Book a trip from Dallas to Chennai with Cathay Pacific , fares from USD732

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.

Start your holiday at Theosophical Society, a serene and spiritually enriching destination away from the city’s hustle. Founded in 1875, the Society’s sprawling 27-acre campus offers lush gardens, historic buildings, and a unique blend of spirituality, nature, and culture. Visitors can explore the famous 450-year-old Great Banyan Tree, whose roots cover an astonishing 40,000 square feet, making it one of the largest banyan trees in the world. The grounds, also known as Huddleston Gardens, are home to diverse flora and fauna, including migratory birds like parakeets, woodpeckers, and cuckoos, providing a tranquil nature walk experience. The campus features several architectural landmarks such as the Bharata Samaja Temple (Temple of Light), a Buddhist shrine, a Zoroastrian Fire Temple, and the Church of St. Michael and All Angels, showcasing a harmonious blend of different faiths.

Known as one of South India’s largest shopping districts, T Nagar is famous for its extensive range of silk sarees, gold jewelery, textiles, and electronics. Key shopping streets include Usman Road, lined with renowned stores like Nalli Silks and Saravana Stores, and Pondy Bazaar, a lively market offering everything from apparel to accessories and street food. For a more chaotic and authentic experience, explore Ranganathan Street, where you’ll find everything from household goods to local snacks. Beyond shopping, T Nagar offers entertainment options such as the INOX multiplex on North Usman Road, perfect for catching the latest films, and Rani Seethai Hall, a historic venue hosting cultural performances. Nearby, visitors can relax at Panagal Park or visit the iconic Valluvar Kottam monument dedicated to the Tamil poet-philosopher Thiruvalluvar. A short distance away, Semmozhi Poonga Botanical Garden offers a peaceful green escape.

With its blend of educational exhibits, interactive experiences, and cultural performances, Dakshinachitra provides a memorable and enriching conclusion to your holiday. Situated about 25 kilometers south of Central Chennai, overlooking the Bay of Bengal, it's a convenient stop en route to Mahabalipuram. Visitors can explore 18 authentic historical houses, meticulously reconstructed from various South Indian states like Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh, providing insight into diverse architectural styles and traditional living. Here you can also observe skilled artisans demonstrating ancient crafts such as wood carving, weaving, and pottery, and even try your hand at simple art and craft activities. The museum regularly hosts cultural events, including colorful folk dances, music, and storytelling, offering a vibrant immersion into regional traditions.

Make your trip from Dallas to Chennai one to remember by booking luxury accommodation with Cathay Holidays. With us, you’ll discover a wondrous world of rewards, including special accommodation, room upgrades, and lounge access. Once home to the legendary Gemini Studios, The Park Chennai preserves this legacy with film projections illuminating the lobby after dark, blending timeless grandeur with modern design. Guests can choose from plush rooms, including Luxury City Facing rooms that offer sweeping views of Chennai’s vibrant cityscape, combining aesthetics and comfort seamlessly. The hotel boasts four distinctive restaurants serving authentic Indian, Italian, and international cuisine around the clock. Highlights include 601, a 24-hour dining venue with live kitchen counters, and Lotus Thai, inspired by the rare Blue Lotus flower, offering a serene yet sensuous ambiance. For nightlife, Pasha nightclub provides an intimate setting with divan-style seating and candlelight, while Aqua, the poolside bar, offers a breezy spot to unwind with city views. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly alternative, Hotel Southern Residency is an affordable and comfortable option. The hotel offers clean, well-maintained rooms equipped with modern amenities like air conditioning, free WiFi, minibars, and flat-screen TVs. Guests appreciate the courteous staff, complimentary breakfast with a variety of tasty South Indian dishes, and a relaxing bar and restaurant serving both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. Located near the Old Mahabalipuram Road (OMR), Southern Residency provides easy access to several nearby attractions. Just moments away is the scenic Muttukadu Boat House, where visitors can enjoy boating and water sports. For beach lovers, Covelong Beach offers a peaceful spot to relax and explore. Families can visit MGM Dizzee World, a popular amusement park about 10 minutes from the hotel, perfect for fun-filled outings. The cultural village DakshinaChitra, showcasing South Indian heritage and crafts, is also nearby. By booking a holiday package or hotel through Cathay Holidays, you will be able to earn additional miles for your stay.

Chennai entices food lovers with its vibrant restaurant scene, where an eclectic mix of international flavors intertwines, inviting diners on a mouthwatering journey of culinary fusion. With a menu that celebrates the taste of Southeast Asia, Nasi and Mee is a must-visit for those looking for an unforgettable Asian dining experience. Start with popular starters like Prawn Har Gao, traditional Cantonese dumplings filled with seasoned prawns, or the Spicy Sambal Chicken Satay, grilled chicken skewers marinated in a flavorful Indonesian-style spicy sauce. For a lighter option, try the Honey Chilli Lotus Stem, a sweet and spicy crunchy snack, or the Five Spice Crispy Corn, tossed in Chinese five-spice powder. For mains, the N&M Nasi Goreng is Malaysian fried rice served with fried egg, satay, cucumber, and keropok, available with chicken, prawns, or vegetables. The Mee Laksa Soup is a spicy Singapore Katong-style noodle soup with coconut milk and lemongrass, while the Pad Thai offers classic Thai flavors with rice noodles, tofu, and crushed peanuts. If you’re travelling in a group, Smoke Hub BBQ offers a menu that blends Arabian, Chinese, and Indian spices, creating a unique fusion experience. Start your meal with standout vegetarian starters like Kerala Green Pepper Paneer, Chilli Garlic Mushroom, and Peri Peri Crispy Corn. Non-vegetarian options include the highly recommended Charcoal BBQ Chicken, Honey Chicken Wings, and Punjabi BBQ Fish, all known for their smoky, spicy flavours. The Mutton Methi Sheek Kebab and Tandoori Chicken Tikka are also favourites among meat lovers. From the live counter, try a variety of dosas such as Chicken Keema Dosa or Seafood Dosa, as well as classic options like Plain Dosa and Paneer Dosa. For mains, the menu offers Indian classics like Butter Chicken Masala, Chicken Biryani, and Kerala Fish Curry, alongside vegetarian delights like Butter Paneer Masala and Gobi Manchurian.

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