Top 10 Tourist Attractions To Visit In Chennai

Published On : 03 Sep 2024

One of the fastest expanding industrial and educational hubs in southern India, Chennai is the capital of Tamil Nadu. Great temples, sandy beaches, ancient buildings, a wildlife park, and other sites of interest abound in this fast-growing metro metropolis, which attracts visitors from all across the globe. These are the top ten tourist attractions and sites you need to include on your Chennai sightseeing itinerary.

1. Marina Beach

Renowned for being the longest natural urban beach in India, Marina Beach is among the most well-known travel attractions in Chennai. At this 13-kilometer-long sandy beach between Fort Saint George and Besant Nagar, soak in the sun to enjoy a fantastic view of the East Indian horizon at dawn and evening. You could stroll along the shore, participate in some beach sports, or just enjoy the street cuisine from the area. On the beach road, there are several stores including local souvenirs, apparel, accessories, toys, and more.

2. Kapaleeshwarar Temple

The temple building is Dravidian style and the temple of Kapaleeshwarar is a 7th-century CE temple also honoring Lord Shiva. Beside this temple in Chennai is another Shiva temple called Parthasarathy Temple in the Triplicane neighborhood. You should not miss the humungous 40-meter-high gopuram, the huge temple pond, and the finely carved work on the temple tower entrances.

3. Fort St. George

Built-in 1640 AD near what is now the Bay of Bengal's coastline, Fort St. George is home to Tamil Nadu's secretariat and legislative assembly. An early British fort with a mix of Roman, Dutch, and English architecture is this one. There are three sections to the Fort Complex: Wellesley House, St Mary's Church, and the Fort Museum. Especially remarkable is the fact that it has one of the greatest collections in terms of East India Company's history during British administration in Chennai.

4. Guindy National Park

Another tourist destination right in the middle of the city that benefits those who like the natural surroundings is Guindy National Park. One may see blackbuck, spotted deer, snakes, geckos, butterflies, and so on in this tropical national park encompassing 350 plus species of flora and over 100 species of birds and mammals. Maintaining a snake park within the national park is Chennai Snake Park Trust.

5. Government Museum

In 1851 the Government Museum next to Egmore Railway Station was founded. One of the top museums in Chennai is regarded to be here. Over a vast 16-acre area, this site contains 46 galleries and many wings including the Bronze Gallery, National Art Gallery, Children's Museum, Centre for Contemporary Art, and many more. The museum also has a rich collection of Indian archeological studies including Roman art, 1000-year-old Chola bronzes, South Indian crafts and paintings, sculptures, etc.

6. Dakshinachitra

Presenting the very core of South Indian civilization and way of life, Dakshinachitra is a cultural hamlet and outdoor museum of arts. The Madras Craft Foundation envisioned this cultural and textile museum so that visitors may see outside displays depicting Dravidian traditional homes. Daily events include shadow play, Bharata Natyam, Sheyam of Kerala, and folk performances abound.

7. Covelong Beach

Not as crowded as Marina Beach, Covelong Beach is a peaceful beach close to Mahabalipuram forty kilometers from Chennai. Apart from the regular tourist activities, it is ideal for a laid-back sunbathing session on the golden sandy beach that has various beach shacks providing fresh seafood. There is a historic Dutch Fort not far from the area and water sports you may participate in include kitesurfing and windsurfing. Here I have seen one thing: the sunrises and sunsets are even more breathtaking.

8. Theosophical Society

Originally founded in 1886 for the study of philosophy and spirituality, the Theosophical Society complex is masterfully situated with a church, a mosque, a temple, a library, etc. It covers more than 250+ acres with two rivers flowing across the campus, calm gardens, and old trees. People love feeding the squirrels, bird watching, and meditating next to the Adyar River at this park honoring the legacy of Mahatma Gandhi.

9. Mahabalipuram

One of the most well-liked tourist destinations close to Chennai is the ancient town of Mahabalipuram, around 60km distant from the city. Renowned for its well-articulate sculptures on rocks and massive cave-temple architecture of the 7th and 8th centuries Pallavas is this world heritage site. The architectural and sculptural wonders you should not miss include the Shore Temple, a massive panel carved on the rock, Arjuna's Penance, and Five Rathas—built in the shape of chariots. Views of the sea abound.

10. Pulicat Lake

Pulicat, the second biggest saltwater lake in India next to Chilka Lake, attracts visitors for bird viewing and nature. Characterized by mangroves and fish habitat, the park stretches around 60km from Chennai city and straddles the boundary between Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. Regarding the lake, fishing, boating, and bird viewing, tourists enjoy flamingos, pelicans, and many more, particularly in certain seasons of the year. The native and migratory birds that are visible in the region include flamingos and pelicans.

Natural lovers may enjoy fresh sea sand at Kamaraj, Marina, and Elliot beaches; history buffs can visit landmarks like the old Parthiban's tomb, Periyar's statue, and the first queen of Chennai - Meenambigai cheemai; animal lovers can have fun at the wildlife sanctuary. Every visitor should include some of these amazing locations on their list of destinations in this vibrant metropolis. Have fun touring Chennai and enjoy your stay in the city!

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