Chennai, India | World’s Best Cities

Chennai, India

India’s fourth-largest city may be famed for its sun-drenched Marina Beach and vibrant cultural scene, but this coastal metropolis has evolved into a vital South Asian economic engine as well. Post-pandemic, Chennai has witnessed substantial investment, particularly in its IT and industrial sectors. The city may only ranks #64 in our overall Prosperity ranking, driven by robust infrastructure and corporate investments, but is doubling down on its #22-ranked Business Ecosystem with developments like the expansion of the Mahindra World City, an Eliambedu Village project estimated to generate more than 2,000 jobs and elevate Chennai’s status as a tech and industrial corridor. Urban infrastructure, by way of The Smart City mission, prioritizes sustainability, from recently upgraded public transport to digital governance initiatives. The city is building on its natural assets with projects like the Adyar Eco Park adding to the overall environmental sensibility here. Tourism has long been a key driver in Chennai’s growth, helping rank the city #22 in our overall Lovability category, with a #9 ranking for Sights & Landmarks and #11 for Google Trends. The completion of several hospitality projects—including the opening of new luxury hotels like the Leela Palace Chennai and Taj Wellington Mews—reflects the city’s ongoing commitment to cater to domestic and international visitors.