Best things to do in Chennai | Attractions & Activities

Published On : 03 Sep 2024

The capital of Tamilnadu, Chennai is a seaside city well-known for its cuisine, entertainment, history, and architecture, One of Maharashtra's twenty-24 districts, Navi Mumbai is a quickly expanding commercial city on India's western coast. From worshiping old temples to tanning on long sandy beaches, from fascinating British architectural wonders to shopping in big retail complexes, Chennai has an incredible range of activities.

Explore the Magnificent Temples
Located in Mylapore, Kapaleeshwarar Temple is a Hindu Dravidian temple honoring Lord Shiva. Notable are the finely painted fish in the sacred pond and carved ornaments on the gopurams, or tower entrances. Dedicated to Lord Krishna, the Parthasarathy temple in Triplicane is another exquisite temple that is an architectural wonder of the eighth century with exquisitely carved stone scenes from the famous epic of Mahabharata. Famously housed in this temple of Ashtalakshmi Kovil, the eight manifestations of Goddess Lakshmi are revered here.

Stroll Down Marina Beach
Stretched across 13 kilometers of coastline, Marina Beach is among the longest natural urban beaches seen anywhere. As the sun sets in the Bay of Bengal, stroll along the boardwalk with the residents flying kites or even riding horses. Many people and families are seen walking down the beach purchasing food from the roasted corn and fish sellers, seeing cultural troupes, and riding the merry-go-round in the evenings.

Visit the Fort St George and Government Museum
Established by the British East India Company in 1640 Fort St George is a well-maintaining stronghold with various British architectural creations now utilized as offices for Tamil Nadu state government. The Fort Museum features a large collection of items from that era including oil paintings, uniforms, money, weapons, etc. Along with the National Art exhibition part with outstanding paintings of the eminent Raja Ravi Varma, the Government Museum located in Egmore is another must-visit destination with an antique archeological exhibition with bronzes and stone sculptures of the Chola and Pallava empires.

Shopping centers can be found in Pondy Bazaar and T Nagar.
Shopping on Pondy Bazaar situated in T Nagar, which is the famous place for textiles, accessories, and cheap stylish clothes, remains a must-see place in Chennai. The environment is lively with the bazaar streets filled with shops and stalls that sell all the desired items. Are you seeking to buy traditional silk sarees and other local textiles and products? Go to the stores which are owned by the state known as the Poompuhar chain of stores.

Hike a Spiritual Trail of Mahabalipuram
Only 55 km south of Chennai, one can explore the extraordinary works of sculptors and rock-cut cave temples of Mamallapuram more commonly known as Mahabalipuram which was built in the 7th century during the Pallava dynasty and is on the list of UNESCO World Heritage site. Marvel at the versatility of artists while you get to see the gigantic monolithic boulders carved intricately and the shore temple as well during the sunset.

Discover the Theosophical Society
For a pious but natural trail, visit the ts garden, an extensive 260-acre garden housing monumental trees and flying birds based on a theosophical society of Hindu origin. Find yourself surrounded by one of the oldest Banyan trees, which is 450 years old and covers approximately 40,000 sq feet to be taken back into the pages of mythology and poems. If you are searching for the tranquillity of the mind, then this is where you can turn to.

Don’t miss the performing arts in Kalakshetra.
Kalakshetra co-founded in 1936 by Rukmini Devi Arundale is one of the premier institutions for training in the performing arts of India in the style of the ancient gurukul. Go to a performed show of the displayed art forms like Bharatanatyam, Carnatic music, and traditional plays in an open theatre accompanied by the green gardens.

Stroll through Semmozhi Poonga Park
Were you looking for a park where you could just take a break amid nature even amid a densely populated city? Then you should head to Semmozhi Poonga park which is positioned opposite to the Marina beach. Enjoy an unhurried walk through its well-manicured gardens on the lines of Tamilkeezhan mythology which boasts over five hundred species of flowers. Leave the kids to play in the area provided for slides and swings.

Fun and frolic at Vandalur Zoo
Located in Vandalar, Arignar Anna Zoological Park occupies an area of 1,500 acres and is home to more than 90 mammalian species, 63 bird species, and 31 reptilian species. One can ensure they see lion, tiger, and deer as well as elephant herds through the safari bus tour where the wooded depictions seem more natural. There are lots of photo opportunities as well considering that there is the wetlands and also a park developed with the express purpose of being a butterfly park.

Chennai will never fail to provide you with entertainment if you are interested in nature if you want a religious path or even just a sightseeing tour. There is so muchistine, heritage, and culture to explore in Chennai that one is spoilt for choice Now is the time to book and plan early to enjoy these iconic attractions and activities at a leisurely pace as there is an excellent choice of authentic Tamil cuisine to sample from some of the best restaurants in Chennai.