Chennai Travel Guide: Gateway to the Tamil Nadu Temple Trail
Chennai is Tamil Nadu's gateway city and the usual start of a temple-trail itinerary, with the temple town of Kanchipuram and the UNESCO shore temples of Mahabalipuram both within reach. It has the state's main international airport and full-range city hotels.
By Experience My India Editorial Team · Reviewed by Experience My India Editorial Team · Updated 1 Sept 2026
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Why visit Chennai
Chennai is Tamil Nadu's gateway city, the usual arrival point for a temple-trail itinerary, and the base for the first temples of the trip: Kanchipuram inland and the rock-cut shore temples of Mahabalipuram on the coast.
What to see from Chennai
- Kanchipuram, one of the temple towns that opens the trail
- Mahabalipuram's rock-cut shore temples, a UNESCO highlight
- Chennai itself, as your arrival base
How long do you need in Chennai
A short taster itinerary gives Chennai and Mahabalipuram together as the first stop, before continuing south to the Chola heartland; on a five-day trip they can be most of the itinerary alongside one or two of the great southern temples.
When to go to Chennai
November to March is the season: warm, dry and festival-rich. Tamil Nadu's coast, including Chennai, takes its main rain from the northeast monsoon between roughly October and December, so expect some showers early in the season.
Getting to Chennai and around
Chennai has Tamil Nadu's main international airport and is the usual start of a temple trail. From here, the trail is best done by private car with a driver, given the distances to the temples further south; trains are a good alternative for the longer hops.
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Frequently asked questions
Why do most Tamil Nadu trips start in Chennai?
It has the state's main international airport and is the natural gateway to the temple trail south, with Kanchipuram and Mahabalipuram both close by.
What is near Chennai worth visiting?
Kanchipuram, one of the temple towns that opens the trail, and Mahabalipuram's UNESCO rock-cut shore temples.
How many days should I spend around Chennai?
On a five-day taster trip, Chennai and Mahabalipuram can be most of the itinerary; on longer trips they are the first stop before heading south.
When should I visit Chennai?
November to March, though expect some showers early in the season from the northeast monsoon, which affects Chennai between roughly October and December.
How do I get around from Chennai?
By private car with a driver for the temple trail south, or by train for the longer hops between cities.
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