Solo Woman Business Traveller in Chennai: Practical Tips

What should you look for in a hotel?

The choice of hotel matters more than anything else you can plan. Look for round-the-clock reception, security cameras in common areas, a lit entrance and a location where you can reach the main transport easily. Reading recent reviews can help, but a phone call to the hotel will tell you more about how the desk responds.

Hotel Royal Luxe has a 24-hour reception and housekeeping, CCTV security across the property, lift access and a smoke-free policy. It is on Aziz Muluk 3rd Street in Thousand Lights West, a few minutes from the US Consulate General and 3 to 10 minutes from Thousand Lights Metro. Rooms are Rs 1,800 for one guest in the Queen and Twin rooms. Please reconfirm current rates and taxes at booking.

A hotel on a central road with steady foot traffic feels easier on a late return than a quiet, isolated lane. Ask the hotel how far it is from the metro and from main roads, and whether reception can arrange a cab at short notice.

Which helplines and apps are worth saving?

India's unified emergency number is 112, which covers police, fire and ambulance. Chennai Metro Rail lists a women's helpline at 155370 and a 24/7 helpline at 1860-425-1515. The Kavalan SOS app, linked to the Tamil Nadu State Police control room, has an SOS button that alerts police and shares your location, according to The News Minute.

Set these up before you travel. Install the app, add an emergency contact and test the permissions. Save the hotel's number and the number of a colleague at your destination.

How do you get around?

Chennai Metro is a good option along its line, with staffed stations and facilities for women passengers listed on the official site. Trains run from about 5 AM to 11 PM. For other trips, app cabs let you see the driver's details and share the ride with someone. Check the plate against the app before you get in.

Chennai's suburban trains have women's compartments, according to Wikipedia, and Metropolitan Transport Corporation runs pink buses with free travel for women. These can be useful, though for a first visit with luggage or an unfamiliar route, a cab is usually simpler. If you travel at night, choose a cab booked in advance rather than hailing one from the street.

Whichever mode you use, keep your phone charged and your bag zipped. A power bank is a small item that makes a real difference when you are relying on an app for maps and rides.

How should you plan the working day?

Confirm each meeting's address, floor and contact number the evening before, and tell someone your schedule. Central offices on Anna Salai, in Nungambakkam and in Teynampet are used to visitors, and security desks ask for a name and a phone number. Plan to arrive a few minutes early, which gives you time to compose yourself.

For dinners and client events, agree the venue in advance, tell the hotel desk when you expect to return and keep your phone charged. If you are uncomfortable at any point, it is fine to leave early and say you have another call.

If you are meeting a new contact for the first time, choose a public place, tell a colleague where you will be and arrange a check-in call for an hour later. These are ordinary habits among experienced travellers, and they do not need an apology.

What about clothing and the climate?

Chennai is warm and humid for most of the year. Wikipedia describes April to June as the hottest period, at 35 to 40 degrees Celsius on average, and December and January as the coolest, at 19 to 25 degrees. Light cotton or linen clothes in muted colours work well for business meetings, with a light layer for air-conditioned offices. Comfortable shoes help because walks between stations and offices can be long.

Dress for the occasion and the area. Temples and some religious places expect covered shoulders and knees, so keep a shawl or scarf in your bag.

Finally, keep a small card with the hotel name, address and phone number in your bag, so that you can show a driver or a passer-by even if your phone is out of power.

What helps in the room?

Use the room's locks, keep the room number private and do not open the door without checking who is there. Call reception if someone claims to be from the hotel and you are unsure. Keep valuables out of sight and your charger in your bag. Reception and housekeeping run 24 hours, so there is always someone to call.

If you want to cook a simple meal rather than eat out alone, the Deluxe Room with Kitchen at Rs 2,500 has a private kitchenette. Ask the hotel what it includes.