Practical information for visiting Chennai

Chennai International Airport connects the city with major Indian centres and international routes. The Airports Authority of India is the source for terminal and pickup information; airlines remain the source for the operating flight and check-in terminal.

Chennai is a major rail gateway. Central handles many long-distance services, Egmore is important for routes within Tamil Nadu and beyond, and Tambaram serves additional long-distance and suburban operations. Station names are not interchangeable.

Intercity buses connect Chennai with destinations across Tamil Nadu and neighbouring states. Terminals and boarding points can change by operator and corridor, so confirm the current facility rather than assuming every service uses CMBT.

Road and rail make Kanchipuram and Mamallapuram possible onward journeys, but they are not Chennai neighbourhoods. Grouping them into the same sightseeing day can produce more transport than experience.

Chennai Port remains a major working harbour. Cruise or passenger arrangements, when offered, follow port and operator controls rather than ordinary waterfront access.

Use ordinary big-city precautions. Keep phones and wallets secure in markets, stations, festival crowds and compressed temple approaches. Carry only the cash needed for the outing and keep identification copies separate.

Use official ticket channels, recognised guides and clearly identified transport. Confirm app-ride vehicle details and agree on a fare or metered method for other rides. Do not follow an unsolicited helper to a different ticket office, shop or “special entrance.”

Road traffic is a greater everyday risk than many attractions. Cross at controlled points where possible, make eye contact with turning drivers and do not assume a green signal removes every conflict.

At the beach, protect belongings and stay in busy, lit areas after dark. Do not enter the sea where warning signs, currents or official instructions advise against it.

Heavy rain, urban flooding, extreme heat and cyclonic weather can make a normal route unsafe. Follow IMD, city and transport-operator notices. India's integrated emergency number is 112.

Heat and humidity are the main year-round health constraints, especially from April through June. Shift strenuous activity to early morning, drink safe water regularly, use shade and air-conditioned breaks, and stop for headache, dizziness, confusion or unusual weakness.

Choose sealed or reliably filtered water and freshly cooked food from busy premises. Wash or sanitise hands before eating and seek qualified care for persistent gastrointestinal illness or dehydration.

Mosquito-bite prevention matters, particularly around the wetter months. Discuss routine and destination-specific vaccines, personal medical needs and travel insurance with a qualified clinician before travel.

Air quality varies by station and day. Check the Central Pollution Control Board's current AQI and reduce strenuous outdoor activity when official guidance indicates a health risk, especially if you have respiratory or cardiac illness.

Do not touch dogs, macaques or other animals. Any bite or scratch needs prompt medical assessment for rabies prevention. For urgent police, fire or medical help, call 112.

Integrated emergency number: 112 connects police, fire, medical and other urgent assistance across India. Give the nearest station, junction, institution, beach access, hotel or major landmark; Chennai neighbourhood names can cover large areas.

Save accommodation, insurer and essential medical contacts offline. At a temple festival, concert complex or beach, agree on a meeting point before entering a crowd.

For Metro, airport or railway disruption, use the relevant operator's current channel. A reseller or hotel may help interpret the problem but does not replace the operator.

During heavy rain, flooding, storm surge, extreme heat or cyclone conditions, follow India Meteorological Department, Greater Chennai Corporation and transport-authority instructions. Do not enter standing water, bypass barricades or approach the sea for storm photographs.

Foreign visitors should keep embassy or consulate details and a copy of their passport available. Report a lost passport promptly and obtain a police record when required by the issuing authority or insurer.