Top Tourist Places In Chennai
Top Tourist Places In Chennai.Chennai, the capital city of Tamil Nadu has a lot of history, some great monuments, and an urban culture. Programmatically it is a city of the perfect combination of different eras, and thus the traveler gets the opportunity to visit this place. Other attractions Chenninni provides includes beautiful temples & historic buildings, beautiful beaches, art galleries etc are among others. In this article, you are going to learn about the best tourist attractions that you should check when in Chennai.
1. Marina Beach
Marina Beach is indisputably the queen of beaches in Chennai. It measures thirteen kilometers and is the longest beach in any Indian city and the second longest in the world for that of a city. It gets crowded in the morning to watch the sun rise, in the evening for a walk on the shore or sand or seashore for a game.
What to Do:
Relax and Unwind: Actually spend time relaxing at the beach sunbathing while feeling cool sea breeze blowing over your body as you lie on the sand..
Taste Local Delicacies: Just taste the locally made snacks accorded by the food sellers along the beach such as sundal, murukku among others and as well take the coconut water.
Visit the Statues: Enjoy the many statues that are located in the vicinity of the beach, protectors, leaders, activists, artists, etc.
2. Kapaleeshwarar Temple
Beside the St.Thomas Cathedral Basilica we have the Kapaleeshwarar Temple in Mylapore and this temple is one of the oldest and well known temple in the Chennai city. Belonging to 12th century, the temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, and has Dravidian architectural style, enrichened with bright painting, statues and reliefs.
What to Do:
Explore the Architecture: This temple is a masterpiece in terms of carvings and architecture so do not be in a hurry to leave, but to admire the exquisite gopurams found at the temple.
Participate in Pujas: You will be able to watch the actions and performances related to the worship in the temple.
Visit the Tank: It will be a grave mistake not to glance at the beautiful temple tank that are a part of the structural design of the temple.
3. Fort St. George
Known as Madras when it was constructed in 1644 Fort St George is India’s first purpose-built European structure and a fort. This one still reminds of Chennai’s colonial history and now houses the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly.
What to Do:
Explore the Museum: Pay a visit to the Fort Museum, by doing so you will come across various types of artifacts, weapons and documents about the British East India Company.
St. Mary’s Church: The St. Mary’s Church is the first Anglican church in India and it also lies within fort premise.
4. Santhome Cathedral Basilica
It is one of the rare neo-Gothic structures spread across the country, and all parts of the church are built over the tomb of St. Thomas, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ. There is a cathedral close to the sea and with colorful stained glass windows; quiet and calm inside.
What to Do:
Attend Mass: Attend church services in this cathedral.
Explore the Tomb: Go and pray to the tomb of St, Thomas the Apostle which is placed under the altar.
5. Theosophical Society
The Theosophical Society is a less intense site based in Adyar in Chennai. Located in a sylvan environment and derives its name from the famous Adyar Banyan Tree, which is about 450 years old.
What to Do:
Stroll in the Gardens: It is punctuated by well laid avenues including the manicured wives which ensures that the environment is calm.
Visit the Blavatsky Lodge: Visit the Blavatsky Lodge which isthe named after the founder of the Theosophical Society Helena Blavatsky.
6. Valluvar Kottam
Valluvar Kottam is built in the memory of the Tamil poet and philosopher Thiruvalluvar. The structure is a chariot and there is one gigantic statue of Thiruvalluvar with a height of 33 feet.
What to Do:
Admire the Architecture: Watch the patterns carved on the massive stones and learn the beauty of the architecture of the given monument.
Learn About Thirukkural: See for yourself inscriptions on Walajapet, Thirukkural, a Tamil classic etched on the walls of the edifice.
Top Tourist Places In Chennai
7. Government Museum
The Government Museum in Egmore is one of oldest museum in India, established in 1851. This museum has a rich collection of art, archaeological remains as well as specimen of natural history.
What to Do:
Explore the Galleries: Find out that it has various displays such as sculptures that are as old as 2500BC, bronzes and miniatures including traditional Indian paintings.
Visit the Natural History Gallery: Read about the different types of plants and animals living in the region in the natural section.
8. Mahabalipuram
Situated at a distance of about sixty kilometers from Chennai it is also known as Mammallapuram which is a world heritage site having breathtaking rock –cut temples and architectural marvels. The town is however widely renowned for its beautiful, unspoiled coast as well as historical architecture.
What to Do:
Visit the Shore Temple: Tirupathi stands in prominence over the shore temple, which is located on the shore of the Bay of Bengal as one of the oldest structural Hindu Temple.
Admire the Pancha Rathas: Saturate yourself with the Pancha Rathas, or five different temples that are carved all in one single large granite rock.
9. Elliot’s Beach
Marina beach is one of the crowded beaches of Chennai but, Elliot’s beach in the Besant Nagar is comparatively serene. Locals often take their evenings and family walks here.
What to Do:
Enjoy the Sunset: At ease yourself at the beach and have a view of splendid sunsets over the Bay of Bengal.
Visit the Velankanni Church: Visit a church situated almost in front of the sea, namely Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health.
10. Chennai Rail Museum
Covering over an area of 2.5 acres this Chennai Rail Museum is a must visit for all the train lovers and history lovers. This place preserves the social history of Indian Railways and especially exhibit some of the old railway motors and carriages.
What to Do:
Explore the Exhibits: Learn about the history of rail travel in India and marvel at the superb restoration of several vintage carriages.
Enjoy a Joy Ride: Enjoy a mini-train used to transport tourist within the museum compound.
11. Besant Nagar Beach
Besant Nagar Beach is one more among the best Chennai beaches which has beautiful and calm atmosphere. This is a preferred destination for families and lovers to be.
What to Do:
Stroll Along the Shore: Go for a walk on the beach or listen to how the water is splashing.
Cafes and Restaurants: For dining, there are numerous restaurants in the surrounding region and prospect of some good coffee and other pleasant drinks.
Top Tourist Places In Chennai
12. Chennai Snake Park
The Chennai Snake Park is a good site for people interested in nature and nature with families. Ithosts different types off snakes, reptile and other animals.
What to Do:
See the Snakes: Meet live different related snakes and discover more about their natural environment and movement patterns.
Educational Programs: Take time and attend educative programs, and demonstrations in order to increase your knowledge in wildlife conservation.
13. Arignar Anna Zoological Park
Arignar Anna Zoological Park, commonly referred as Vandalur Zoo is biggest zoo of India located at the outskirts of Chennai. It has a population of so many animals and is embedded in vegetation and other natural features.
What to Do:
Explore the Zoo: For animal lovers go on a Safari or a nature walk in order to have a look at animals in their natural environment.
Picnic Areas: Take a barbecue with your loved ones in specific areas of the park, for instance on picnic tables.
14. Dakshinachitra
Dakshinachitra is a cultural village, lies around 30 km away from Chennai. It focuses on South Indian culture of art and craft, dance and music, with roots in tradition and heritage.
What to Do:
Explore the Exhibits: They build traditional houses, fashion shows and handicraft exhibitions, art galleries, etc.
Participate in Workshops: Engage in the art and craft, cooking demonstrations, and the dancing, and other similar activities.
15. MGR Film City
The MGR Film City, established as the name spells it, after the most famous Tamil actor cum politician M.G. Ramachandran is basically a film studio city and gives a feel about Tamil cinema.
What to Do:
Studio Tours: It’s recommended to take the guided tour with the explanation of the television show’s shooting process.
Enjoy Film Screenings: Again, attempt to find out whether there is any current movie playing or other event at the time.
Conclusion
Chennai, as is evident from above-discussed places, is a place that would suit everyone’s preferences as it encompasses both the natural beauty of beaches, and temples, the historical treasures, the cosmopolitan civilizing centers, and the markets. Regardless of your interests now be it history, wildlife, or even if you are a plain holiday maker, you will not be let down by the Indian city of Chennai. These tourist places narrate history and present experiences which are interesting and rotate around the city’s history and energy. And that’s why today let them pack their bags and start discovering the magnificent city – Chennai!
This article then proceeds to provide answers to questions that people most commonly ask regarding the particular subject matter of the website.
1. What can one attempt when in Chennai as a tourist?
Hence while in Chennai one ought to taste their popular breakfast foods; the dosa and idli that are usually eaten with sambar. There is eating for all the connoisseurs since most of the foods that are served are derived from various parts of the world. Finally, when you are savouring it too, don’t forget to pack home-made chutneys, pickles and chutney powders, for yourself. Thirdly, one should buy lovely cotton or silk sarees from shops famous for them but without rip offs since quality will not be an issue.
2. Which are the best places for shopping in Chennai?
The city has some of the liveliest shopping districts like T Nagar and Pondy Bazar that tourists can use get the best deals. These markets are fit for buying of clothes, bags, accessories and even jewels. They have a very busy social setting, a very extensive list of products and services offered that makes them very ideal for enthusiastic shoppers.
3. Is Uber and Ola type of taxi service easily available here, and what is the best means of transport in Chennai?
Of all the applications that compete with Uber for city transport, Ola is the one that stands out most, and both are easy to download. Apart from taxis, there are users of the bike-hailing apps, metro, and local train services that are well-connected in the city complemented with convenient public buses transport system.
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