Chennai is a city of contradictions. While it’s fiercely proud of its music, dance and cultural heritage, it’s also a young city that’s surging ahead with elan
Tradition and culture are of paramount importance in Chennai, but so is keeping up with the times. Besides a number of historical gems, a cuisine that is known for its bold flavours, the legacy of British rule and a prolific film industry that has the masses transfixed, there’s a lot to discover in the city if one looks deeper.
When to go
Chennai’s weather is almost always hot and humid. The city gets its fair share of rain during the northeast monsoon period that stretches from October to mid-December, with occasional cyclones. November to January are relatively cooler, with temperatures hovering in the comfortable low– to mid–20s (in degrees Celsius).
How to get around
The autorickshaw, a motorised three-wheeled rickshaw, is a popular mode of transport in Chennai. They traverse the city, but using them can be tricky as they don’t go by the meter. Negotiate and agree upon a price before you get into one. Taxis can also be booked via apps like Ola and Uber.
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