Chennai

The best time to visit Chennai is between November and February when the city basks in cooler, more comfortable temperatures, ranging from 20°C to 30°C. This period also coincides with the cultural vibrancy of the Chennai Music Season, an annual festival featuring an eclectic mix of classical music and dance performances across numerous venues. In addition, the winter months bring the Chennai International Film Festival and the festive celebrations of Pongal.

Chennai International Airport is located approximately 15 kilometres south of Chennai's city centre. Travellers can reach the city via a range of convenient options: the airport is well-served by prepaid taxis and app-based ride services. The journey to Chennais takes about 30 minutes. For those preferring public transport, the MTC (Metropolitan Transport Corporation) buses offer frequent services, while the newly introduced Chennai Airport Metro station provides a swift and modern link to key city areas.

In Chennai, the Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC) operates a vast network of buses, with over 3,000 buses servicing a variety of routes across the city, making an efficient way of getting around Chennai, though services can get very crowded. In addition to the bus network, there are also vans that are run like bus services called Maxi Cabs. They typically follow specific routes and pick up and drop off passengers at designated stops. Chennai also has a suburban railway network, connecting the suburbs with the city centre, and the airport south of Chennai with the city. For up-to-date information on timetables and fares, visit their official channels.

Traditional taxis are readily available in Chennai, though many are not metered, so it's wise to negotiate the fare beforehand to avoid surprises. A more convenient way to explore the city is with ride-sharing apps like Uber and Ola. And for a fun and unique way to experience Chennai's hustle and bustle, hop on an auto-rickshaw. They too often lack meters, so a friendly haggle over the fare will be your best bet.

In India, power plugs and sockets are of types C, D, and M, with a standard voltage of 230V and a frequency of 50Hz.