Plan a CruiseChennai, historically known as Madras, is India's fourth-largest city and the capital of the southern state of Tamil Nadu. Located on the Coromandel coast of the Bay of Bengal, it is often called the "Gateway to the South" and offers a vibrant culture distinct from northern India. Your cruise ship will dock at the Madras Pier, approximately 5 miles from the city center.
Chennai Port features a modern 3200 sq meter Cruise Passenger Terminal at West Quay-IV in Ambedkar Dock. This state-of-the-art facility provides amenities such as ticket counters, a VIP waiting lounge, a food court, duty-free shops, a money changer, a communication center, and full immigration and customs services. A large bazaar selling Indian products like leather, wood, and brass is often found in the port area, offering immediate shopping opportunities.
Getting Around from the Port
The Madras Pier is located about 5 miles from the center of Chennai. Taxis are generally available directly at the pier for easy access to the city. For independent exploration or day trips, Tourist Cabs are recommended. They typically cost around INR 10 per kilometer, plus an hourly hire charge of INR 50. Special rates may apply for destinations like Chennai Central or the airport. For those looking to use public transport, the suburban train network (MRTS) has a station, Chennai Beach, conveniently close to the port.
Attractions and Activities
With 8-10 hours in port, you can explore Chennai's rich history and culture or venture to nearby attractions.
Within Chennai:
- Sri Kapaleeswarar Temple: Located in Mylapore, this 8th-century Pallava temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, featuring impressive Dravidian architecture and bronze idols of 63 Saivite Saints.
- Fort St. George: Built in 1640 by the British East India Company, this historic bastion houses St. Mary's Church and a fort museum.
- Guindy National Park: Unique as the country's only wildlife sanctuary within city limits, it's home to spotted deer, black buck, and various smaller fauna.
- Government Museum Complex: Once a British meeting place, this complex now includes the Connemara Library (one of India's National Libraries) and the National Art Gallery, housed in a beautiful Jaipur-Mughal style building.
- Valluvar Kottam: A striking memorial to poet-saint Tiruvalluvar, shaped like a 33-meter-tall temple chariot. It features a life-size statue of the saint and bas-reliefs depicting the 133 chapters of his work, Thirukkural.
- Birla Planetarium: A modern planetarium located between Adyar and Guindy, with an adjoining Periyar Science and Technology Museum.
- The Marina: A magnificent two-mile beach drive and promenade stretching along the Coovum River, featuring the 16th-century San Thome Basilica at its southern end.
Nearby Day Trips (using Tourist Cabs):
- Kanchipuram: Approximately 40 miles from Chennai, this ancient "city of a thousand temples" is one of Hinduism's seven most sacred pilgrim centers. Around 126 temples remain, showcasing its past as a capital for the Early Cholas and Pallavas. Allow significant travel time.
- Anna Zoological Park at Vandalur: Spread over 1,265 acres, this is South Asia's largest zoo, offering a rich variety of mammals, reptiles, and birds in natural surroundings, including a special enclosure for nocturnal creatures.
- V.G.P Golden Beach Resort: A popular beach resort offering entertainment for children and adults, folk dance performances, an art center with handicrafts, and a clean beach ideal for sunbathing.
Dining & Shopping
At the cruise terminal, you will find two duty-free shops as well as a large bazaar offering a variety of Indian products like leather goods, wood carvings, and brass items.
For shopping beyond the port, Chennai is renowned for its textiles, especially cotton, which was a founding reason for the city. Kanchipuram, about 40 miles away, is famous for its high-quality silk, which can be readily purchased in Chennai. Other popular souvenirs include Indian handicrafts such as wood carvings, inlaid work, ivory, and sandalwood, as well as traditional Indian jewelry in gold or with diamond and stone settings. A crucial warning for shoppers: an export certificate is required for any items over 100 years old. The terminal also features a food court.
Safety
While generally safe, it's advisable to be cautious when using internet kiosks. There have been reports of credit card thefts via key loggers, so avoid making online purchases or sensitive transactions at public internet terminals.
Currency and Language
The local currency is the Indian Rupee (INR). While major retail chains and Westernized establishments in big cities accept credit cards, many small businesses and family-run stores prefer cash. It's recommended to carry a moderate amount of cash for smaller purchases and local vendors. A money changer is available within the cruise terminal.