The home to India's longest urban beach is also the country's fourth-biggest metropolitan city. Welcome to Chennai, one of the top tourist attractions of Tamil Nadu!
Chennai boasts of a rich cultural heritage with close knit communities who value their homeland and are passionate about their history. It's hard not to stumble across the city's various tourist attractions, surrounded by tradition, culture, and a rich southern lifestyle. There's also a slew of great destinations for family vacations and romantic getaways.
Chennai is famed for its delectable foods, fragrant filter coffee, Kollywood, bustling beaches, and, of course, Rajinikanth's Style Mannan. Beach fans will be delighted in Chennai, as there are several opportunities to soak up the sun on a beautiful length of the beach. Marina Beach is India's longest beach and visitors will have no trouble locating a spot to relax and enjoy a few tranquil moments overlooking the splendid sea.
Locals and tourists alike go to the golden-sand beach, lined with stores and food vendors selling Indian delicacies and ice cream. Thiruvanmiyur Beach, which is less busy than Marina Beach, is another great choice to enjoy a laid back evening. There are fish vendors providing freshly caught seafood if you become hungry.
The city's retail centres, on the other hand, are a crucial part that makes it a popular tourist destination. With its favourable seaports, it is strategically positioned for most traders.
In this cheerful city, you can get anything from brooches to home décor at a steal. And by shopping, we don't only mean areas like T. Nagar, Pondy Bazaar, or Parry's Corner, where you can shop while strolling. Malls here make it easy to take out your shopping list and have a pleasant time shopping till you drop. Chennai offers a plethora of fantastic malls to choose from for some real sunrise-to-sunset shopping.
Every year around aadi, the off-season for marriages but a terrific season for buying, a slew of buyers from all around the country descend on this city.
What are our two cents?
Take your credit cards with you because these malls represent real shopping! So, are you prepared to partake in a lot of retail therapy? To assist you to cope with your elevated dopamine levels, we've compiled a list of shopping malls in Chennai.
The following are the top 13 retail malls here -
Phoenix Marketcity, Chennai
Phoenix Marketcity, located in the city's Velachery area, is every shopper's fantasy come true. It spans five floors, includes the lower ground and ground, and offers an end-to-end shopping experience. It includes everything from apparel and accessories to gadgets and groceries.
Phoenix Marketcity is guaranteed to delight the shopaholic in you on any given weekday and twice as much on weekends. It offers a multitude of high-end brands such as Lifestyle, Allen Solly, Croma, Poorvika, Steve Madden, Globus, Aldo, Adidas, and Manchester United, to mention a few.
Are you searching for a mouthwatering combination of food and pleasure this weekend?
Don't be worried! Dominos, KFC, Moti Mahal Deluxe, and various other quick-service eateries, cafés, and fine-dining establishments all serve delicious cuisine.
IPlay, the mall's interactive gaming zone, will satisfy your adrenaline rush. At the same time, the mind-blowing 4D effects will hold you on the edge of your seats. With all of the above, as well as Luxe Cinemas and an IMAX theatre for all those matinée weekends and blockbuster weekdays, your wild Fridays, crazy Saturdays, and calm Sundays will be notch-up on the fun realm.
The mall also features an on-site luxury resort for work meetings and lodging. Phoenix Mall in Chennai is the place to be if you want to spend a lucky time sighting Indian celebs!
Ampa Skywalk Mall, Chennai
Do you want to remodel your wardrobe? We strongly advise you to visit Ampa Skywalk Mall without hesitation. With a fantastic mix of modern and traditional clothing labels, this mall is the frat house of fashion bloggers in Chennai, hosting some of the top apparel companies.
Are you looking for additional ways to spend your free time? Buckle up because the mall also features a seven-screen cinema, a huge food court selling worldwide delicacies, and a game zone that will excite children and adults.
The 25-metre-long skywalk that connects the ticket offices to the theatres is the most spectacular sight here. F3, the mall's food court, has a seating capacity of 650 individuals and is packed with foodies practically every day. This is a popular hangout spot for college students, visitors, families, newlyweds, and seniors.
Tourists who like to blend business and pleasure can stay at a boutique hotel adjacent to the mall. The free Wi-Fi zone at the mall for shopping surfers is an added benefit to everything.
Valet parking, ATM kiosks, luggage counters, car SPA at the point of entry, footwear and bag repairs, emergency services, and special wheelchair aid to consumers are just a few of the amenities available at Ampa Skywalk Mall. Isn't that an entire world inside a mall?
Isn’t a visit to the top tourist destination of Tamil Nadu looking a little more enticing now!
Chennai Citi Centre, Chennai
Chennai Citi Centre, one of the city's priciest malls, attracts local and foreign visitors for some ultimate recreational time, entertainment, and shopping. The mall, which is centrally positioned and readily accessible from all parts of the city, redefines your notion of fun with a diverse range of eating, movie, and recreational options.
To begin, the mall has some of the most well-known national and international brands, like Indigo Nation, Giordano, Cookie Man, and Helvetica, and offers a fantastic shopping experience. There is also a dedicated indoor amusement area for children, a cricket zone for sports fans, and an INOX cinema for movie buffs. When you've had your fill of shopping and enjoyment, visit the mall's La Marina food court, which has restaurants such as Barista, Pizza Hut, and McDonald's.
The Marina Beach, Kapaleeswarar Temple, and the famous Santhome Basilica Church are all within walking distance of the Chennai Citi Centre. You know where to go if you want to combine shopping and sightseeing. This mall's summer shopping extravaganza and other events provide fantastic seasonal discounts and deals. The mall's fashion displays attract frantic audiences who enjoy à la mode trends, while the live music performances attract music fans from all across the city.
Forum Vijaya Mall, Chennai
Vadapalani, one of Chennai's oldest neighbourhoods, is currently home to Forum Vijaya Mall, a contemporary shopping mall with several temples, small eateries, and a major bus terminal. More than a dozen retailers are housed in the mall's four-story structure.
You have a large selection of brands to pick from when it comes to clothes and lifestyle, like Arrow, Hidesign, Puma, Wildcraft, Lifestyle, Max, and Fabindia, among many others.
SPI Cinema's Palazzo Multiplex will satisfy moviegoers' immediate needs with eight screens and an IMAX screen. If you're exploring the mall with your children, stop by Fun City, a well-designed game and entertaining zone for children. This retail mall's 7D theatre, Forum Express, and VR games are guaranteed to keep you engaged for hours.
The third level contains a food court with seating for 650 people with counters from KFC, Burger King, Junior Kuppanna, McDonald's, and other F&B chains. The mall also offers premium parking, prayer groups, ATMs, baby prams, free Wi-Fi, and many more modern conveniences.
Express Avenue Mall, Chennai
Why not treat yourself to a weekend of luxury? Visit Express Avenue Mall, a prominent retail complex in Chennai developed by the Indian Express Group within the historic Indian Express Estate.
The mall features South India's biggest gaming arcade, four stories of commercial space, a corporate building, and a premium 4-star business hotel. Express Avenue, one of the poshest malls in Southern India, features over 150 premium stores, a large parking lot, driveways, and exquisite scenery.
Not only that, but there's more! Chennai's Express Avenue provides all you need to change your concept of fun and pleasure. Escape Cinemas' eight-screen multiplex can seat 1600 moviegoers, while the entertainment section, which includes a gaming arcade, is a gamer's dream come true.
Food franchises such as KFC, Pizza Hut, Dominos, and others serve their famous foods inside the mall's EA Garden food court. It serves the finest Italian, Mexican, Chinese, North Indian, South Indian, and American cuisines.
If you're looking for a unique dining experience, go to Dialogue in the Dark, where you'll be given food in complete darkness. Yes, you read that right! At Express Avenue Mall, boredom is a relic of the past since the excitement and shopping never cease.
Fountain Plaza, Chennai
This is one of Chennai's oldest all-under-one-roof retail malls, where you can get anything from fashion to electronics, footwear to kitchenware. The plaza's location is ideal for a few hours of after-work shopping or a weekend shopping spree following a fantastic matinée entertainment.
This mall's specials and offers are ideal for budget shoppers and young people. It's also a terrific spot for a good time with a proper dosage of food, laughter, beverages, and ice creams, which give relief during Chennai's tropical summer heatwaves. The plaza's cafés and food places draw a large audience.
Spencer Plaza, Chennai
The Spencer Plaza, one of the city's oldest and most visited malls, is located in the city's busiest neighbourhood, Anna Salai. Spencer was renovated in 1985 and now features eight stories of retail grandeur. Here you'll find anything from clothing to cosmetic gadgets.
Spencer Plaza provides it all: music, gastronomy, health goods, home décor, jewellery, confectionery products, shoes, gemstones, banking solutions, medicinal items, toys, coffee, crockery, transportation services, and travel alternatives.
Westside, Landmark, Adidas, Titan, Pantaloons, and McDonald's are just a few of the well-known companies featured within the plaza.
The Sri Lanka Trade Center is located on the first level (third phase) of the structure and sells Ceylonese goods such as leather, diamonds, and tea. Also, don't miss out on seeing the massive glass dome that towers above the mall; it's well worth it!
Abirami Mega Mall, Chennai
The mall, known for its moviegoing experience, has 4 theatres on its three levels, one of which is decorated in the style of a Spanish opera. The state-of-the-art reclining seats, digital signs, high-definition screen, superior air conditioning, luxurious lobby, as well as on waiters make your silver-screen experience a gold one.
The public is served till late at night by limo pick-up and drop-off services and prepaid auto rickshaw activities. The 3D movie experience inside the mall requires previous reservations, but it is well worth the money. What do you think? Isn't going to the movies a fun weekend activity?
Shopaholics and foodies alike will not be disappointed by the mall. Abirami Mega Mall, billed as Chennai's first commercial structure with a Seismic Category 3 design, offers a diverse selection of retailers and eateries to keep you entertained. Don't forget to check out the Snow World, Kissing Car, Fish Spa, Horror House, and other gaming zone activities while you're here.
Gold Souk Grande Mall, Chennai
The finest part is usually saved until last! This should be your one-stop store or perhaps a mall in Chennai if you adore gold jewellery or are seeking the greatest spot to get attractive offers on trinkets.
This mall, which has five levels of retail therapy, contains the best of designs from the most recent collections at the most affordable rates. The mall also has branded boutiques for watches, footwear, men's apparel, and travel equipment, ensuring that men do not miss out on the latest fashion trends. Even though the distance from the city's centre may be a problem, gold lovers, amazing prices, and even greater possibilities will make your worries disappear!
Grand Square Mall, Chennai
Grand Square Mall is a 350,000-square-foot shopping mall in Chennai that opened in 2013. It is situated on the main road between Velachery and Tambaram. This mall is ideal for shopping, dining, entertainment, movies, and other activities. The "Grand Mall" adjacent to the Grand Food Arcade is a unique "Food Avenue" in Chennai, if not all of South India.
The Grand Food Arcade is modelled after food streets in San Francisco, Singapore, Melbourne, and other cities. The Grand Food Arcade serves both local and international food.
As the name implies, this splendid mall in Chennai offers excellent shopping opportunities for all your requirements. In addition, some of the best retail outlets and services in the neighbourhood are conveniently accessible. This mall also provides all the leisure and recreational options that shoppers need.
Bergamo – Luxury Mall
When you walk into this mall named after an Italian city, you are instantly transported to Europe. Located at Khadar Navazkhan Road, the mall itself is stunning, with a floor area of 40,000 square feet and a sophisticated décor that includes black marble slabs and crystal chandeliers.
High-end brands such as Lladro and Harman Kardon are available in the stores.
Even on weekends, this mall does not become very crowded because the stores are relatively exclusive. There aren't many food alternatives. However, there is a Starbucks nearby. The shopping centre opens at 10.30 a.m. and closes at 8.30 p.m.
VR Chennai Mall, Chennai
The Virtuous Retail Mall, often known as VR Mall, is where the old intersects the modern in more ways than one. To say the very least, the architectural grandeur of this mall is royal and Instagram-worthy. The mall's facade is inspired by the traditional temple spires and multi-coloured Chennai checks. The site makes you feel as though you've entered the sets of the epic blockbuster movie Bahubali, with occasional festoons from bygone era.
However, within the mall, you'll find a world of well-curated attractions organised across six luxury levels with 240 renowned retailers. Everything is available, from garments, cosmetics, and shoes to gadgets and household items.
The mall offers Fun City for youngsters and PVR Cinemas for movie buffs to keep the excitement and entertaining factor high. After a day of shopping and entertainment, stop by one of the numerous food establishments placed throughout the floors or head directly to the Food Box on the third floor. You name it, and the food court has it! Momos, pizzas, burgers, juices, and grills are all available.
In addition to a co-working space, an open-air amphitheatre for live music, a boutique hotel, event spaces, and service suites, VR Mall, Chennai is home to a co-working space, an open-air amphitheatre for live music, a boutique hotel, event spaces, and service suites.
Every Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., the mall has a farmer's market, as well as papadums, a food stall pop-up that serves delicious local and foreign cuisines on weekends.
The Marina Mall, Chennai
The Marina Mall in Chennai is a 1.4 million square foot mixed-use development that includes a 540,000 square foot shopping mall, a 98,000 square foot hotel, an 88,000 square foot residential apartment, and a 600,000 square foot parking garage.
The Marina retail mall in Chennai, which opened in 2019, is located on Old Mahabalipuram Road. Shopping, dining, entertainment, games, movies, and more are available at this prominent shopping mall in Chennai.
The Marina Mall in Chennai brings together an unmatched range of items to meet the demands of a modernizing society, the ultimate combination of traditional and modern retailers, all under one roof. This well-known mall in Chennai has a hypermarket, entertainment sections, children's zones, a fun core, home zones, and nine-screen hybrid theatres.
The primary attraction of the Marina Mall is the magnificent and vast food court, which offers a wide range of dining options to suit everyone's tastes.
Best Time to Visit Chennai
Winter is the best season to visit Chennai since the climate is milder, enabling visitors to wander around throughout the day without fear of becoming sunburned.
During the cold months of November to February, the temperatures fluctuate from 22 to 31 degrees Celsius. Summers (March to June) are hotter, with temperatures ranging from 26 to 38 degrees Celsius. The rains may be severe because of their proximity to the sea.
Getting around Chennai
Chennai has a suburban rail network with four routes (the most popular being Chennai Beach–Tambaram/ Chengalpet). The train frequency is normally good, and during peak hours, it is better to get a first-class ticket. From 4 a.m. until midnight, trains travel multiple times each hour and cost Rs. 5 to 10.
Buses run by the Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC) are another way to navigate Chennai. Buses also serve regions that aren't served by local trains but be ready to tussle as buses may get rather busy during rush hour. The cost varies depending on the bus you take and how long you go.
The lowest bus costs are between Rs. 3 and 14 based on how far you travel. Deluxe buses cost twice as much as conventional buses, while a bus with air conditioning costs three times as much. On the MTC website, you may look up routes and timetables.
You may also utilise auto rickshaws to navigate around the city, but be sure to take the ones with metres (although this may be tough as many drivers refuse to use them). The approximate charges are INR 25 for the first two kilometres and INR 12 for each subsequent kilometre.
How to reach Chennai
A network of motorways and well-maintained roadways connects Chennai to all major cities. Here are various options for getting to the city:
By Train: To get to Chennai, you may take a train from practically anywhere in the country. In Chennai, you may easily get to the city by using a local cab.
By road: Chennai is well-connected to the majority of the region's cities.
By Plane: Chennai International Airport, originally known as Madras Airport, is the city's international airport. There are flights to the city from all across the country and important regions of the globe. For quick transport to your accommodation in the city, you may book a Chennai airport taxi.
There are many things to do in Chennai and delicious South Indian food trails to explore that will mesmerise every tourist. From the relaxing and vibrant ambience of the Marina beach to the superb lineup of malls in Chennai, you have everything you wish for while visiting this city. So, if you have a penchant for shopping and sightseeing, Chennai is the place to visit.
