Things To Do
in Porur

Great for sunrise and sunset photography; you can capture reflections, local fishermen, migratory and resident birds and everyday life at the water’s edge.

Busy arterial roads, colorful shops, and bustling street life offer candid urban photography opportunities — especially during festivals.

Small temples and shrines provide chances to photograph intricate gopuram details, ritual life and community gatherings — respectful etiquette required.

Close by for nature photography — rocky trails, native flora and occasional wildlife make for atmospheric shots, particularly in early morning light.

Soft steamed rice cakes served with sambar and chutneys — available at almost every breakfast stall and traditional restaurant in Porur.

Must-Try!

Crisp fermented crepe with fillings or plain, widely available and a must-try at tuned local dosa shops.

Spice-forward, aromatic chicken curry from the Chettinad region; available at specialty restaurants and a good way to experience regional Tamil flavors.

Chickpea sundal (tempered with coconut and mustard seeds) and crunchy murukku are common snacks sold at markets and roadside stalls.

A busy local market selling fresh vegetables, fruits, spices and street snacks — ideal for trying seasonal fruits and quick savory bites like bajji and sundal.

Small roadside stalls serve chai, vada, bonda and dosa; great for quick, inexpensive tasting of local flavors.

A warm 'Vanakkam' or 'Namaskaram' along with a smile is a polite greeting — a slight nod or folded hands is appreciated in formal settings.

Remove footwear before entering temples and dress modestly. Follow signs about photography and separate entry rules for men/women where applicable.

Use the right hand for giving and receiving food, money and items — the left hand is traditionally considered unclean.

Public displays of affection are frowned upon in many areas; speak softly in religious places and be mindful of conservative dress in older neighbourhoods.

Tipping is appreciated but not strictly mandatory. In restaurants, leaving 5–10% is common at sit-down places if service isn’t included; for delivery, small tips (₹20–50) are customary. Hotel porters and taxi drivers may expect a modest tip for help with luggage or exceptional service.

Cash (Indian Rupees) is widely used for small purchases; however cards are accepted at most malls, larger restaurants and stores. Digital payments are ubiquitous — UPI apps (Google Pay, PhonePe, BHIM), mobile wallets and netbanking are frequently used for bills, taxis and local purchases. Always carry some cash for small vendors and autorickshaw fares where digital options may not be available.

Long-term residents who form the cultural backbone of neighbourhood life, running many of the shops, temples and small businesses.

A growing community drawn by proximity to IT offices and industrial parks in western Chennai — lives in newer apartment complexes and uses cafes and gyms.

Students from local colleges and training institutes contribute to a youthful daytime population and demand for affordable eateries and cafes.

People from other Indian states working in construction, services and retail who add to the linguistic and cultural mix.