Chennai is a coastal city and the capital city of Tamil Nadu. It also boasts of being rich in tradition and culture while being the largest economic and educational hub in South India. There are several tourist places to visit in Chennai including the famous and long Marina Beach. It is also listed among the world’s best cosmopolitan city and ranks 9th. But during your visit, you should try to avoid a few things to ensure safe and hassle-free stay. You can select itc grand chola Chennai to have a comfortable stay throughout your trip.
Some dos & don’ts in Chennai for tourists to follow
- Avoid smoking in public areas: It is quite natural for tourists to be physically exhausted from all those sight-seeing and long travel. Taking a small break indeed the best way to improve the mood. However, when lighting your cigarette, make sure to understand the laws that govern the place so as to be on the right side of law. Some cities have implemented strict smoking laws when in public and Chennai city is one of them. Smoking here in public will only invite penalties and even visit to the police station. The citizens here take the environment quite seriously, something the whole world is now concerned about and taking serious steps.
- Avoid keeping the wallet in your pant’s back pocket: Chennai does not rank much high in crimes. Solo female travellers can enjoy their trip to the city as well as other cities in Tamil Nadu without much trouble or hassle. This place is completely safe, thus suggesting low crime rate here. But you are likely to be harassed by beggars here along with pick-pocketing issues. So take care of your valuables. In crowded places, do stay alert. Wallets are best kept in your pant’s front pocket or handbag.
- Do not make fun or disrespect their language in any manner: It is quite natural for every person to have a strong affinity towards his/her mother tongue. Tamilians do value their language a lot and do not tolerate others making fun of it in any manner, even as a small joke. The natives do find it utterly disrespectful. Wherever you go, try to develop a cordial relationship, thus allowing you to enjoy your trip.
- Avoid getting fooled by local auto-drivers: You can easily travel across Chennai city by taking autos, considered to be the easily availed transport here besides trains and buses. But the auto drivers here seem not to care for the meter reading much. Rather, they tend to charge different rates and more from tourists. Try to know the rates of going to a specific place in advance. Ask for the rate before you get into the auto and do bargain for a better rate. Avoid getting into unwanted trouble.
- Avoid littering around: Generally, it is not a good thing to litter dirt and plastic around. Chennai city is quite strict concerning littering rules. To stop people from littering around, the city council has imposed stringent laws and fines ranging around Rs. 100 to Rs. 25,000. The beaches here are kept clean and should not be littered with anything. You will only end up paying hefty fines if you are caught dirtying the place. There are trash boxes kept here and around all over the beach as well as in all parts of the city where trashes are to be deposited. Follow them to be a good traveller and citizen of Earth.
- Dress accordingly: The people of Chennai city are known for following strictly their religious habits and traditions. They are a bit conservative in nature. Hence, when visiting this city, you cannot imagine wearing tiny pair of shorts to go beach hopping or in public or the road. This is not only unsafe, but will also invite unwanted looks and criticisms from people around. Also avoid wearing something that is excessively revealing.
- Do remember to carry along an umbrella: During the summer season, the weather of Chennai city can be quite ruthless. The unfavourable scorching heat is likely to make you tired very quickly. If you are travelling during this time of the year, then do carry an umbrella to escape the heat. Also, the summers here are usually rainier when compared to other cities. This is another reason to carry an umbrella.
- Do not badmouth Kollywood Industry: You can find almost every Tamilian worshipping their film stars like gods and goddesses. Some favourite actors also have temples constructed in their honour. Hence, you should not disrespect or make unnecessary comments about this industry or its actors.
- Stay hydrated: During the peak summer season, the temperatures here might reach about 41 degree Celsius. Begin a coastal city that is established close to the equator, humidity in the region is quite high. When going outside, you are likely to sweat a lot. Hence, it is crucial to drink lots of water to avoid that drained feeling.
- Do not lower down your guard: Although the city is considered to be a safe place for tourists, including solo female travellers, it will be wise to maintain caution when travelling alone. Avoid going out at night. Always book a hotel that is safe and offers all comforts to have a great stay like itc grand chola Chennai. Taking small precautionary steps will go a long way to avoid several unpleasant incidents. If alone, always move with the crowd and avoid those remote locations having less or no people. It might not be safe and you will not want to be the next victim. It is wise to be safe than to be sorry later.
Chennai is undoubtedly one of the most visited tourist places in India and hence, should be on your travel list. This heritage city does boast of having lots of interesting places to visit and special attractions meant for everyone including kids. It also is the perfect blend of modernity with age old culture and traditionalism. Do remember to avoid the above mentioned things and follow some tips to be safe and make the most of the trip.