Discover India

HMT negotiates pre-arranged rates with a curated selection of serviced apartments and hotels near each of our partner hospitals.

HMT's standard accommodation recommendation for most patients is a furnished serviced apartment at $50–$70 per night. These apartments offer a small kitchen (useful for post-surgery dietary preparation), more space than a hotel room, and a home-like environment that supports recovery far better than a hospital-adjacent guesthouse. Your concierge manages the check-in, apartment inventory, and housekeeping throughout your stay.

Food & Eating in Chennai: Chennai is a food lover's paradise, particularly for patients on medically supervised diets, as Tamil Nadu's cuisine is naturally vegetable-rich, low in red meat, and prepared with a variety of anti-inflammatory spices that have been central to Ayurvedic medicine for centuries. Do not be intimidated by Indian food if it is unfamiliar. Your HMT concierge will guide you to the right restaurants and help you navigate menus based on your dietary requirements.

• Hospital Catering:All partner hospitals provide patient meals during inpatient stay, prepared to dietary and post-operative specifications. Companions can access hospital cafeterias.
• Cost:A full meal at a good local restaurant costs $3–$8. A meal at a mid-range international restaurant costs $10–$20. Grocery runs to stock a serviced apartment are very affordable.

Tamil Nadu has one of the oldest continuous civilisations on earth, and Chennai is its proud modern expression. The people of Tamil Nadu are known throughout India for their warmth toward visitors, their deep respect for education and medicine, and their generous hospitality.

• Kapaleeshwarar Temple, Mylapore:One of the oldest and most beautiful Dravidian temples in South India — a genuinely moving experience, open to all visitors.
• Marina Beach:The world's second longest urban beach, stretching 13km along the Bay of Bengal. A beautiful place for a gentle evening walk during recovery.
• The Government Museum, Egmore:One of India's oldest museums — excellent collection of South Indian bronzes, Roman antiquities, and natural history.
• Fort St. George:Built by the British East India Company in 1644 — the first English fortress in India. A fascinating piece of colonial and post-colonial history.
• Mahabalipuram (60km from Chennai):A UNESCO World Heritage Site of extraordinary 7th-century rock-carved temples and seashore sculptures. A wonderful half-day excursion for patients cleared for light activity.

• Safety:Chennai is one of India's safest major cities. Medical tourism areas are well-policed and comfortable for international patients and companions.
• Currency:Indian Rupee (INR). 1 USD ≈ 90 INR. ATMs widely available. USD cash accepted at many medical-adjacent services. Carry $200–$300 USD cash as backup.
• SIM Card:HMT includes an Indian SIM card in your welcome kit. Data is inexpensive with unlimited 4G plans costing approximately $5–$10/month.
• Power:India uses Type C, D, and M plugs (220V). Bring a universal adapter. All hotels and hospitals have USB charging in rooms.
• Dress:Modest dress is appreciated, particularly at temples and in traditional markets. Pack light, breathable fabrics such as linen and cotton are ideal in Chennai's climate.
• Tipping:Not obligatory but appreciated. 10% at restaurants is generous. A small tip to hospital nurses and support staff is warmly received.