Flights to Chennai

Cheap Student Flights to Chennai

Chennai is the fifth largest city in all of India, but if you’re hoping to avoid some of India’s notorious crowds you won’t be disappointed! Chennai has managed to keep life simple while other Indian cities have become more and more crowded. If you’re looking for beach solitude, Chennai's got it. And be thankful that it does...it's consistently muggy and quite hot. Nothing a dip in the ocean can’t fix!

Tradition and religion have stayed strong in Chennai. You don’t have to try hard to seek it out–it’s all around you in this cultural center! If you want to experience a city in India that has remained true to its historical roots, visit Chennai. Or if you’re looking for the best coffee in the world, there’s that too.

Shopaholics, rejoice! There is nothing like shopping in Chennai. Textiles, bags, accessories and more are all sold by vendors in street stalls throughout the city. Barter with these traders at their portable shops right in the middle of the street! Trust us, the prices are even more exciting than the inventory.

If you're looking to travel to India, book your cheap flight to Chennai for an authentic and cultural experience. Enjoy all of its colorful temples, safe and tranquil beaches (some with shore-side ancient temples and forts!) and exciting city energy for cheap.

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Tips for flying to Chennai

Top Airlines flying to Chennai: Qatar Airways is the top StudentUniverse airline partner offering tickets to Chennai. As a past winner of StudentUniverse’s Best Airline for Students, you can rest assured that you’ll have a comfortable and convenient experience. If your schedule doesn’t work with Qatar Airways, other top StudentUniverse partners including Emirates, Lufthansa, Cathay Pacific and Etihad Airways offer discount flights to Chennai as well.

Getting around Chennai: When bus fares only set you back about 6 cents, how can you refuse public transportation? Everyone from tourists to locals use buses in Chennai to get from one place to another. With nearly one hundred different bus routes to choose from, its rare when a bus can’t get you where you need to be. There is also a suburban train network—perfect for getting to and from the beach. If you opt for an auto rickshaw instead, try finding one with a meter. If not, be prepared to barter with the driver on prices. Be warned, oftentimes they will overcharge tourists.

Places to visit in Chennai: If you find yourself in Chennai, you can’t miss spending a day at Marina Beach. This spot is great for swimming, sunbathing or checking out some surrounding street stalls. It’s one of the largest urban beaches in the world so there’s always plenty of room for your towel—which isn't always the case in India. Nearby the beach is the very colorful Kapaleeshwarar Temple. Depending on where along Marina Beach you are, you could walk to this Shiva temple in just twenty minutes. Kapaleeshwarar Temple has a unique man-made tank of surrounding water acting as a protective moat, making it one of the most scenic temples to experience. If you find yourself wanting to learn more about Chennai’s history, stroll through the Government Museum in the heart of the city. You’ll see beautiful bronze statues, old manuscripts, well-preserved paintings and other artifacts. There’s also the Arignar Anna Zoological Park, which dates back to 1855. Lions, tigers and bears—oh my! Literally.

Food in Chennai: While spending a day at Marina Beach, be sure to get the best sundal from one of the many food stalls. This traditional snack is a delicious stir fried chick pea dish. The city’s streets are lined with various food stalls, serving mostly South Indian vegetarian and rice based dishes. North Indian stalls, serving more creamy and bread dishes, can be found with a bit of searching. Idli Sambar, an Indian lentil delicacy is another must-have, or if you're looking for something on the sweeter side, get a taste of samosa, a baked flour based pastry packed with different combinations of potato, onions, spices, chili and fruit. If the street food scene is too overwhelming, there are also plenty of restaurants serving Chennai’s best dishes.