Chennai, the capital of Tamil Nadu on India's south-east coast, is a sprawling, energetic city of temples, colonial landmarks, long beaches and some of the best vegetarian food in the country. Formerly known as Madras, it is the cultural heart of the Tamil world and a major hub for industry, healthcare and film. For many Malaysians, and especially families with Tamil roots, flights to Chennai are about visiting relatives, attending weddings and festivals, or starting a pilgrimage through the temple towns of the south.

About Chennai International Airport

Location

Chennai International Airport (MAA) lies in the south-western suburbs of the city, around Meenambakkam and Tirusulam, along the main road towards Tambaram. It is one of India's busiest airports and the main gateway to Tamil Nadu. Its position on the city's southern side makes it convenient for areas such as Guindy, T. Nagar and the IT corridor.

Terminals

The airport has separate terminal buildings for domestic and international flights, connected by walkways. International arrivals clear immigration and customs before exiting, and if you are connecting onward to another Indian city, allow enough time to collect your bags and move to the domestic terminal.

Getting to and from the airport

Chennai Metro has a station at the airport, offering an affordable and traffic-free route to Guindy, Anna Salai and Chennai Central, with a change of line for Egmore and other areas. The suburban railway station at Tirusulam is also close by. Prepaid taxis, app-based cabs and auto-rickshaws are available, and travelling by metro is often quicker during rush hour.

Direct and connecting flights to Chennai

The KL to Chennai flight is one of the busiest routes between Malaysia and India, and direct options are widely available from Kuala Lumpur. Travellers from Penang and other Malaysian cities may find direct services on some dates, or can connect through Kuala Lumpur. Use the direct flight filter on Traveloka to see non-stop choices first, then compare one-stop itineraries if you need different timings.

Chennai is also a practical entry point for the rest of South India. Many travellers fly into Chennai and continue by domestic flight or train to Madurai, Tiruchirappalli, Coimbatore or Bengaluru, or travel south along the coast by road to Mahabalipuram and Puducherry.

When to fly to Chennai

Chennai is hot for most of the year, and the months from April to June are especially sweltering. Unlike much of India, the city receives most of its rain from the north-east monsoon, usually between October and December, when heavy downpours can cause flooding. The cooler, drier stretch from December to February is generally the most comfortable time to visit.

From Malaysia, demand peaks around Deepavali and Pongal in January, as well as during school holidays and the wedding season, when many families travel together. Flights to Chennai around these dates can sell out early, so book well in advance or use the price chart above to look for quieter weeks nearby.

Popular places in Chennai

Marina Beach

Stretching for kilometres along the Bay of Bengal, Marina Beach is one of the longest urban beaches in the world. It is at its liveliest in the evening, when families stroll the sand, snack stalls light up and kites fly in the sea breeze. Swimming is not recommended because of strong currents.

Kapaleeshwarar Temple, Mylapore

This Dravidian-style temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is known for its towering gopuram covered in colourful sculptures. Mylapore, the neighbourhood around it, is one of Chennai's oldest, with a busy temple tank, flower sellers and traditional shops.

Fort St. George

Built by the British East India Company, Fort St. George was the first English fortress in India and now houses the Tamil Nadu legislative offices. Its museum displays colonial-era artefacts, and St. Mary's Church inside the fort is among the oldest Anglican churches in Asia.

San Thome Basilica

This white neo-Gothic basilica on the seafront is built over what is believed to be the tomb of St. Thomas the Apostle. It is a significant pilgrimage site and a peaceful stop between Mylapore and the beach.

Mahabalipuram

South of the city along the East Coast Road, Mahabalipuram is a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its ancient rock-cut temples, the Shore Temple and giant stone carvings. It makes a rewarding day trip, often combined with a stop at a beachside café.

Where to stay in Chennai

T. Nagar is ideal for shoppers, with its famous silk and jewellery streets. Egmore and the Central station area suit travellers arriving or departing by train. Nungambakkam and Alwarpet are upscale, central neighbourhoods with good restaurants, while Mylapore offers a traditional atmosphere close to temples and the beach. Guindy and the Old Mahabalipuram Road corridor are popular with business travellers and are convenient for the airport.

Food to try in Chennai

Dosa and idli

Chennai breakfasts revolve around crisp dosa and soft steamed idli, served with coconut chutney and sambar. Masala dosa, filled with spiced potato, is a favourite, and small vegetarian restaurants across the city serve them from early morning.

Chettinad chicken

From the Chettinad region of Tamil Nadu, this chicken curry is packed with freshly ground spices, black pepper and dried chillies. It is rich, aromatic and fiery, and it is widely available in restaurants throughout Chennai.

Chennai biryani

Biryani is hugely popular in the city, often cooked with seeraga samba rice, a short-grain variety that gives the dish its distinctive fragrance. Mutton and chicken versions are served with raita and a spicy brinjal side dish.

Pongal and vada

Ven pongal is a comforting mix of rice and lentils cooked with ghee, black pepper and cumin, usually eaten with crisp medu vada, a savoury lentil doughnut. It is a staple at breakfast and a festival favourite.

Whether you are heading home for Deepavali or exploring Tamil Nadu for the first time, Chennai is a vibrant place to land. Compare fares on the price chart, set a Price Alert, and book your flight to Chennai on Traveloka with local payment methods and Best Price Guarantee.