Chennai holds its past closer than any Indian metro — temple towns like Mylapore keep ancient ritual life running inside a city of IT corridors, and the shoreline sets the rhythm: fishing fleets, morning walkers and festivals all orbit the sea.
This is the gateway to the Tamil south, and a city where classical music and dance are civic institutions rather than performances.
Signature Experiences
- ◆Marina Beach — among the world's longest urban beaches
- ◆Kapaleeshwarar Temple in Mylapore
- ◆Fort St. George and George Town heritage
- ◆Elliot's Beach at sunset
Optional, By Arrangement
- ◆Carnatic music sabha performance
- ◆Mahabalipuram day trip
- ◆Silk and handloom shopping
- ◆Heritage district photography walk
Where We Place Our Guests
- ITC Grand CholaA vast Chola-dynasty-inspired landmark, among the largest LEED-Platinum hotels anywhere.
- Taj CoromandelLong-established city-centre luxury in Nungambakkam.
- The Leela Palace ChennaiBay-of-Bengal-facing rooms above the Marina.
The Table
- Tamil meals on banana leaves
- Coastal seafood with pepper and tamarind
- Chettinad spice-forward cuisine
Curator's Advisory
Mid-mornings and evenings for the outdoors — the coast is humid and generous with heat. Sunrise on Marina Beach is the city's best introduction.
In & Around Chennai
Chennai sits within our Tamil Nadu region guide.
Where to Stay
Journeys Through Chennai
The Journal
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