Chennai Safety Tips for First-Time Visitors

What numbers should you save first?

India has a single emergency number, 112, which covers police, fire and ambulance, according to Wikipedia. It can be dialled from any mobile or landline, even without balance, and the 112 India app and a triple press of the power button on some smartphones can trigger an SOS. Save it before you travel.

Chennai Metro Rail lists a 24/7 helpline at 1860-425-1515 and a women's helpline at 155370 on its site. Add the hotel's number too. Hotel Royal Luxe can be reached on +91 72001 09033 or +91 72001 09077, and reception is staffed around the clock.

Share your hotel details and your daily plan with a family member or colleague, and keep a screenshot of the hotel address on your phone for taxi drivers. Phones run out of power, so a paper note helps.

What is the Kavalan SOS app?

Kavalan SOS is a safety app linked to the Tamil Nadu State Police's Master Control Room, according to a report from The News Minute. It has a red SOS button on its home screen. When pressed, a countdown starts and police are notified, and officers can call you or track your GPS location. The app launched in June 2018 and is available on Android and iOS.

The same report quotes a response time of 10 to 15 minutes in Chennai, depending on traffic. Treat that as indicative, not guaranteed. Registration needs a name, number, address, date of birth and emergency contact, so set it up before you need it, not in the middle of a problem.

Android and iOS versions both exist, and it is wise to test the app's permissions and location settings at the hotel, where you have a stable connection, rather than on the street.

How do you stay safe on the road?

The biggest everyday risk in Chennai is traffic. Wikipedia reports that Anna Salai carries over 183,000 vehicles a day and ranks second for accidents among the city's roads. Cross at signals where possible, look in both directions even on one-way streets and avoid stepping off the kerb while looking at your phone.

When taking a cab or auto, check the vehicle number against the app, sit behind the driver if you wish and share your trip details with someone. Agree on the fare before you ride in an auto, or use the metro, which is staffed and monitored. The metro lists facilities for women passengers and for the differently-abled on its site.

What about beaches and crowds?

Marina Beach is one of the city's best-known places, and Wikipedia says it attracts about 30,000 visitors on weekdays and 50,000 on weekends. It also states that bathing and swimming are legally prohibited because of turbulent undercurrents, and that there are no lifeguards. Enjoy the walk and the food stalls, and stay out of the water.

In crowds, such as at Pongal in mid-January, keep your valuables in a front pocket or a zipped bag, and agree a meeting point with your group in case you are separated.

How do you handle the heat and food?

Heat is a safety issue in itself. Wikipedia describes April to June as the hottest period, at 35 to 40 degrees Celsius on average. Drink water regularly, avoid long walks in the early afternoon and carry a hat or umbrella for shade. If you feel unwell, rest in a cool place and seek medical help if it persists. For food, choose busy places with high turnover, and be careful with raw items and ice if your stomach is sensitive.

Carry a small kit with any regular medication, a charger and some cash, and keep copies of your documents on your phone.

Chennai's public transport includes women-only compartments on suburban trains, according to Wikipedia, and Metropolitan Transport Corporation runs pink buses on which women travel free. Both can be useful for women travelling alone, though routes and rules are best checked locally.

What does the hotel offer?

Hotel Royal Luxe has CCTV security across the property, 24-hour reception and housekeeping, lift access and a smoke-free policy. The US Consulate General is about a 3 minute walk, and Apollo Hospital on Greams Road is 5 to 10 minutes away on foot. Rooms are Rs 1,800 for one guest and Rs 2,000 for two in the Queen and Twin rooms, and Rs 2,500 for the Deluxe Room with Kitchen. Please reconfirm current rates and taxes when you book.

If you return late, reception is always open. If you plan to explore at night, tell the desk where you are going and when you expect to be back.

Finally, trust your instincts. If a situation feels wrong, leave, move to a lit and busy place and call for help.