Chennai (Madras) Travel Answers

Although, I am not a female but I thought I shoud answer your query. That's why writing. Their is no doubt that Indian Society is Conservative when compared with Western Culture. However, it accomodates each and every type of people but the ony thing to be kept in mind is place and location where u are visiting. For example, if u are staying in a five star reputed hotel restriction on dressing will be less as compared to visiting a road side restaurant/ shopping complex etc. In such situations it is always better to be on the MODERATE side. I hope this will help. Keep Smiling Vivek Dadu

Hello Lisha, nice to hear that you are visiting chennai. It's my hometown! I lived there for 8 years before coming to US. With your question, the society is not so conservative as you think of it. You will not be in any trouble with your clothing if you are going to be around the city. The climate is pretty humid and will be hot in october. Shorts or skirts will be appropriate. They are not offensive to people. Any foreigner doesn't get unnoticed by the local people. But don't worry, it will be a pleasant trip (apart from the weather!)

This question brings up a good point, "what dress should women wear when traveling?" I would say to just dress conservative, and thin straps should definitely be out. You are definitely doing the right thing by being aware of the cultures of the place you are visiting. We have a site that caters to mostly women who travel at American Airlines. Check out more travel tip specifically for women at forums.aapubs.com/AAWomen/ta...

If you can dare the stare, then you can wear what you want to..!! Else avoid strapped tops and short skirts..A jean and a Kurtha top can be the best bet for Chennai, considering the weather..!! Incase you visit temples, churches, try to be fully dressed up, much sensitive people are around those places.

As a 21yr old Australian girl who has visited India three times, soon to be four, I do feel that you can push the barriers if you choose to do so. I have always worn short skirts and sleeveless tops at the many cities visited. I have never received a negative reaction from anyone while doing this. However, you need to be able to put up with an abundance of stares, as you would expect to receive. At the Gateway at Mumbai this year I was surrounded by 25 to 30 schoolgirls and their two teachers. The teachers were asking questions about Australia and my impressions of India. Then almost every one of the schoolgirls wanted to be photographed individually standing next to me. All concerned were very polite and thankful. I mention this to indicate that they were hardly offended by my clothing. They were from a small town town, and visiting Mumbai.

Well I totally disagree with the reply from Simone.Its ok for women to wear short sleeve t-shirts, but shorts & bare legs are a big NO NO.I have travelled around India many times, and have many personal friends there, and we had discussed this dress issue at length. Of course people stare.It is totally disrespectful to exhibit so much bare flesh. Even Indian men don't wear shorts. I believe that when in another country,one should respect their customs. Disrespect is a recipe for disaster. And kids love to be photographed with any tourists...........how ever they are dressed. I have seen men snickering at half naked females ..its not nice.

Dear Would be Guest to Chennai, You are welcome to the City of Chennai. Though nobody cares who wears what. Chudidar is the popular dress of indian women and saree is the popular dress of south india. if you prefer the first, it will be appropriate for you. greedy and lusty gazes fall on you if only if your dress is revealing. just avoid this kind. thats all

get a loose cotton pants and cotton tops which are not too short.very comfortable and you can buy one from the shops costs less than hundred rupees.T shirts can turn sticky and be rather uncomfortable. In some temples they don't allow pants, a long skirt and shawl would be better .For parties and in Hotels and high rung shops anything goes

It's not about 'modestly, conservatively', etc... as these are individually interpreted views. The idea is to dress 'sensibly'. In a nutshell, Indians don't give a fig-leaf about what you are wearing. Indian society has no place for hypocrisy... and it's all about being blunt. If it isn't acceptable, you will be told it isn't - immediately too. Sure, you will get stared at if you are in some itsy-bitsy outfit... but, then again, you would get stared at in any place where no one else is in an itsy-bitsy outfit. If you don't mind the stares, go ahead and wear whatever you want. All said and done, a few places will still resent a Baywatch outfit or the like. Government offices, courts of law, places of worship and memorials (including cemeteries, graveyards and commemorative halls) don't take lightly to 'inappropriate attire' (which is a polite way of accusing someone of being disrespectful). I don't believe you could walk into Westminster, Old Bailey, St Peter's or the Capitol in a skimpy outfit bottomed by bath-slippers. It's only fair to expect something similar in India.

I totally and absolutely disagree with you. Firstly, Indians are too polite too mention that you are not dressed correctly- that does not mean to say that they feel offended. Its not about what obe is ALLOWED or NOT ALLOWED to wear- its about respecting the culture of the country that you are a visitor in. Not even Indian men usually bare their legs. No one is suggesting wearing a chador here- just be sensible- cover bare stomach, legs (thighs) and dont show too much skin up top. That is not a big ask.