Chennai hotels

Hotels in Chennai

The city of Chennai was previously known as Madras. At one time, it was part of the British Raj and associated with the English East India Company. The people of Chennai are welcoming and always happy to tell you more about their city.

Hotels in Chennai range from the humble family-run B&B's to the Hilton, with every price range in between. Such a vast number of hotels are expected from India's fifth-largest city.

Sightseeing

With such a long and colourful history, Chennai has a lot to offer. The architecture of the city is stunning, incorporating traditional Indian design and culture with modern fashions.

Kapaleeswarar Temple is the jewel in Chennai's crown, and it predates even Madras by several centuries. This simply incredible building's exterior is decorated with hundreds of colourful posed figures.

The heart of the old city is the British Fort St George, used during occupation. It was built in 1644, and is also known as White Town. Today, it acts as a base for local politicians and lawmakers.

Indian cuisine

The old city of Madras has lent its name to a spicy curry sauce – one invented in Britain rather than India. For a more authentic taste of Chennai, try Tamil cuisine. The city is the capital of the southern Tamil Nadu area, and you'll see rice, lentils and legumes featuring in most local dishes.

Start with idli steamed rice cakes or dosa pancakes at breakfast, served with sweet chutney. Lunch and dinner are typically based around rice and vegetables, with snacks taken in the evening.

Something else Tamil Nadu is well known for is its coffee culture, particularly its filter coffee. Making coffee is something of a ritual, and it can take up to 15 minutes to brew the perfect cup. It's said to taste best when drunk from a ‘dabarah' – a steel cup and saucer set.

Souvenirs of Chennai

For the typical tourist fare of t-shirts and mugs, there's only one place you need to go: Chennaigaga. This shop, in the Besant Nagar area of the city, is an emporium of souvenirs.

Fabindia is a nationwide chain selling locally-made crafts – it has several locations in Chennai. Pick up ceramics, bed linen and clothes.

Special mementos can be picked up during Madras Week, held in August every year. During this celebration of the old city, you can buy limited edition postcards and clothing. It's also a time of year when Chennai hotel rooms are a little harder to come by, making a visit feel more exclusive.