Cheap Flights to Chennai

When to fly

Chennai, affectionately referred to as the ‘Gateway of India’, is a popular tourist destination and is amongst the most populous urban areas in India. Visitors flying to Chennai will arrive in the South Eastern coast of India, and experience a tropical climate with the city buffeted by rainfall from the Monsoon and winds from cyclones that pass through the Bay of Bengal seasonally.

In January, Chennai Sangamam celebrates the Tamil Harvest Festival of Pongal which symbolises abundance from a fruitful harvest. Take a flight to Chennai at this time to create unforgettable memories and experience temple celebrations, decorated cows, martial arts, classic music, street plays, folk music and much more. Chennai Sangaman is India’s largest open festival which welcomes over 2,500 artists and 4,500 performance in venues such as beaches and parks.

January is a busy month of celebrations for Chennai as it also hosts Chennai Dance and Music Festival which is one of the largest of its kind in the world, and another great reason to visit Chennai in January. Visitors participate in this celebration of South Indian dance culture, several venues around the city host performances of vocal and instrumental music as well as dance from over 2,000 participants. The city comes alive with festivities throughout this unmissable cultural extravaganza.

Book in advance for cheap flights to Chennai during the summer season, which lasts from April to June. At this time the weather is hot and humid, reaching up to 42 degrees Celsius during the day. In the evening, temperatures cool off, dropping down to 25 degrees Celsius. The Monsoon season brings lots of rain between the months of June and September, continuing from October to December. If you don’t mind the weather, you can find cheap flights to Chennai during the school holidays in July and August.

City overview

Chennai, affectionately referred to as the ‘Gateway of India’, is a much favoured destination. It’s the capital city of Tamil Nadu and has a gloriously rich culture, which reflects in its Dravidian heritage. Chennai remains a cultural hub, where classical dance, architecture, music, crafts and sculpture interweave into its artistic fabric.

Consider taking a flight to Chennai to experience one of the festivals that occur throughout the year, one of the most famous ones being Pongal. This festival marks the beginning of a 6-month period, when the sun makes its journey northwards. Pongal usually begins in the second week of January and lasts for 4 days. December is another exciting time to visit, to attend the music festival.

Guests are treated to a host of performances, from Tamil Nadu’s most prominent artists. A variety of dance festivals are staged throughout the year and you should check out Bharat Natyam. This classical dance is beautifully expressive and synonymous to Tamil Nadu culture.

Marina Beach is a top tourist hotspot and honeymooning couples can enjoy long romantic walks alongside the ocean. There is a great selection of restaurants to dine at here and natural scenic surroundings, make this location a favourite for Hindu and Islamic festivals.

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How long is the flight to Chennai?

Flying from the United Kingdom to Chennai, India is a simple thing to do, and travelers will have a number of options from all of the major cities in the country such as from London, Manchester, and Birmingham. The total amount of travel time can vary, and one can expect these to range from 12h 10m to 18h 33m. The difference in flight times depends, of course, on departing city and how many stops are made. For example, leaving from Birmingham (BHX) and traveling to Chennai International Airport (MAA) on Emirates airlines will take 13h 35m with one-stop. However, there is also a two-stop option that takes 36h 45m.

Where can you get direct flights to Chennai from?

London, specifically Heathrow airport, is usually the most convenient place to get a direct flight to Chennai. British Airways offers a nonstop flight for those interested that takes only 10h 5m to go from LHR to MAA. Other airlines, such as easyJet, Emirates, Qatar Airlines, and Turkish Airlines do all offer trips from the United Kingdom do Chennai, but they do make at least one stop along the way, and sometimes two or more. As such, there are many options to meet a variety of traveling needs when it comes to visiting Chennai.

How do you get from the Chennai International Airport (MAA) to the city centre?

The Chennai International Airport (MAA) is a little over six miles to the southwest from the heart of the city. There are plenty of options one can take advantage of in order to reach hotels, travel spots, and points of interest from the airport. Both public transportation and taxis are available to be used. Travelers can also rent a car at the airport with several different companies providing service. All of these services can also be set up prior to landing to travelers will be ready to go once they’ve picked up their baggage.

What are some things to do in Chennai?

Marina Beach is an incredibly popular recreational shoreline that people love to hit up for some fun in the sun. There is also the Kapaleeshwarar Temple that is full of wonder and history, and the Government Museum houses a vast collection of bronzes, Indian art, and a children’s museum that tourists greatly enjoy. There are also many walking tours that people can go on in the city, as well as a plethora of shops and restaurants that serve incredible food. And for those who want a little extra pampering, there are companies that will arrange private tours tailored specifically for each group.

Do I need a passport or visa to fly to Chennai?

Citizens of the UK can visit India for up to 60 days with an India E-Tourist visa if they are coming solely for tourist purposes. These visas should be applied for at least four days before travel in order to be sure that they will be ready before departure.

Getting around Chennai

Trains are a reliable and convenient way to travel around the city and can be a preferred option over taxis as roads are quite congested. There are two main long distance trains that connect Chennai to the nearby cities of Mumbai, Delhi and Bangalore. Make sure you book your train tickets in advance if you are planning to visit any of them. The suburban network train service travels across the city. Buses are another option and ideal when travelling to Marina Beach.

Getting downtown

Flights to Chennai will take you to Chennai International Airport (MAA) which is located across the areas of Tirusulam, Meenambakkam and Pallavaram, around 10 miles (16 km) south-west of the city centre. Most travellers catch prepaid taxis to the city. Tirusulam train station is also located nearby, opposite the airport. Suburban trains from this station take passengers to Egmore in the city centre. The journey time is around 40 minutes in duration.

There are also bus services to the city, however the bus stops are located a considerable distance away from new airport terminals. You can also book airport transfers online in advance. Rental car desks are also situated throughout the airport.

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