Chennai, the capital of Tamil Nadu, is located on the Coromandel Coast. Chennai, often renowned by way of the “Gateway to the South,” is a first-rate spot to spend a vacation with your near and dear ones.
From glistening waters to amusement parks, historical constructions and galleries, ancient temples, shopping centers, and an outstanding mesh of motorways and high-end services, Chennai has something for everyone. Chennai tourism is perfect for all groups of tourists, including long family vacations, fast excursions, and school or student visits.
Because it is abode to multiple automobile industry, the city is often celebrated as the “Detroit of India.” Chennai is not just a destination for autos and industry, but also academia, commerce, and culture in Southern India.
Chennai’s unique fusion of modernism and history has already been recognized and praised around the globe. Chennai’s food was placed 2nd in the globe by national geography, and Lonely Planet named it the ninth-best city in the world.
Now, if you are unfazed by the heat of the Sun, Humidity but instead want to enjoy the warmth of welcome & rich cultural background then, Chennai is your calling. The rich tradition which Chennai has held onto is the reason why it is dubbed as the “Cultural Capital of India”.
This is evident from the noteworthy edifices which have been withstanding the wrath of time. Now without much ado let’s jump right into the well of information about the places you must visit on your trip to Chennai!
MARINA BEACH
The first pick for anyone visiting Chennai is undoubtedly, Marina Beach which prides itself as the second longest beach in India. The wide length of glittering sand makes for a congenial stroll along the beach.
The views of the sunrise and sunset are breathtaking in this idyllic environment. Marina Beach provides a variety of athletic events notably fishing, windsurfing, and Volleyball on the beach. Even though the marina is the 2nd longest, yet the people and responsible bodies are not taking care of the beach which is unsightly to accept.
Nonetheless, if you enjoy the essence of the district, you would enjoy the location. It is a place with no admission cost but plenty of amusement. If you come here and, in the mornings, you can see fisherman commencing their day out there in the waters.
The afternoons are rather crowded, with people that come here with their family and have some fun. The beach attracts the wealthy and the poverty-stricken, superstars and the anonymous regular guy. If you enjoy people-watching, you’ll have a great time here.
Timing: 24/7
Entry Fee: NA
Address: Triplicane, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 600005, India
ARIGNAR ANNA ZOO PARK
The Arignar Zoological Park, one amongst Vandalur’s top prominent picnic areas, is an excellent place for learning about the state’s ecology & wildlife. The Arignar Zoo, a perfect weekend destination for both adults and children, is located 32 kilometers away from Chennai.
It is Southeastern Asia’s biggest zoological of its sort. Aside from a broad selection of indigenous and unusual species, tourists can get a taste of the wilderness by visiting safari areas wherein lions and deer can always be readily sighted.
This site is a wilderness lover’s dream, with up to 138 distinct kinds of animals. Arinagar Anna Zoological Park is home to a wide range of species, including Himalayan brown bears, lions, tigers, elephants, and Indian civil cats. The zoo also contains a reptile house, which hosts a variety of reptiles such as the king cobra, python, viper, and many others. Furthermore, there is a little constructed Jurassic Park, which contributes to the thrill.
Timing: 9 A.M – 5 P.M (Tuesday Closed)
Entry Fee: Adults- INR 50 | Children below 2 years- Free | Children aged 2-12 years- INR 20 | Zoo round (Adult): INR 100 | Zoo round (Child): INR 50
Address: Grand Southern Trunk Rd, Vandalur, Tamil Nadu 600048
KAPALESHWAR
The Kapaleeswarar Temple in Chennai’s Mylapore is one of the city’s oldest devotional places, going back about 1,300 years. It is unknown who built the temple. According to Nayanmar hymns, the Pallava Kings built the Kapaleeswarar Temple in the seventh century.
The building, which is around 400 years old, may not be as ancient as it looks. As a consequence, it is considered that the old temple mentioned in Nayanmar songs was demolished by Portugal, and so the current edifice dates from the 1500s.
Aside from being a spiritual treasure, the temple has also become a renowned cultural centre, often presenting diverse traditional musical acts.
The temple’s nearby region is still built in the ancient Agraharam architecture, and the temple complex includes a large water reservoir. The temple’s tallest Gopuram stands over 40 metres tall, while a smaller Gopuram faces the water reservoir.
Timing: 5 A.M – 12 P.M | 4 P.M – 9:30 P.M
Entry Fee: NA
Address: Vadakku Maada Veethi, Mylapore, Vinayaka Nagar Colony, Mylapore, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 600004, India
BREEZY BEACH
Breezy Beach is located in Chennai’s secluded & tranquil Valmiki Nagar neighborhood. Because it is relatively narrow and far less contaminated, It’s great for those looking for a relaxing evening. This little beach has remained untainted by consumerism and is thus incredibly restful.
This beach is less famous and well-known than Elliots Beach, so it is more calm and serene. This is a lovely spot for a stroll in the evening, as well as the vistas, are spectacular.
Because the sea is pristine, water activities are prominent. People enjoy swimming in this area. Another option is to go on a sailing trip.
Evenings are particularly nice and windy here, and in recent times, many visitors have indeed been drawn to this beach because of its attractiveness. The Breezy Beach in Chennai is the place to be if you’re seeking a friendly, pleasant, and breezy spot to relax and have fun.
Timing: 24/7
Entry Fee: NA
Address: Breezy Beach, Chennai
GOVERNMENT MUSEUM
For even more than 160 years, the Government Museum compound in Egmore’s Pantheon Road has become one of Chennai’s finest prominent academic and leisure destinations. This is one of India’s very first & oldest public museums.
The entrance to this museum would transport visitors to India’s cultural riches. An outstanding exhibit of historical and contemporary South Indian bronzes and antiques may be found here. The major attractions of this museum are the Amaravati marble houses and the marble sculptures associated with Gautama Buddha’s life.
The museum is primarily recognized for its rich coinage display and relics from Tamil heritage.
Other famous destinations in the museum complex include the Museum Theatre, a widely used performance venue in the city, as well as the Connemara Public Library, one of the country’s oldest. As a result, it is one of the top sites to explore in Chennai.
Timing: 9:30 A.M – 5 P.M (Friday Closed)
Entry Fee: INR 5 – INR 250
Address: Government Maternity Hospital, Pantheon Rd, Egmore, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600008
ELLIOT’S BEACH
While Marina Beach receives more tourists than any other beach in the metropolitan region, Besant Nagar Beach is clearly the most popular among the city’s young due to its food outlets, cafés, and dessert stores.
Elliott’s Beach is one of India’s most environmentally friendly beaches. The Ashtalakshmi Temple is located to the south of this seashore. On the beach, there is a magnificent Schmidt Monument honouring the Dutch sailor Karl Schmidt.
Visit this beachfront for stunning views and a tranquil atmosphere. Elliot’s Beach has become a favorite lounging location in the metropolis ever since the 20th century, nicknamed for the former governor of Chennai Edward Elliot.
Murugan Idli Shop, Mash, Cozee’s, and Amadora Gourmet Ice Cream along with the promenade’s most renowned eateries and confectionery locations.
Timing: 24/7
Entry Fee: NA
Address: 6th Avenue, Besant Nagar, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 600090, India
GUINDY NATIONAL PARK
Chennai has become one of the homeland’s rare metropolises having a full-fledged national park inside its borders. The Guindy national park & snake park are a distinctive complement to the city’s aesthetic atmosphere.
Although Guindy National Park is the country’s eighth smallest national park, the green area is home to a stunning variety of vegetation and animals and acts as Chennai’s breath. It supports a diverse range of animals, reptiles, trees, birds, amphibians, and other animals.
This Park seems to be in the center of the city and features a fascinating snake park with cobras, pythons, and other snake breeds.
There are around 130 species of birds and 14 animal species, including the Blackbuck, spotted deer, and jackal. Looking for a spot to get away from the city’s busy life? Your destination is Guindy National Park.
Timing: 9 A.M – 6 P.M (Tuesday Closed)
Entry Fee: INR 5 (Children) | INR 15 (Adults)
Address: Rangeguindy, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600025
B.M BIRLA PLANETARIUM
The iconic and gigantic Birla Planetarium, situated at the Periyar Science and Technology Centre in Kotturpuram, is recognized for its interactive content of the sky at night and also staging periodic celestial performances in the interior spherical morphology dome made of aluminum.
The Birla Planetarium in Chennai was established roughly 30 years ago, but it is now regarded as one of the country’s most advanced planetariums, functioning as a popular spot for school visits in Chennai as well beautiful site for astronomy and visiting the galleries and parks.
The planetarium was founded in 1983 and is named after B M Birla, a famous Indian businessman and futurist. There are audio-visual astronomical programs, displays on the rotation of constellations, the solar system, meteoroids, the moon, and other celestial bodies to see here.
It is a huge hit, particularly with the kids. Science on Wheels, Science Park, and Traffic Park are three attractions that deserve special note. The planetarium’s operation is now supported by the Tamil Nadu administration.
Timing: 10 A.M – 5:45 P.M
Entry Fee: INR 15 (Children) | INR 30 (Adults)
Address: Gandhi Mandapam Rd, Duraisamy Nagar, Kotturpuram, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600025
FORT ST. GEORGE
The background of Chennai is inextricably linked to the origins of the enormous white structure of Fort St. George. The gigantic fort complex, known as the ‘White Town,’ was built with the primary intention of creating an England foothold in the Coromandel Coast as well as the remainder of southern India.
Throughout this time, the now-bustling city of Chennai sprang up all around the fort. In many ways, the majestic fort was first in the whole period of British control in India.
It also features the Clive House, the first British official residence complex, which was lodging to Lord Robert Clive, the Commander-in-Chief and maestro of British India. The fortress’s St Mary’s Church is indeed the world’s oldest Anglican cathedral, not just in India, but passim the mainlands eastward of Suez.
Today, the supervision arms of government and the legislative body are located in this building. The chapel and a museum, on the other hand, are available to the common population, who can visit and learn about the fort’s relevance in Indian history. However, since liberation, it has become a huge museum house with about 3600 objects spanning the whole time of the Brits governance.
Timing: 9 A.M – 5 P.M (Friday Closed)
Entry Fee: INR 5 (Indians) | INR 100 (Foreigners)
Address: Rajaji Rd, near Legislature and Secretariat, Fort St George, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600009
CONNEMARA PUBLIC LIBRARY
Connemara Public Library first opened its doors in 1896. In the library, you’ll find numerous unusual and rare volumes, as well as a depth of knowledge on a variety of themes.
The library’s structure is a mix of Southern Hindu Deccani, Gothic, Rajput, and Mughal. A periodic hallway, a movie room, and a research room are all located within the library. There is also a Braille library here.
The library’s collection of volumes is outstanding, and it meets the demands of both learners and lecturers.
The library has been one of India’s four National Depository Libraries, having the access to each and every National Newspaper, newspapers rolling out in the Country, Magazines be it economic, political or any other subject. The Library furthermore possesses physical and digital archives of journals and bulletins released till date.
Timing: 8 A.M – 8 P.M
Entry Fee: NA
Address: Pantheon Rd, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600008
edited and proofread by nikita sharma
