parthasarathy Temple Tiruvallikkeni (Triplicane) 13.05395, 80.27675 Opening Hours: 6:30AM Monday - 1PM, 3PM Monday - 8PM Parthasarathy Temple, Triplicane Parthasarathy-Temple-Triplicane-Chennai-7 Parthasarathy means 'charioteer of Arjuna'. At Tiruvallikkeni (Triplicane) as the Englishers called it, is considered be the oldest temple in the Chennai and origins date back to the 8th century AD and the reference of which has been made in the Vaishnavite works of the Alwar saints. The existence of the Tiruvallikkeni village in referred in the Pallava records and before. The temple derived its name from the pond in front of the temple. It was built by the Pallavas. The temple was renovated by later dynasties and the Chola and the Vijayanagar kingdom. The Temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna. The name Parthasarathy has been derived from two Sanskrit words Partha and Sarathy. The former word refers to Arjuna and the later means Charioteer. Its architecture is a combination of several temple building styles. There are inscriptions of the Pallavas, Cholas and the Vijayanagar kingdom on the temple structure. The temple besides being dedicated to Parthasarathy is also revered for Venkatakrishnaswami and to Ranganathar. The temple, when it was built, housed five avataras of the deity Vishnu. The structure, as it stands today, houses the shrines of popular deities like Venkatakrishnan with Rukmani, Balaraman, Satyaki, Anirudha, Pradyumna, Rama, Lakshmana, Barata, Sita, Shatrugna, Varadaraja and Hanuman.

• Prasanna Venkatesa Perumal Temple - Prasanna Venkatesa Perumal Temple, Saidapet
• Ramapuram - Ramapuram.JPG

• Ravishwarar Temple Sethu Kshetram Mylapore - Sethu Kshetram 56662

• Saidapet Kamakshi Amman Temple 13.021001, 80.220251 Kamakshi Amman Temple, Saidapet
• Shirdi Sai Baba Temple Venkatesa Agraharam, Mylapore, Chennai-4. 12.98881, 80.19428 Opening Hours: 6:30AM Monday - 1PM, 3PM Monday - 8PM Built in the memory of the revered saint Sai Baba of Shirdi, this temple is among the two shrines dedicated in Sai Baba's name in the city.

• Sri Balaji Temple T. Nagar. 13.0358, 80.2366 Sri Balaji Temple, T. Nagar

Universal Temple, Mylapore, Chennai - Universal Temple, Sree Ramakrishna Madh, Mylapore,Chennai

• Sri Ramakrishna Math - Universal Temple 31 Ramakrishna Math Road 13.031996, 80.267547 ☎ +91 44 2462110 Opening Hours: 5AM Monday - 11:45AM and 3PM Monday - 9PM - Universal Temple at Ramakrishna Mission, Chennai - Mylapore. Swami Vivekananda on his return from the west was requested by the devotees in Madras (now Chennai) to start a Math here. To fulfill their desire Swamiji sent his brother-disciple Swami Ramakrishnananda to Madras in March 1897. After reaching Madras and the first thing Swami Ramakrishnananda did was to set up a small shrine for Sri Ramakrishna at a rented house. He lived there and led a life of renunciation, service and austerities. Slowly he built up the institution as the present Sri Ramakrishna Math and thus Sri Ramakrishna Math, Madras, came into existence. Thit is the oldest centre of the Ramakrishna Order in the South. Srimat Swami Bhuteshanandaji Maharaj and the 12th President of Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission, laid the foundation-stone for this Universal Temple on 1 December 1994 in a grand function. It took five years for the project to take shape as the present grand Universal Temple. On 7 February 2000 the temple was dedicated by Srimat Swami Ranganathanandaji Maharaj and the 13th President of the Ramakrishna Order. Sri Ramakrishna Math completed hundred years of its service in 1997. The Math is regarded for its spiritual traditions, modern outlook, acceptance of all religions, service as the way of life. With its lushy green surroundings and the Universal Temple is the ideal spot for contemplation and meditation.

• Thirumalai Thirupathi Devasthanam Temple - Venkata Narayana Road, T.Nagar, Chennai-17. 13.035824, 80.236338 on the seventh peak of Venkata Hill called Venkatachala of the Tirumala Hillocks and the temple lies on the southern banks of Sri Swami Pushkaarini. Opening Hours: 6AM Monday - 1PM, 3PM Monday - 8PM Millions of devotees throng this world-renowned temple of Lord Venkatachalapathi. The temple is constructed and maintained by the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams. It is very crowded on Saturdays and Sundays. The temple contains a book store.

• Thiruneermalai Vishnu Temple - Thiruneermalai Kaalabairavar Temple | Mallima Veedi, Thiruneermalai 12.960977, 80.115966 This temple is one of the 108 places considered sacred by Vaishnatives. Legend has it that sage Valmiki prayed in the temple and saw the divine darshan of Lord Vishnu in three forms.

• Thiruvalluvar Temple - Thiruvalluvar Temple
• Thyagaraswamy Temple, Thiruvottiyur - Thyagaraja Temple | 13.16104, 80.29885 north of Chennai. - Thyagaraswamy5
• Vadapalani Murugan Temple - Sri Vadapalani Andavar Temple, Tiruvalithayam Vadapalani Andavar Temple | Near the Andavar Koil Street, Vadapalani, Chennai. 13.05304, 80.21427 - Vadapalani murugan temple tank - Opening Hours: 6AM Monday - 1PM, 3PM Monday - 8:30PM This ancient temple is dedicated to Lord Muruga. Renovated in 1920s and the temple has grown popularity due to the visits by many cinema stars.

• Varasiddhi Vinayaka Temple 13.0004, 80.267 Varasiddhi Vinayaka Temple
• Vedagiriswarar Temple - Kazhugu Koil or 'the eagle temple', Vengeeswarar Temple | Thirukkalukundram 12.6067, 80.0625 Vedagiriswarar temple - Vedhagireeswarar temple with the tank The major tourist attraction here is the large temple atop the mountain which houses the deity of Vedagiriswarar, Lord Shiva.

• Velveeswarar Temple - Agasteeswarar Temple | Velveeswarar Temple - Agatheeswarar valasaravakkam

Other holy places

• Royapuram Fire Temple - Jal Phiroj Clubwala Dar E Meher | Royapuram 13.111313, 80.294636 Royapuram fire temple, Chennai - A Parsi fire temple built in 1910.

• Sri Guru Nanak Saturday Sangh Sabha Gurudwara - Sri Guru Nanak Saturday Sangh Sabha Gurudwara, Chennai

Memorials

• Valluvar Kottam Valluvar Kottam High Road, Nungambakkam 13.054444, 80.241667 Valluvar Kottam - Valluvar Kottam Edit1 Valluvar Kottam marks the memorial of one of the renowned poet and saint of the region, Tiruvalluvar. The memorial is shaped like a temple chariot and is, in fact and the replica of the temple chariot in Thiruvarur. There is a 101-feet (30m) high temple chariot structure with a life-size image of the poet in it. This chariot is a replica of the temple vehicle of Thiruvarur in Tamil Nadu. The monument stands as a massive auditorium and was open to public in 1976. Over 3,000 blocks of stone were used to create this memorial to Tamil culture. Valluvar Kottam has quite an extensive space. The auditorium at Valluvar Kottam is said to be the largest in Asia and can accommodate about 4,000 people. It is a revered place in the city as it is considered to bear the impressions of the Tamil culture. The auditorium is surrounded by granite pillars that have the inscriptions taken from the famous work of the poet. The epic Tiruvalluvar, written by the poet consists of 1,330 verses, all of which are inscribed on the granite pillar. The 133 chapters of his famous work Thirukkural have been depicted in bas-relief in the front hall corridors of the chariot. It stands as a modern memorial to the great poet who represents the glorious culture of the Tamils.

Monuments

• Fort St. George 13.079722, 80.286944 on the banks of Bay of Bengal Opening Hours: Saturday - Thursday 10AM Monday - 5PM, closed on Friday Fort Museum: for children under 15 years free. For Indians: ₹5/-. For foreigners: US$20 Fort St. George, India - Fort St. George, Chennai -QQQ739 It was (formerly known as White Town) was established as the East India Company's fortified foothold in Madras and it was from this small trading post (or 'factory' as it was then known) that British influence spread throughout India. The establishment of Fort St. George marked the birth of the new city that is Madras, in the year 1640. The fort was named after Street George who is believed to have preached in the region. The British East India Company, after buying the land from the Nayak of Vandavasi in 1639, led the establishment of what was called the Madrasemen the permanent settlement of the company. One year later they built the fort as a commanding post in the region. With the increased trade activities of East India Company the region soon developed into a popular trade and commerce centre. The British enjoyed the supremacy in the region till 1746, when the French attacked the fort and captured it. After three years, in 1749 the British regained the ruling power by signing a treaty with the French. In the meantime they fortified the base in order to sustain the invasion of Hyder Ali and the French. The fort is believed to be the first establishment of the British in India. It is a military architecture marvel, which was started as a trading post and later evolved to be the origin of modern Indian Army. St. George Fort holds great historical importance and is looked after by the Archaeological Survey of India. It has a number of other monuments within its boundaries. Inside the Fort is the Fort Museum is decorated with cannons of Tipu Sultan. There are a lot of interesting artifacts showcased in the museum like coins, artifacts and so on. Apart from the museum and the southern division of the Archaeological Survey of India is located here. The place is famous for its exotic collection of Books in the library. Today, Fort Street George is famous for housing the legislative assembly and has been known as the secretariat building. The fort in its present form looks more like a mansion, rather any fort. Various Government offices function inside this building, including the structure which used to be the residence of Robert Clive called the Clive House. St. Mary's Church, situated in the fort, is one of the oldest surviving churches built by the British in India. The tallest flag pole in the nation can be seen here: its height is 150 The

Book Fair:

• Chennai Book Fair (annual) | Location and dates may vary annually. If you happen to be in Chennai in January, Chennai Book Fair is an event not to miss. Plan to visit on a weekday as they attract lesser crowds and you can browse through the collections peacefully. If you pick a weekend or holiday, try to visit in the morning instead of the evening. Look through all the shops but it is better to skip the marquee stalls and visit the smaller ones which have Books stacked all around. You will be rewarded with some great finds as these shops have lesser known but excellent titles from all around the world. Carry cash as many of the smaller shops do not accept credit/debit cards and cash also helps to bargain down the price of the Books to some extent. On average, paperback novels in bargain shops cost ₹100 to ₹200. A budget of ₹3000 should be enough to purchase a good collection of books.

Clothes

• Amaara - amaarashop | 27/14, C V Raman Road, Alwarpet ☎ +91 44 4500 0020 - Boutique clothing from natural fabrics for women.

• Brass Tacks - ☎ +91 44 4208 1767 - 77/13, Corporation Shopping Complex, C.P. Ramaswamy Road, Alwarpet. Contemporary clothing from natural fibres for women.

• FabIndia Web: nnai 3 Woods Road - The Ilford House location at is probably the best in terms of choices and selections. Thit is the place to go for all your natural-dyed, hand loomed and hand made textiles. The prices have been going up the last few years, but FabIndia is the only source for this sort of textile in Chennai at any retail outlet.

• Handloom Exhibitions | Year-round there is always a handloom exhibition profiling the work of one state or the other. These temporary installations (you'll have to check the local papers to find out where they set up) generally have a good selection of interesting fabrics and textile products. And there is always the option to bargain, which makes it a better option than oft-overpriced retail stores. The Royapettah YMCA (across from Royapettah Hospital) has a regular handloom exhibition.

• Just Casuals Nungambakkam, 1, Sterling Rd. ☎ +91 44 28273882 - A good place to head if you're in the mood for the Banana Republic/Abercrombie/Old Navy/Gap type stuff. They seem to get all the export rejects or overstocks. You'll find that all the brand tags are cut out due to some agreement with the manufacturer. The quality and prices are good, but unfortunately there's no bargaining feasible.

• Raymond shop 162 Anna Salai Opposite to Spencers - There are several outlets of Raymond shop around Chennai. Custom tailored shirts, suits and other wardrobe accessories for men.

• Shanti Colony | Annanagar is a hub for "seconds" clothing as in the above description for "Just Casuals".

Crafts

• Amethyst Sundar Mahal, Padmavathi Road, Jeypore Colony, Gopalapuram ☎ +91 44 2820 3582 - Handicrafts.

• Ashvita - Arts and Artifacts 11 2nd Street Radhakrishnan Salai, Mylapore ☎ +91 44 2847 6063 - Art, jewellery, photo prints.

• Crafts and Weaves #1, 1st Main Road, CIT Colony, Mylapore - ☎ +91 44 2466 0232 - Handicrafts.

• Giri Stores | Adjacent to Kabaleeswarar Temple, (opposite the Radha Silk Emporium, Mylapore Tank). Hindu spiritual items like Rudraksha garlands, books, CDs & tapes for chanting, incense sticks, camphor and lamps.

• Hidesign - Ispahani Centre, Nungambakkam High Road & Phase 3, Spencers Plaza - Leather goods.

• Jidoka Store 1st Lane, Nungambakkam High Road ☎ +91 44 2822 3516, +91 44 2822 3317 - Handicrafts.

• Manasthala 12 Cenotaph Road ☎ +91 44 2433 2842 - Terracotta ceramics.

• Poombukar | 108 Anna Salai, Plandmark opposite the LIC building in Annasalai and next to Higgingbothams book store - They sell handicrafts.

• Poppat Jamals | Mount Road Anna Salai opp. Spencers Plaza - Crockery.

• Victoria Technical Institute 180, (old No.765) Anna Salai Close to Spencer Plaza ☎ +91-44-2852 3141 Opening Hours: 10AM Monday - 7:30PM ₹20 to any amount They have a huge display of handicraft items, paintings, wood carvings and metal work statues.

• Vimonisha Art Gallery 12 Khadar Nawaz Khan Road - Handicrafts.

Art galleries

• Apparao Galleries 7th St, Wallace Garden. ☎ +91 44 2827 226
• Chennai Studio 222 Peters Road ☎ +91 44 98405 43420 - Royapettah.

• Contemporary arts and crafts showroom 41 CP Ramaswamy Road ☎ +91 44 2499 7069, +91 44 2466 0159 - Alwarpet

• Lakshmi Ethiraj Art Gallery 70 1st Main Road ☎ +91 44 4359 223 - CIT Nagar.

• Prakrit Art Gallery Dhandayuthapani Nagar, 2nd St, Kotturpuram ☎ +91 44 42188989
• Raasi Art Gallery 1 Anna Ave ☎ +91 44 2441 0389 - Bakthavatsala Nagar, Adayar.

Sarees

• Aavaranaa 15, Ashoka Street, Alwarpet. ☎ +91 44 24988292
• Co-Optex No.350, Pantheon Road, Egmore Close by Govt Museum and Connemara library ☎ +91 44 28193175 - State government operated store. Good place to buy authentic silk sarees and dhotis. They also sell other items like salwar sets, curtains, bedsheets, pillow covers, etc.

• Radha Silk Emporium (Rasi) | Silk sarees, ethnic wear, arts & crafts in multiple locations.

• 1 Sannadhi St, Mylapore, ☎ +91 44 2494 1906
• 827, Dhun Building, Mount Road, ☎ +91 44 2852 0251
• 23 1st Main Road, Nanganallur, ☎ +91 44 2232 4176
• Revathy Stores No. 7/8, RK Mutt Road Luz Bazaar Building ☎ +91 44 24934328 - Small store with a wide variety of Kalyani and Indian hand-loomed sarees.

• Shilpi | 29 C.P. Ramaswamy Road - Alwarpet.

• Vardhrams and Son's Silks | Harington Road, Chetpat.

Jewellery

• Aarthi Thanga Maligai 60 East Kalamandapam Road - Royapuram. Gold for reasonable prices.

• Aishwarya Jewellery | Mylapore Tank. Gold and silverware.

• B.B Jewellery 6/127 Arcot Road - Porur. Specializing in Gold.

• Bapalal Jewellers | Kakani Towers, Gothic Church Road. Diamond merchants.

• Jaipur Gems 50 Gothic Church Road Exclusive designer StarFire Diamond jewellery, authentic Jadau jewellery.

• Joyalukkas 39 North Usman Road - T'Nagar. India's largest exclusive jewellery mall, housing the worlds largest jewellery showroom of international retailer Joyalukkas amongst other world renowned retailers.

• Jugalkishore Jewellers | CP Ramaswaamy Road, Alwarpet. Traditional and antique jewellery.

• Kanishk | Usman Road, T'Nagar. Great value for money & wide range.

• N. Gopaldas - New No. 59, Dr. Radhakrishnan Salai, Mylapore Jewellers since 1929. For exclusive diamond jewellery.

• Narayana Pearls | Kasi Arcade, T.Nagar Good collection.

• Rasvihar - 1 38 Luz Church Road, Mylapore. For exclusive contemporary jewellery.

• Tanishq 100 Ft Bypass Road, near Velachery Lake, Velachery close to Phoenix Market City mall - From the house of Titan. Gold, diamond and platinum jewelery. Trendy collections, transparent pricing and clear billing. Tanishq also operates other outlets in Adyar, Anna Nagar and T.Nagar

• Vummidi Bangaru Jewellery | Nungambakkam - Features diamonds and Gold. There is also a location T'Nagar.

• GRT Jewellers - GR Thangamaligai - T.NagarAuto, Taxi, Bus, Local Train

G. R. Thanga Maligai

Musical instruments

• Lakshman shruthi | Vadapalani Signal, Vadapalani - Musical instruments, CDs.

• Sapthaswara Musicals | Features Western and Indian musical instruments.

• Shruthi Musicals 10 Harleys Rd., Kilpauk ☎ +91 44 2660 3630
• Sruthilayais 93 Royapettah High Road, Mylapore ☎ +91 44 2499 4045,+91 44 2498 2625 - Musical instruments.

In addition to these there are several exhibitions at Das Community Hall (Gothic Church Rd) and Shankara Hall (TTK Rd), where artisans display their work. Check the local newspapers for details and timings.

Muslim Friendly Food & Restaurants in Chennai

Chennai has numerous restaurants, offering an assortment of cuisine. The beach restaurants are well maintained and serve great food during the evenings. The eat outs in Chennai range from budget, midrange and to up-market. There are swanky star quality restaurants, plain open traditional Vegetarian or non Vegetarian restaurants- where you share a table with strangers, street stalls, tea kadais, fast food centers, western fast food centers, food courts, coffee shops, bakeries to exclusive specialty establishments. Vegetarian restaurants serve tiffin and Vegetarian meals. There are also a number of Halal restaurants that serve a variety of Tamil, Andhra and Kerala Vegetarian and non-vegetarian fare. Many of these restaurants have nowadays diversified and offer other Indian and Indianized Chinese dishes as well. Usually the check includes a service charge, written next to 'S.C.' If no service charge is added, it is customary to leave a moderate tip.

All these budget eateries serve only Vegetarian food and are very cheap.

• Cholayil Sanjeevanam New No. 97, Old No.45, Nungambakkam High Road in Nungambakkam ☎ +91 44 4549 0324 - A popular Vegetarian "health" restaurant that cooks its foods using ayurvedic principles. The food is truly delicious, and the concept is that they are cooked with low amounts of oil, using healthy ingredients. The chain also features ayurvedic and yogic classes.

• Eat North Drink | 570-N, Anna Salai, Teynampet next to Courtyard Marriott ₹20-40 South Indian fast food, from masala dosas to uttapam and pongal. Fast, cheap, tasty and hygienic.

• Geetha Café, | Pondy Bazaar. South Indian tiffin.

• Hot Chips | T.Nagar and Anna Nagar for budget priced South Indian tiffin, including North Indian chat (snack) items.

• Hotel Saravana Bhavan - Probably Chennai's best known Vegetarian restaurant chain, with 25 branches in Chennai itself (incl. one next to Kapaleeswarar Temple). Pure Vegetarian Indian food with high standards of hygiene.

• Karpagambal Mess | Mylapore, opposite the Kapaleeswarar temple - Cheap and authentic South Indian Food.

• Kebab Junction No. 19, Mount Road, Royapettah, NV opp. Express Ave, near Melody theatre ☎ +91 44 4215 8036
• Mansuk's | T.Nagar. - GPS: - Best for Bombay Chat, Lassi and an unlimited Gujarati Thali.

• Palimar | Parsn Complex, Mount Road, Anna Salai - South Indian cuisine.

• Rathna Cafe | Triplicane. also Thiruvanmiyur, opposite the RTO - For fluffy hot idlis, hot vadai, delicious pongal dripping in ghee and accompanied by sambhar. Quality maintained for more than 100 years. More expensive than Murugan Idli shop.

• Sangeetha No. 82, Nungambakkam High Road, Nungambakkam at intersection of Valluvar Kottam High Road and Nungambakkam High Road Vegetarian chain restaurant with a mix of good-quality and tasty South Indian, North Indian, and "Indo-Chinese" cuisine at very reasonable prices.

• The Spice Box - Thiruvanmyur - ☎ +91 44 4304 2365 - Lunch deliveries and gourmet outdoor catering. Wholesome, innovative lunch-dinner in 6 options is great to try out.

• Sri Krishna Sweets | Mount Road, Spencers Plaza, Adayar, Anna Salai, also at MG Road, Shastri Nagar - Indian sweets & salad café. North Indian "chat" (snack) items.

• Vasantha Bhavan | near Vadapalani Bus stand - Chain of Vegetarian restaurants.

• Aiwo - Vegetarian | 7 Rosy Towers, Nungambakkam High Road, Nungambakkam. ☎ +91 44 66514241 ₹199 per meal inclusive of taxes Fusion and health foods. A 14-course meal served on a conveyer belt that moves around the room. Various dishes served are supposed to be cooked in Olive oil. Healthy tasty food for the health conscious. Table reservations. South Indian

• Amaravathi - non-vegetarian | 1 Gothic Church Road Gopalpuram ☎ +91 44 28116416, +91 44 28110305 Opening Hours: Daily 11AM Monday - 11PM Average for 2 persons ₹500 South Indian sea food cuisines and is known for its spicy Andhra food. Their famous Andhra meals, Chicken and mutton biryani. Vazahapoo and keerai vadi are a must try. Chilly Chicken, chili paneer, momos, soups, burgers, rolls, etc. Punjabi dishes like kadhai Chicken, butter Chicken, daal makhni, roti, butter naan, paneer butter masala, allu matar etc. Special fish prawns and Amaravathi Chicken are the main dishs of the restaurant. Seating: 135 covers. Valet parking and take away. Table reservations. South Indian.

• Amethyst cafe and restaurant Sundar Mahal, Padmavathi Road, Jeypore Colony, Gopalapuram ☎ +91 44 2820 3582, +91 44 28353581 (resv) Vegetarian. Multi-cuisine. Garden and patio cafe and restaurant with a mix of western (pastas, burgers) and Indian fare. Cuisines served by Amethyst are Coffee and International. It is a nice, cozy, romantic place to chill out on weekends. Their cuisine is nice and so is their interiors. Its a colonial house turned into a restaurant. Table reservations available.

• Amma ☎ +91 44 28340242 1 Dr. Giri Road, T Nagar near Bharathi Raja Hospital Opening Hours: 11:30AM Monday - 3:30PM and 7PM Monday - 10:30PM Meals for 2 around ₹350 Non-vegetarian South Indian. Known for authentic Chettinadu cuisine. Table reservations (non-vegetarian).

• Anjappar J.P. Tower, 7/2, Nungambakkam High Rd. ☎ +91 44 28217200, +91 44 2825666, +91 44 42144573 Meals for two ₹500non-vegetarian South Indian. Speciality: Anjappar Popular Meals: White Rice, Chettinad Chicken, Mutton Gravy, Fish Gravy, Sambar, Rasam, Kootu, Porial, Keerai, Curd, Buttermilk, Appalam. Also famous for Spl. Mutton Dum Biriyani, Nattu Koli Biriyani and Chettinaad Fish Masala.

• They have other outlets in Chennai: - Anna Nagar: +91 44 26264111 - Chennai Airport-Food Court- Anna International Airport: +91 44 22561793, 2256194 - Near Central Station: +91 44 25382666, 25383334 - Egmore: (+91 44 42134111, 42179222) - Purasaiwalkam: (+91 44 42089188, 26400200) - T'Nagar ☎ +91 44 224328444, +91 44 224328555) - Mylapore:, ☎ +91 44 224982883, +91 44 224981226) - R.K.Salai: ☎ +91 44 228114555, 28114666.

• Annalakshmi | 18/3, Rukmani Lakshmipathy Road (Marshall Rd), Sigapi Achi Building I Floor, EgmoreAdjacent to Raja Muthaiah & Rani Meyyammai Hall ☎ +91 44 228525109 Opening Hours: Tuesday - Sunday noon-2:30PM, 7:30PM Monday - 9:45PM ₹1,000 for 2 meals Vegetarian. Thit is a must-try expensive South Indian food restaurant. Elegant ambience, friendly service and good food. Filling portions served. Best selling dishes- Elumichai Sevai, Badam-saffron milkshake. Elite crowd. Table reservations. South Indian.

• Anupama Southern Spice | 25, 1st Floor, G.N. Chetty Road, Thyagaraya Nagar ☎ +91 44 31000733 - Non-Vegetarian. Specialty Andhra Cuisine. Table reservations. South Indian.

• The Cascade - ☎ +91 44 2834 3030 Quality Inn Sabari, 1. floor, 29 Thirumalai Pillai Road, T.Nagar. Chinese food

• The Chimney - non-vegetarian | ☎ +91 44 2472 5950 - Liberty Park Hotel 9, 1st Main Road, U.I. Colony, Kodambakkam. Predominantly North-Indian Halal Kebab & Chinese cuisines served. A very pleasant place on the cooler evenings when there's always a gentle breeze. Table reservations. Rooftop Dining

• Curries House 2, Block AB, 11th Ave, Anna Nagar ☎ +91 44 42611167, +91 44 42611168 Opening Hours: Noon-3PM, 7PM Monday - 11PM Meals for two around ₹350 Non-vegetarian. Multi-cuisine. Chettinad, and Kerala delicacies. Good tandoori fare of the non-veg variety popular among the Punjabi's and found all over Delhi. Table reservations.

• Dynasty 315, Valluvarkottam High Road, Nungambakkam Harrisons Hotel ☎ +91 44 22227775 - Non-vegetarian. Good quality Chinese-Indian cuisine. Reservations available. Chinese food.

• Shanghai Annaachi 9B, 1st Floor, Kakani Tower, New No. 34, Old No. 15, Khader Nawaz Khan Road ☎ +91 93 2357063 - Chinese food

• Dhaba Express - non-vegetarian | 9 Cenotaph Road ☎ +91 44 2432 8212 Opening Hours: 11AM Monday - 3PM, 7PM Monday - 11PM daily Meals for two ₹500 Teynampet, and Nungambakkam High Rd. Cuisines served by Dhaba Express are North Indian. They serve Chicken Tikka Masala, Mutton Rogan Josh, Tandoori Aloo (starter), Naans and Roomali Rotis. Valet parking. Table reservations.

• ECR Dhaba | 9/76, Kunnukadu, East Coast Road Near Muttukadu Boat House ☎ +91 44 44 27472943 Opening Hours: 11AM Monday - 11:45PM Non-vegetarian. Punjabi food. Table reservations.

• Coastline - non-vegetarian | 118, Dr. Radhakrishnan Salai, Mylapore ☎ +91 44 28251128 Meals for two ₹600 South Indian seafood. Freshly done interiors, slow service but delicious food. Crab rasam, prawn or fish biryani. Vide variety of sea food offerings. Must-try place. Table reservations

• Barbeque Nation Sri Devi Park hotel - Buffet costs ₹1,000 per person, advance reservation is strongly recommended.

• Eden's | Harrisons Hotel, 315, Valluvarkottam High Road, Nungambakkam - Wonderful Continental cuisine, fully Vegetarian.

• Gallopin Gooseberries | Burgers, sandwiches and entrees. Has two outlets:

• 1. 4/359,Gatsby Village, Mgr Road, +91 44 24493924
  2. 11, Shop 2, 2nd Floor, Greams Road, Landmark: Near Thousand Lights Police Station ☎ +91 44 28291077, 28292190
• Gyan Vaishnav | Mount Road, near Anand Theatre. North Indian.

• Kadalivanam - Mogappair, 100% natural, fully Vegetarian restaurant.

• Karaikudi | ☎ +91 44 2815 1021 VeeraRaghava Road, T. Nagar (also at Anna Nagar, Besant Nagar, Mylapore, Thiruvanmiyur) Chettinadu cuisine.

• Murugans Idli Shop | One meal is ₹20-40 2 locations: GN Chetty Road T. Nagar and Besant Nagar. Murugan Idli Shop is a chain restaurant, and the GN Chetty Road shop in particular is a well-kept secret among local residents as a purveyor of high-quality food; on weekends and there is a long line for entry. South Indian.

• Noodles House | A chain restaurant, whoese locations include: 1. Spencers Plaza, Anna Salai (Mount Road) and 2. the Intersection of Sterling Road and Nungambakkam High Road in Nungambakkam. Chinese.

• Pizzaurant | Velachery Road, Little Mount, Saidapet. Cuisine Pizzas & Pasta. (Without MSG.) Home delivery for nearby areas, very Indian.

• Poonamallee | Breeze Hotel, 850, Poonamallee High Road ☎ +91 44 2641 3334+91 44 2643 0596. Multi-cuisine.

• Ponnusamy | Commander-in-Chief Road (opp Ethiraj College), Egmore - Chettinadu cuisine

• Rangis | Nungambakkam High Road, Nungambakkam - Chinese.

• Swati and Swayam | At Saravana Bhavan, Peters Road - South Indian.

• Peshwari - ITC Grand Chola Hotel | No. 63 Mount Road, Guindy, Little Mount, Guindy 13.010564, 80.220644 ☎ +91 44 2220 0000 - The award winning Peshawari is the Indian speciality restaurant with the rugged flavours of the North-West Frontier and the art of tandoori cooking. The food is cooked in clay ovens or tandoor in the traditional style which is viewed through the open kitchen. (5-star hotel) Rated Expensive.

• Pergola The Accord Metropolitan Hotel, 35, G North Chetty Road, T Nagar 13.045913, 80.242553 ☎ +91 44 28161000, +91 44 43911000 (Table reservations) Opening Hours: 7PM Monday - midnight The highest open to sky restaurant in the city, featuring grills and Indian cuisines. Seating capacity 120.

• Bella Ciao Lounge Beach Garden, #4, Shri Krishna Enclave, Kottivakkam 12.972335, 80.264692 ☎ +91 44 24511130 - Italian-owned and run, authentic Italian food. The famous wood fired oven Pizzas, home made Pasta. Steak and salads.

• Little Italy Eldorado No 112, Nungambakam High Road 13.061024, 80.247488 ☎ +91 44 42601234, +91 44 42601230 (Table Reservations) - Italian restaurant. Italian classic cuisine with a perfect soft drinks. Chef's favorites: Pizzas Mellino, Pasta del Fattore and In Wines- Brunello di Montalcino.

• Prego - Taj Coromandel| Nungambakkam High Road, Nungambakkam 13.058324, 80.247368 ☎ +91 44 5500 2827 - Gourmet Italian dining, replaced Patio.

• Teppan | 146, TTK Road, Alwarpet 13.031742, 80.251813 ☎ +91 44 32216635 - Hibachi style and the cook prepares your meal with a show right in front of you. Very entertaining especially for younger diners. Excellent sushi and sashimi. ₹2000 for a meal for two.

• Cedars | Wallace Garden Road, Nungambakkam - ☎ +91 44 42182397 - Dim lit ambience is beautiful with exquisite furnishing in Mediterranean style. They serve the most authentic Lebanese, Middle Eastern delicacies and some interesting Mediterranean cuisines.

• Don Pepes 73, Gothic Church Road, Gopalapuram 13.045876, 80.257883 ☎ +91 44 28221461 Opening Hours: noon-2:45PM, 7:00-11:45PM Mexican. Above Hot Breads as an extension and they are best known for their fajitas (sizzlers) and enchiladas (a Tortillas wrap with some Mexican rice). Expensive.

• Cream Centre 55, 2nd Main Road, Raja Annamalaipuram (near Kaliappa Hospital) 13.026952, 80.254938 ☎ +91 44 42815777, +91 44 42815776 (reservations) Opening Hours: 11AM to 3:30PM, 7PM to 11PM (11AM to 11PM on weekends) Cream Centre offers a wide range of Vegetarian food choices- North Indian and Mexican, to American, Italian and even Lebanese. Nachos, Channa Bhatura, American Corn Cheese Ball, Sizzlers & Sizzling Brownie. A specialty here is the Mera Thali, where you have a choice of dishes from which you can make your own thali.

• Entree Restaurant Emall hotel, Express Avenue Mall, Gate No 1, Pattullous Road, Anna Salai, Chennai 600 002. 13.058807, 80.263053 ☎ +91 44 28463333, +91 44 28463358 100% Vegetarian multi-cuisine restaurant. Serves fare from all around the world - (Thai) soup, Mexican main course, Indian spices tadka, French pastry for desserts.

• Copper Chimney 74, Gothic Church Road, Gopalapuram (opposite the Chola Sheraton) 13.045907, 80.257969 ☎ +91 44 28115770 Opening Hours: noon-3PM, 7PM Monday - midnight Mainly North Indian and Iranian inspired dish. Specialities: Bagani Bahar, Paneer Musselum. Rated expensive.

• The Great Kabab Factory Radisson G R T Hotel, G.S.T. Road, Street Thomas Mount 12.994667, 80.187230 ☎ +91 44 22310101 Opening Hours: noon-2:45PM, 7PM Monday - 11:45PM expensive Specialities: Galoutti Kabab, Tangri and Murgh Malai Kababs, Fish and Mutton Kababs. They serve and have valet parking.

• Navaratna 1 GST Road, Le Royal Meridien, St. Thomas Mount 13.006793, 80.205534 Le Maridien ☎ +91 44 22314343, +91 44 43534545 (reservations) Opening Hours: Noon-3PM & 7PM Monday - 11:45PM expensive India Restaurant serving Royal Indian Cuisine. Live Ghazal performances. A Private dining room is available for up to 12 persons and an intimate bar for pre-dinner drinks.

• Kayal | Le Royal Meridien, 1, G.S.T. Road, St. Thomas Mount ☎ +91 44 22314343, +91 44 43534545 (reservations) Opening Hours: 7PM Monday - 11:30PM expensive Seafood restaurant. Coriander prawn, seafood platter, Kadia lobster, prawn biryani. Nice complimentary garlic bread with butter.

• Dakshin | Park Sheraton Hotel and Towers, 132, T.T.K. Road, Alwarpet ☎ +91 44 24994101 Opening Hours: 12:30PM Monday - 2:45PM, 7:30PM Monday - 11:45PM - South Indian Cuisines- Dakshin offers the 'rare' pleasures of ethnic coastal and regional cuisines. The choicest cuisine of the four Southern states served in a regal setting. Live Carnatic Music. Expensive but excellent food- Starters include traditional, kuli paniyaram. Try the Idi appam or Appam with mutton stew. Desert: Kulfi.

• Southern Spice | Taj Coromandel, Nungambakkam High Road, Nungambakkam ☎ +91 44 55002827
• Benjarong 146, TTK Road, Alwarpet 13.031734, 80.251855 ☎ +91 44 24322640 Opening Hours: 12:15PM Monday - 2:45PM and 7:15PM Monday - 11:45PM The authentic flavour of Thailand. Seating capacity 68.

• The Good Spot - Good Spot | write2@ 30/31, Second Main Road, Kasturibai Nagar, Adyar 13.005687, 80.251304 ☎ +91 44 48622727 Opening Hours: 11AM Monday - 11PM

Chennai is a difficult place to drink. Government rule states that only establishments with a minimum of 21 rooms can obtain a bar or drink license. Hence there are no standalone bars or pubs here. All the bars that are around are part of some hotel or the other and in general overpriced.

Government run stores called TASMAC are all over the place but in general not at all a pleasant experience. They have unpleasant staff and environment and will have local brands. Also they always tend to mark up each bottle by ₹5-10 over the listed price. Go for it if you want a one time war like experience in order to obtain some booze!

Nightclubs close at 11PM, even on Fridays and Saturdays, according to government rule.

• Paradise Cafe | 20 South Usman Road - Aruna Hotel, T Nagar, +91 24346565/0834

• The Pub Liberty Park Hotel, 1st Main Road, UI Colony, Kodambakkam ☎ +91 98 4172 1110 Very nice decor and good service for the price. It gets crowded on important cricket match days as the local sports fans gather for a drink here.

• Bike and Barrel | Residency Towers, T.Nagar.nice ambience there are 2 levels lower level for couples and upper level for stags. Nice sitting arrangement but can get crowded Expect to spend around ₹1,000 for 2 people for drinks and food.

• Cambridge | Hotel Dee Cee Manor, GN Chetty Road, T.Nagar

• Crystal | Hotel Ranjit, Nungambakkam High road, Nungambakkam.

• Diesel | G.N Chetty Road, T.Nagar

• Grammy | Hotel Sabhari, Thirumala Pillai Road, T.Nagar

• Hudson - Harrisons Hotel, 315, Valluvarkottam High Road, Nungambakkam, +91 42222777: Has two levels. Hudson Upper and H2O. Cramped seating providing very little privacy. The Liquor stable is limited to the local brands and a bottle or two of Scotch.

• Million Dollars 100 Feet Road - Hotel Ambica Empire, Vadapalani

• Star Rock | Kodambakkam High Road (Next to Palmgrove hotel), Nungambakkam

• Zero° bar | 29 Thirumalai Pillai Road Quality Inn Sabari, ground floor, T.Nagar

• Distil Cafe - Taj Connemara, Binny Road

• Dublin | Park Sheraton Hotel and Towers, Chamiers Road, Alwarpet, +91 24994101

• Durrants Cafe | Chola Sheraton, Gothic Church Road, +91 28110101

• Above Sea Level Hotel Raintree, St.Mary's Road, Alwarpet
• 10 Downing Street Kences Inn Hotel, North Boag Road, T Nagar
• The Westminister | ☎ +91 44 2499 4101 - Park Sheraton Hotel and Towers, Chamiers Road, Alwarpet

• Zara | Gothic Church Road.

• Zodiac- Lounge Cafe The Accord Metropolitan, 35,G.N.Chetty Road, T'Nagar ☎ +91 44 28161000 Opening Hours: 11:00–midnight Popular labels, ingenious cocktails, rare blends of drink & a wide selection of hot and cold canapés. Seating capacity 76.

Local specialities - soft drinks

• Fruit Bizz - Adyar signal | left corner building from ananda bhavan road to guindy ₹30-50 Thit is one of the best juice shops very famous in adyar region. Shop open from morning 10AM till 1AM.

• NeerMoar | Spicy butter milk, with local seasoning. Available at most South Indian restaurants.

• Tender Coconut Definitely try a tender coconut on a hot summer's day. Available on roadside stalls at ₹35 to 40, a coconut.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Chennai

Chennai - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Chennai, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Chennai. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Chennai and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Chennai. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Chennai. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations in Chennai: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Chennai.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Chennai: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Chennai, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Chennai.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Chennai, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Chennai, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Chennai and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Chennai, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Chennai, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Chennai without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Chennai is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Chennai.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Chennai is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Chennai, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Chennai Media: info@ehalal.io

Buy Muslim Friendly condos, Houses and Villas in Chennai

eHalal Group Chennai is a prominent real estate company specializing in providing Muslim-friendly properties in Chennai. Our mission is to cater to the specific needs and preferences of the Muslim community by offering a wide range of halal-certified residential and commercial properties, including houses, condos, and factories. With our commitment to excellence, client satisfaction, and adherence to Islamic principles, eHalal Group has established itself as a trusted name in the real estate industry in Chennai.

At eHalal Group, we understand the importance of meeting the unique requirements of Muslim individuals and families seeking properties that align with their cultural and religious trainings. Our extensive portfolio of Muslim-friendly properties in Chennai ensures that clients have access to a diverse selection of options tailored to their needs. Whether it's a luxurious villa, a modern condominium, or a fully equipped factory, our team is dedicated to assisting clients in finding their ideal property.

For those seeking a comfortable and modern living space, our condos are an excellent choice. Starting at US$ 350,000 and these condominium units offer contemporary designs, state-of-the-art facilities, and convenient locations within Chennai. Each condo is thoughtfully designed to incorporate halal-friendly features and amenities, ensuring a seamless integration of Islamic values into everyday living.

If you are looking for a more spacious option, our houses are perfect for you. Starting at US$ 650,000, our houses provide ample living space, privacy, and a range of customizable features to meet your specific requirements. These houses are located in well-established neighborhoods in Chennai, offering a harmonious balance between modern living and Islamic values.

For those seeking luxury and exclusivity, our luxury villas in Chennai are the epitome of sophistication and elegance. Starting at US$ 1.5 million and these villas offer a lavish lifestyle with private amenities, breathtaking views, and meticulous attention to detail. Each luxury villa is meticulously designed to provide a serene and halal environment, allowing you to enjoy the finest living experience while adhering to your Islamic principles. For further details please email us at info@ehalal.io

Muslim Friendly Hotels/Resorts

• Broadlands lodging house No 18, Vallabha Agraharam Street 13.062910, 80.273439 opp Star Theatre,Triplicane ☎ +91 44 2854 8131 Single room ₹250, double ₹400 Very popular with the backpacker crowd, leafy courtyard, a rustic feel to the whole hotel, good rooms are in the back of the hotel and two of the most recommended rooms are room # 43 and 44, which are roof cottages.

• Cristal Guest House 34, CNK Road, Triplicane 13.063440, 80.275347 From the Central Train station, get out and take a pre-paid Auto Rickshaw for a total of ₹50 (₹2 fee + ₹48) to Triplicane. ☎ +91 44 285 13011 Double room is ₹300 with ₹10 hot water bucket Very clean and friendly place with western toilets. No towels provided; bring your own. Near good/affordable eateries. This place is walking distance from the beach and a bus stops to reach various sites.

• Hotel Chennai Gate 37 Gandhi Irwin Road 13.077264, 80.261552 ☎ +91 44 2819 4377 Deluxe room is ₹1500 with A/C with internet socket available for ₹100 for 24 hours

• Hotel Impala Continental 12 Gandhi Irwin Road 13.077454, 80.261840 ☎ +91 44 2819 1423, +91 44 2819 1778
• Hotel Karpagam International South Mada Street, Mylapore. 13.032447, 80.268393 ☎ +91 44 2495 9984
• Kanchi 28, Ethiraj Sala, Egmore 13.064250, 80.257284 C-in-C Road ☎ +91 93600 17001
• New Woodlands Hotel - 72-75, Dr Radha Krishnan Salai, CIT Colony, Mylapore 13.045485, 80.261569 ☎ +91 44 2811 3111 - It is sometimes crowded and a tad busy. There is a nice quiet art gallery and cafe nearby.

• Old Woodlands - a.k.a Royapettah Woodlands/Woodlands Hotel that is next to Woodlands Theatre | Shop No: 25, West Cott Road, Royapettah 13.056007, 80.265525 Pay no more than ₹40 to get from the train station ☎ +91 44 2848 2150, +91 44 2848 2152 - Little known, but an excellent place to stay. The hotel building is at least one hundred years old and stands in the middle of sprawling grounds and surrounded by massive trees. The main building was once the palace of Raja of Ramnad. The auto-rickshaws and taxis will not tell you about the place as the hotel does not pay a commission to middlemen.

• Palace Lodge new No. 69, old No. 32, Egmore High Road, Egmore 13.07478, 80.25540 Walk from Egmore Railway Station ☎ +91 44 28190687 Single, bathroom outside: ₹295 Reasonably clean, staff okay.

• Sri Krishna Residency South mada Street 13.031960, 80.270537 ☎ +91 44 24643617 - Mylapore.

• Zam Zam Guest House 41 Subathral St, Triplicane 13.061670, 80.273516 ☎ +91 44 42664508, +91 80566 74964 (mobile) 2022-00 - Clean spotless rooms and nice staff. It is about 100 m behind Thaj Regency Hotel on the small street. Look for the black marble entrance and sign. All rooms have bath, fan, sat TV and intercom. Squat toilets only. No mosquito nets on the windows though. Prices are ₹200 for a single person, ₹250 for two persons and ₹300 for 3 persons per 24 hours. Predominantly an Indian clientele. Close to Broadlands Lodge, Comfort Hotel, and the great Gee Gee Internet and Surya Restaurant (old name Maharaj). The whole spot is about 300 m from the T-junction of Triplicane High Road and Walaja Road where there is a bus stop of 27B bus to CMBT under the big tree (every 5 minutes).

• Hotel Krishna Bhavan 53 New Avadi Road, Kilpauk, Aspiran Garden Colony, Kilpauk 13.084359, 80.234274 ☎ +91 4425615211 ₹300
• A/c Dormitory Retirement Room Central Railway Station ₹265

• Alcove Service Apartments Chennai
• Maple Tree Hotels # 77 Jawaharlal Nehru Road, 100 Feet Road, Vadapalani. 13.054909, 80.211273 ☎ +91 44 2362 2284 - Nearby to Chennai Metropolitan Bus Terminus and Vadapalani Lord Murugan Temple. 51 rooms.

• Dee-Cee Manor 90 Nagapattinam-Chennai Hwy, Gopalapuram, Chintadripet, 13.069401, 80.272151 ☎ +91 98841 85500
• GRT Grand 120 Sir Thyagaraya Road, T. Nagar 13.04, 80.245 GRT Grand, Chennai
• Harrisons 315, Valluvarkottam High Road, Nungambakkam 13.066542, 80.243014 ☎ +91 44 5222 2777
• Lemon Tree Hotel, Chennai 72 Sardal Patel Road, Guindy 13.011167, 80.224624 ☎ +91 44 4423 2323
• Liberty Park Hotel 9, 1st Main Road, UI Colony, Kodambakkam 13.052780, 80.227841 ☎ +91 44 2472-5950, +91 44 4232 1231 ₹2,000-3,000 5 min away from the heart of the shopping neighborhood - T.Nagar. Ask for a 15% discount before you make a reservation. They sometimes have a better deal for the multiple night stays listed on their website.

• Mowbrays Inn TTK Road, Alwarpet 13.044471, 80.259430
• Victoria Hotel 3 Kenneth Lane, Egmore 13.076933, 80.262516 ☎ +91 44 2819 3638
• Oriental Inn 71 Gothic Church Road, Gopalapuram 13.045974, 80.257896 ☎ +91 44 28114941 ₹1,500-2,800 plus taxes 32 rooms in central Chennai.

• Peninsula 51 GN Chetty Road, T. Nagar 13.047280, 80.244652 ☎ +91 44 2815 0005
• Clarion Hotel President 25 Dr Radhakrishna Salai, Mylapore 13.043821, 80.271139 ☎ +91 44 2847 2211
• Raj Residency 22 Kennet Lane, Egmore 13.077089, 80.262276 2 min walk from the Egmore train station ☎ +91 44 2819 2219 US$17-147
• Ranjit 15 Nungambakkam High Rd. 13.056369, 80.248653 ☎ +91 44 2827 0521
• The Residency 49 GN Chetty Road, T.Nagar 13.044877, 80.240852 ☎ +91 44 28253434
• Residency Towers Boag Road, T.Nagar 13.040529, 80.243738 close to Pondy Bazaar - Residency Towers Chennai
• Somerset Greenways Chenna @scott.com No 94 Sathyadev Ave, MRC Nagar 13.017341, 80.270552 ☎ +91 44 7100 0001 - The residence is 10 minutes away from the Chennai CBD. Studio through to 3-bedroom apartments. Each apartment features kitchens, separate living rooms complete with home entertainment systems.

• Vestin Park 39, Montieth Road, Egmore. 13.067734, 80.259114 ☎ +91 44 2852 7171
• Savera Hotel 146, Dr. Radhakrishnan Salai, Mylapore 13.046111, 80.261111 Savera Hotel

}} The closest hotels to the airport are The Trident, Le Royal Meridian, Hilton and Radisson GRT Hotel all five star properties.

• The Accord Metropolitan 35, G North Chetty Road, T Nagar 13.046074, 80.242577 ☎ +91 44 2816 1000-4391 1000 +91 44 2816 1001 - Accord Metropolitan - Accord Metropolitan
• Aloft By Starwood Hotels, 102 Rajiv Gandhi Salai, Sholinganallur. 12.899642, 80.228792 ☎ +91 44 3966 5500 From ₹4,000

• Ambassador Pallava 30, Montieth Road, Egmore 13.067180, 80.258827 ☎ +91 44 2855 4476 +91 44 2855 4492 - Friendly staff.

• Courtyard Chennai 564, Anna Salai 13.045906, 80.247795 ☎ +91 44 66764000 ₹7100 and up Known by local residents simply as the Marriott, thit is a gorgeous renovated business hotel on the western edge of the city core, near the airport. Two restaurants, gym, no pool.

• Emall Hotel - E hotel, Chennai | Express Avenue Mall, Gate # 1, Patullos Road 13.058892, 80.263006 ☎ +91 44 2846 3333
• Hyatt Regency 365 Anna Salai, Teynampet 13.042925, 80.248569 ☎ +91 44 6100 1235 - Hyatt Regency Chennai - Hyatt Chennai
• ITC Grand Chola No. 63, Mount Road, Guindy 13.010574, 80.220194 ☎ +91 44 2220 0000 - ITC Grand Chola Hotel - Chennai skyline New 5-star hotel in Guindy. Grand design cues taken from Chola architecture.

• My Fortune 13.045752, 80.25679 Gothic Church Road ☎ +91 44 2811 0101 +91 44 2811 0202 - My Fortune, Chennai

• The Park 601, Anna Salai, Nungambakkam 13.053, 80.2499 next to the Anna Flyover ☎ +91 44 5214 4000 +91 44 5214 4100 - The Park, Chennai 56128 Modern style with a film theme.

• Radisson GRT Hotel #531, GST Road, St. Thomas Mount (Near Kathipara Junction) 12.99437, 80.187551 ☎ +91 44 2231 0101 - Radisson Blu Hotel Chennai
• Ramada Egmore Gandhi Irwin Bridge Road, Egmore,Chennai,Tamil Nadu-600008 13.076829, 80.265145 ☎ +91 44 3000 4777 +91 44 3000 4888 - Near the Egmore train station, providing easy access to central business areas. Includes a restaurant. Road facing rooms can be noisy.

• Le Royal Meridien - 1 GST Road, St. Thomas Mount (Near Kathipara Junction) 13.006758, 80.205528 Business District ☎ +91 44 2231 4343 +91 44 2231 4344 - Le Royal Meridien, Chennai
• Taj Connamera Binny Road 13.0628, 80.2615 ☎ +91 44 5500 0000 - Taj Connemara - Hotel Taj Connemara, Chennai, India
• Taj Coromandel 37, Mahatma Gandhi Road, Nungambakkam 13.0583, 80.2476 ☎ +91 44 5500 2827 - Taj Coromandel
• Trident Chennai @ilton.com 1/24, G.S.T. Road 12.9935, 80.186 ☎ +91 44 2234 4747 +91 44 2234 4555 - Trident, Chennai Trident Hotel Chennai 841365
• The Leela Palace MRC Nagar,Adyar 13.0173, 80.2736 ☎ +91 44 3366 1234 +91 124 4425 444 +91 44 3366 1212 - The Leela Palace Chennai The Leela Palace Chennai
• Crowne Plaza Chennai Adyar Park - formerly Sheraton Park Hotel & Towers | 132, TTK Road, Alwarpet 13.029478, 80.249966 ☎ +91 44 2499 4101 +91 44 2499 7101 - Crowne Plaza Chennai Adyar Park
• Fisherman's Cove - Vivanta by Taj | 12.797531, 80.248287 Fisherman's Cove luxury beach resort

• Hilton Chennai 124/1, Jawaharlal Nehru Road, Guindy 13.016731, 80.204996 Hilton Chennai
• Kohinoor Asiana Hotel 1/238 IT Expressway, Semmencherry 12.863889, 80.226944 Kohinoor Asiana Hotel Kohinoorasiana
• Park Hyatt Chennai 39, Velachery Road, Guindy 13.010842, 80.223404 ☎ +91 44 7177 1234 - Park Hyatt Chennai
• Radisson Blu Downtown 2 Ethiraj Salai, Egmore 13.067044, 80.255738 Radisson Blu Downtown
• Raintree Hotel, Street Mary's Road 120, Street Marys Road, Alwarpet 13.028931, 80.252449 ☎ +91 44 4225 2525 - Raintree Hotel, Street Mary's Road
• Taj Club House Chennai 2, Club House Road, Anna Salai 13.0615, 80.264 Taj Club House Chennai
• The Raintree Hotel Anna Salai 636, Anna Salai, Teynampet 13.033951, 80.244054 +91 44 4393 9999 - The Raintree Hotel Anna Salai 59346
• Westin Chennai 154, Velachery 12.989490, 80.220988 ☎ +91 44 6633 3777 Check-in: 2PM / Check-out: noon Westin Chennai
• Turyaa Hotels Chennai 144/7, Rajiv Gandhi Salai (OMR), Kottivakkam 12.9733117, 80.250865 ☎ +91 4466970000 - 5-star hotel. Offers 10% discount with free Wi-Fi and breakfast on online booking via eHalal Hotels.

Stay Safe

Chennai is generally a safer area of India in terms of crime, although pickpocketing, muggings, and robberies sporadically occur. Keep your doors and windows shut and locked at night and do not carry or display large amounts of cash if feasible.

It is advisable for women, especially unaccompanied ones, to dress modestly and limit their interaction with unfamiliar local men. Foreign Muslims are generally overcharged by autorickshaws simply because they are ignorant of the prevailing fares. It is necessary to confirm whether the driver knows the exact destination and to fix the fare before boarding. 'Autos', as autorickshaws are known in Chennai, are notorious for fleecing clients, tourists and local residents alike.

Be alert to your surroundings and watch where you step, especially if you get caught in a large crowd where it is difficult to look at what is in front of you. Cross streets extremely carefully as traffic is generally heavy. On major roads, use the underground crossings (locally called "subways"). Avoid using underground road-crossing/ subways in the night or if you notice them to be empty. Traffic signals are frequently ignored by drivers and pedestrians alike, and it is not at all advisable for tourists to try driving in Chennai.

Medical Issues in Chennai

While in Chennai it is advisable to drink bottled water keep a bottle handy as it is EXTREMELY HOT. Eating fresh vegetables and fruits that have sat outside in the presence of insects can also be unhealthy, although bananas and coconuts are safe because they are opened only instantly before eating. Hot drinks in restaurants such as tea, Coffee, and other local specialties are safe, as are packaged/bottled drinks such as Aquafina water, Frooti (a popular local mango drink) and others. If you have access to a stove, boiling tap water before drinking is also an option. Chennai summers are humid and sultry; it's better to step out with an umbrella, bottled water and some oral rehydration salts (available from pharmacies and the brand name is Electral). These come in handy if you happen to get dehydrated.

Chennai is the medical capital of South East Asia.

Muslim Friendly Hospitals

• Apollo Hospitals Greams Lane, Nungambakkam ☎ +91 44 2829 3333 - Apollo Hospitals
• Aysha Hospital 91A Millers Rd. 13.084764, 80.249831 ☎ +91 44 4228 8500
• Balaji Hospital G.S.T Road,Guindy ☎ +91 44 2234 5282
• New Hope Medical Centre 814, Poonamallee High Road,, Kilpauk ☎ +91 44 4344 1544
• CSI Rainy Hospital Royapuram ☎ +91 44 25951329
• Hindu Mission Hospital 103, G.S.T. Road, Tambaram West 12.923889, 80.113889 ☎ +91 44 2226 2244 - Hindu Mission Hospital, Chennai - HMHHospital -Q956837
• Madras Medical Mission Moggapair 37 13.086007, 80.187216 ☎ +91 44 2656 8000 - Madras Medical Mission -Q956788
• Ramachandra Hospital Porur ☎ +91 44 2476 8403
• Dr.Kamakshi memorial Hospital No1, Radial Road, pallikaranai
• Dr.Mehta's Hospital No2,McNichols Road,3rd Lane,Chetpet ☎ +91 44 42271000

• Devaki Hospitals Opposite to Rangachari cloth store mylapor

• MIOT International 4/112, Mt. Poonamalee High Road 13.02122, 80.185786 ☎ +91 44 22492288, +91 44 42002288 - Madras Institute of Orthopaedics and Traumatology
• Fortis Malar Hospital No. 52, 1st Main Road, Gandhi Nagar, Adyar 13.010060, 80.258698 ☎ +91 44 4933 4933 (For Emergency) - Fortis Malar Hospital

• Santosham Hospital 155,Egmore High Road | 044 - 28193578 (For Emergency) - Santosham Hospital

Pharmacies

• Apollo Pharmacy, All Over the City
• Health & Glow, Spencers Plaza (Phase 3), Mount Road; Nungambakkam High Road
• Madras Medical Mission, 24 Hr. Pharmacy, Mogappiar
• The Psychotherapy Clinic,26/1, Arcot Street,T.nagar
• My Mother Pharmacy,E.B.Colony
• Parasu Dental Pharmacy 11, 3rd cross st kasthurbha nagar adyar chennai - 20 ph 4211 5000
• MedPlus India, All Over the City

Telecommunications in Chennai

Landlines

BSNL and Airtel Reliance, Tata, are main providers of terrestrial telephone lines in Chennai. You can make long distance calls from one of the many booths that display NSD/ISD i.e. National Subscriber Dialling (National Long Distance) and International Subscriber Dialling (International Long Distance). Calling cards are also available with these providers which are considerably cheap.

Mobile phones

Cell phone rates are among the cheapest in the world. There are 10 GSM service providers:

• BSNL GSM Triband with 4G services
• AirTel GSM Triband with 4G services
• Vodafone GSM Triband with 4G services
• Reliance GSM
• Tata DOCOMO GSM
• Idea GSM
• MTS CDMA
• Videocon GSM

You can buy a sim card with a photo and a copy of your passport. For making long distance calls Aircel is cheaper with ₹49 card calls to US and Canada will be ₹1.50/Min. this will work only in home network. For other destinations Please check with operator.

CDMA service providers are Reliance,TATA Indicom, Virgin Mobile and MTS.

Starter packs and top-up cards can be picked up from numerous outlets. Seemles roaming across the nation is provided by all providers.

Internet Cafe's in Chennai

There are several Internet cafes from where you can access the internet for sending email or uploading your digital photos.

• Reliance WebWorld, incorporating JavaGreen coffee shops, Spencers Plaza, Anna Salai (Mount Road); TTK Road, Alwarpet, Besant Nagar, L.B.Road, Adyar. The TTK Road branch has free wifi if you use the coffee shop.
• MTS MBLAZE High Speed Broadband Internet Through USB Modems. Call +91 9150-955-955

Apart from that you can access Internet provided in your hotel or if you are staying long you can buy Internet packs from all mobile providers.

Cope in Chennai

ATMs

• ABN Amro, Harrington Road, Opp Residency Hotel on GN Chetty Road, Adyar - Sardar Patel Road, TTK Road, next to Citibank branch
• Andhra Bank, All over Chennai
• HSBC, Adyar, Mylapore, Pondy Bazzar, Tidel Park, Kadar Nawaz Khan Road, Annanagar, Rajaji Salai, Kathipara Junction
• American Express, Near Anand Theatre, Anna Salai (Mount Road)
• Citibank, Opp Spencers Plaza, Anna Salai (Mount Road); Opp Hotel Parthan, GN Chetty Road, Opposite Citi Centre, Velachery Highway, near Vijaya Nagar Bus terminus, Nanganallur.
• HDFC Bank, ITC Centre, Anna Salai (Mount Road),Anna Nagar(West); All over Chennai
• ICICI Bank, All over Chennai
• Axis Bank, All over Chennai
• Standard Chartered Bank, Haddows Road
• State Bank of India, All over Chennai. They have an ATM locator online.
• Indian Overseas Bank, All over Chennai,they have InstaCash ATMs.
• Indian bank, All over Chennai
• Oriental Bank of Commerce, Adyar LB Road, Mylapore, G North Chetty Road T nagar.

ATM cards issued by any bank will work with ATM of any other bank, but they may impose restrictions on number of transactions, amount per transaction and may also charge a small transaction fee of ₹20.

Money changers

Many hotels will change money for you at the front desk. However and they may not have the best rates.

It is best to change money at the city-based money changers than the ones at the airports. The ones at the airport offer much less for exchanging forex into Indian rupees (₹) and sell forex for a much higher rate than the market rate.

• American Express, Spencers Plaza, Anna salai
• Thomas Cook, Spencers Plaza, Anna salai

Beauty parlors & hair salons

• Ayush, Anna Nagar (+91 26223102/26223446/26203862), Kilpauk (+91 52179635/26472298), Mylapore (+91 52067071/30907691) - Therapy includes Abhyangam, Abhyangam with Pichu, Abhyangam with local Pizhichil, Abhyangam with Thalam, Udvartanam, Abhyangam with Nasyam, Abhyangam with local Navarakizhi, Muka Lepam
• Anushka,6,Thyagaraya Road,Pondy Bazaar, T.Nagar, +91 52179197
• Celeste Beauty Salon, Spencer Plaza,(Mobile -9941130508) F-26, Phase 1, First floor
• Dollys beauty parlour, Elcanso Plaza, Egmore, +91 9840118882
• Green Trends, 1576, 13th Main Road, Anna Nagar (+91 26161534); Ashok Nagar (+91 52193636); Adyar (+91 24451759); Purusawakkam (+91 52174414); Taylors Road, Kilpauk (+91 26453331); T. Nagar (+91 28143886); Velachery (+91 22445590); Virugambakkam (+91 55511973) - Exotic natural treatments like Strawberry facial, Avocado Butter Massage Facial, Red Banana Facial, Baby-Corn under eye treatment! etc.
• Jazzy, North Boag Road, T. Nagar
• Lakme, Adayar (+91 24469730), Alwarpet (+91 24662481), Anna Nagar (+91 26268841), Ashok Nagar (+91 23750207), Kilpauk (+91 52179634), Nungambakkam (+91 28333050), T. Nagar (+91 28155577)
• Naturals, Unisex beauty salon with more than 100 salons around Chennai.
• Salon Nayana, GN Chetty Road, T. Nagar, +91 28256064
• Style Mantra- Makeover Concepts, Nungambakkam (+91 28280066), R.K. Salai (+91 28110707)

Gyms

• Blue 'Boutique Gym'-329, TTK Road, Alwarpet.#24996045,24996064.
• Body Sports Gym-Govindan Road, Saidapet. #9841151091
• Gold's Gym 17, Kasturi Rangan Road Alwarpet, +91 44 42088201
• Mind North Body 360 degree Fitness Studio - Ramapuram & Mugalivakkam. #9600030058, 8754409900, 044-42014949
• O2 Gym, Kader Nawaz Road, Nungambakkam, Velachery
• Soldiers Gym, Triplicane High Road, Triplicane (and on Anna Salai)
• Talwalkars, Near Khader Nawaz Road, Nungambakkam
• Talwalkars, 23rd Cross Street,Indira Nagar, Adyar

Post & telegraphs

The telegraph office on Anna Salai (Mount Rd), near Higgin Bothoms accepts letters and parcels up to 8PM with a small late fee. Snail Mail in India is by a Post Card (25Ps), Inland Letter ₹5, or envelope ₹5. SpeedPost.aspx Speed Post facility allows you to send mail more conveniently than a courier service. They have a pan India coverage and also provide international service. International delivery is considerably slower than private competitors like FedEX or UPS but it is also much cheaper. Telegraph services have been discontinued from July 2013 citing very poor response.

Due to proliferation of mobile phones and VOIP and the public telephones are fast disappearing. Telephone Booths or public telephones in India can still be found near travel hotspots like the airport, train station or CMBT and painted with the letters PCO (Public Call office,local calls), STD (Subscriber Trunk Dialling) and ISD (International Subscriber Dialling). All booths have electronic metering and you pay what's displayed on the meter (included in the metering is a nominal ₹2 as service charges). You'll also get a receipt if you insist on one. Coin operated phones ₹1 are located in many busy junctions (easily identified by bright yellow or red colour) but support only local calls.

Libraries & cultural centres

• American Information Resource Center Library (within the American Consulate - see list of consulates)
• Anna Centenary Library - Kotturpuram, ☎ - 65515031
• British Council - Anna Salai, ☎ - 52050600 Ext 350/351.
• Connemara Library - Pantheon Road, Egmore, ☎ 28193751.
• Max Mueller Bhavan (German) - Khadar Nawaz Khan Rd., Nungambakkam.

Consulates in Chennai

{{flag|Canada

• Canada | 18 (Old 24), 3F, YAFA Tower, Khader Nawaz Khan Road, Nungambakkam ☎ +91 44-28330888

{{flag|Chile(Honorary)

• Chile Web:
• Finland | Web: an=2&culture=en-US siva@ 202 Anna Salai ☎ +91 44-2852 4141 +91 44-2852 1253 Opening Hours: 24 hours

• Germany | 9 Boat Club Road ☎ +91 44-24301600 Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 8AM Monday - 11:30AM

• Greece | Νο 37 Sterling Road, Nungambakkam ☎ +91 44-8203663 +91 44-8200038
• Japan | No.12/1 Cenetoph Road Ist St, Teynampet ☎ +91 44-24323860

{{flag|Malaysia

• Malaysia | New no.7,Old no.3, Cenotaph Road, 1st street, teynampet, Chennai-600018 Near SIET College ☎ +91 44 28226895 Opening Hours: 9AM Monday - 5PM

• Russia | Santhome High Road, Santhome Next to St. Bedes School

{{flag|Singapore

• Singapore | singcon@ 17-A, North Boag Road, T Nagar ☎ +91 44 28158207 +91 44 28158209
• United Kingdom | 20 Anderson Road, Nungambakkam ☎ +91 44 42192151 +91 44 42192322 Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 8:30AM Monday - 1PM and 1:30PM Monday - 4PM

United States 220 Anna Salai, Gemini Circle Near Gemini Flyover ☎ +91 44-2857-4000

More Muslim friendly Destinations from Chennai

The East Coast Road, commonly called the New Mahabalipuram Road, leads south from Chennai to Pondicherry and beyond. One of India's most famous temple towns is 60 km (about 40 miles) along it and definitely worth a vis

Butter Ball Mamallapuram - Krishna's Butter Ball- Mamallapuram

• Mamallapuram or Mahabalipuram has many temples, predominantly constructed during the Pallava Dynasty (275-897CE), including several on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The town is also famous for stone carving, and has schools that train most of India's carvers. Carvings and other handicrafts are sold all over town.

It is easy to visit Mahabalipuram as a day trip from Chennai, but there are enough attractions to make staying overnight or for a few days an attractive proposition as well, and the town has extensive tourist facilities. One of the most famous temples here is the Shore Temple, next to the beach; if coming from Chennai ensure you reach this temple between 6AM and 6PM, as it is shut down after 6PM.

The East Coast Road could very well be termed the entertainment highway of Chennai. The road is new, flanked by the sea on the left and dotted with amusement spots through the entire stretch. Driving down ECR is an experience. Really! You can pick and choose from amusement parks, water sports centres, beaches, eco conservation, cultural and religious centres, restaurants or resorts to spend your day in. The road caters to practically every type of pastime that one could think about. Be prepared to pay a small toll fee.

• Ahaa Water Park: A spot for frolicking in water and the Ahaa Water Park offers a variety of water sports and fun activities. It has a wave generator, which can generate waves of up to 3.5 ft.
• Beach Resorts: Another convenience that is found in plenty on the East Coast Road is the presence of several comfortable, pleasing, beach resorts, which enable you to take a break, and enjoy a seaside environment. Take your pick from those mentioned below:
• - Buena Vista - Blue Lagoon - Green Country Resort - Fisherman's Cove - Casuarina Bay
• Cholamandalam Artists Village: Set up by a group of artists to serve as a recluse for artists of all genres. This village offers the ambience needed for creativity to flow and is inhabited only by artists. The village offers guesthouse facilities exclusively for artists from elsewhere so that they could also benefit from the environment provided by the place. A must visit for those who appreciate the finer things of life. - Madras Crocodile Bank Crocodile Park | Opening Hours: Tue-Sun 8:30AM Monday - 5:30PM ₹40 for adults, ₹20 for children 25 kilometers from Chennai. The brainchild of Romulus Whittaker and the acknowledged specialist on reptiles, this center has gained fame as an endeavor for the preservation and propagation of endangered species of crocodiles. The center also houses a large variety of snakes. To get to Crocodile Bank from Chennai (Triplicane), you need to get on the PP19/B/X bus (runs along the beach) to Kovalum, which is the last stop for ₹14 (75mins/30 km). Then at this same intersection, get on 588/C/X bus to Mamallapurum (7 kilometers/7mins) for ₹14/18AC. Night Safari: Tue-Sat (by advance booking only) 7:00PM Monday - 8:30PM. Adult: Rs.200/-, Children (below 10 years): Rs.100/-

• Dakshinachitra: , Muttukadu. A venture of Deborah Thiagarajan and her associates from the Madras Craft Foundation. Dakshinachitra is an amazing place to visit, as various kinds of traditional houses have been transported to Chennai from interior parts of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Kerala and rebuilt here piece by piece.
• Golden Beach: The first amusement park in Chennai, just about 11 km away from Adyar. Still a landmark of Chennai, this park offers over 40 odd rides for the fun seeker. The only park with an access to the beach
• Hill stations of Tamil Nadu, including Yercaud, Yelagiri, Ooty and Kodaikanal
• Hotels and Restaurants in ECR: The ECR road abounds with restaurants and eating spots, which offer a wide range of cuisines and tasteful ambience. And you can plan your dinner or lunch in one of these hotels. A few of the food outlets are listed below:
• - Basera - Blue Lagoon - Thanjavur Restaurant - Food Village - Coastal Kitchen - Hot Kitchen
• Jagannathan Temple: An exact replica of the Puri Jagannath Temple. Those who have not been to Puri can take a look at this temple.
• Kanyakumari — Site of the famous Vivekananda memorial.
• Kart Attack: A centre dedicated to fulfilling the speed maniac's desire for thrill in a safe and secure environment. The first go karting centre of Chennai, this has placed Chennai on the go karting map of India, and has been instrumental in creating a few go karting champions also.
• Little Folks Specifically aimed at providing entertainment for the children, this park has a longer history than MGM. (Dolphin city was closed after all of its dolphins and sea lions had died. It is no longer operational now.)
• Marina Beach (17 km. Take a bus or a train)
• Mayajaal: 100,000 sq.ft of air-conditioned space that houses movie theatres, bowling alleys, video games parlours and multi-cuisine food courts. Thit is Mayajaal, a multidimensional entertainment centre, on par with any entertainment zone found abroad. Open from 11AM to 11PM you can easily spend the entire day here.
• MGM Dizzee World: Spread over 27 acres, this theme park offers joy rides, food stalls and other games. It features one of the first roller coaster rides of Chennai, and many of the rides offered could make your hair stand on edge. On the softer side, you have the dashing vehicle drives, and the swimming swimmingpool with its water slides. MGM Dizzee World is in Muttukadu next to MGM Beach Resort.
• Muttukadu Boat House: 23 km from Adayar, this backwater area is maintained by the Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation, and offers rowing and speedboat riding.
• Pondicherry (city) | Pondicherry (163 km. Take a bus) — Go on a spiritual trip or volunteer at Auroville - an experimental township with no religion or politics. The drive down the East Coast Road (ECR) is delightful, with lovely beaches all along the way, and on the way you can stop over at the Botanical Gardens.
• Prarthana Drive In Theatre: Approximately 10 km out of Adyar, this complex offers both a drive in theatre and a drive in restaurant VGP.
• Radio Control Car Racing at ECR RC Track: Chennai has the only active RC Car race track in India. On a weekend, you can find several RC vehicle racers at the ECR RC Track located near Hot Kitchen Resatuarant on the ECR Road. It is very close to Kart Attack track. Visit IRCRA on Facebook for more details.
• Rameswaram (569 km. Take a bus or a train)
• Sai Baba Temple: Approximately 8.5 km from Adyar and the temple is peaceful, clean and breezy.
• Tiruvannamalai (185 km. Take a bus)
• Tirupathi (158 km. Take a bus or a train)
• Tiruvidanthai Nithya Kalyana Perumal Koil: As the name denotes, a temple dedicated to Lord Venkateshwara found on East Coast Road.
• Vedanthangal: (85 km. Take a bus) Around 80 km south from Chennai, Vedanthangal is one of the oldest bird sanctuaries in India. Built around the Vedanthangal Lake, it is home to thousands of native and migratory birds. Best time to visit between November and March.

Temples

South India is famous for its temples. Even if you aren't on a pilgrimage and these are worth a visit if you are interested in grand buildings and architecture. There are 33, 000 temples in and around Chennai. Some of them are -

• Chidambaram — Approximately 250 km from Chennai. The famous Lord Nataraja temple which has the golden roof for the moolavar which was offered by Parantaka Chola I|Parantaka Chola I.
• Kanchipuram — (6 km. Take a bus or a train). Kamakshi temple, seat of one of the Shankaracharyas - the closest Hinduism comes to a spiritual head.
• Madurai— Home to the famous Meenakshi temple.
• Swamithoppe— Ayya Vaikundar Pathi, religious headquarters of Ayyavazhi.
• Thanjavur — Brihadeswara temple (Big Temple).
• Tiruchirapalli — It's situated 350 km south of chennai. By NH45 Trichy can be visited in 5-6 hrs and it has lot of attractions including the Srirangam temple (Sri Renganathar), Ucchi Pillayar (Rock Fort temple) and the river Cauvery.
• Tirunelveli— Home to the Tamil Nadu's largest Shiva temple, "Nellaiappar Temple".
• Tirupati — Approximately 150 km from Chennai, in the state of Andhra Pradesh.
• Tiruvallur — Approximately 45 km from Chennai. It is famous for its Vaidhya Veera raghava Swami Temple and Sri Viswaroopa Panchamukha Anjaneya Swami Ashram which has a 40 ft tall Murti of Hanuman.
• Tiruvannamalai — Arunachala Temple famous for full moon day girivalam and Deepam

Copyright 2015 - 2024. All Rights reserved by eHalal Group Co., Ltd.
To Advertise or sponsor this Travel Guide, please visit our Media Kit and Advertising Rates.