A major hub for arrivals and departures in South India, Chennai International Airport (MAA) is one of the busiest and best airports in the country. A rough estimate puts the number of passengers served every year by the airport to be a little over 20 million. A quarter of these are international flyers. The airport has more than 400 aircraft flying in and out of it every single day. Chennai International Airport is situated in Tirusulam which is about 21 km away from the heart of the city. It takes approximately 30 minutes to get to the city center from the airport.

Here’s a complete Chennai International Airport guide that will help you while flying in and out of the city.

Chennai Airport Terminals:

The domestic and international terminals at Chennai International Airport are situated adjacent to each other. The airport has a total of four entry gates and two each are situated at both terminals. There are 9 boarding gates at the Domestic Terminal and 6 boarding gates at the International Terminal. For a detailed Chennai airport terminal guide, look through the airport’s official website for the Kamaraj Domestic Terminal and the Anna International Terminal location and services.

Passenger Services at Chennai International Airport:

For travelers who will soon be booking International flights that will arrive or depart from the city, this Chennai International Airport guide will offer a sneak peek into the passenger services available in detail.

• Airport Lounges

Regardless of the travel class you are flying in, you can gain access to Chennai airport lounges for a fee. Lounges found at the airport are located at the domestic as well as the international terminal as well. You can enter a couple of the lounges holding an economy class ticket as well! You can check the Chennai airport map for the specific location of the lounges. Many travelers have claimed it’s one of the best Chennai airport visitors entry 2018.

• Wi-Fi Services

You can use Wi-Fi at Chennai International Airport for free for about 45 minutes. To gain access, you must provide a valid Indian phone number and receive a PIN via an SMS, which you can enter to use the Wi-Fi. Once your free Wi-Fi limit expires, you have the option to purchase internet for further usage. Also, there are several mobile phone charging points across the airport that are complimentary for all passengers.

• ATMs

If you need to withdraw cash, you will find ATMs located in both the terminals. Make sure to know what your withdrawal limits are and plan likewise especially if you are traveling internationally on last minute flights. It will also help if you notify your bank of your travel plans.

• Currency Exchange

This is among the most useful services for international passengers passing through Chennai International Airport. There are currency exchange counters at both terminals – 2 counters at the Domestic Terminal and 5 counters at the International Terminal.

• Food and Drinks

Chennai airport food options are aplenty in both terminals. While there may not be any 24-hour dining options, you will find several food concessions throughout the airport and at varying schedules. Drinking water is available free of cost. You can also use environmental-friendly drinking water cups provided at the airport.

• Duty-free shopping

Both arriving and departing passengers of economy or business class flights can enjoy duty-free shopping at the International Terminal at Chennai airport. Besides that, you will find a plethora of shops throughout the airport selling a wide variety of merchandise which includes gift items, apparel, souvenirs, tea, and other items.

• Baby Care Facility

There are baby care facilities at both terminals. These baby changing services are a boon for passengers traveling with infants.

• Luggage storage, lockers, and trolleys

Chennai International Airport offers luggage storage landside at International Arrivals. Depending upon size, the rate is INR 5 to INR 20. While there is no Chennai airport porter service as yet, there are luggage trolleys available to use free of cost. Luggage wrapping service is available at the landside check-in area in International Departures.

• Massages and Spa Services

There are massages and spa facilities available at Chennai International Airport. Jetlagged passengers waiting on account of a stopover can relax and unwind here.

• Medical Services

At the Chennai International Airport (MAA), there is an Apollo Hospitals First Aid Room where emergency medical assistance is provided. You can seek the help of an airport staff member for access. There is a pharmacy as well located at Domestic Departures airside.

• Special Assistance

Chennai International Airport (MAA) offers special assistance to travelers that require it. You can look at the airport’s official website for details on Chennai airport wheelchair assistance and other types of special assistance offered here.

• Baggage Screening; Lost and Found Counters

Baggage screening has been updated at the International Terminal. Inline baggage screening has still to begin at the Domestic Terminal. There are lost and found counters at the Chennai International Airport where you can seek assistance should you lose your baggage.

• Chennai Airport Car Rentals

The car rentals found at Chennai International Airport include Chennai Airport Car Rental, Zoom Cars, Aviation Express Airport Car Rentals, and Mary Matha Cabs Car Rentals.

• Additional Services

Additional services you can hope to enjoy at Chennai International Airport (MAA) include prayer rooms, rest zones, tourist & railway information counter, shower facilities, smoking areas, retiring rooms, and conference rooms.

Hotels near Chennai International Airport:

For passengers who prefer not to stay at the airport, there are several nearby hotels you can stay at. Some of the top nearby hotel choices include NGH Transit Hotel, Treebo Adin Residence, Quality Inn Airport, Trident, Kek Accommodation, and The Mount Manor.

Nearby Airports:

At a distance of approximately 137 km, Tirupati Airport (TIR) is the nearest airport to Chennai International Airport (MAA). Alternate international airports near Chennai airport include Bengaluru International Airport (BLR), Coimbatore International Airport (CJB), and Tiruchirapalli International Airport (TRZ). You will find connecting cheap flights to any of these from Chennai International Airport (MAA).

Frequently Asked Questions

How early should I get to the airport for an international flight in Chennai?

You should arrive at least three hours before your flight’s scheduled departure for a seamless boarding process and other immigration formalities. 

Is terminal 1 domestic or international in Chennai airport?

Terminal 1 is a domestic terminal at the Chennai International Airport. While Terminal 3 caters to international arrivals, Terminal 4 is used for international departures. 

Do you really need to arrive 3 hours before an international flight?

Yes, if you do not want to miss your international flight from Chennai due to a delay in the security check-in or immigration process, it is recommended that you arrive at least 3 hours prior to your flight’s departure time. 

Is Chennai Terminal 4 international or domestic?

Terminal 4 at Chennai International Airport is used for international departures. 

–Travel Diary

The post Everything You Need to Know About Chennai International Airport (MAA) appeared first on Travel Blog | Travel Inspiration, Tips and News | Travel Diary.

South India is popular for its light and delicious breakfasts that include idlis, dosas, vadas, and several of their variants. Of all the items, idli is the most popular and favorite of the locals and tourists when served with coconut chutney and sambhar. Now the question is where can you get the best idlis in South India? Ask any of the South Indians and they will say Chennai. Here are the best places for idli in Chennai. Do not miss the plate of idli sambhar when in the city.

Triplicane Rathna Café

Location: Triplicane High Road, Chennai, Tamil Nadu

A simple place with a simpler ambiance, Triplicane Rathana Café is a South Indian restaurant offering a traditional seating style. The brand has also spread its wings outside the state. The sambhar-idly here is a must-try for every tourist visiting the city, it is exemplary. The best part is they have maintained the same taste through all these years.

Sangeetha Veg Restaurant

Location: Gandhi Nagar, Adyar, Chennai

With its first branch in Chennai, now the chain has 23 branches in different locations. Add this to the list of restaurants serving the best idlis in Chennai. To your surprise, it also has some international branches in cities like Sydney, Doha, Canada, Qatar, and Hong-Kong. Food at Sangeetha will never disappoint you, especially their idlis. The city dwellers often reach to this place with a joyful ambiance to have a delicious plate of idli-sambhar with chutney on the top.

Also Read: Chennai Food

Hotel Shri Balajee Bhavan

Location: 1^st Avenue, Anna Nagar East, Chennai, Tamil Nadu

From early morning to late night, Hotel Shree Balajee Bhavan serves delicious idlis with traditional authentic taste. It is a South Indian restaurant with a peaceful ambiance serving tasty food at its various branches across the city. At the Chrompet branch, you will get to dine at the rooftop restaurant. Its breakfast menu has a wide range of varieties and sambhar-idli is among the most favorite dishes. Want to have a full-course meal or a light breakfast, this is the place.

Mahamudra

Location: Luz Church Road, Near Nageshwara Rao Park, Mylapore, Chennai

It is another pure veg restaurant serving the best idli dosas in Chennai. Here idlis are not limited to breakfasts; you can have it all day. Yes, all-day breakfasts at Mahamudra! The food is healthy prepared in proper hygiene conditions and by the best chefs in the city. It also offers some of the offbeat but delectable items such as Dosa Ballapur, Pineapple Rasam, Wheat Thali, and the list goes on.

Annachi Dosai Kadai

Location: East Coast Road, Injambakkam, Chennai

Situated on ECR Highway, it is the ultimate stop for travelers seeking a break. You can also go to Annachi Dosai Kadai for breakfast or brunch on weekends. You will find group of students from colleges coming there on weekends. In its menu, you will find a good range of options from varieties of dosas to idlis – Paneer Dosa, Egg Dosa, Keema Dosa and more. Try the MLA Dosa here along with a plate of idli-sambhar. It’s delicious!

Mr. and Mrs. Idly

This is a franchise that has its branches all across India. With its three outlets in the city of Chennai, Mr. and Mrs. Idly has become a popular eatery for the best idli-sambhar. In a very short time, it has gained much popularity and it’s all because of the authentic and delicious food. No matter in which part of the country you are, the taste of Chennai’s idli will stay intact at Mr. and Mrs. Idly. You will find a range of options for idlis to choose from – mini, regular-sized, and more. There are some unique dishes too such as Idli Manchurian.

Annalaya

Location: Jaganathan Road, Nunhambakkam, Tamil Nadu

Annalaya is a popular restaurant in Chennai serving the most delicious idli-sambhar. Earlier pure vegetarian, Annalaya added a good range of non-vegetarians to the menu as well. They serve the food in the traditional ways – on banana leaves that bring the authentic feel of South Indian dishes. It is among the most famous restaurants so you will find no difficulty in reaching there. Follow Google Maps or ask any local for the directions but just don’t miss the idli-sambhar here.

Murugan Idli Shop

Location: 6^th Avenue, Opposite Vilankanni Church, Chennai

Murugan Idli Shop in Chennai is known for its exquisite range of South Indian breakfasts. Now extended to three countries, Murugan Idli specializes in podis, idlis, chutneys, and sambhar. The dosas here are also worth trying. Try the nutrient-rich meals and stay energetic for the whole day. Also, try jigarthanda, a drink everyone recommends to have at Murugan Idli Shop.

When you plan a trip to South India don’t miss a place Chennai in your bucket list. Food is one of the best parts of our trip. Once you land at Chennai International Airport you can experience this delicious food.

The post 8 Top Places for Idli in Chennai You Must Check Out appeared first on Travel Blog | Travel Inspiration, Tips and News | Travel Diary.

When it comes to Chennai cuisine, the first flashes would be that of Idly-Sambar and filter coffee. While one might naturally start off the day with this common breakfast, there are many different varieties of veg and non-veg dishes that every traveler in Chennai mustn’t miss!

Chennai was the only Indian state featured in National Geographic’s list of ‘Top Ten Food Cities in the World’ in 2015. Distinguished by its hot and spicy Chettinad curries, vegetarian Thali, and frothy Madras coffee, the culinary picture of Chennai is too tempting. Moreover, any item you order is served traditionally on a banana leaf, adding an aesthetic touch to the Chennai food! No doubt Chennai is always one of the favorite food destinations in India!

Also Read: Chennai Travel Guide

A South Indian Breakfast in Chennai:

Idly-Sambar is the typical breakfast of Tamilians.  The steamed rice cake served with sambar (lentil broth) and chutney is the must-try South Indian food when you are in Chennai. The fluffy idly and sambar at Murugan Idly Shop is finger-licking tasty!

If you love Dosa, feast on the famous masala Dosa at Saravana Bhavan or Sangeetha Veg Restaurant, which offers a pocket-friendly breakfast.

You can also try Uttapam, the thicker variant of dosa topped with slices of onions, chilies, and a choice of vegetables. One more favorite dish of Tamilians is Pongal made with rice, served with chutney and Sambar. Ratna Cafe offers the best breakfast at economical rates. Finish your tasty breakfast with a hot filter coffee!

Madras meals:

The South Indian Thali of rice, sambar, dal, rasam, vegetable curries, curd, and a sweet is a simple and wholesome lunch to put your hunger pangs at rest. Arranged on a larger-than-life plantain leaf, the colorful and tasty Thali is perfect for your lunch. Annalakshmi restaurant in Chennai is the most-frequented place to enjoy traditional Thali in a cozy ambiance. If you are lunching at Mylai Karpagambal Mess, arrive early, or else all the tables will be occupied.

Suggested Read: 8 Top Indian Cities to Explore and Their Popular Food You Must Taste

Chettinad Chicken:

The signature chicken curry from the Chettinad region of Tamil Nadu is super spicy and flavored with a range of local spices. Chettinad restaurants are spread throughout Chennai. Try Chettinad recipes at Dakshin near the Crowne Plaza or at Anjappar, a restaurant chain with branches outside India. Head to ‘Kumaravel Chettinad Meals’ for a complete Chettinad meal accompanied by other veg curries. Never miss out on the crispy and fiery Chicken 65, the brainchild of Hotel Buhari. This recipe native to Chennai has become a significant part of Chennai’s food culture since its invention in 1965!

Biryani in Chennai:

Are you one of those staunch Biryani lovers who can eat Biryani any time of the day? The best reason to devour Biryani in Chennai is the availability of many varieties like Thalapakkatti Biryani native to the Dindigul region; Ambur Biryani, a special dish prepared during Muslim weddings; and Awadhi-style Biryani with a Chennai twist at Bindaas Rasoi restaurant. While Pakwan Chennai is a paradise for vegetarians, AB’s – Absolute Barbecues is the place to sample the umpteen varieties of grilled meat.

Other popular restaurants to taste Biryani: are Parambriym, Anjappar, Zaitoon Restaurants, and Madurai Kumar Mess.

Madras Fish curry:

When it comes to seafood in Chennai, the first priority is Madras fish curry, a succulent dish with tangy flavors of onion, tomato, and tamarind. Cater to your seafood cravings at The Marina, Nair Mess, Fish ‘O’ Fish, and Savory Sea Shell. Book flights to Chennai for the best beach experience and mouth-watering coastal food.

Filter Coffee:

As rice is the staple food in the South, coffee is the staple beverage in Chennai. A day, for Tamilians, is incomplete without a cup of Kaapi, which is prepared by mixing boiled milk with a decoction of filter coffee in a unique style by repeatedly pouring the mix from one glass into another until it creates a creamy froth. You should know the art of savoring steamy coffee before it gets cold without burning your gustatory cells!

Street food in Chennai:

Anna Nagar, Mylapore, Marina Beach, T Nagar, Vepery Road, and the streets of George Town are the go-to places for authentic tastes of Chennai street food. Kozhukattai, Appam, Kothu parotta, Bhajji, Vada, Atho, and Sundal are some of the local snacks that have become tourists’ favorites.

Appam is a desi rice pancake served with coconut milk and gravy, whereas Idiyappam is a light snack made with rice flour pressed into noodles and then steamed. Bhajji, a fritter made using mirchi or banana, is a perfect monsoon partner! Dip the sizzling bajji in different chutneys provided at ‘Jannal Kadai’ in Mylapore and relish the taste, which seems to be accentuated on a rainy day! Atho, a Burmese variety of noodles cooked along with fresh vegetables and spices is another popular snack in Chennai. Kozhukattais, rice dumplings filled with a mixture of coconut and jaggery, is a sweet delicacy and a religious offering to Lord Ganesha during Ganesh Chaturthi. If you wish to sample some crazy combinations in waffles, taste the veg and non-veg waffle kinds at ‘Waffles Through the Day.’

Sundal (made with soaked chickpeas) is a preferred beach snack. If you are unwinding at the beaches in Chennai, you’ll see vendors who sell Sundal in paper cones. Walking by the beach and chewing Sundal is a common evening activity for beach-goers.

The melt-in-your-mouth Mysore Pak (prepared with ghee, sugar, and gram flour) is the defining sweet in Chennai’s list of confectioneries. Many tourists get this sweet packed from the Sree Krishna sweets outlet to take back home as a souvenir.

Feel light-hearted with Jigarthanda:

Jigarthanda, literally meaning ‘cool heart,’ probably received its name for its nature of lifting up your mood. This popular refreshment made using milk, almond gum, root syrup, sugar syrup, and ice cream, is loved as much as filter coffee!

–Travel Diary

The post Chennai Food: The irresistible tastes of Chennai appeared first on Travel Blog | Travel Inspiration, Tips and News | Travel Diary.

A Chennai travel guide is among the most helpful things you can have if visiting this spectacular South Indian city for the first time. Chennai has been blessed with a scenic landscape, mouthwatering cuisine, and an incredibly rich time-honored history. It would be an understatement to say that Chennai is among the best destinations to explore in India. The capital of Tamil Nadu state, it is home to so many attractions that it leaves first timers utterly confused about where to begin and what to see first! This is where our Chennai travel guide will come in incredibly handy.

Check out the most helpful Chennai travel guide you’ll ever come across and enjoy exploring this gorgeous South Indian city without a single hassle whatsoever! Just let the travel guide Chennai we’ve brought you to guide your way through the visit.

Getting to and from Chennai International Airport:

Whether you’re on a planned vacation or down on last minute flights, you will arrive at the spectacular Chennai International Airport (MAA). The cheapest way to the city from the airport is via the suburban train which you can catch from the Chennai Park Station. There is also the bus service you can make use of. Get the exact Chennai tourist information about buses at the airport help desk and board the right bus likewise. Alternatively, you can hire cabs. You will find prepaid taxi booths outside both terminals of the Chennai International Airport. You can book an Uber or Ola cab as well.

Getting around in Chennai:

Our Chennai travel guide lists many ways to get around in the city. Public buses are operated efficiently by the Metropolitan Transport Corporation, or MTC. Thereby, you will find a vast number of air-conditioned and ordinary buses plying to various parts of the city. Traveling like the locals will add to your amazing Chennai travel experience. However, if public buses aren’t your thing, you can always hire taxis, rent cars, or use auto rickshaws. Although costlier than buses, they are comfortable modes of transport across Chennai.

Where to stay in Chennai:

There are countless options when it comes to accommodation in Chennai. You will find many Chennai travel blogs online that will list some top places to stay in Chennai when arriving on business class flights. Be assured that there are accommodations that suit all types of budget requirements. So pick a place to stay depending on your budget, location, and other requirements. Top places to stay listed by our Chennai travel guide include Old Woodlands, Oriental Inn, Hotel Regent, Westin Park, Lemon Tree Hotel, Courtyard Chennai, ITC Hotel Park Sheraton & Towers, Radisson GRT Hotel, Taj Coromandel, and Trident Chennai among others.

Top things to see and do in Chennai:

Chennai tourism is among the most flourishing ones in the country owing to the number of amazing attractions this splendid city is home to. You will need to make multiple trips to Chennai to as there is simply too much to cover in a single trip! Here’s a look at the best attractions listed by our Chennai travel guide.

• Historical sites: There are several historical places in Chennai that history-loving tourists will be thrilled to explore. Some of the most popular ones you can visit include Fort St. George, the Regional Grand Lodge of Southern India, and Adyar to name a few. You can visit some popular museums as well such as the Government Museum and the National Art Gallery for a detailed peek into Chennai’s incredible past.
• Religious places: Chennai is famously home to some of the most ancient and spectacular temples in South India. The must-visit Kapaleeshwar Temple is perhaps the most popular tourist place in Chennai. Other famous places of worship to visit in Chennai as listed by our Chennai travel guide include Parthasarathy Temple, Ashtalakshmi Temple, Kalikambal Temple, Wallajah Mosque, and St. Thomas Mount among other places.
• Chennai beaches: Some of the most beautiful beaches of South India can be found right here in Chennai. Visited by locals, tourists, families, couples, and friends alike, beaches are among the best places to visit in Chennai. Our Chennai travel guide lists top beaches you can visit such as the Marina Beach, Eliot’s Beach, and Breezy Beach.
• Family attractions: Chennai travel experiences are best when you visit with your family. Popular family attractions you can enjoy in Chennai include Cholamandal Artists’ Village, Queensland Water Park, MGM Dizzee World, Anna Zoological Park, and Guindy National Park to name a few. You can also explore the cultural, music, and food scene in Chennai with your loved ones.
• Shopping spots in Chennai: There are some amazing things you can buy in Chennai at the lowest possible prices. Must-buy items include Kanchivaram sarees, jewelry, handicrafts, ethnic wear, and fabrics of various kinds. Popular Chennai street shopping spots as listed by our Chennai travel guide include Pondy Bazaar, T Nagar, George Town, Mylapore, Anna Nagar, Panagal Park, and Egmore. There are a lot of high-end malls as well in Chennai.

Where and what to eat in Chennai:

You will find a plethora of upmarket restaurants, beach cafes, mid-range eateries, and even street food stalls serving a wide assortment of mouthwatering cuisine in Chennai. Food is a vital part of Chennai tourism. Your trip to this remarkable city will remain incomplete unless you’ve tried some of the most delicious and popular food items in Chennai. Try unfailingly the lip-smacking local dishes that include Idli, Vada, Sambar, Dosa, Chicken 65, Pongal, Crab Rasam, Prawn/Fish Biryani, and Chettinad Chicken among other things.

Popular places to eat in our Chennai travel guide include Amaravathi, Anupama Southern Spice, Madurai Appu, Mughal’s Zaika, Murugan Idli Shop, Pizzaurant, Cafe Mercara, The Residency and scores of other places. Do check beforehand if you need to make reservations when visiting high-end restaurants.

Best time to visit Chennai:

Chennai has a reputation of being one of the hotter regions in India. Thereby, our Chennai travel guide suggests you avoid booking cheap flights to Chennai for a visit during summer. The humidity, scorching sun, and generally arid climate will wreak havoc on your sightseeing plans. For the best Chennai travel experience, visit any time between November and February. Chennai tourism is best explored during these pleasant winter months without you having to worry about sunburns and heat strokes. So keep our Chennai travel guide in hand and plan a winter visit to this spectacular South Indian city!

Chennai Festivals:

When it comes to festivals and cultures of South India, Tamil Nadu is one of those states in India which has carefully preserved its tradition. There are various colorful festivals celebrated throughout the year in the state such as Pongal, Thaipusam, Thiruvaiyaru Festival, Natyanjali Dance Festival, Mahamaham, Tamil New Year’s Day, Karthigai Deepam, etc. And if you visit its capital city during this time, you’ll find many interesting things to do in Chennai during these festivals. 

Chennai travel tips:

If you are planning to travel long distances, use underground metro services during the afternoon and evening to avoid traffic. Local food and water are to be consumed carefully. Instead, use purified bottled water. Pickpocketing in crowded areas is common in Chennai, so take care of your belongings. If you are shopping, always bargain, as the shopkeepers tend to quote a higher price. This travel guide to Chennai might be helpful for you especially if you are a first time visitor.

FAQ: 

1: What are the best places to visit in Chennai?

A: There are many popular places to visit in Chennai like Marina Beach, Dakshinachitra, Elliot’s Beach, Mylapore, Sri Parthasarathy Temple, Connemara Public Library, Valluvar Kottam etc.

 2: Is Chennai worth visiting?

A: Yes, obviously. There are a variety of places to visit in Chennai like beaches, mosques, museums, national parks, temples, fishing harbors and a lot more. There are various things to do in Chennai apart from just sightseeing. 

 3: What is the main festival of Chennai?

A: There are many festivals throughout the year like Pongal, Thaipusam, Thiruvaiyaru Festival, Natyanjali Dance Festival, Mahamaham, Tamil New Year’s Day, Karthigai Deepam, etc.

–Travel Diary

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