Book a trip from Dallas to Chennai with Cathay Pacific , fares from USD1,555

The most convenient option for travellers to get from Chennai International Airport to the city center is taking a taxi or cab, which takes roughly 45 minutes. The fastest option is the Chennai Metro Rail system, which connects the airport to downtown in around 40 minutes. For a more budget-friendly choice, public buses operated by the Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC) are available, with the journey taking around 90 minutes depending on traffic.

If you’re looking to start your holiday experiencing the Indian sunshine, Marina Beach is a great place for those starting their holiday, experiencing the lively seaside atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy peaceful sunrise and sunset walks along the sandy shore, while the promenade buzzes with activity, especially in the evenings, where numerous food stalls offer South Indian delicacies, snacks, and street food. Popular beach activities include flying kites, pony and camel rides, roller skating, beach cricket, and giant chess games, providing fun for all ages. The beach is lined with many statues and memorials honouring important national figures such as Mahatma Gandhi, Subramania Bharati, and M.G. Ramachandran, adding cultural significance.

For lovers of architecture, San Thome Cathedral, located in Chennai’s historic Mylapore area, is a remarkable Neo-Gothic basilica built in 1896 by the British over the tomb of St. Thomas the Apostle, one of Jesus Christ’s twelve disciples, believed to have preached in India around 52 A.D. This majestic white church features tall spires reaching 155 feet, pointed arches, richly detailed façades, stained glass windows made in Munich, and elaborate wooden interiors that showcase Gothic Revival architecture typical of 19th-century Europe. The site is spiritually significant, housing the saint's relics in an underground crypt beneath the main altar, attracting pilgrims and history enthusiasts alike.

Renowned as Chennai’s premier shopping hub, T. Nagar is famous for its large variety of silk sarees, gold jewellery, clothing, and accessories. Key shopping streets include Usman Road, home to iconic stores like Nalli Silks, Pothys, and Saravana Stores, and Pondy Bazaar, which offers a lively market atmosphere with a mix of branded outlets and street vendors. Besides shopping, T. Nagar has several parks such as Panagal Park and Natesan Park, which provide peaceful spots for relaxation after a busy day. For cultural experiences, visitors can explore nearby religious sites like the Arulmigu Sri Muppathamman Temple and Siva Vishnu Temple. Food lovers will find numerous local eateries and cafés offering South Indian delicacies and street food to savor.

Experience the ease of discovering convenient and luxurious hotels tailored for you with Cathay Holidays. Located just 8 kilometers from Chennai International Airport, Feathers Hotel ensures easy and hassle-free access for travelers. The hotel features 186 well-appointed rooms with modern amenities including air conditioning, minibars, LED TVs, and free toiletries. Guests can enjoy an outdoor swimming pool, a state-of-the-art fitness center, a relaxing spa, and multiple dining options, including the Waterside all-day dining restaurant and the speciality Tamil cuisine restaurant, Sangamithirai. The rooftop Skyloft bar offers panoramic views of the city skyline, perfect for unwinding after a day of sightseeing. For those wanting an opulent alternative, Orion Residency features air-conditioned rooms equipped with modern amenities like free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, work desks, tea and coffee making facilities, and some rooms even include fireplaces and city views. The hotel offers guests a cosy and pleasant environment, including services like a 24-hour front desk, a breakfast buffet, laundry, car parking, and travel desk support. Located centrally in Periyamed, Chennai, Orion Residency is within walking distance or a short drive to key attractions such as Marina Beach, Egmore Railway Station, Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, and Fort St George. Book your stay today and discover a wondrous world of rewards, including special accommodation, room upgrades, and access to lounge facilities.

Chennai entices food enthusiasts with its wide selection of restaurants, where culinary traditions from across the world converge to create an exquisite gastronomic experience. Specializing in South Indian vegetarian cuisine, Paati Veedu offers carefully curated multi-course meals that showcase a variety of classic flavors and time-honored recipes. The nostalgic ambience, featuring vintage décor such as athangudi tiles and handpicked artefacts, evokes the warmth and charm of a traditional South Indian home. Key menu highlights include the Poorna Bhakshana, a lavish 7-course meal featuring dishes like Mor Kozhambu (buttermilk curry), Keerai Kootu (spinach with lentils), Parupu Usli (chickpea stir-fry), and Urulai Roast (potato roast), served alongside comforting sides such as sambar, rasam, curd, and appalams. For those wanting an even more indulgent experience, the Maha Bhakshana offers a 9-course feast with additional seasonal delicacies. If you prefer a blend of traditional and fusion Asian dishes, Nasi and Mee offers an exciting culinary journey for those eager to taste authentic Southeast Asian flavors. Signature dishes include the Mee Goreng Mamak, a classic Malaysian fried noodle dish known for its balanced sweet, spicy, and savoury taste. The Char Kuey Teow, a stir-fried flat rice noodle dish, is also highly recommended for its smoky wok flavour. Appetizers such as Pandan Chicken and Chicken Satay deliver fragrant spices and tender grilled meat, perfect for sharing. For seafood lovers, the Batter Fried Prawns are a standout option. Vegetarian options include dishes like the Dynamite Broccoli, a flavorful stir-fried vegetable dish, and various noodle and rice preparations featuring fresh seasonal vegetables.

There’s plenty to remember when flying to a new destination. Here is some information that you should know before your flight to Chennai.

• Currency: Indian Rupee (₹, INR). Find out the current conversion rate.
• Plug: 230V Type C, D, or M
• Time zone: GMT+5:30
• Languages: Tamil