As the ICC World Cup 2023 is underway in India, all the matches throughout the tournament will take place through the length and breadth of the country in 10 Indian cities: Ahmedabad, Pune, Dharamsala, Lucknow, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Delhi, Chennai, Bengaluru, and Mumbai.
Given the craze and the love that people have for cricket from across the globe, it is for sure that these cities will attract a lot of tourists throughout the tournament.
New Zealand vs Bangladesh match will take place on October 13 in Chennai’s M.A. Chidambaram Stadium. Three other matches are scheduled to be hosted at the same venue, dated October 18, 23 and 27.
If you plan to visit Chennai for any of the four matches, here’s a guide to essential sightseeing, dining, and other activities in the city.
Must-Visit Attractions
Marina Beach: Do you have time to visit this beautiful location in the morning or evening? We highly suggest catching the breath-taking sight of the sunrise or sunset from the beach. One of the best places to explore in Chennai with friends, it’s great for building sand castles or engaging in activities like beach volleyball.
Valluvar Kottam: The magnificence of Valluvar Kottam can be best experienced early in the morning or when the sun is just setting. Curious about reaching this place? Situated at the junction of Kodambakkam High Road and Village Road, you can avail taxis or buses from various parts of the city.
Thousand Lights Mosque: This mosque with multiple domes, cherished by local Muslims as a place of worship, illuminates the Royapettah area in Chennai. Legend has it that in ancient times, about 1000 lights were needed to brighten the mosque’s hall, leading to its name, the Thousand Lights Mosque.
Must-Try Foods
Just like many cities in India, Chennai also features a vibrant street food culture, mirroring its lively diversity in its culinary offerings. Here are some must-try delicacies in Chennai.
Podi Dosai: Chennai’s best-kept secret is the Podi Dosai. Prepared on the spot and served to customers in no time, it’s likely the spiciest and most delectable dosai you’ll ever taste. A distinctive Chennai delicacy, it is immersed in a rich red podi that adds heat to every bite, making it a flavourful experience worth trying.
Idli: While nothing new, their timeless deliciousness remains unchanged. The petite, steamed rice cake, paired with sambhar or coconut chutney on the streets, is undoubtedly the healthiest street food in Chennai and serves as an excellent and wholesome breakfast choice.
Idiyappam: Although they look like noodles, they taste quite different. Crafted from rice flour and served with coconut milk and curry, this street food is widely favoured in Chennai. The city abounds with roadside vendors offering Idiyappam for eager patrons.
Jigarthanda: A unique beverage from Chennai, Jigarthanda, which means ‘cool heart,’ is a chilled and invigorating drink widely enjoyed in the city, especially during the summer. Originating in Madurai, it gained popularity among the younger crowd and is now served at roadside stalls. Perfect for beating the intense Chennai heat, this street food delicacy is cherished by both locals and tourists alike.
