Madurai to Chennai
We were leaving Madurai for our already last destination in India. Time is flying when you are having fun and we definitely enjoying our Indian experience. We landed, with an almost empty plane, at Chennai, also known as Madras. The capital city of Tamil Nadu is the fourth largest metropolitan city in India. So messy, crowded but cleaner compare to Delhi and Varanasi.
Airport Celebrity Status
After waiting for Kro being a star (and an exotic creature) of the selfie at the airport we jumped into an OlaCab to reach our well situated but unpleasant hotel.
Chennai Traffic Nightmare
Starving, we took a shared Uber pool to a nice restaurant, Barbeque Nation ↗. The traffic was chaotic. And absolute mayhem. We took an hour to drive 2 kilometres. So you ask... Why didn't we walk it up? Because it's impossible to walk down the sidewalks in Chennai when they exist. Shops and food stalls spill out onto the sidewalk, people and cars park here, and bikes and motorcycles drove down the sidewalks.
Anyway, the food was nice and that how we like to end up a day!
Madurai to Chennai: Travel essentials
- Flight vs Train/Bus: Flight 1 hour (₹2,000-4,000), Train 7-8 hours (₹400-1,500), Bus 9-10 hours (₹600-1,200). For time-saving, fly. For experience and budget, take overnight sleeper train.
- Selfie Celebrity: If you're foreign-looking, expect selfie requests at airports, temples, markets. Indians are curious and friendly. Smile and enjoy the attention - it's endearing!
- Airport Transfer: Chennai airport to city: Ola/Uber (₹300-500, 45min-1.5hr depending on traffic), pre-paid taxi (₹500-700), or Airport Metro (₹70, 30min to central Chennai).
- TRAFFIC WARNING: Chennai traffic is legendary. 2km can take 1 hour during rush hours (8-10am, 5-8pm). Always allow 2-3x estimated travel time. Use metro when possible.
- Walking Impossible: Sidewalks are occupied by shops, food stalls, parked vehicles, motorcycles. Walking is frustrating and often dangerous. Use Ola/Uber for short distances or brave the chaos!
- Hotel Location: Stay near T. Nagar, Mylapore, or Egmore for central location. Areas near airport are far from attractions. Check proximity to metro stations for easier travel.
- Barbeque Nation: Popular buffet chain (₹800-1,200/person). Unlimited grilled meats/vegetables brought to table + extensive buffet spread. Locations across Chennai. Book ahead on weekends.
- Chennai vs Other Cities: Cleaner than Delhi and Varanasi but still chaotic. Less tourist touts. More conservative dress expected. Tamil spoken more than Hindi.
- Uber Pool/Shared: Save money with Uber Pool/Share (₹50-150 vs ₹200-400 regular). Be prepared for longer journey times with multiple pickups/dropoffs during peak hours.
- Hotel Quality: Read recent reviews carefully. Chennai has many 'well-situated but unpleasant' hotels. Pay extra for reputable chains or well-reviewed boutique hotels.
- Cultural Note: Chennai is more traditional and conservative than Mumbai/Delhi. Dress modestly. Public displays of affection frowned upon. Tamil culture is proudly distinct from North India.
- Empty Flights: Madurai-Chennai route often has empty seats on smaller planes. Sometimes you'll feel like you have a private jet! Book early for best prices (₹2,000-3,000).
Note:
Have you experienced the legendary Chennai traffic? Any tips for navigating Indian cities? What's your favorite South Indian restaurant?