23 Things To Do In Chennai To Explore The Southern Pearl Of India At Its Best In 2023!

23 Mar 2023

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What comes to mind when you hear the word ‘Chennai’? Pristine beaches, beautiful temples and fun activities, right? Well, Chennai is all about it and with so many great things to do in Chennai don’t expect anything other than that. Chennai, formerly known as Madras is the capital city of Tamil Nadu. Chennai, is also one of the most visited cities in South India, making it popular among foreigner tourists as well. Quite famous for its religious sites, beaches, and being an IT hub, Chennai is welcoming and a destination that you must visit at least once in your life. It does not matter if you are here for a weekend or a week, just don’t forget to check out some of the amazing things to do in Chennai city and try them out. Chennai is a very developed city and being a coastal city, you will have a lot of fun while you are here.

23 Best Things To Do In Chennai

If you were wondering about what are the fun things to do in Chennai then you we will tell you all about it. From shopping to lazing around on the beaches, there is no dearth of things to do in Chennai. So, check them out and see what all activities will you be indulging in on your vacation.

Elliot’s Beach: Witness A Beautiful Sunrise
Mahabalipuram: Marvel At The Sculptures
Mylapore Musings Kapaleeshwar Temple: Take A Look
Muttukadu: Try Water Activities
Trekking: Hike Around Chennai For Adventure
Queens Land: For The Fun Rides
IIT-Madras: Take A Nature Walk
Pondy Bazaar: Go On A Shopping Spree
Birla Planetarium: Visit The Modern Planetarium Of India
National Art Gallery: Be Awestruck By The Art
Ubbalamadugu Falls: For Some Nature Photography
Pulicat Lake: Admire The View Of Birds Flying In Sync
Barracuda Bay: Opt For Fishing With Friends
Chennai Cuisine: Treat Your Taste Buds
Scuba Diving: Gear Up For Some Thrilling Adventure
Lion Safari: Head To Arignar Anna Zoological Park
Cultural Tour: Explore The Dakshinachitra Museum
Parasailing: Get The Panoramic View Of Chennai
Fun Day: Go To MGM Dizzee World
Beach Hopping: For All Beach Bums
Camping: Get Down To Earth
Rock Climbing: Try Out This Activity
Paintball: Have Fun With Your Gang

1. Elliot’s Beach: Witness A Beautiful Sunrise

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You are missing a wonderful morning if you do not catch the sunrise at Elliot’s beach which is termed as one of the best things to do in Chennai with friends. Having a stroll in the morning over here is the best way to pass time. You can come over here with your friends or your pet as this is the best place to hang out with friends. You have everything here! It is located in one of the most famous places in Chennai, Beasant Nagar. This beach has a great walking path with a lot of local food joints and it is also close to the shores. There are temples, churches, and monuments in this beach road which makes it the best place for any kind of person to hangout. Even the kids like playing with other kids on the beach. There is one certain Karl Schmidt memorial that you have to visit. This is also seen in a lot of movies and it is situated on Elliot’s beach.

Ideal for: Early sunrise stroll. You can come along with your family or friends or just alone to enjoy the tranquility.
Activity cost/Ticket fee: free
Timings: open all-day
Location: Beasant Nagar, Chennai

Must Read: 23 New Year Parties In Chennai: The Ultimate List Of Events

2. Mahabalipuram: Marvel At The Sculptures

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One of the best things to do in Chennai for youngsters, you can rent two-wheelers and start early morning to Mahabalipuram. You have to drive on the East Coast Road and the experience of the drive itself makes it so thrilling that you will have the best time in the day. You can get crazy with your group of friends and you will still love it! You can explore the architectural wonders of the Shore Temple, Arjuna’s Penance, Pancha Rathas, or Krishna’s Butterball. You will enjoy the whole town because of its built. This place is a declared UNESCO site for the stone-carved wonders. You can enjoy the amazing Seashell Museum too!

Ideal for: Friends who like to seek outdoor activities as fun. You can visit with your family too.
Activity cost/Ticket fee: free
Entry timing and closing timings: 6 AM- 6 PM
Location: Mahabalipuram

3. Mylapore Musings Kapaleeshwar Temple: Take A Look

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Visiting Kapaleeshwar temple is one of the top things to do in Chennai. The Kapaleeshwar Temple was built way back in the 7th century and if you are a history buff, then you have to visit this temple. This famous temple in Chennai depicts the proper Dravidian architecture and it boasts of the different gopurams and the series. The whole temple is a dedication to Lord Shiva who is in the form of a peacock or Mayil. Thus, the town got its name from this temple- Mayilapura or the Town of Peacocks. You will find maamis in the temple who are dressed in their bright sarees, maamas chanting shlokas. The whole atmosphere is very vibrant and you will fall in love with it. This town Mylapore is considered equal to Kailasa. There is a special festival here called the arabathi-muvar festival. You can taste the keerai vadai in the Karpagambal Mess. You can also have some Kalathi stall rose milk.

Ideal for: Family or Friends if they like historic sites.
Activity cost/Ticket fee: Free unless you want a special darshan
Timings: 6 AM- 9 PM. 1 PM- 5 PM closed.
Location: Kapaleesvarar, Kesava Perumal Sannathi St, Vinayaka Nagar Colony, Mylapore, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600004

4. Muttukadu: Try Water Activities

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Muttukadu Boat House is a water sports facility located on the East Coast Road. An adrenaline rush for youngsters, it is the top things to do in Chennai with friends. This is the backwater area of the mighty Bay of Bengal and is around 35 km away from the city center. There are around 15 row boats, 27-speed boats and pedal boats too. This boating spot is quite famous and more than 4000 people come here every weekend.

Ideal for: Friends and family relatives. You will love it here if you plan a Saturday or Sunday with your cousins.
Activity cost/Ticket fee: Varies, you can find the information online. But, they take INR 130 for 30 minutes of row boating.
Timings: 9.30 AM-6 PM
Location: East Coast Road, Muttukadu, Tamil Nadu 603103

5. Trekking: Hike Around Chennai For Adventure

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Looking for something adventurous? Try out the treks in Chennai! Chennai is a coastal city that has a lot to offer like scenic drives, sightseeing, adventure sports, etc. It also has quite a few trekking options too. There are different grades of treks that you can do in and around Chennai. The complete trek is based on the length of the trip and the place of choice. No mountain is not conquerable so get your boots on and go for that trekking expedition near Chennai.

Ideal for: Adventurous, Great with family and friends too.
Activity cost/Ticket fee: Variable
Timings: It usually begins early in the morning around 6 AM.
Location: East Coast Road, Chennai.
Stay options: Camping at the site of trek

Suggested Read: 11 Most Haunted Places In Chennai

6. Queens Land: For The Fun Rides

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If you are into amusement parks, no matter how old you are, maybe you should consider taking some fun rides in Queensland which although is one of the best things to do in Chennai for youngsters but really does not have an age barrier. Spread over 70 acres this theme park is huge. It offers a total of 51 rides which include both the water rides as well as the land rides. You can do some crazy and thrilling stuff here and enjoy all the rides you can get. Freefall down a height of 150 feet, crash into cars and splash through water on twisters and slides are some of the major attractions. It’s a splendid place for group outings and spend a fun day with family and friends. Open every day except Mondays.

Ideal for: Fun, you can plan a day with families or friends, etc
Activity cost/Ticket fee: INR 550 for adults, INR 450 for kids and no charge for children below 2 ft.
Timings: 10 AM – 6 PM. It is closed on Mondays
Location: Chennai-Bengaluru Highway, Palanjur, Sembarambakkam, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600123

7. IIT-Madras: Take A Nature Walk

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Do you like to take nature walks back at your place? Do you find it relaxing when you hear the birds chirping early morning? It’s therapeutic, right? One of the best things to do in Chennai city is to take the early morning nature walk at IIT Madras. Though this institute has the best minds at work, it is great to see that they conserve and maintain a huge park under them. The campus was actually part of the Guindy National Park, and the vegetation here was tropical dry evergreen and thus, the tree does not shed leaves at all. There is a special deer park too where several spotted deer have been introduced into the campus in the park. There are more than 100s of varieties of birds and other aerial insects. If you are a bird watcher, then this place is heaven for you. There is a nature club of the college that strives and works towards preserving the park and also conserving biodiversity. They organize a few nature walks, bird watching, and some trekking expeditions too.

Ideal for: Calm activity, or a hangout date.
Activity cost/Ticket fee: free
Timings: timings of the university.
Location: IIT Madras, Chennai

8. Pondy Bazaar: Go On A Shopping Spree

Image Credit: Ravi Chandar for Wikimedia Commons

If you are wondering if you are out of some exciting things to do in Chennai, then you are wrong. You have every right to enjoy. Hence, go on a shopping spree in Pondy Bazaar. You can purchase anything from here be it jimikki kammal or the comfortable slippers. If you are someone who enjoys shopping, then you can check out different stores like Naidu Hall, Poonam and more. Shop ethnic stuff like bangles, bindis, hair clips or that perfect dupatta you wanted for your dress. Thus, Pondy Bazaar is for all ages and you can get anything that people want. Also, don’t forget to taste that strongly brewed cup of coffee at Geetha Café. It is an absolute delight to be there! You can also shop at night and it is often viewed as one of the fun things to do in Chennai at night.

Ideal for: A fun day out.
Activity cost/Ticket fee: No activity cost.
Timings: 10 AM- 8 PM (though the market starts at 8 AM, things don’t really start to kick off until 10 AM)
Location: Parthasarathi Puram, T. Nagar, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600017

9. Birla Planetarium: Visit The Modern Planetarium Of India

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One of the best things to do in Chennai for youngsters is visiting Birla Planetarium which is the most modern planetarium in India. The planetarium is home to a fully computerized projector that portrays astronomical objects on a hemispherical dome. The Planetarium presents audiovisual programs on various themes in astronomy. Adjoining the planetarium is the Periyar Science and Technology Museum, which is of interest to students and other science enthusiasts.

Ideal for: A place to go with friends and family
Activity cost/Ticket fee: INR 45 for adults and INR 25 for children. You can view the Science Center, Planetarium, 3D Science Movie and Science Park.
Timings: 10 AM- 5 PM and is closed on national holidays only
Location: Gandhi Mandapam Road, Duraisamy Nagar, Kotturpuram, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600025

10. National Art Gallery: Be Awestruck By The Art

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The National Art Gallery was built of sandstone in the year 1907 by T. Namberumal Chetty, earlier it was called as Victoria Memorial Hall as it was built during the Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee in a particular Indo Saracenic style. Portraits of many British officers like Lord William Bentinck are also there in the Gallery and visiting the place is often accounted as one of the best things to do in Chennai.

Ideal for: People who love art. Visit with friends or family.
Activity cost/Ticket fee: INR 15 for adults and INR 10 for children.
Timings: 9 AM- 5 PM and is closed on national holidays and Fridays only
Location: Inside Government Museum Complex

11. Ubbalamadugu Falls: For Some Nature Photography

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One of the offbeat things to do in Chennai is opting for nature photography at the famous Ubbalamadugu Falls. If you are a water baby then this the best place to let the inner kid out. The water from the falls channelizes its path through huge canyons which is a sight to see. If you are traveling with your kids then you must head to this place to admire the natural beauty as it is one of the best things to do in Chennai with kids.

Ideal for: Family, friends, kids, nature lovers
Activity cost/Ticket fee: NA
Timings: Anytime
Location: Andhra Pradesh 517541

12. Pulicat Lake: Admire The View Of Birds Flying In Sync

Image Credit: McKay Savage for Wikimedia Commons

Listed among the top things to do in Chennai is bird watching at the Pulicat Lake. The place is mostly crammed with birds, especially during the migratory season. If you are a nature lover, then there cannot be a better place to witness some of the most beautiful natural vistas in Chennai than Pulicat Lake. You will also find several photographers strolling around here early in the morning or in the evening to get that perfect shot and capture the natural beauty.

Ideal for: Nature lovers, animal lovers
Activity cost/Ticket fee: Free
Timings: Anytime
Location: Coromandel Coast, Andrha Pradesh

13. Barracuda Bay: Opt For Fishing With Friends

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Now if you are traveling with your friends and want to indulge in one of the cool things to do in Chennai then you must head to the popular Barracuda Bay which gives a chance to interact with nature again. This place is famous among the adventure junkies due to a variety of activities to do here like fishing. You can visit the Barracuda Bay Sport Fishing Club where you can learn three types of fishing including popping, jigging, and trolling.

Ideal for: Adventure junkies and friends
Activity cost/Ticket fee: Free
Timings: Anytime
Location: Chennai, India

14. Chennai Cuisine: Treat Your Taste Buds

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A trip to any place remains incomplete without trying its local dishes. So, if you are planning for a Chennai tour any time soon then make sure that you try out the main dishes from their cuisine. Some of the not-to-be-missed dishes are Dosa, Idli Sambhar, Vada, Chili Parotha, Paniyaram, Uttapam, Idiyappam, Biryani, and many more. If you are looking for some sweet options then head out to taste different types of kulfi. They are available in different flavors like saffron, pista, rose, cardamom, mango, and more.

Ideal for: Foodies
Activity cost/Ticket fee: NA
Timings: Anytime
Location: Anywhere in Chennai

15. Scuba Diving: Gear Up For Some Thrilling Adventure

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Disclaimer: The image is for representation purposes only.

Rising temperatures definitely calls out for a dip into the cold waters of Chennai. If you are looking for some thrilling water activities then head to the Covelong Beach which is an ideal location for scuba diving in Chennai. With shipwrecks to explore underwater and beautiful sceneries, it serves as the best place for this activity. Later, you can rest on the beach and admire the clear waters against a beautiful sunset to end your day on a good note. There is doubt in the fact that it is one of the most amazing things to do in Chennai for couples.

Ideal for: Adventure souls
Activity cost/Ticket fee: INR 6,000 per person (approx.)
Timings: NA
Location: Covelong Beach, Chennai

Suggested Read: 18 Best Road Trips From Chennai

16. Lion Safari: Head To Arignar Anna Zoological Park

Image Credit: Thiyagarajan Dayalan for Wikimedia Commons

If your heart lies in the wilderness and if you love to explore the flora and fauna of a place then the perfect place for you is the Arignar Anna Zoological Park. It is one of the most famous picnic spots in Vandalur and is perfect for families with children. Covering an area of 1,260 acres in total, this is one-of-its-kind zoo which houses 138 species of exotic and endemic animals. A safari in this zoo will let you get a glimpse of lions, elephants, Indian civet cat, and tigers. Apart from safari, you can also enjoy elephant rides and let your kids explore the children’s park.

Ideal for: Friends, family, nature lovers
Activity cost/Ticket fee: INR 50 (Adults), INR 20 (Children below 12 years)
Timings: 9 am – 5 pm (Closed on Tuesdays)
Location: Grand Southern Trunk Rd, Vandalur, Tamil Nadu 600048

17. Cultural Tour: Explore The Dakshinachitra Museum

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One of the cultural places to visit in Chennai is Dakshinachitra Museum which lets you delve into the history and culture of this place. It displays a great deal of works that represent the lifestyle of South India. It houses more than 4,000 artefacts and 10,00,000 pictures that depict the local culture. The museum is developed in the form of a village with 18 authentic houses that exhibit how people used to live. So, if you are a culture vulture then you must head to Dakshinachitra Museum.

Ideal for: History Buffs
Activity cost/Ticket fee: INR 110 (Adults), INR 50 (Students from 13-18 hours)
Timings: 10 am – 6 pm (Mon-Fri), 10 am – 7 pm (Sat-Sun), Closed on Tuesday
Location: SH 49, Muthukadu, Tamil Nadu 603118

18. Parasailing: Get The Panoramic View Of Chennai

Image Credit: Ben Kerckx for Pixabay

Disclaimer: The image is for representation purposes only.

Chennai is not just a place of temples and beaches. If you dig deeper then you can find some amazing activities to indulge in like parasailing. During this activity, you are tied with a parachute which is connected with a motor speed boat. As the boat moves forward with speed, the parachute blows into the sky taking you with it. You soar high in the sky and get to witness the turquoise blue ocean. It is a perfect activity to do in Chennai with your friends.

Ideal for: Adventure souls
Activity cost/Ticket fee: INR 2,000 per person (approx.)
Timings: NA
Location: Covelong Beach, Chennai

19. Fun Day: Go To MGM Dizzee World

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Looking for a place where you can have fun with your gang or family? Well, Chennai has got just the right place for you and it is none other than MGM Dizzee World. It is one of the oldest and the largest amusement parks in India which is why it is teeming with people all the time. There are several thrill rides that cater to the adventurous souls of people. Earlier, it also had a hot air balloon ride which was the major attraction in the early days. With several thrill rides to explore, this is one of the best places to explore in Chennai with kids.

Ideal for: Friends, Family, Couples
Activity cost/Ticket fee: INR 549 (Children), INR 699 (Adults)
Timings: 10:30 am – 6:30 pm (Mon-Fri), 10:30 am – 7:30 (Sat-Sun)
Location: 1/74, SH 49, Muthukadu, Tamil Nadu 600112

20. Beach Hopping: For All Beach Bums

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Chennai is dotted with several beaches which is why beach hopping is one of the top things to do in Chennai for couples. One can opt for water activities on Covelong Beach, then head to Eliot’s Beach and Marina Beach for a beautiful view. If anyone is looking for a less-crowded beach then there are Pebble Beach, Kasimedu Beach, Neelankarai Beach, and Santhome Beach. The list does not end here as there are more beaches to explore like Breezy Beach, Akkarai Beach, Nettukuppam Beach, VGP Golden Beach, and Thiruvanmiyur Beach. One can relax, explore, indulge in activities, laze around, and enjoy sunsets at these beaches

Ideal for: Beach bums, couples, family, friends
Activity cost/Ticket fee: NA
Timings: NA
Location: All over Chennai

21. Camping: Get Down To Earth

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Disclaimer: The image is for representation purposes only.

There are several spots in and around Chennai that are best suited for camping and exploring the nature places. So, if you are in search of places where you, along with your gang, can pitch a tent amidst natural surroundings then you will not be disappointed with these places. There are places like Tada Falls, Pulicat Lake, Chembarambakkam Lake, Mamandur, Nagalapuram, Peermade Waterfalls, and more. With foliage and waterfalls nearby, these places are best for pitching your tent.

Ideal for: Friends, nature lovers
Activity cost/Ticket fee: INR 2,000 per person (approx.)
Timings: Anytime
Location: Several places in and around Chennai

22. Rock Climbing: Try Out This Activity

Image Credit: Pixabay

Disclaimer: The image is for representation purposes only.

One of the most adventurous things to do in Chennai in one day is rock climbing. Climbing is said to be an ideal alternative for regular gyms as it really tests your strength and perfects the core. The best part about this activity is that you don’t have to do it under the scorching sun. Instead, you can do it at Fit Rock Arena where you will be provided with the same facilities but indoors. So, if you are looking for some strength-related activities then the best option is to opt for indoor rock climbing.

Ideal for: Adventurous people
Activity cost/Ticket fee: INR 700 for 2-hour session (approx.)
Timings: NA
Location: 73, Venkatakrishna Rd, Perumal Koil Thottam, Ramakrishna Nagar, Raja Annamalai Puram, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600028

23. Paintball: Have Fun With Your Gang

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Disclaimer: The image is for representation purposes only.

One of the coolest things to do in Chennai is to opt for a paintball session with your friends. If you and your gang love to play combat games in reality then this is the best option. Get ready with your combat suit and your weapon to paint the opposite gang. So, if you are planning to explore Chennai with your friends then you can include this activity in your itinerary.

Ideal for: Friends
Activity cost/Ticket fee: INR 400 per person (approx.)
Timings: 10 am – 8:30 pm (Mon-Thurs), 10 am – 9 pm (Fri), 9 am – 9 pm (Sat-Sun)
Location: 168/3D, Pattipulam, East Coast Road, 2kms from Dolphin city, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 603104

Thus, if you have even 2 days in Chennai, then don’t miss these things to do in Chennai. It is always better to learn a little local language but it is manageable as most people do understand and speak English. The food here is awesome and any random tiffin center in the morning should serve you delicious breakfast, so don’t forget to try that out as well and plan your trip to Chennai.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Things To Do In Chennai

What are the top attractions to visit in Chennai (Madras)?

The top attractions to visit in Chennai are Marina Beach, Government Museum Chennai, San Thome Cathedral Basilica, Fort St. George Museum and Guindy National Park.

Where can I spend a day in Chennai?

There are ten popular places you can explore in a day on your trip to Chennai. These are:
1. Sri Parthasarathi Temple
2. Valluvar Kottam
3. Government Museum
4. San Thome Cathedral Basilica
5. Kapaleeshwarar Temple
6. Semmozhi Poonga
7. Marina Beach
8. T. Nagar
9. Vivekananda House
10. MGR Film City

Is Chennai safe for female tourists?

According to an NCRB report released in the recent past, Chennai is the safest metropolitan city in India. Crime against women were 1/20th as compared to that of Delhi and less than 1/3rd of Kolkata.

Is it safe to visit Chennai during Covid times?

You need to follow all the mandatory travel guidelines mentioned by the authorities to ensure a safe travel experience. Complete both doses of vaccination before planning your visit and get an RT PCR test done as you may have to produce it at the entry and exit points. Maintain social distancing and remain masked while stepping out. Avoid visiting crowded places and gatherings. Keep sanitizing your hands regularly after touching surfaces.

What are the most popular things to do in Chennai with kids?

The top sights in Chennai that can be enjoyed along with kids include B.M. Birla Planetarium, Arignar Anna Zoological Park, Chennai Snake Park Trust, VGP Universal Kingdom, Dakshina Chitra Museum, Marina Beach etc.

What are the popular things to do in Chennai?

You can go around Elliot’s Beach or take a walk at Marina Beach in the morning. You can even go to Anna Centenary Library or Sabha hopping during the music season.

What is Chennai known for?

Chennai is famous for a lot of things but it is especially famous for its temples including Kapaleeshwarar, Vadapalani Murugan Temple, Parthasarathy Temple, Asthalakshmi Temple, Thiruneermala Vishnu Temple, etc.

Is Chennai worth visiting?

Yes, of course, it is worth visiting Chennai. Although Chennai is 378 years old, it is still young in its spirit and culture. There are lots of places you can visit to explore this city.

How can one spend 2 days in Chennai?

Travellers can visit the Government Museum, Marina Beach, Sri Parthasarathy Temple, Elliot Beach, MGR Memorial, San Thome Basilica, Birla Planetarium to spend 2 days in Chennai.

Is Chennai a safe place to visit?

Chennai is relatively safe for tourists with the most common types being petty thefts. So the level of crime is moderate.

Which is the richest area in Chennai?

Boat Club, Poes Garden, East- Coast Road, Nungambakkam, Velachery, Adyar, Gopalapuram and OMR are among the posh areas of Chennai.

What is Chennai Famous Food?

Pongal is the most famous food in Chennai. There are other must-try items such as Dosa, Chicken 65, Samosas, etc.