Flights from Kuala Lumpur to Chennai

Diverse and Cosmopolitan Chennai

Chennai beckons travellers with a diverse and cosmopolitan metropolis. Among India's major cities, Chennai has ancient roots as well as more recent connections to its European past. For enthusiasts who want to explore the region's artistic and religious traditions, Chennai's urban hub offers impressive ancient temples and churches. The spectacular food, glamourous boutiques and breathtaking Marina Beach invite globetrotters for return visits.

Ideal travel time - climate/holidays & festivals

Chennai has a tropical climate. The highest temperatures will occur from late May until June (40°C). Coolest temperatures of 25°C occur around January. The monsoon rains fall from October until mid-December when cyclones can also occur.

Festivals are staged all year round. For three days in January, the harvest festival of Pongal welcomes spring. Celebrated in September, the Vinayak Chaturthi honours Ganesh for 10 days, ending with a procession. In November-December, Chennai celebrates full moon of Karthikai Deepam with fireworks. The Chennai Music and Dance Festival happens from mid-December through mid-January with classical music from South India.

Essential Chennai travel information

Visas are mandatory if visitors are British passport holders. Check the Indian High Commission website for more details. Valid passports must have two blank pages and at least 180 days until expiry from entry date. The risk of contracting malaria in Chennai is low to none. However, t is important to vaccines and to consult a doctor about possible other recommended vaccinations such as Hepatitis B, rabies and Japanese encephalitis.

Essential travel facts for a safe trip to Chennai

Drink only bottled water. Peel and cook fruits and vegetables.

Official language in Chennai is Tamil, with English spoken widely. Living costs are extremely low, with a cheap meal costing around 20 rupees. The Kollywood Tamil film industry is popular.

Getting around Chennai

Airport transport: suburban train to central city costs ca. ₹ 5 - this goes to Chennai Park and Egmore and trains leave from Tirusulam station 500m from the airport.

A single room in hostel/boarding house costs around 400 rupees. Hotels in the mid-price range are about 1000 rupees.

Despite being metered, auto rickshaw drivers often overcharge visitors who are not aware of the going rates. Prices are approximately Rs. 25 for 1.8 km. Heavy traffic in Chennai will tend to delay journeys. Suburban trains are faster than rickshaws or buses, with the cheapest fare about Rs.5. Chennai buses are run by MTC, and the cheapest fare should be about Rs3. Day bus passes are available for 50 rupees or thereabouts. A week travel card could cost roughly 300 rupees and can also be used for all services.

Taxis: expect to pay a minimum fare of about 100 Rs (no air conditioning) for 4 km travel, then ca. 12 rupees per additional km.