Areas to Avoid in Chennai for a Safe Stay

For your next stay in the capital of Tamil Nadu in India, you want to identify the neighborhoods to avoid in Chennai.

Although tourism in Chennai is less developed than in Jaipur or Agra , the city still attracts many visitors for its beaches, ancient temples and medical care.

However, to find a hotel in this huge city of more than 11 million inhabitants, it is better to find out in advance about the different districts of the city.

Well, in this article, you will discover which are the least attractive neighborhoods, those with a higher level of insecurity and those to favor for a safe stay.

Is Chennai dangerous?

Before you dive into exploring the neighborhoods, it is important to understand the crime level in Chennai.

According to the most recent statistics, the crime rate in the city is relatively low compared to other major Indian metropolises such as Delhi or Mumbai.

Indeed, Chennai's crime index is 39.80 , placing the city in the lower range.

The main types of crimes recorded in Chennai are pickpocketing, burglary and mugging. However, these incidents usually occur in the more densely populated and less well-policed areas.

It is therefore essential to be well informed and to take the necessary precautions to fully enjoy your stay.

Areas to Avoid in Chennai

Here are the areas of Chennai that are not recommended for a stay in Chennai due to their lack of infrastructure, location or insecurity:

Tondiarpet : This Tondiarpet area is to be avoided for a tourist stay. Indeed, it is an industrial area located in the north of Chennai, close to the port of Chennai, with the presence of several industries and factories.
Royapuram : This port district has security issues, with a crime rate higher than the city average. Women, especially foreigners, should exercise increased vigilance and avoid this area at night.
Vyasarpadi : This residential area faces crime problems, including theft and violence.
On the other hand, pollution and noise can be problematic in very central and busy areas such as T Nagar.
And, the neighborhoods near the Adyar River may present environmental nuisances (odors, flooding, mosquitoes).

Safe Areas in Chennai for Tourists

Here are the 2 safe districts of Chennai to favor to enjoy a tourist stay in complete peace:

Mylapore – Ideal Location

This historic and cultural district is ideal for tourists. In fact, it is ideally located south of Chennai city centre, making it a convenient base for exploring the city. Its proximity to Marina Beach, the second longest beach in the world, gives visitors easy access to seaside recreation.

You will find there in particular:

The Basilica of St. Thomas, dating from 1893, houses the tomb of the apostle St. Thomas.
The Kapalishvarar temple, dedicated to the god Shiva, is an architectural gem not to be missed.
Many shops, restaurants and cafes.

If you are looking for a nice hotel in this area, I recommend The Leela Palace Chennai.

It is an upscale accommodation with a fine restaurant and ocean views, as well as a spa, gym and outdoor pool.

See this hotel on Booking

George Town – Historic District

Located in the historic center, George Town, nicknamed “Old Madras”, represents the historical heart of Chennai.

This area is perfect for exploring Chennai's colonial heritage as it has many colonial buildings dating back to the British era.

Fort St. George, the first fortress in British India built in 1639, is a must-see site.

In addition, the area is home to a wide variety of places of worship: Hindu temples, mosques and churches.

If you are looking for a nice hotel in this area, I highly recommend the Cheong Fatt Tze – The Blue Mansion

This iconic hotel is housed in a magnificent 19th-century Chinese mansion, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It offers refined traditional décor, a Chinese-style courtyard and a beautiful central location in George Town.