10 Things To Avoid during Chennai Tourism| 10 Tips

Rich in culture and tradition, the coastal city of Chennai is the largest educational and economic hub of South India. This city has a lot to offer in terms of tourist places in Chennai. From the amazing beaches to the splendid architecture, Chennai was also listed as the 9th best cosmopolitan city in the world. However, being a tourist in an unknown city is not easy. There are certain things that you must avoid in any place you visit in order to have a safe and hassle-free stay. Is Chennai city the next destination on your travel list? Well, then here are a few tips that you must remember to avoid a bad experience if you’re visiting this place for the first time. Chennai tourism also has some do’s and don’ts.

 

1. Keeping Wallets In Your Back Pocket Is A Strict No-No!

warning sign for not putting wallet in back pocket. Chennai tourism

Is Chennai safe? Yes, Chennai does not rank too high on the crime section. In fact, when it comes to safety, the city is the safest for solo female travelers, which would suggest a positive sentiment for the overall Chennai crime rate. However, one major problem in this city is pick-pocketing and the harassment that you will have to face from beggars.

So always stay alert when in a crowded place. Keep your wallet in your front pocket, or better still in your handbag, in case you are carrying one.

 

2. No Smoking In Public

warning sign for not smoking in public

Being a tourist in a city can be physically exhausting. A smoke break is one of the ways to lighten up the mood (yes, pun intended). But always be careful while lighting that cigarette in a public place when in a new city. Especially when you are not at all familiar with the smoking laws.

Smoking in Chennai in public will have you adding a free trip to the police station on your Chennai itinerary. They take their environment very seriously like we all should.

 

3. Do Not Get Fooled By The Auto-Drivers

warning sign for not being careless with autorickshaw deals
Be cautious of autorickshaws or you will incur sadness

Autos are one of the most common forms of transport in any city. But who even cares to go by the meter reading these days? Auto-wallas from city to city charge different rates. When it comes to Chennai, the auto-drivers can really take you for a ride (yep, pun intended again..) by quoting exorbitant rates.

Always ask around before hiring one, do not forget to bargain but do not mess with them either.

 

4. Never Disrespect Their Language

kathakali dance angry face. Chennai tourism
[image source: mentalfloss.com] Be sensitive to their language pride, else be ready to hear an earful

We all have an affinity for our mother tongue. Tamilians are no different. They have a very, very strong affinity towards their mother tongue- Tamil. Never ever make fun of the way they speak, even if as a joke, as the natives can find that utterly disrespectful.

Building a cordial relationship wherever you go makes it easier to visit the next time. So honour the spirit of Chennai Tourism by respecting their language sensitivity.

 

5. Dress Accordingly

woman dressed in indian attire
Well, its a conservative neighbourhood, so dress accordingly please

Even if Chennai is one of the safest cities in the country, it is also a city rich in religious traditions and therefore, naturally a bit conservative. Visiting Chennai, you might have the urge to put on the tiniest pair of shorts as you go beach-hopping, as they are some of the best places to visit in Chennai. But when on the road and in public, especially in the famous temples in Chennai, it is advisable not to do so. Not because it is unsafe, but because it is conservative. Do not wear something too revealing and you’re good to go!

 

6. Do Not Be A Litterbug

trash being put in a dustbin
Not just in Chennai, please do this everywhere you visit

This one is a general tip that should be applied for all places to see in Chennai. Chennai is very strict with its littering rules. The city has proposed fines from Rs. 100- Rs. 25,000 for littering to stop litterbugs, especially the ones who trash beaches. Since the early morning & evening times are especially popular at the beaches due to the great views one gets for the sunrise time in Chennai, and the sunset time in Chennai, the rules are strictly enforced to ensure cleanliness.

The next time you have an urge to throw that plastic bottle on the beach, just have a rethink and don’t do it. It’s a must-remember rule of any Chennai Tourism plan.

 

7. Think Twice Before Badmouthing The Kollywood Industry

temple dedicated to actor rajanikanth
[image source: pycker.com] Temple dedicated to Megastar Rajnikant !!!

Tamilians are very fond of their film industry. Their silver-screen heroes are no lesser than the Gods that they worship in the temples. In fact, they have temples made in honour of their favourite actors! Yep, you read that right. So if you are not too well informed about Kollywood movies or Tamil movies, do not make the mistake of disrespecting the industry or the actors.

8. Do Not Forget To Beat The Heat With An Umbrella

reflection of woman standing in the sun with an umbrella. Chennai tourism

Chennai weather can be ruthless in the summers. The scorching heat is not too favourable for tourists when it comes to exploring the city in comfort. One cannot beat the heat without carrying an umbrella, especially, when you have to utilize both halves of your day exploring the city. And let’s not forget, Chennai summers are usually rainier than other cities as well. That’s another reason for finding the umbrella handy. Chennai tourism demands this from every visitor. This thought is also very much valid for tourist places near Chennai.

 

9. Stay Hydrated

tourist drinking water. Chennai tourism

Chennai temperature can reach up to 41 degree Celsius and humidity is also very high as it is a coastal city near the equator. So usually you would be sweating buckets if you are outside. On days like these and in general, it is very important to stay hydrated. Take water breaks as frequently as possible if you want to avoid feeling drained in the heat.

 

10. Never Let Your Guard Down

2 toy cops
Always be cautious so you can avoid any drama later on

Even though the city is relatively safer for tourists than most of the other cities, it is important to be cautious. We have to take individual steps as a precaution, no matter where we go among the places to visit in Chennai. Many unpleasant incidents can be avoided when you’re just a tad bit vigilant and don’t let your guard down. Always remember your way out when you are going into a narrow alley, especially after dark. Also, be on the lookout for scams and do not become a victim to one. Better safe than sorry!

Chennai is a must on the travel-India list. The beauty of this heritage city lies in the perfect blend of traditionalism and modernity. So follow the tips mentioned above and you’re more or less sorted for a pleasant and trouble-free Chennai Tourism experience!

If you liked our list of 10 Things To Avoid In Chennai, you can also take a look through our list Travel tips to Hyderabad of plan your next trip to Hyderabad. Also, do visit our company website to leave your valuable suggestions

Thanks for visiting 10 Tips!

Sharing is caring! If you liked what you read, please take a moment to write a few words of encouragement in the comments section below. Also, please share the article with your friends and family so they can also enjoy it.

2 thoughts on “10 Things To Avoid during Chennai Tourism| 10 Tips

  1. Thanks for a marvelous posting! I actually enjoyed reading it,
    you will be a great author. I will make sure to bookmark your blog and will often come back from now on. I want to
    encourage you continue your great posts, have a nice weekend!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.