Chennai, commonly known as Madras, is a bustling metropolis on India’s southern coast. The city has a rich cultural legacy and is well-known for its old temples, stunning beaches, and delectable cuisine. The city is a South Indian trade, business, and education hub, as well as the home of numerous IT and automobile industries.
Skyscrapers and commercial malls coexist with historic temples and markets, creating a unique blend of modern and traditional aspects. Chennai is also well-known for its thriving music and dance scenes, with classical Carnatic music concerts and Bharatanatyam performances among the city’s most popular cultural events.
Things To Do For Business Professionals In Chennai
Chennai is a fascinating location for both tourists and business travelers, thanks to its pleasant environment, friendly locals, and numerous attractions.
Let’s see how professionals can enhance their visits to Chennai.
1. Attend Conferences And Events
Chennai is a corporate conference and event center, hosting a range of industry-specific events throughout the year. Some of the best locations for these events include the Chennai Trade Center and the Chennai Convention Center.
There is also a thriving startup scene in the city, with various incubation centers and coworking spaces catering to the needs of new firms.
Chennai is well-connected to major cities in India and around the world, making it an ideal location for holding and attending corporate conferences and events. Professionals can attend these conferences to establish new connections and learn about the latest trends.
Check Out The Top Events In Chennai
2. Choose Business Compatible Accommodations
Chennai offers a range of business-friendly accommodations to meet the needs of business travelers. There are various high-end hotels in the city that have business centers, meeting rooms, and conference facilities.
The Taj Coromandel, the Raintree Hotel, and the Westin Chennai Velachery are among the preferred choices.
There are various budget hotels and serviced apartments that provide basic amenities such as free Wi-Fi and breakfast for people looking for cheaper options. Business professionals can stay at these hotels to avoid hindrance at their work.
3. Visit The Iconic Infrastructural Temples
Some of the most recognizable and impressive architectural temples in Chennai showcase the city’s rich cultural heritage and Dravidian architecture. The Kapaleeswarar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva and located in the center of Mylapore, is one of the most well-known.
The towering gopuram, elaborate carvings, and lively courtyard of the temple make it a must-see for any visitor to Chennai. The temple’s elaborate pillars, magnificent mandapam, and tranquil atmosphere make it a popular destination for both devotees and tourists.
Professionals can marvel at the magnificence of these temples and immerse themselves in the spiritual atmosphere, making them a vital element of any journey to Chennai.
4. Take A Walk Along The Beautiful Marina Beach
Marina Beach is a popular tourist destination in Chennai and one of the world’s longest urban beaches, running 13 km along the Bay of Bengal. The beach is a popular location for both locals and tourists due to its peaceful environment and gorgeous surroundings.
Visitors can walk along the beach, watch the sunset, watch the waves crash against the coast, and even participate in water sports. The beach is surrounded by food stalls, souvenir shops, and other small sellers, making it a perfect location for sampling local foods and shopping for souvenirs.
5. Pay A Visit To The Santhome Cathedral Basilica
The Santhome Cathedral Basilica in Chennai is one of the city’s most famous religious and architectural icons. The basilica is thought to have been built on location where St. Thomas, one of Jesus Christ’s twelve disciples, was buried.
Visitors can observe the church’s beautiful architecture and visit the tombs of various prominent religious personalities. The basilica’s quiet and serene ambiance makes it a must-see site for professional experts.
6. Explore Cultural Festivals And Events
Chennai, also known as the cultural center of South India, has a number of festivals and events that highlight the city’s rich history. The most well-known of these is the annual Madras Music Season, a 10-day Carnatic music festival that draws musicians and music enthusiasts from all over the world.Â
Pongal and the Chennai Dance and Music Festival are two more renowned festivals that showcase a diverse range of classical dance and music acts. These events and festivals can be enjoyed by professionals with their families or even their clients. These events signify the rich culture of the area.
7. Visit Guindy National Park
Guindy National Park, in the heart of Chennai, is one of India’s smallest national parks. The park, which covers an area of 2.82 square kilometers, is home to a diverse range of vegetation and fauna. It is an oasis of greenery in the middle of the metropolis and a popular recreational area for nature lovers.
Visitors can stroll through the park and see wildlife such as blackbuck, spotted deer, jackals, and even pythons. There is also a large lake in the park where people can go boating. Within the grounds of the Guindy National Park, there is also a children’s Park and a Snake Park. It’s a terrific area to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
8. Enjoy The Traditional Cuisine Of The Area
Chennai is well-known for its distinct and tasty cuisine, dubbed “Chettinad cuisine.” The meal is often spicy, fragrant, and flavorful. Idli, dosa, vada, sambar, rasam, biryani, and filter coffee are among the must-try cuisines in Chennai.
The city is also well-known for its seafood, particularly its hot fish curry and prawn fry. Vegetarians will appreciate the diversity of selections, including the famed Chettinad vegetable curry, which is cooked with a mix of locally grown vegetables and spices. These foods are a must-try for anyone wishing to expand their culinary horizons.
9. Explore Local Bazaars
Chennai is famous for its vibrant bazaars, which sell everything from spices and textiles to jewelry and handicrafts. The George Town region, which is the city’s oldest shopping district and is famed for its wholesale marketplaces selling anything from flowers to electronics, is home to some of Chennai’s most famous bazaars.
Pondy Bazaar, T Nagar, and Ritchie Street, which is famed for electrical items, are also popular bazaars. Visitors can immerse themselves in the vivid atmosphere of these bazaars, haggle with merchants, and purchase one-of-a-kind souvenirs and gifts. Chennai’s bazaars are a must-see for everyone wishing to immerse themselves in local culture while also shopping.
Conclusion
Chennai is a city that provides an ideal blend of history, culture, and modernity. From renowned sites like the Santhome Cathedral Basilica and Marina Beach to bustling bazaars and delectable cuisine, Chennai has something for everyone. Businesspeople can take advantage of the city’s business-friendly lodgings and attend conferences and events.
Guindy National Park provides natural beauty as well as an opportunity to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Throughout the year, guests can also attend cultural festivals and activities. Overall, Chennai is a lively city that is worth visiting for both pleasure and commercial purposes.