Chennai or Madras is an ancient city and has been an important cultural and trade centre of South East Asia. One of the most important tourist destinations of India, the city attracts a huge number of medical tourists. Ranked as one of the best cosmopolitan cities in the world by Lonely Planet, you will never be surprised by what the city of Chennai has to offer.
Well known for its aromatic filter coffee and delightful delicacies, a trip to Chennai would be an experience you cannot forget. While touring, you will come across several monuments and architectural wonders, elaborately decorated temples and a well-defined cityscape. Also, do not forget to visit the serene Marina beach for soaking in the stunning breeze coming from the Bay of Bengal.
Visit the enchanting city of Chennai where culture, heritage, and globalization go together.
Explore & Travel chennai
chennai Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
- #BEST TIME TO VISIT
- #CLOTHES
- #DOMESTIC FLIGHTS
- #ELECTRICITY
- #FAIRS AND FESTIVALS
- #FOOD
- #GENERAL
- #GUIDES
- #HEALTH, WELLNESS AND HOSPITALS
- #HOTELS
- #INSURANCE
- #LANGUAGE
- #MONEY AND CREDIT CARDS
- #MONUMENTS
- #MOVING AROUND
- #NIGHT LIFE
- #PHOTOGRAPHY
- #RELIGIOUS PLACES
- #SAFETY
- #SHOPPING
- #TELEPHONE AND MOBILE/SIM CARDS
- #THINGS TO DO
- #TIPPING
- #VACCINATIONS
- #VISA
- #WATER AND DRINKS
- #WEATHER
BEST TIME TO VISIT
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Q.Most suitable time to visit Chennai?A.Winters (month of October to February) are most suitable for visiting Chennai.
CLOTHES
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Q.List of must-pack clothes for Chennai?A.Include soft cotton clothes for the Chennai. The weather is mostly hot and humid so natural fabric with easy flowing air is most suitable. Also, include a pair of shorts and flip-flops in your packing list.
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Q.What type of clothes should I avoid while visiting religious places?A.While visiting religious places, try to wear clothes that cover your head, shoulders, and knees.
DOMESTIC FLIGHTS
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Q.Can I get complimentary meals on the flight?A.Usually, premium carriers offer complimentary meal or snacks for their guests. However, for low-cost airlines, you will have to buy snacks or meals on board.
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Q.When do domestic airlines close their counter for check-in?A.The domestic airliners close their window 45 minutes before the take-off.
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Q.For domestic airlines to Chennai, how much baggage is permitted?A.According to most private airlines, permitted cabin baggage limit is 7 kg and check-in baggage is 15 kg.
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Q.Are Indian domestic airliners safe to travel? What are their pricing caps?A.Indian airliners are reliable and safe to travel. If you book your flights early, then you might be able to get a good discount on the tickets, making them cheap to travel.
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Q.Do Indian airliners take-off on time?A.Yes, most airlines operate on time.
ELECTRICITY
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Q.What is the permitted electricity volt at Chennai?A.At Chennai, or in that case all over India, 220 volts is permitted. For running the appliances with 110 volts, you will need a converter as well as a travel adapter.
FAIRS AND FESTIVALS
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Q.What are must visit fairs & festivals in Chennai?A.Pongal – Celebrated in the mid-January, according to the lunisolar calendar
Puthandu (Tamil New Year) – Mid April
Margazhi Festival of Dance and Music – last week of December
FOOD
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Q.I am following a specific diet and have several food restrictions. Can you provide me with food according to my requirements?A.Yes, we can surely help you with that. Reach out to our representatives at https://www.india-tours.com/ for more information.
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Q.Will eating raw fruits and vegetables on the road offend people on the streets of Chennai?A.Definitely not.
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Q.Are the local delicacies of Chennai too spicy?A.Few of them, especially the Chettinad cuisines, have a bit higher spice quotient. But you will also get lots of mild and less spicy dishes to savour as well.
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Q.Can I get vegan food at Chennai?A.Yes. Multiple restaurants at Chennai serve aromatic and tasty vegan as well as vegetarian food.
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Q.I am on a high protein diet. Will I get meat based items at Chennai?A.Yes, they are readily available.
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Q.Will you be able to provide kosher food on my Chennai tour?A.We can provide your required dietary requirement on prior intimation. For more information, contact our representatives at https://www.india-tours.com/.
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Q.I consume only halal-approved items. Will you be able to help me with that?A.Yes, we surely can.
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Q.Will I get non-spicy European cuisines on my Chennai tour?A.Yes, you can certainly get non-spicy European food at Chennai.
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Q.Is Dominos India operational at Chennai?A.Yes, Dominos is operational at Chennai. Apart from that, Pizza Hut, Mc Donalds and KFC are also operational in the city.
GENERAL
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Q.Things to include while packing for India?A.If you are travelling to a tropical wet-dry region like Chennai, then pack light and airy cotton clothes for summers. For winters, you can layer your clothes. Try including good quality walking shoes and a pair of flip-flops. Additionally, remember to pack your scarf and tow pair of socks for your Chennai tour.
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Q.What are some of the rules of etiquette one must follow at India?A.At India, dressing moderately is the key. While meeting someone new, try to greet them with folded hands. Also, while visiting someone in India, it is advisable to keep the shoes outside.
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Q.Will I find ramps for my wheel chair at popular monuments of Chennai?A.Most monuments and landmarks at Chennai have facilities for their differently-abled visitors.
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Q.I am suffering from blindness and planning on visiting Chennai. Will I be able to visit the local monuments without issue?A.Yes, most monuments are disable-friendly, so you will not have much trouble touring the city.
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Q.I want to visit the local schools in and around Chennai. Is it possible?A.Yes, that could be arranged. Approach our representatives at https://www.india-tours.com/ for more information.
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Q.Is it safe to give money to children begging on streets?A.You should avoid giving money to children on the streets. The quick money, earned from begging, keeps these children from going to schools and getting a proper education. Instead, if you feel like helping them, you can always donate the money to institutions working towards helping these children.
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Q.What are some basic words in Hindi to help me get by?A.Welcome – Swagat hai (svāgat ha-e)
How are you? – Aap Kaise Ho (āp Kaise ho)?
Goodnight – Subh Ratri (śubh rātr)
Have a nice day – Aap ka din aacha beete (āp kā din acchā bīte)
Thank you - Dhanyawaad (dhanyavād) -
Q.What is most commonly practiced religion in India?A.Hinduism, followed by Islam and Sikhism.
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Q.Can I get European styles of toilets India?A.Yes.
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Q.We belong to LGBT community. Will we face prejudice in India?A.Although homosexuality has been decriminalized a few years back, it is still advised to refrain from public display of affection (PDA) on the streets.
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Q.Can you recommend some places with less amount of tourist footfall around Chennai?A.Some of the offbeat locations in Chennai are
• Little Mount Church
• Huddleston Gardens of Theosophical Society
• Kalakshetra
• Fort George complex -
Q.Is it safe to travel to India with family?A.Yes, India is a suitable family destination.
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Q.Is Chennai a much polluted city?A.Unfortunately, Chennai is one of the top five polluted cities.
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Q.Will I be stared upon in Chennai?A.Most locals are friendly and amicable, so instances of staring at foreign tourists are very less.
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Q.Is there a special police force, or tourist police, for travelers?A.There is no special police force for tourists at Chennai, but the popular landmark is heavily guarded by the state police force. Apart from that, tourists can call toll-free number 1800111363, for information regarding the tourist destination and its security arrangements.
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Q.I am trying to locate some snake charmers in the streets of Chennai? Where can I find one?A.Capturing and taming wild animals is prohibited in India since the late 1970s. So, chances of you finding one at the Chennai streets are very slim.
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Q.Will I be able to see stray cows or dogs in Chennai streets?A.Yes, you may.
GUIDES
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Q.I will need Chinese speaking guide on my Chennai tour. Will you be able to make the arrangements?A.Yes, we may. Reach out to us at https://www.india-tours.com/ with your requests. We will surely help you with your request.
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Q.Can I get a female guide for my all-women group?A.Yes, you can book female guides for your trip. Reach out to us at https://www.india-tours.com/ with your requests, we will surely help you.
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Q.I do not want to hire any guides while travelling at Chennai. Will I find audio guides at popular monuments of the city?A.You will surely find audio-guides at many tourist attractions of the city. But, hiring a professional guide ensures you have a better understanding of the place.
HEALTH, WELLNESS AND HOSPITALS
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Q.Will I be able to find good hospitals at Chennai?A.Yes, there are several multi-speciality hospitals in the city offering quality medical care to the patients.
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Q.I need specialty medical care for my condition. Can I find the required medical care at Chennai?A.Yes. Chennai has a wide network of super-speciality hospitals and medical centres offering care and treatment to its patients.
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Q.Will I get over the counter medicines for common ailments?A.Yes, Chennai has several small and big pharmacies spread all over the city that sells common medicines for fever, stomach aches, headaches, and so on.
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Q.Will I find Ayurveda Treatment Centers in Chennai?A.Chennai has some renowned Ayurveda treatment centres. Reach out to our representatives at https://www.india-tours.com/ for more information.
HOTELS
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Q.Are international brand hotels available in Chennai?A.Yes.
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Q.Are Chennai hotels expensive?A.Chennai has hotels suiting every budget and lifestyle. Contact our representatives at https://www.india-tours.com/ for more information.
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Q.Can you provide me with a lump sum amount for accommodation at Chennai?A.Most budget hotels would cost around 1,300 -2,000 per day. However, you might be able to book luxury hotel chains in the city as well.
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Q.Are there heritage hotels in Chennai?A.Yes, there are quite a handful heritage hotels at Chennai. For more information, you can always approach our representatives at https://www.india-tours.com/.
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Q.Do the hotels in Chennai maintain hygiene? Do they have modern amenities?A.Yes, to both. Most high rated hotels of the city maintain superior quality hygiene.
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Q.Are Chennai hotels safe for travelers?A.Yes, they most definitely are.
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Q.I am 35 years old female traveler and will be travelling alone on my trip to Chennai. Is it a safe city to stay?A.Yes. The city is safe for women.
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Q.Will I be able to find handicapped friendly hotels in Chennai?A.You may find several options for handicapped travellers in Chennai.
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Q.Do hotels have handicapped friendly toilets in Chennai?A.Hotels with handicap friendly infrastructure will surely have suitable washrooms and toilets for their guests. However, outside the hotel, one might find it difficult to locate such washrooms.
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Q.Can I find western toilets in the hotels or restaurants in Chennai?A.You will surely.
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Q.Do bars and restaurants close early in Chennai?A.No, major bar and pubs in Chennai close by midnight.
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Q.Is there an easier way to book a hotel or a holiday home in Chennai?A.Yes. For hotel bookings or tours you can always reach out to https://www.india-tours.com/.
INSURANCE
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Q.Is it important to have a medical and travel insurance for Chennai trip?A.Travel insurance covers you in case of loss of luggage and theft. Additionally, medical insurance can help protect the person in case of medical emergencies.
LANGUAGE
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Q.Will I be able to converse in English?A.Yes, most Chennaites understand English.
MONEY AND CREDIT CARDS
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Q.Can Indian ATMs dispense foreign currency?A.No. Most Indian ATMs do not dispense foreign currencies.
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Q.Can you recommend me some places where I can exchange foreign currencies?A.Our representatives at https://www.india-tours.com/ would be happy to help you. Please reach out to them for the required information.
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Q.Can I securely complete a transaction via credit cards in hotels, shops and restaurants of Chennai?A.Yes, you may. However, stay cautious regarding sharing your pin and CVV number with a stranger.
MONUMENTS
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Q.When are most monuments closed in Chennai?A.St. George’s Fort – Friday
Freemasons Hall – Saturday and Sunday
Valluvar Kottam Monument – Fridays and Public holidays
Madras War Cemetery – Sundays and Public holidays
Armenian Church - Sundays and Public holidays -
Q.Can I avail public conveniences while traveling in Chennai?A.Yes. Chennai has an elaborate system of public transport, making even the remote corners of the city accessible to the tourists.
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Q.Can I get wheel chairs while touring monuments in Chennai?A.Most monuments in Chennai do not have infrastructure suitable for wheelchair-bound guests.
MOVING AROUND
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Q.Can you recommend the most convenient way to travel in Chennai?A.Public transport is a good option for touring the city. It is cheap, and less impacting on the environment.
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Q.Should I book self driven cars in Chennai?A.Yes, you may. But, public transport in Chennai is well-connected and affordable. Availing them could mean saving more.
NIGHT LIFE
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Q.I want to attend classical programs in Chennai. Where can I go for that?A.Chennai is well known for its classical culture. You can visit several musical and dance festivals organized throughout the city for getting the feel of Carnatic Classical music.
PHOTOGRAPHY
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Q.Are there restrictions on taking photographs in public places?A.You can take photographs in most public places. However, places were photography is prohibited, it would be clearly mentioned.
RELIGIOUS PLACES
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Q.Can you mention some religious places where I can pray?A.There are plenty of options for offering your prayers at Chennai.
Churches - Santhome Church, St Mary’s Church, CSI Holy Cross Church, St. Andrews Church
Mosques - Thousand Lights Mosque, Qurasani Mosque, Wallajah Mosque
Temples – Kapaleeswarar Temple, Ekambareswarar Temple, Parthasarathy Temple, Vadapalani Andavar temple. -
Q.Do I need to follow a particular dress code for visiting the religious temples?A.While visiting religious places, remember to dress moderately. It is advisable to cover your head while entering a mosque or temple. Besides that, avoid wearing shorts and tees that are very revealing.
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Q.Will I be allowed to enter the religious places?A.Most religious places are open to foreign tourists. In case of specific entry restrictions, it would be announced to the visitors beforehand.
SAFETY
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Q.Is Chennai a safe city for solo woman/girl/family?A.Yes. The entire city is covered under CCTV surveillance, as well as 24 hours police patrolling, ensures the visitors are safe.
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Q.What should I do if someone asks me for a selfie?A.In situations like these, always take the help of presence of mind. If you are not comfortable sharing your photo with a stranger, then it is better to speak up.
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Q.Will it be dangerous to accept the invitation to go out in the night with a local?A.If you are confident about the person, then you can surely go-ahead for a night out plan. However, in an unknown city, avoiding invitations from strangers is always advisable.
SHOPPING
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Q.Items that I should buy from Chennai?A.Silk and cotton dress materials, traditional temple jewellery, handicrafts, and so on.
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Q.What is the best way to haggle in Chennai?A.At Chennai, you can haggle till you arrive at the best deals. Usually, you quote an amount 30% to 40% lower than the price quoted by the seller. Now, both the parties haggle till they reach an amount suitable for both. When you reach an agreement, you pay the amount and the item is yours.
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Q.Will I be able to find cigarettes in Chennai?A.Cigarettes are readily available in almost all the corners of the city. However, public smoking is banned in the city, and strict penalties are levied on the person who breaks the rule.
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Q.Is it wise to visit the shops recommended by the drivers?A.Drivers usually get a percentage of the sales for bringing in tourists to a particular shop. This increases the cost of the product your buy from their recommended stores. The wise thing would be to do a market survey before shopping so that you get the best deals.
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Q.Can you recommend some specialty items to get from Chennai?A.You can always talk to our representatives to know what to get from Chennai. For more information, visit https://www.india-tours.com/.
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Q.Do shops in Chennai sell genuine items?A.To get the real and genuine products, go for the government-run stores and co-operatives. Plus, before buying, check if the item has government-issued certification or marks that prove its authenticity.
TELEPHONE AND MOBILE/SIM CARDS
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Q.What is the procedure to get a local SIM card in Chennai?A.Foreign tourists are required to submit the following documents to get a local SIM
Photographs
Copy of personal details page of the passport
Copy of Indian visa
Copy of the home address
Proof of Indian address
THINGS TO DO
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Q.Is it advisable for the foreign tourists to visit the local markets in Chennai?A.Yes, you may do that.
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Q.I want to learn cooking at Chennai. Is it possible to find suitable culinary class in the city?A.Yes, there are several culinary classes available in the city that offers short term courses designed for tourists. Talk to our representatives at https://www.india-tours.com/ to know more.
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Q.Where can I attend Yoga classes in Chennai?A.You can attend specialized yoga classes meant for the tourists at Chennai. Our representatives would be at https://www.india-tours.com/ would be able to help you in getting into suitable classes.
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Q.What are some must-do things at Chennai?A.For starters, visiting the Marina Beach is a must for every visitor to Chennai. The city has plenty of scope for tours that suites your taste and preferences. Our representatives can help you in choosing the right tour package for your Chennai escapade.
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Q.Can I volunteer at local NGOs or schools for charity activities?A.Yes, you may.
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Q.Is it possible to attend Classical Indian Dances lessons in Chennai?A.Yes.
TIPPING
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Q.What is social norm for tipping at Chennai?A.Usually, you can pay 5% to 7% of your total bill as a tip. However, if the restaurant is charging you for ‘service charge’, then you should avoid paying the tip.
VACCINATIONS
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Q.What vaccinations do I need to travel to Chennai?A.Vaccination for cholera, Japanese Encephalitis, Hepatitis A, diphtheria, tetanus, and typhoid is required.
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Q.What are the recommended vaccinations for travelling to Chennai?A. Up to date vaccines for mumps, measles, and rubella
yellow fever (YF) vaccine
Meningococcal vaccine -
Q.Can you mention some medicines that I should carry while travelling to Chennai?A. Diarrhea antibiotic
Medicines for treating Malaria
Mild laxative
Cough drops
Medicine for pain and fever
Antihistamine
Motion sickness medicine
Decongestant
Saline nose spray
VISA
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Q.Will I be permitted to enter Chennai on an E- Visa?A.Yes, you can enter any Indian city with E-Visa.
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Q.What is the validity period of E-Visa?A.The visa-on-arrival is valid for one year from the date of issue.
WATER AND DRINKS
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Q.Will I get bottled water in Chennai?A.Yes, you can find bottled water in almost every corner of the city.
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Q.Will I contract some diseases if I drink tap water?A.Taps marked as ‘drinking water’ are safe for drinking.
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Q.Is bottled water readily available in Chennai?A.Yes, almost all the roadside stalls, hotels, restaurants, and supermarkets sell bottled drinking water.
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Q.Should I brush my teeth with tap water?A.Yes, you may do that.
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Q.Where can I get vodka or cocktails in Chennai?A.There are several options for pubs and bars in Chennai serving good quality drinks and cocktails.
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Q.Will I contact some diseases if I drink tea and coffee from roadside stalls at Chennai?A.No.
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Q.Do I get unadulterated milk in Chennai?A.Yes.
WEATHER
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Q.Which is the most suitable time to travel to Chennai?A.Winters, from October to February, is most suitable for Chennai visit.
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Q.How is the weather of Chennai?A.Chennai weather is mostly hot and humid, with torrential rains during the period of retreating monsoons.
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Q.When do monsoons in Chennai arrive?A.Usually, monsoons in Chennai arrive during end of June. However, Chennai gets a spell of retreating monsoon during November as well.
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Q.Does it rain incessantly during monsoons in Chennai?A.During the monsoons, Chennai receives heavy rainfall.
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