Welcome to our comprehensive guide to Chennai, an enchanting city nestled on the east coast of India, known for its tropical climate. Before we embark on a one-day tour of the city’s prime attractions like Kapaleeshwarar Temple, Marina Beach, and Fort St. George, let’s familiarize ourselves with the city’s typical weather conditions.
BBC Weather Chennai
During the Summer months, from March to June, Chennai tends to get extremely hot, with temperatures often surpassing 40 degrees Celsius. Come June to September, the city experiences the Southwest Monsoon, receiving a moderate amount of rainfall. During this monsoon, temperatures can vary between 25 and 35 degrees Celsius.
Following this is the Northeast Monsoon from October to December, which is the main source of Chennai’s rainfall. In this period, the city may encounter heavy downpours and storms, with temperatures becoming milder and ranging between 20 and 30 degrees Celsius.
Finally, the Winter months from January to February are usually mild and pleasant in Chennai, with temperatures hovering between 15 and 25 degrees Celsius.
It’s important to note that due to global climate changes, these weather patterns can exhibit variations from year to year.
Now, with a better understanding of the weather conditions to anticipate, let’s venture into exploring the sights and sounds of Chennai in a day’s journey!
A Day in Chennai: Travel Guide
Breakfast in Chennai
To start your day in the traditional way, we recommend you head to Ratna Café in Triplicane, about a 10-minute drive from the city center. This popular eatery is known for its sambar idli, a dish of steamed dumplings submerged in a spicy lentil soup, which costs around 100 rupees (about $1.5). You could also try the famous dosa, a kind of crepe made from fermented rice and lentils, costing around 60 rupees (less than a dollar).
Visit to Kapaleeshwarar Temple
From Ratna Café, take an auto-rickshaw, also known as a tuk-tuk, to Kapaleeshwarar Temple. The 2-kilometer journey should cost around 50 rupees (less than a dollar) and take about 10 minutes. The temple opens at 6 a.m. and it’s best to visit early to avoid the crowd and the heat.
Marina Beach
After exploring the temple, take another auto-rickshaw to Marina Beach, about 3 kilometers away. The journey should take about 15 minutes and cost around 70 rupees (less than a dollar). Here, you can enjoy a pleasant walk along the shore and take in the view of the Bay of Bengal.
Lunch in Chennai
By mid-afternoon, around 1 p.m., it’s an ideal time to take a break and enjoy lunch. We recommend you try Chennai biryani, a delicious blend of rice and spices with either meat or vegetables. There are many restaurants along Marina Beach that serve this typical dish, which costs around 200-300 rupees ($3-4).
Fort St. George
After lunch, take a taxi to Fort St. George, about 6 kilometers away. The journey should take about 30 minutes and cost around 150 rupees ($2). You can spend the afternoon exploring the fort and the museum it houses.
Return to Hotel
Since Chennai is a tropical city, it can get quite hot during the day. Therefore, we recommend that you return to your hotel around 4 or 5 p.m. to avoid the afternoon heat and traffic. A taxi from Fort St. George to the city center should cost around 150 rupees ($2) and take about 30 minutes.
And thus concludes a day in the vibrant city of Chennai, India. With its rich history, delicious food, and fascinating sights, you’re sure to take away memories that will last a lifetime.