PLACES TO VISIT IN CHENNAI

Chennai formerly known as Madras is the capital of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Located on the Coromandel Coast of the Bay of Bengal . One of the most popular destinations in South India, Chennai is a wonderful amalgam of ancient temples, sparkling city lights, the expansive Bay of Bengal and the craggy ruins of the old times. With temples, beaches and centers of historical and cultural significance, including the UNESCO Heritage. Site of Mamalapuram Chennai is one of the most-visited cities in India. The city serves as the gateway to the southern part of India with tourists landing in the city and then visiting the rest of the region. Chennai was the most-visited Indian city by foreign tourists in 2009. 

 PLACES TO VISIT IN CHENNAI

 

 

# MARINA BEACH

Marina Beach, one of the famous tourist attractions in Chennai. As mentioned on the wiki, Marina Beach is not a just beach. It holds a few records like the longest beach in India (13 kms) as well the world’s eleventh longest beach. The atmosphere is electric with swarms of visitors and vendors creating a carnival-like ambience. An interesting point to note about Marina Beach is that swimming in the water isn’t legally permitted because of the turbulent undercurrents. Beyond the surf and sand, Marina Beach is also dotted with several monuments and statues of historical figures.  During the day you can purchase souvenirs or trinkets from the stalls on the beach or purchase some tasty fish dishes for your lunch. Watching the sun go down from the cool sand in the evening is a favourite past time of those looking for a more romantic feel.

# GUINDY NATIONAL PARK

One of the natural spectacles of the city is a small but renowned Guindy National Park. Spanning over an area of 2.70 square kilometre it is a great habitat of varied species of fauna coupled with the tropical dry evergreen forests of the Coromandel Coast. Main attraction of the park is the 20 million years old Specimen of Tyrannosaurus. The wildlife population of the Park includes Chital, Sloth Bear, dhole, and Indian spotted chevrotain, Spotted deer, common Palm Civet, Small Liven Civet, Bonnet Macaque and Pangolin. Set next to the National Park, the Guindy Snake Park houses reptiles like the Pythons, Adders, Vipers, King Cobras and Fan-throated Lizard, Geckos, Star Tortoise, giant Turtles, Kraits, Indian Monitor Lizard and Chameleons. the Children’s Park houses a variety of birds and animals that grabs the attention of the children. Twenty million years old tree is a key draw of the Children’s park. Swings, Elephant and Pony rides as well as a mini railway keep the kids engaged.

# GOVERNMENT MUSEUM

The Government Museum also known as Egmore Museum or the Madras Museum is the second oldest museums in India. The Government Museum originated from the museum in Madras which was planned by the Madras Literary Society in 1846. It is also the largest museum in South Asia rich in archaeological and numismatic collection. It has the largest collection of Roman antiquities outside Europe. Many of the buildings situated within the Government Museum are over 100 years old. The Government Museum comprises several galleries under various sections like archaeology, anthropology, geology, botany, numismatics, contemporary art, zoology and children. The public library of the museum, also known as Connemara Public Library, bears a 200 feet tower. This majestic complex comprises six buildings and nearly fifty galleries; the impressive works cross every era and branch of science and art, from zoology and anthropology to puppetry, painting and fibre optic sculpture.

# FORT St. GEORGE

Built by the British in 1644, Fort St. George, is considered to be one of the first establishments of British presence in India. It first started as a trading post and was then later used by the army; now it is seen as an important historical monument of India. Beyond its memorial status, the fort also houses Tamil Nadu’s Legislative Assembly and Secretariat. Other buildings also include the Fort Museum which provides an opportunity for visitors to explore the origins of the fort, colonial artwork and historical military artefacts. Make sure you also have a look around the oldest surviving British Church (St. Mary’s, built in 1680) and a somewhat eclectic museum dedicated to Robert Clive (a former Commander-in-Chief of British India). The fort also holds a museum; the museum exhibits the items of the British rule. These Relics of the British rule are reminders of the pain suffered by the Indians. On the first floor of the building lies the banquet hall, which holds the paintings of the Governor of the Fort and other high officials of the Regime.

# KAPALEESHWARAR TEMPLE

Kapaleeswarar temple is one of the prominent Shiva temples in India situated in Mylapore, Chennai. Here Lord Shiva is worshipped as Kapaleeswar [self-manifested] and Goddess Shakthi [Uma] as Karpagambal. it is another great piece of Dravidian art, but it is not the original structure of the temple which is long gone or washed ashore. Even the great historians are not able to date the construction of the original temple building. The temple authorities claim that the original temple was destroyed by the Portuguese. The c ||urrent structure is more than 300 years old. There are two entrances to the temple, one on the east and other on the west side of the temple with colourful Gopurams [temple tower] which enhance the beauty of the whole temple. The east Gopuram is 40m in height and is higher than the western Gopuram. There is a huge water tank in front of the western entrance which is another major landmark of the temple.

# PARTHASARATHY TEMPLE

 Parthasarathy temple is one of the precious charms of Chennai dedicated to Lord Parathasarthy, a manifestation of Lord Vishnu. Visitors would be fascinated by the grandeur of the sacred shrine built in Dravidian style of architecture. Lord Ranganatha and Lord Sri Rama are in the front mandapam. Lord Ganjendravaradha and Yoga Narashima appear in the shrines in the prakara. Sri Ranganatha can be seen resting on the Adi Sesha. A thousand year old complex has a 36 pillared mandapam and Thiruvoimozhi Prabandha mandapam and Maha Mandapam, reflecting the art of pre-pallava period.

# VALLUVAR KOTTAM

Built in honour of famous poet and Saint Tiruvalluvar, writer of Thirukkural, this memorial is made up of approximately 3000 stones. The best part of this monument is that all 133 chapters of his epic Thirukkural are inscribed into the walls of the first corridor. Other interesting parts include epic monuments and an incredibly large auditorium.The architectural pattern of the Valluvar Kottam is like a temple chariot (39 m high), inside which there is a huge stone effigy of the saint Thiruvalluvar. The architect under whose guidance the Valluvar Kottam was built is a South Indian architect, V. Ganapati Sthapati, who is also the architect of the statue of saint Thiruvalluvar, sited at Kanyakumari. The main auditorium of the Valluvar Kottam can provide accommodation to more than 4,000 people at one time and stands as a contemporary cenotaph to the great and distinguished poet and saint, who symbolizes the splendid culture of the Tamils.

# THOUSAND LIGHT MOSQUE

The Thousand Lights Mosque, built in 1807, is Chennai’s main Shia mosque and a sacred place of pilgrimage for the Muslim people in India. It got its peculiar name from the story that this vast ethereal building needs over 100 lights to fully illuminate its main hall. The mosque is built using medieval architectural style. With multiple domes and minarets as tall as 64ft, the structure is an architectural wonder. The interiors of the mosque are adorned with inscriptions and quotes from the Quran. There are separate prayer halls for men and women on the ground floor.The assembly hall was built in 1810 A.D and the mosque was later built in 1820. During the early 19th century, the mosque ground was a gathering place for Shiite Muslims during Muharram. Today, the mosque is among the most revered pilgrimage sites for the Shia community.

# SANTHOME CATHEDRAL

San Thome Cathedral is a large Roman Catholic cathedral built by the Portuguese in the 16th century after they arrived in 1522. It was later re-built (1896) in a more neo-Gothic style, making it a beautiful and charming sight to behold. There is a shrine on the Southside of the cathedral, called St. Thomas’ Pole, it is believed that this holy monument saved the cathedral from being damaged by the 2004 tsunami. The church is open for visitors from 6.30am to 7.30pm, it is a sacred place for Catholics so make sure to dress appropriately. Santhome Basilica has an all-white facade and is built in neo-gothic style, with big windows and naturally lit interiors. The windows have coloured panes and the rows of wooden pews add to the church’s beauty. The calm and comforting interior has an aura of peace to it, inviting all those who seek peace and tranquility. The place was renovated and restored in December 2004.

# VANDALUR ZOO

Arignar Anna Zoological Park is one of the modern and scientifically managed zoos of the Country with 259 full time staff and additional contract workers. This Zoological Park is the pride of the Tamil Nadu. It has attained excellence in the Conservatory Breeding Programme for endangered species and also in the field of zoo education by creating awareness about the conservation of natural resources. The functions carried out in the zoo include animal welfare, commissary (store), transport, research, education and awareness, veterinary, horticulture, security and sanitation and zoo administration. The zoo has a well-equipped zoo kitchen, zoo hospital and quarantine area facility. A zoo school was opened in the year 1998 for the teachers, students and general public where regular zoo education and conservation programmes are conducted. The zoo has adequate number of battery operated vehicles and road trains to transport visitors to the animal area through the network of internal roads. Several service roads have been laid for serving the animal enclosures.

# BESAT NAGAR BEACH

Besant Nagar Beach also known as Edward Elliot's Beach in Chennai is one of the cleanest beaches of India. Embellished by golden sand beaches, curling waves and limitless stretch of sea, the beach entices tourists from different parts of the world. The serene and tranquil nature of the beach uplifts the human spirit and refreshes the mind and soul. You can witness the amazing sunrise and sunset at the beach, with the sky being painted by the golden rays of the sun. The beach is named Edward Elliot's Beach after the famous chief magistrate and superintendent police of Chennai, Edward Elliott.

# MAMALLAPURAM

The town’s religious centre was founded by a 7th-century-CE Hindu Pallava king—Narasimhavarman, also known as Mamalla—for whom the town was named. Ancient Chinese, Persian, and Roman coins found at Mamallapuram point to its earlier existence as a seaport. It contains many surviving 7th- and 8th-century Pallava temples and monuments, chief of which are the sculptured rock relief popularly known as “Arjuna’s Penance,” or “Descent of the Ganges,” a series of sculptured cave temples, and a Shaiva temple on the seashore. The town’s five rathas, or monolithic temples, are the remnants of seven temples, for which the town was known as Seven Pagodas. The entire assemblage collectively was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1984. Mamallapuram is a resort and tourist centre. In addition to the ancient monuments and temples, it has an extensive beachfront on the ocean, lined with resorts and tourist cabins. The town is also home to a college offering instruction in architecture and temple sculpture.

FOOD IN CHENNAI

Chennai, the capital city of Tamil Nadu and an important part of South India is home to a potpourri of vegetarian as well as non-vegetarian cuisines and is famous for its exclusive food culture and traditional range of cuisine, which is known as the South Indian food. An actual South Indian person starts the day with a cup of hot filtered coffee, which is the signature beverage of the capital city, and also of the South Indian region. Rice is the staple food of South India and this is why most of the food items are made of rice: be it the breakfast, lunch, snacks or dinner

HOW TO REACH

🚂➡️ Nearest railway station is Chennai Central Station

✈️➡️ The nearest airport is Chennai International Airport

🚌➡️ Road transport is also available in Chennai 

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