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Statues of Ganesha, Chennai

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Travel to Chennai Madras

Flying to Chennai Madras

Flights to Chennai Airport are served by a collection of international airlines, while its domestic terminal links it to every major Indian city via a number of domestic carriers.

Travel by road

Summary:

Because of vast distances, variable road conditions and hair-raising driving, it is advisable to travel long distances by air or train rather than road. Bus journeys can be uncomfortable and tough on the constitution, although a journey of several hours is certainly bearable in a decent air-conditioned coach.

It is unwise to attempt to self-drive if you haven't done it before in a big Indian city; hiring a car with a driver from a reputable company is a much better idea. Distances are vast between other major cities (Kolkata, Mumbai etc) so it is more advisable to catch a train or fly and hire a car and driver locally. During the rainy season, road travel out of town can be hazardous.

Coaches:

The government bus company operates from the huge Chennai Mofussil Bus Terminus (CMBT), Koyambedu (tel: (044) 2479 4705). Closer destinations include Puducherry (Pondicherry) (4 hours) and Mamallapuram (2 hours). There are also private bus companies operating opposite Egmore train station.

Travel by rail

Services:

Travelling by train is one of the delights in India, although for longer trips it is advisable to go first-class and/or air conditioned. You can book tickets at major hotels and some travel agents (these invariably attract a booking fee), or directly from the central computerised booking office at Train Reservation Complex, in Central Station. Tourists can get tickets via the tourist quota; it can get crowded so start queuing early.

Chennai has two main stations: Central Station (reservations line: 1361) is the arrival and departure point for most major destinations in the country. Approximately 1km (0.6 miles) east is Egmore Station, dealing mainly with routes in the southern regions of Tamil Nadu and Kerala.

Operators:

Trains are run by Indian Railways (www.indianrail.gov.in). If you plan to make many journeys, buy a copy of Trains at a Glance (available at most station news stands and some city bookshops) and also see www.seat61.com/India.htm for general information on train travel in the country. The Indrail pass, available in many countries, gives you unlimited travel for a certain period (for further details see www.indianrail.gov.in and click on the Information/International Tourist link).

Journey times:

To Mumbai - 26 hours; to Bengaluru - 5 hours; to Kolkata - 28 hours; to Delhi - 33 hours; to Madurai - 8 hours; to Trichy - 6 hours.

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