Madras, India » City Info » Travel Tips

Chennai (Madras) is the capital of Tamil Nadu and it is referred as the ‘Gateway to the south India’. This city is a cultural hub of India and now has become a metropolitan city, which is home to number of automobile industries. Chennai is famous for ancient temples, museums, churches, and forts. It is a perfect beach destination for tourists to explore blue waters of Bay of Bengal along with golden sand of beaches.

Tipping is not mandatory and not even added for bills of the restaurants. Typically, around 5-10 %, tipping is expected from a tourist especially if the service is good in restaurants. In addition, if payment is done by credit cards then it is expected to leave coins or few cash in form of tipping. Normally, taxi drivers do not expect any tips unless they are offering some extra service like helping to carry bags into hotels or at airports.

Smoking is strictly prohibited in the public transportation services like railways. Any violation in this act can be treated as a punishable offence with a fine. There is no law passed by the legislation about smoking in the public areas of city. Soon government is planning to make Chennai smoke-free city of India and more strict rules regarding smoking will be imposed. At many places, smoking zones are available and it is better to ask local people before lighting up cigarette.

Chennai comes under topical climate zone and experiences hot and humid weather all year round. It is situated on the south east coast of the country and therefore rainfall is expected at any time. However, due to rainfall, climate remains pleasant and comfortable besides high humidity in the daytime. Best time to visit this city is winter season, which starts from the month of November to February. During these months Chennai experiences cool and warm weather with lovely breezes from the sea that creates a perfect ambience for tourist. Even in winter, season temperature never goes below than 20 deg C and rainfall is expected.

As being one of the largest cities in India, it offers a wide range of modes of public transport like bus, auto-rickshaw, taxi, van, and private bus. Most important and affordable source of transport in city is bus, which covers all famous areas of city along with nearby suburbs. Taxi is suitable for a long distance tours with a group. Taxi charges are taken as per distance covered and one needs to check taximeter before setting up. There are auto-rickshaws available for a short distance and are little expensive than public transportation. Another local mode of transport is known as Maxi Cabs i.e. vans which covers different routes in the city.

Tel.: + 91 - 44 - 22340569

Address: Kamaraj Domestic Airport Terminal, Trisulam, Chennai, Tamilnadu, India