Things To Do
in Perungudi

Perungudi is a fast-growing residential and commercial neighbourhood on Chennai’s southern IT corridor (Old Mahabalipuram Road), known for its apartment complexes, offices and proximity to tech parks. The area sits beside Perungudi Lake and wetlands pockets that attract migratory birds and offer limited green space within a busy urban setting. Infrastructure has improved in recent years with metro/suburban rail, wide arterial roads and a cluster of restaurants, cafes and shopping options targeted at IT professionals.

While convenient for business travellers and families, Perungudi can feel busy and congested, especially during peak commuting hours and the monsoon season.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Exploring Local Culture
morning
:

Begin your day with a visit to the vibrant local markets of Perungudi, where you can experience the colorful sights and sounds of everyday life. Take a walk through the bustling stalls, tasting local snacks and soaking in the atmosphere. This immersive experience will give you a deeper understanding of the local culture and lifestyle.

afternoon
:

Post-lunch, head to the nearby temples, such as the renowned Sri Sivasubramaniya Nadar Alayam, to explore their intricate architecture and spiritual significance. Engage with local devotees and learn about their rituals and traditions. The serenity of these places will offer a peaceful break from the bustling city life.

evening
:

As the sun sets, make your way to a local café or restaurant to enjoy traditional South Indian cuisine. Delve into the rich flavors and spices of dishes like dosa and sambar, accompanied by a refreshing filter coffee. As you dine, absorb the lively energy of the neighborhood, making new friends and memories.

day 2
Nature and Relaxation
morning
:

Start your day with a serene stroll at the nearby wetlands, a haven for migratory birds and local wildlife. Early morning is the best time to witness the picturesque landscape and enjoy the tranquility it offers. Bring your camera to capture the beauty of nature waking up.

afternoon
:

For lunch, pack a picnic and head to a tranquil park where you can relax under the shade of trees and listen to the sounds of chirping birds. Afterward, indulge in a leisurely bicycle ride through the scenic paths that wind through the area. This will provide a refreshing break and an opportunity to enjoy the local flora and fauna.

evening
:

As dusk approaches, find a cozy spot to watch the sunset over the wetlands, with hues of orange and pink painting the sky. Share stories and laughter with newfound friends while soaking in the breathtaking scenery. Conclude your day with a soothing yoga session in the park, focusing on mindfulness and relaxation.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$2-4
🍽️Meal for two at mid-range restaurant$12-25
Coffee (regular café)$1.50-3
🚕Short taxi / app ride (5 km)$2-6
🏨Budget hotel per night$20-45

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Excellent location for IT professionals with quick access to OMR and tech parks
  • Good selection of modern restaurants, cafés and services tailored to expats/young professionals
  • Reasonable access to city amenities, medical facilities and transport links
  • Close to wetlands and small green pockets for short nature escapes
  • Heavy traffic congestion during peak hours on OMR and connecting roads
  • Susceptible to waterlogging and drainage issues during heavy monsoon rains
  • Limited traditional tourist attractions within the immediate neighbourhood
  • Urban noise and construction in some areas as the locality continues to develop
  • "Vanakkam" - Hello / Greetings
  • "Nandri" - Thank you
  • "Enakku konjam Tamil theriyum" - I know a little Tamil
  • "Idhu evlo selum?" - How much does this cost?
  • "Inge veedu eppadi pogum?" - How do I get to this address?

Places to Visit in Perungudi

Visit one of these nice places.

Perungudi Lake

A small urban lake and wetlands area that attracts waterbirds and offers calm sunrise/sunset photography opportunities; watch for local access rules and avoid disturbing wildlife.

OMR IT Corridor Skyline

High-rise office buildings, glass façades and lit-up towers offer modern urban shots — best photographed at dusk or by night from nearby roads and rooftops.

Local Temples and Street Markets

Colourful temple architecture, brass lamps and bustling markets provide great street and cultural photography — capture rituals, offerings and market life respectfully.

Nearby Beaches (Neelankarai / Injambakkam)

Soft-sand beaches a short drive away are good for wide seascapes, sunrise shots and local fisherfolk scenes.

Culinary Guide

Food in Perungudi

Perungudi’s food scene reflects Chennai’s broader culinary landscape: classic Tamil breakfasts, seafood and Chettinad flavours, South Indian tiffin shops, plus many restaurants and cafés catering to IT professionals with pan-Indian and international options. Street food and small stalls thrive in the evenings, while malls and office-complex food courts offer predictable mid-range choices.

Perungudi Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Idli & Sambar

Steamed rice cakes served with sambar and chutneys — a ubiquitous breakfast found at local tiffin shops and small restaurants across Perungudi.

Must-Try!

Dosa (Masala Dosa)

Crispy fermented rice-and-lentil crepe filled with spiced potato — available from roadside eateries to sit-down restaurants.

Chettinad Chicken / Pepper Chicken

Spicy, aromatic chicken preparations influenced by Chettinad cuisine; popular in nearby restaurants and a must-try for spice lovers.

Seafood (Fish Fry, Prawn Curry)

Fresh coastal seafood prepared in Tamil or Kerala styles — local restaurants along OMR and coastal neighbourhoods serve good options.

Filter Coffee

Strong South Indian coffee served in a metal tumbler and dabarah; a daily ritual for many residents and IT professionals in the area.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Perungudi Fish & Vegetable Stalls

Early-morning markets and evening stalls around the neighbourhood sell fresh fish, vegetables and local snacks; try fried fish or local chaat from evening vendors.

OMR Evening Food Stalls

Stalls and food trucks near IT parks serving kebabs, rolls, chaat, dosas and beverages — lively after office hours and popular with young crowds.

Climate Guide

Weather

Perungudi experiences a tropical wet-and-dry climate: hot and humid summers (Mar–Jun), heavy rains mainly during the northeast monsoon (Oct–Dec) with some pre-monsoon showers, and mild, pleasant winters (Nov–Feb). Humidity is high year-round; occasional cyclonic depressions in the Bay of Bengal can increase rain and winds during monsoon months.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings

Use ‘Vanakkam’ (Tamil greeting) or a polite ‘Hello’. A slight namaste (hands together) is welcomed in formal settings.

Temple and Home Protocol

Remove shoes before entering homes or temples, dress modestly (cover shoulders and knees) and follow any photography restrictions in religious places.

Dining Customs

Eating with the right hand is traditional; if using cutlery, it is acceptable in restaurants. Try to show appreciation for food and avoid wasting it.

Personal Space and Behavior

Public displays of affection are frowned upon in many areas. Be respectful when taking photos of people — ask permission where possible.

Safety Guide

Safety

Perungudi is generally safe for visitors but exercise normal urban precautions: avoid poorly lit streets at night, watch out for two-wheeler traffic and aggressive horn usage, keep valuables secure and use registered taxis or rideshare apps after dark. During heavy monsoon rains, be cautious of flooded roads and plan extra travel time. Keep emergency numbers and the contact of your accommodation handy.

Tipping in Perungudi

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. At restaurants without service charges, 5–10% is common for good service. Round up for tuk-tuk drivers or tip a small amount for porters and housekeeping (around ₹20–₹200 depending on service).

Payment Methods

Cash (Indian rupees) is widely accepted for small purchases. Cards are accepted at most restaurants and malls. UPI and QR-code digital wallets (Google Pay, PhonePe, Paytm) are extremely popular and convenient for local payments.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

April–June brings hot, humid conditions with daytime temperatures often above 33–38°C (91–100°F). Stay hydrated, avoid walking long distances midday and plan outdoor activities for early morning or late afternoon.

Monsoon / Rainy Season

Southwest monsoon (June–September) and the stronger northeast monsoon (October–December) can bring heavy rains and localized flooding. Carry rain gear, expect traffic delays and check water/logistics conditions before day trips.

Winter

November–February are the mildest months with pleasant evenings (20–25°C / 68–77°F). This is the best time for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

Post-monsoon / Transitional

March and post-monsoon months can be humid but green; occasional storms or heat waves may occur. Good time for birdwatching around wetlands as migratory species may be present after rains.

Nightlife Guide

Perungudi at Night

Perungudi itself has a modest nightlife focused on hotel lounges, pubs and restaurants catering to the IT crowd; after-work crowds gather at rooftop bars and mall-based pubs nearby. For a livelier club scene, travel to central Chennai neighbourhoods (e.g., Nungambakkam, Anna Salai) or popular nightlife hubs in Velachery and Besant Nagar, where live music venues and late-night clubs are more common.

Hiking in Perungudi

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Nanmangalam Reserve Forest

A small reserve forest offering easy-to-moderate trails, rocky outcrops and native scrubland; suitable for half-day hikes and birdwatching close to the city.

St. Thomas Mount

A short climb to a historic hill with a church and panoramic views of Chennai; ideal for a quick hike and city vistas.

Guindy National Park Trails

An urban national park with walking trails and small wildlife areas — good for short nature walks and spotting lizard and bird species (observe park timings and entry rules).

Muttukadu / East Coast Backwaters (boating trip)

Not a traditional hike but a nature-oriented day trip offering coastal trails, boating and light exploration opportunities about an hour’s drive away.

Airports

How to reach Perungudi by plane.

Chennai International Airport (MAA)

Primary airport serving Chennai, about 20–30 km from Perungudi depending on route and traffic. Reachable by taxi, app ride or a combination of suburban trains and metro links; allow extra time during peak traffic.

Puducherry Airport (PNY)

Regional airport roughly 130 km south of Perungudi; useful for select domestic connections but requires a 3–4 hour drive.

Tiruchirappalli / Bengaluru (longer haul)

Major airports in Tiruchirappalli and Bengaluru serve broader domestic and international networks but are several hours away by road and primarily relevant for onward travel rather than day trips.

Getting Around

Walkability

Perungudi has walkable pockets — around residential complexes, markets and the lake promenade — but sidewalks can be uneven or interrupted. Long distances along OMR are not ideal for walking; use autos, buses or app-based taxis for most trips. Within gated communities and malls, walking is comfortable and safe.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

IT Professionals

A large segment of residents comprises software engineers, consultants and tech employees who work in nearby IT parks and companies along OMR.

Local Tamil-speaking Families

Established local residents and families who have lived in the area for generations, contributing to community temples, schools and markets.

Internal Migrants and Students

People from other Indian states who move to Perungudi for jobs in the tech and service sectors, as well as students attending nearby colleges.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Cricket

The dominant sport across the region — seen in parks, playgrounds and informal street games from morning to evening.

Football (Soccer)

Growing in popularity, especially among school and college groups with community grounds and academies nearby.

Kabaddi and Traditional Games

Local schools and community events sometimes feature kabaddi and other traditional Indian sports.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic on OMR and connecting roads is heavy during weekday peak hours (morning and evening commute times). Public transport options include MTC buses, suburban trains and the Chennai metro expansion reaching southern corridors; auto-rickshaws and app-based taxis (Ola, Uber) are widely used. Plan extra time for travel during monsoon rains and festivals.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Perungudi.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

South Indian cuisine is very vegetarian-friendly: dosa, idli, uttapam, vegetable curries and thalis are plentiful. Use ‘sattvik’ or ‘no onion, no garlic’ requests at temples/pilgrim eateries; most restaurants can accommodate vegetarian-only meals.

Vegan/Allergies

Ask about ghee (clarify butter/ghee usage) and fish-based broths; many dishes can be prepared vegan on request. Carry allergy cards in English/Tamil if you have serious allergies and double-check ingredients in mixed gravies.

Halal / Religious Restrictions

Halal and meat-free options are available; many eateries will clearly display meat styles or can recommend suitable dishes. Seafood and fish are widely served; check with the staff if halal certification is required.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Perungudi and the surrounding OMR corridor are served by several private clinics, multi-speciality hospitals and pharmacies; emergency services and ambulances are available, and larger hospitals in Chennai are reachable within 20–40 minutes by car depending on traffic. Carry travel/health insurance details and a list of local hospital contacts if you have specific medical needs.

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