Chennai is home to some of India’s busiest and most well-known airports, with over 400 flights every day. After New Delhi and Mumbai, it is the third busiest airport in India in terms of both international traffic and cargo capacity. Therefore, it wouldn’t be shocking if you found yourself arriving at or departing from Chennai Airport shortly. This location is likely to be one of your stopover locations because it serves as a major hub for numerous domestic and international airlines. However, because layovers and connecting flights are monotonous, most individuals would rather avoid them. The good news is that the Chennai airport is close to many amazing tourist destinations. So here are some of the Best Places To Visit Near Chennai Airport.

If your aircraft is delayed by several hours or you have a lengthy stopover in Chennai, you can easily leave the airport and visit one or more of these nearby attractions.

Best Places To Visit Near Chennai Airport

Santhome Cathedral Basilica

Distance from the Chennai Airport – 18.1 km (Approx. 17 minutes drive)

Things to do – the Portuguese constructed Santhome Cathedral Basilica in the 14th and 15th centuries which is a historical Christian pilgrimage site. One of the most well-liked tourist destinations in Chennai is the neo-gothic cathedral. The Portuguese statue of the Virgin Mary and a map depicting South Asia in the sixteenth century are the main draws of the location. Christians frequent the location and participate in the regular masses held there.

• Timings: Open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. every day
• Entry Fee: Free
• Address: 38, Santhome High Rd, Dummingkuppam, Mylapore, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600004

Edward Elliot’s Beach

Distance from the Chennai Airport – 16.2 km (Approx. 16 minutes drive)

Things to do – At the end of the busy Marina Beach sits Edward Elliot’s Beach, one of Chennai’s most well-known beaches. It is one of the best locations to visit in Chennai near the airport since it is less congested and cleaner than the other beaches in the city. The Velankanni Church and Ashtalakshmi Temple are two well-liked sights on this coastline. Near the shore, there are lots of eateries with a variety of cuisines. It’s the ideal location for strolls, sunbathing, and soaking feet in seawater.

• Timings: Open 24 hours
• Entry Fee: Free
• Address: Besant Nagar, Chennai, India

Valluvar Kottam

Distance from the Chennai Airport – 13.4 km (Approx. 20 minutes drive)

Things to do – This temple honours a well-known poet and philosopher from Tamil Nadu. Make sure you take in this monument’s stunning architecture. You can photograph this amazing piece of art by taking a few shots. Enjoy the mouthwatering regional cuisine that is served outside the temple as well.

• Timings: 8.30 am to 5.30 pm. Open on all days
• Entry Fee: Free
• Address: Nungambakkam High Road, Nungambakkam, Chennai

Vivekananda House

Distance from the Chennai Airport – 15.7 km (Approx. 16 minutes drive)

Things to do – Vivekananda House, a well-known tourist destination in Chennai, honours Swami Vivekananda, a Hindu monk who led the Ramakrishna movement in South India and spent six weeks visiting the city in 1897. Swamiji’s personal belongings and artworks depicting religious and pre-religious events are on display. The location is worth a visit for anyone looking for a quiet area to meditate or for stunning Victorian architecture. Among the attractions in Chennai close to the airport, it’s a must-see.

• Timings: Open from 10 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. and 3 p.m. – 7:15 p.m. Monday closed.
• Entry Fee: Rs. 10 for adults and Rs. 5 for child
• Address: Vivekananda House, Kamaraj Salai, Marina Beach Road, Triplicane, Chennai, Tamil Nadu

Marina Beach

Distance from the Chennai Airport – 18.6 km (Approx. a 1-hour drive)

Things to do – This is one of the most well-liked beaches in Chennai, where people go every day. This is a vibrant and attractive beach with a nice vibe where you may enjoy a variety of beach sports. It’s worth eating here because beach shacks are serving delicious south Indian food and fish. On the beach, there are numerous vendors selling rubbish jewellery, showpieces, and other artefacts, so you can also go shopping. To have fun, you can go ponytail riding and kite flying. 

• Address: Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India

Chennai Rail Museum

Distance from the Chennai Airport – 19 km (Approx. 18 minutes drive)

Things to do – The 6.25 acres that make up the Chennai Rail Museum were dedicated in 2002. It features a sizable collection of old British coaches and steam engines, as well as technical and historical exhibitions. Make sure you have enough time to enjoy everything the Chennai Rail Museum has to offer if you plan to come. This location houses a model train coach, art gallery, history museum, and rail museum, among other things. You can also take a trip on the toy train inside the premises. It’s a fun tourist destination close to the Chennai airport.

• Timings: Open from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Monday closed.
• Entry Fee: Rs. 40 for general visitors and Rs. 25 for school students. The entry fee includes entry to the museum, one train joyride, tea or coffee, and snacks.
• Address: Next to ICF Furnishing Division, New Avadi Rd, Villivakkam, Chennai, Tamil Nadu

Basant Nagar Beach

Distance from the Chennai Airport – 15 km (Approx. 30 minutes drive)

Things to do – Visit this beach and spend time with your loved ones. With its beautiful surroundings and crystal-clear water, this beach is a treasure for walks in the morning and evening. Savour the dawn and dusk, and enjoy a wonderful picnic on the sandy shore. You can also take part in beach sports like paragliding and jet skiing. It is among the top tourist destinations close to the Chennai airport. 

• Address: Besant Nagar, Chennai, India

Victory War Memorial

Distance from the Chennai Airport – 18.8 km (Approx. 25 minutes drive)

Activities: The Victory War Memorial, once called Cupid’s Bow, was constructed in remembrance of the American soldiers who lost their lives in World War I. However, it was renamed Victory War Memorial following World War II. The marble building here was most recently updated with the names of the men who died in the Indo-China War of 1963 and the 1948 operations in Kashmir.

It is perfect for history buffs and research scholars. Visitors come here to honour the sacrifices and to enjoy a peaceful evening in the exquisitely designed garden.

• Timings – Open 24 hours
• Address: 37FP+96X, Port Trust Officers Quarters, Sathya Nagar, Chennai Port Trust, Chennai, Tamil Nadu

Arignar Anna Zoological Park

Distance from the Chennai Airport – 15.4 km (Approx. 30 minutes drive)

Things to do – This is Southeast Asia’s largest zoological park. It covers 602 hectares of land, and a variety of animals can be seen there. You may tour the area by renting a battery-powered rickshaw. Kids will enjoy it, and you may sample some snacks and drinks. In addition, you can take safari trips to witness animals like wolves, ostriches, tigers, lions, jaguars, cheetahs, black bucks, and hyenas. You can also read books about wildlife here, visit the library, and broaden your understanding of animals and nature. It is among the most enjoyable sights to see close to the Chennai airport.

• Timings – 9 am to 5 pm. It is closed on Tuesday
• Entry Fee –30/- per person for Adults (above 10 years)

10/- per person for Children (2 to 10 years)

0/- Free entry for children below two years

25/- for Camera / Camera mobile / iPad / tablet

150/- for Handycam

• Address: Grand Southern Trunk Rd, Vandalur, Tamil Nadu

MGR Memorial

Distance from the Chennai Airport – 20 km (Approx. 1 hour 15 minutes drive)

Things to do – Dedicated to the memory of the late MGR, the chief minister of Tamil Nadu, this memorial monument is a well-known tourist spot. You can come to see this location’s splendour, which includes beautiful fountains and an impressive canopy of greenery. Enjoy the vista of Marina Beach that serves as the background when strolling around the paths.

• Timings – 6 AM TO 9 PM
• Entry Fee – Free
• Address: Marina Beach Road, Navalar Nagar, Chepauk, Triplicane, Chennai, Tamil Nadu

FAQs

What is the cost of security for a rental automobile in Chennai?

You must pay a security deposit for each automobile rental package; the exact amount depends on the plan you select. The deposit serves as a safeguard against mishaps, excess mileage, insurance issues, etc., and you may anticipate receiving your money after these deductions.

Does the amount of driving I can do around the Chennai airport have a “Kilometre limit”?

When hiring a car from IndusGo at the Chennai airport, there is no such limit on km. However, you can choose between 120km, 240km, or 480km packages depending on how far you plan to travel. Every additional kilometre driven will result in a fee for anything exceeding the selected package.

Which tourism destinations close to Chennai Airport are the best?

When on vacation in Chennai, you can visit the tourist attractions Marina Beach, MGR Memorial, Edward Elliot’s Beach, and more, all of which are close to the airport. By renting a car with IndusGo, you may visit all of these tourist attractions without breaking the bank.