Chennai. Who would’ve thought, right? I mean, when I was a kid, I used to picture it as this big, bustling city with towering buildings and crazy traffic. But after a few visits, I’ve realized there’s a lot more to it than meets the eye. The first time I went to Tamil Nadu in 2019 was for my academic internship, I was in Madurai. Honestly, I was a little lost and surprised. Everything was written in Tamil, and I couldn’t understand a word. But the people were so friendly and helpful, it made the whole experience a lot more enjoyable. Now in 2024, I had to work in the office for a bit, so I did some exploring around Chennai with my coworkers.
We arrived at the Central Railway Station around 8 AM, a memory that still feels fresh in our minds. The station is a blend of old-world architecture and modern bustle.
A Tip for First-Time Visitors: An important lesson we learned the hard way was the need to book transportation through reliable apps like Rapido. This not only ensures a hassle-free journey but also protects you from potential overcharging (Let’s just say our first Chennai trip was a comedy of errors, and leave it at that 😂🤣).
How to reach Chennai?
While we initially considered a bike journey to Chennai, the substantial luggage and the 500+ kilometer distance made it impractical. Alternatively, a road trip via car on NH75 is a comfortable option to reach the city, if you would like to.
By Train: Chennai has several major railway stations, including Chennai Central, Chennai Egmore, and Chennai Central Suburban. Many trains from all over India stop at these stations. You can book tickets online at IRCTC or any railway station ticket counter.
By Bus: Chennai is well-connected by bus to all major cities in India. There are both government-run and private buses available. Check out Goibibo or Redbus.
By Plane: Chennai International Airport is one of the busiest airports in India. There are many flights from all over India and the world that arrive at Chennai Airport.
Places in Chennai and its neighboring areas, I visited.
We stayed in Ekkattuthangal, a local area near our office. It was a great way to experience real Chennai life, away from the usual tourist places. We were just a short walk from many street markets, which gave us a good idea of local life. So, later that day, we decided to explore the city on our terms. Booking an auto seemed a bit expensive, so we opted for a more economical option: a bike or a scooter. After some searching, we found Date A Bike Motorcycle Tours & Rentals in Chennai, which offered reasonable rates. Though the deposit was a bit steep (around 5k), it was worth it considering the well-maintained scooter we rented. With this, we were able to cover most of the city in just one day.
From the terrace, we had a view of the nearby airport, watching planes land and take off.
We had a long weekend from Friday to Sunday due to a festival. Instead of lazing around, we decided to visit beaches, go karting in ECR, and shop at malls.
If you’re planning to visit Chennai, explore the city, learn some Tamil, and stay humble. Avoid auto-rickshaws whenever possible, and leave your winter clothes behind. One might take time to get used to the food. We went to go-karting at Kart Attack in Panaiyur. It was my first time, and I was initially nervous, but it was a lot of fun. The cost was reasonable: ₹350 for the first five rounds and ₹500 for ten.
The Thief is a high-end club, and we ended up spending quite a bit. The ambiance is nice, and they often have techno parties. It was a unique experience but be prepared for the high prices.
T Nagar is a market where you can find almost anything. I had a funny experience there trying to buy Crocs. The vendor insisted they were original, but my friend quickly corrected him, leading to a hilarious reaction.
Kora Food Street is another good place to try a variety of dishes, from starters to biryani and kottu parotta. It’s a great way to experience Chennai’s diverse food culture.
ECR Beach is a peaceful and serene spot, perfect for a quiet day. However, it’s best known for its sunrises, not sunsets.
Around the second week of our trip, bam, it started pouring! Not just a little rain, but a full-on downpour. The roads turned into rivers. It was crazy! We saw a video from T Nagar where an electric wire was swimming in a puddle, sparking like a crazy firework. We were too scared to even step outside. the rain calmed down and things returned to normal. But we’ll never forget that weather experience in Chennai!
If you’re planning a trip to Chennai, remember to check the weather forecast and be prepared. And if you’re planning to visit Cyber Cafe to play games, it’s best to make a reservation in advance. And last one, I met this guy in Railway station named Rochit (Intresting name) who was from kerala and was travelling to kerala same train. We talked a lot about so many things and then a final goodbye, true that you meet some really good people who matches your vibes. Donno, if I ever would be able to meet him again as we didnt exachnage our social handles. If you come across my blog, do leave a comment below lol :). Nice talking to you my friend.
Until next time, keep smiling! Thats a wrap!
