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Marina Beach

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1. Marina Beach

4 km from city center 1 out of 90 Places To Visit in Chennai

Marina Beach is a natural urban beach along the Bay of Bengal. The beach is stretched out to a distance of 13 kilometres making it the longest natural urban beach in the country, second largest in the world and also the most crowded beach in India with almost 30,000 visitors a day. 

2. Government Museum, Chennai

1 km from city center 2 out of 90 Places To Visit in Chennai

Government Museum was established in 1851 and is the second oldest museum in the country after the Indian Museum in Kolkata. Situated in Egmore suburb of Chennai, it is built in the Indo-Sarcenic style and houses a rich collection of the works of Raja Ravi Varma.

3. MGR Film City

8 km from city center 3 out of 90 Places To Visit in Chennai

Having been established in the year 1994, a considerably new structure, the MGR Film city is managed by the Government of Tamil Nadu in loving memory of MG Ramachandran who was not only a crowd-pleasing tamil actor but also a longtime CM of Tamil Nadu.

4. Breezy Beach

9 km from city center 4 out of 90 Places To Visit in Chennai

Breezy Beach lays in the remote and serene neighbourhood of Valmiki Nagar in Chennai. Being smaller and less polluted, its a perfect getaway for anyone looking for a peaceful evening.

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Tamil nadu temple tour package, pondicherry-mahabalipuram tour with kanchipuram, 4 nights bangkok & pattaya full board package (ex chennai), ooty group package from chennai, ooty group tour package from chennai, 5. marundeeswarar temple.

8 km from city center 5 out of 90 Places To Visit in Chennai

The magnificent Marundeeswarar Temple, in Tiruvanmiyur, near Chennai has the temple deity Shiva in the form of Marundeeswar or Aushadeeswarar, the God of Medicines. A fine specimen of Dravidian architecture, this temple is a must visit for anyone visiting Chennai or nearby cities.

6. Arignar Anna Zoological Park

27 km from city center 6 out of 90 Places To Visit in Chennai

Arignar Anna Zoological Park aka Vandalur Zoo, is a zoological garden located in Vandalur is spread over an area of 602 hectares, including a rescue and rehabilitation centre. The zoo shelters about 3000 species of flora and fauna across twelve hundred acres including 46 endangered species, in its 160 enclosures.

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7. Valluvar Kottam

1 km from city center 7 out of 90 Places To Visit in Chennai

Valluvar Kottam is an auditorium, with a gigantic capacity to hold 4,000 people, built in remembrance of the poet-saint, Tiruvalluvar. Verses of the poet Tiruvalluvar are embellished on the pillars in and around the auditorium.

8. Ashtalakshmi Temple

8 km from city center 8 out of 90 Places To Visit in Chennai

The Chennai Ashtalakshmi temple is situated in Besant Nagar, on the shores of the Bay of Bengal. That stretch of beach is known as the Elliot's beach. The temple was constructed on the express wishes of Sri Mahaa Periyavaal of Kanchi Mutt, Sri Chandrasekara Saraswati Swamigal. (br) The temple's architecture is unique, with the deities installed in four levels. 

9. Connemara Public Library

1 km from city center 9 out of 90 Places To Visit in Chennai

The Connemara Public Library at Chennai holds the prestigious status of being amongst one of the four deposit libraries in India which entitles them to a copy of every publication in India.

10. Kolli Hills

10 out of 90 Places To Visit in Chennai

With an ominous name which means ‘Mountain of Death’, Kolli Hills or Kolli Malai are a mountain range located in the Namakkal district of Tamil Nadu. It is relatively untouched by commercial tourism and therefore has retained most of its natural magnificence.

11. Elliot's Beach

7 km from city center 11 out of 90 Places To Visit in Chennai

A beach showcasing beauty, calmness, serenity and everything that signifies nature at its best, the Elliot's beach cannot be forgotten by anyone who has visited it once.

12. VGP Golden Beach

16 km from city center 12 out of 90 Places To Visit in Chennai

Considered as one of the cleanest and beautiful beaches in Chennai, VGP Golden beach is one of the most sought after destinations in the area by family and friends.

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13. ISKCON (Hare Rama Hare Krishna) Temple

17 km from city center 13 out of 90 Places To Visit in Chennai

ISKCON Temple Chennai is a temple devoted to Lord Krishna. It is located on the East Coast Road at southern Chennai. Built on 1.5 acres of land, ISKCON, Chennai is the biggest Radha Krishna temple in Tamil Nadu. It was officially inaugurated on 26 April 2012. The deities revered in the temple include those of Radha Krishna and lord's family, including Sri Sri Nitai Gauranga.

14. Vivekananda House

4 km from city center 14 out of 90 Places To Visit in Chennai

Vivekananda House also popularly known as The Ice House, is a shrine and pilgrimage centre for the admirers and followers of Swami Vivekananda. It is in this house that Swami Vivekananda stayed for six weeks in 1900.

15. Akkarai Beach

18 km from city center 15 out of 90 Places To Visit in Chennai

The sandy coastline begins from Ennore in the north extending south into Uthandi, leaving one to choose from more than just Marina and Elliot's beach.

16. Dakshinachitra Museum

2 km from city center 16 out of 90 Places To Visit in Chennai

Dakshinachitra Museum is one of the living-history museums in India which stores in itself great works of architecture, crafts, performing arts, and lifestyles that belong to South India.

17. Santhome Cathedral Basilica

4 km from city center 17 out of 90 Places To Visit in Chennai

Santhome Cathedral is a historical and ancient pilgrim centre, which was built during the 14th to the 15th century A D by the then reigning, Portuguese.

18. Madras War Cemetery

8 km from city center 18 out of 90 Places To Visit in Chennai

The Madras War Cemetery houses the last remains of around 855 martyrs who laid down their precious lives at the battlefronts in the devastating Second World War and also a Memorial stone for 1000 more who died fighting in the Great War before that.

19. Madras Crocodile Bank Trust

35 km from city center 19 out of 90 Places To Visit in Chennai

The Madras Crocodile Bank is not to be confused with a zoo. Yes, you can certainly take a look at the reptiles in captivity. But unlike a zoo, this has a much more in-depth operation through ex-situ and in-situ conservation. Right now, it is home to around 17 croc subspecies and some other reptiles like frogs, lizards, snakes and turtles as well.

20. MGM Dizzee World

26 km from city center 20 out of 90 Places To Visit in Chennai

MGM Dizzee World is one of the largest and oldest amusement parks in India. It brought Jurong’s Bird Show from Singapore to India way back in 1999. There are extreme level thrill rides, but nice and enjoyable ones are there too. The park has something for every age group.

21. Shirdi Sai Baba Temple

3 km from city center 21 out of 90 Places To Visit in Chennai

Shirdi Sai Baba temple in Chennai is among the most visited and respected places of worship In Tamil Nadu as well as India. Sai Baba is recognised as one of those spiritual reformers who does not have ties to any particular god of any religion but is a figure of worship himself. So there are no religious restrictions imposed upon those who visit the temple.

22. Nettukuppam

21 km from city center 22 out of 90 Places To Visit in Chennai

Nettukuppam is the northernmost tip of Chennai and has a beach which is yet not tarnished by encroaching crowds. It is a solitary retreat for those who seek to enjoy the raging sea up close but in a peaceful environment. The place is an ideal place to spend quiet time as it is still not on the radar of the maddening tourist crowd.

23. Prakasam Salai

6 km from city center 23 out of 90 Places To Visit in Chennai

Built in 1795,a milestone in the history of Chennai, located Opposite Parry's Corner, Prakasam Salai is an impressive stylish building in Indo-Saracenic style with eminence in red bricks.

24. Thousand Lights Mosque

1 km from city center 24 out of 90 Places To Visit in Chennai

The Thousand Lights Mosque of Royapettah, Chennai is among the most esteemed mosques of the city as well as the state of Tamil Nadu. Built in the early 19th century by the Wallajah family of the Carnatic rulers, it is till date a popular gathering place for the daily prayers and festive occasions like Muharram.

25. Fort St. George

5 km from city center 25 out of 90 Places To Visit in Chennai

The origin of the great white structure of Fort St. George is inextricable from the history of the city of Chennai itself. Popularly called the 'White Town', the sole purpose of establishing the massive fort compound was to build a British stronghold in the Coromandel Coast and the rest of south India.

26. Chennai Sangamam

5 km from city center 26 out of 90 Places To Visit in Chennai

The Chennai Sangamam, a large open Tamil festival, also coincides with the Pongal season. It is organized in various open locations like beaches, parks etc and showcase traditional folk events, martial arts and classical dance, to name a few. In addition the festival brings together the best that South Indian cuisine has to offer – from tasty panirayams to the traditional pongal.

27. Royapuram Fishing Harbour

9 km from city center 27 out of 90 Places To Visit in Chennai

Under the administration of Chennai Port Trust, Royapuram Fishing Harbour is one of the most popular fishing grounds in Chennai. Located in a region which is famous for seafood, this harbour surely has its name among the busiest fishing hubs of Tamil Nadu.

28. Santhome Church

4 km from city center 28 out of 90 Places To Visit in Chennai

San Thome Church is among the only three in the world that house the tombs of one of Christ's original disciples. If you visit this church, you will be stepping into a historical tale that will take you back a couple of centuries. The museum inside displays souvenirs of the great saint and his legend.

29. Kapaleeswarar Temple

4 km from city center 29 out of 90 Places To Visit in Chennai

Kapaleeswarar Temple is a holy shrine of Shiva in Mylapore, Chennai. A visit to this temple will be an experience enriched with a glimpse into Tamil religious culture and the lovely architectural combination of the two styles – Dravidian and Vijaynagari, complete with towering Gopurams.

30. Mylapore

3 km from city center 30 out of 90 Places To Visit in Chennai

Mylapore is one of the oldest and culturally enriched neighbourhoods, located in the southern part of Chennai. It is very much traditionalist to its core and boasts many temples, churches and historical monuments.

31. Express Avenue

2 km from city center 31 out of 90 Places To Visit in Chennai

Express Avenue is a mall in Royapettah of Chennai owned, developed and promoted by Express Infrastructure. The premise includes commercial and hospitality sectors as well. E Hotel is the name of the 4-star boutique luxury-lodging, which caters to the guests all year long with its 44 room capacity. But the mall is the main attraction of the place.

32. Vadapalani Murugan Temple

4 km from city center 32 out of 90 Places To Visit in Chennai

Vadapalani Murugan Temple is one of the most popular temples dedicated to Lord Murugan. Located in Vadapalani, Chennai, the temple is known for helping devotees finding solutions to life's problems. It is also believed that worshipping Lord Murugan here is as pious as praying to him at the original Palani temple.

33. T Nagar

3 km from city center 33 out of 90 Places To Visit in Chennai

T Nagar is one of the busiest neighbourhoods in Chennai, and also the most crowded one. It serves as a commercial and economic hub, as well as a residential area. It does not have many attractions, but you will come across a plethora of retail shops lined up on every main road and arterial streets.

34. Parthasarathy Temple

3 km from city center 34 out of 90 Places To Visit in Chennai

Parthasarathy Temple, located in Triplicane area of Chennai, is a structure more than 1000 years old, standing in the heart of the bustling city. Dedicated to different avatars of Lord Vishnu within the many shrines of the temple, it attracts thousands of Vaishanvite followers from all across the country.

35. Parasailing in Chennai

19 km from city center 35 out of 90 Places To Visit in Chennai

If you think the city of Chennai is all about glitzy temples and serene beaches, look deeper cause the uber city is home to one of the most adventurous sports of all times - Parasailing. Unlike several other water sports, this one is not for the faint hearted. It allows you to sail above the water with a safely harnessed parachute tied to your back.

36. Scuba Diving in Chennai

6 km from city center 36 out of 90 Places To Visit in Chennai

Chennai could get quite hot in the summer and beating the heat would be the top priority in summers. Then why not dive into the Bay of Bengal somewhere off the coast of Chennai. Discovering a totally different world under the surface of the sea and cooling yourself at the same time is the best deal about Chennai.

37. Camping in Chennai

9 km from city center 37 out of 90 Places To Visit in Chennai

Surrounded by a number of hills around it, Chennai neighbours to some amazing places that offer nearness to Nature. Every soul in any metro city craves for something new every now and then, and Chennai doesn’t lack in fulfilling this need for its people. There are a number of places to camp in Chennai for a twist out of the normal. One can never run out of places to get closer to something natural.

38. Paragliding In Chennai

11 km from city center 38 out of 90 Places To Visit in Chennai

It is commonly misunderstood about Chennai that it is only about glitzy temples, serene beaches and conservative people, but that's not completely true, look deeper. The people here have the provision of getting in the sky and sailing smoothly over the hills like Eagles.

39. Surfing In Chennai

29 km from city center 39 out of 90 Places To Visit in Chennai

Getting in the water and riding the waves on a surfboard is not a thing that everyone can do. But some hours of practice can make that joy possible. There are a number of surfing schools that offer courses and help you tame the waves under your feet.

40. Paintball In Chennai

10 km from city center 40 out of 90 Places To Visit in Chennai

If you are into playing combat games but all the games lack the touch of reality and the feeling of getting hit, then Paintball is for you. Chennai has a bunch of such Arenas to help you get in action. Get outdoors, get some Paintball Guns in your hand and challenge your friends to some real action. Keep your skills on the check and your friends in sight; you never know when you might get hit.

41. Rock climbing In Chennai

16 km from city center 41 out of 90 Places To Visit in Chennai

The fitness aspect for the people of Chennai has been taken up by Rock Climbing and Bouldering, rather than regular gyms. Climbing is the coolest way of being fit as well as getting a regular dose of adrenaline. But Rock Climbing doesn’t mean you put yourself under the raging sun all the time! You can opt for Indoor Climbing too and get into the daily chores after the session.

42. Jungle Safari In Chennai

3 km from city center 42 out of 90 Places To Visit in Chennai

The tropical climate of Chennai has blessed the land with ample amount of lush greenery and equally rich wildlife. Safari in Chennai’s wildlife parks award the visitors with some amazing experiences around our neighbours of nature. Interacting with the wild animals makes us realize the true nature of wilderness. There’s a lot to learn and understand from animals.

43. Boating in Chennai

6 km from city center 43 out of 90 Places To Visit in Chennai

Having the advantage of being a coastal city, Chennai also has a number of lakes and thus opening up the waters for water sports. Boating in Chennai was not so well flourished earlier, but recently the bay of Chennai has been witnessing a decent increase in the number of yachts and boats. Sailing has a charm that can fit any occasion, let that be a romantic boathouse date or a casual hangout with friends on a yacht, an exciting racing event of sails and rowboats or just a fun race of pedal boats between family and friends. Boating is for everyone.

44. Anjaneyar Temple Nanganallur

10 km from city center 44 out of 90 Places To Visit in Chennai

Viswaroopa Adhivyadhihara Sri Bhaktha Anjaneyaswami Temple is located around 10 kilometres away from the heart of the city, in a locality called Nanganallur. Commonly called the Anjaneya Temple in short, it gets its name from its principal deity, Lord Hanuman. The most important aspect of the temple is its 32 feet idol.

45. Fishing In Chennai

9 km from city center 45 out of 90 Places To Visit in Chennai

Fishing was a way of survival until it got challenging and adventurous. Fishing has become a common way of bonding with friends and family. The sport seems easy but takes a lot of dedication and patience to lure and catch the biggest of all the fishes. As the Aquatic Adventure has gained popularity many Sport Fishing Facilities have opened up and are busy providing the experiences.

46. Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centers & Ashram

10 km from city center 46 out of 90 Places To Visit in Chennai

The International Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centers is named after Swami Sivananda, one of the most influential spiritual teachers of the 20th century and founded by his disciple Swami Vishnudevananda. The Non-Profit organisation has centres in Thiruvananthapuram, Chennai, Madurai and Delhi and all over the world. The Organisation has dedicated programmes like the Sadhana Intensive, Kids Camp, Work/Study Programme, Prison Project and Teachers Training courses and also Yoga Vacations.

47. Thiruvanmiyur Beach

10 km from city center 47 out of 90 Places To Visit in Chennai

Located in the neighbourhood of Thiruvanmiyur in Chennai, Thiruvanmiyur Beach is one of the isolated and peaceful beaches of the city. Popular for beautiful sunrise and sunset views, the beach is mostly frequented by nature lovers, romantic couples or solitude seekers.

48. Neelankarai Beach

12 km from city center 48 out of 90 Places To Visit in Chennai

Neelankarai Beach is an untouched gorgeous beach located in the small locality of Neelankarai in South Chennai. The highlight of the beach are the innumerous turtles that can be found on the shores. People usually visit it to watch the turtles or to walk along the lengthy coastline touching the beautiful blue waters of the sea.

49. Santhome Beach

4 km from city center 49 out of 90 Places To Visit in Chennai

The southern part of the Marina Beach is known as the Santhome Beach. With immaculate clean sands, azure blue waters and gorgeous sweeping views of the sea, Santhome Beach is a one among the most visited beaches of the sea. You can also find several eateries and sports activities at the beach.

50. Pebble Beach

17 km from city center 50 out of 90 Places To Visit in Chennai

Situated at a distance of 1 km from Thiruvanmiyur in Chennai, Pebble Beach is a comparatively smaller beach. Due to its location, it receives relatively lesser number of visitors. However, the beach offers extremely peaceful and serene and you can visit it to spend some time in solitude.

51. Palavakkam Beach

11 km from city center 51 out of 90 Places To Visit in Chennai

Located at the southern tip of Chennai in Palavakkam, Palavakkam Beach is a wonderful beach boasting of mesmerising sunrise and sunset views. The highlight of the beach is an age-old temple situated on the beach. The beach has vast expanse of shores, with stunning views of the horizon merging in the sea.

52. Kasimedu Beach

10 km from city center 52 out of 90 Places To Visit in Chennai

Kaismedu Beach is a comparatively lesser known beach of Chennai. It is not just a recreation spot but also an important fishing harbour. With vast expanse of the blue sea and brown sandy shores, you can also find several fishermen at work with their huge fishing nets and boats. Besides, the fisherfolks also sell their spoils at the shores; you can buy fresh fish here. Volleyball is another popular activity at the beach.

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19 Best Chennai Tourist Places In 2024

Looking for places to visit in Chennai? This cultural capital of South India has plenty to offer. From beautiful beaches to magnificent temples, historical landmarks to lush green parks, bustling shopping streets to serene neighborhoods, Chennai has something for every kind of traveler. Whether you’re a nature lover, history enthusiast, art connoisseur, or a foodie, there are must-visit sites here that will leave you spellbound. And don’t forget to explore other places to visit in Tamil Nadu , as well!

Exploring the Beaches of Chennai

Chennai, with its long coastline along the Bay of Bengal, boasts beautiful beaches. The iconic Marina Beach stretches for miles and offers breathtaking views. Breezy Beach and Elliot’s Beach, also known as Besant Nagar Beach, are popular spots for beach lovers. These serene beaches are perfect for walks, relaxation, and water sports activities.

1. Marina Beach: The Longest Urban Beach

Marina Beach, one of the must-visit places to visit in Chennai, is the second longest urban beach in the world. With a length of around 13 kilometers, it offers a breathtaking view of the Bay of Bengal and is known for the best sunsets in the world .

The beach is a popular spot for activities like beach volleyball, horse riding, and boat rides. In addition, it is a great place to start your day in Chennai as it comes alive in the early morning with joggers, yoga enthusiasts, and people enjoying their morning walk.

2. Breezy Beach: A Serene Escape

If you’re searching for offbeat places in India, Breezy Beach is one of the must-visit places to visit in Chennai in 2022. Located in the neighborhood of Valmiki Nagar, this serene beach provides a peaceful escape from the city’s hustle and bustle.

Take a leisurely walk along the shore, watch the sunset, and listen to the sound of waves gently lapping against the coast – it’s one of the best offbeat places in India to add to your itinerary in 2024.

3. Elliot’s Beach: For a Peaceful Stroll

Elliot’s Beach, also known as Besant Nagar Beach, is a must-visit place in Chennai. It’s popular among locals and tourists alike for its peaceful and serene environment. Take a leisurely stroll on the golden sands and enjoy the picturesque view of the sea and colorful fishing boats.

Besant Nagar is known for its lively and vibrant vibe, and the beach is surrounded by cafes, restaurants, and street food stalls. It’s a great place to savor delicious South Indian snacks, enjoy a cup of filter coffee, or indulge in fresh seafood delicacies while enjoying the view. Include this beach in your list of places to visit in Chennai for your summer vacation with family .

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Historical Landmarks in Chennai

As a city steeped in history, Chennai boasts a rich heritage of historical landmarks that showcase its colonial past and architectural brilliance. From ancient forts to stately buildings, these landmarks transport you to a bygone era and offer a glimpse into Chennai’s glorious past.

4. Fort St. George: The First British Fortress

Fort St. George, one of the top historical places in India , is a must-visit site when exploring places to visit in Chennai. Built in 1644, it was the first British fortress in India and played a crucial role in establishing the British presence in Chennai, then known as Madras.

The fort’s museum showcases artifacts and memorabilia from the colonial era, providing insights into Chennai’s history. A visit to Fort St. George takes you back in time, exploring its ancient walls, well-manicured gardens, and distinctive architecture. For history enthusiasts, Fort St. George is a must-visit among places to visit in Chennai.

5. Ripon Building: Colonial Architectural Brilliance

Ripon Building, one of the must-visit tourist places to visit in Chennai, is a stunning architectural masterpiece that embodies the city’s colonial heritage. Constructed in 1913, this historical landmark boasts a beautiful blend of Indo-Saracenic and Neo-Classical styles. Named after Lord Ripon, a former

Governor-General of British India, the building served as the headquarters of the Chennai Corporation. Its grand facade, elegant arches, and ornate carvings are a sight to behold. The iconic clock tower, adorned with intricate motifs, stands tall as a symbol of Chennai’s rich cultural heritage. Today, Ripon Building remains an administrative hub and a popular tourist attraction among the historical places in the world .

6. Valluvar Kottam: Tribute to the Legendary Poet

Valluvar Kottam in Chennai is a remarkable architectural marvel that pays tribute to the revered Tamil poet and saint, Thiruvalluvar. It holds immense cultural significance in Tamil Nadu and offers an enriching exploration of the region’s heritage. With its historical importance and remarkable design, Valluvar Kottam is a must-visit attraction that embodies the essence of Tamil heritage.

Discover the Religious Sites

Chennai offers a variety of religious sites for visitors to explore. The magnificent Marundeeswarar Temple is known for its Dravidian architecture and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The Vadapalani Murugan Temple has a spiritual ambiance that attracts devotees. The ancient Sri Parthasarathy Temple is a peaceful shrine dedicated to Lord Vishnu.

For those interested in colonial heritage, the historic St. Mary’s Church is a must-visit. These religious sites provide a glimpse into Chennai’s cultural and spiritual heritage, making them essential stops for travelers seeking a deeper understanding of the city.

7. Kapaleeswarar Temple: A Dravidian Architecture Masterpiece

Looking for places to visit in Chennai? Don’t miss the Kapaleeswarar Temple, a must-visit site in the heart of the city. With intricate carvings and towering gopurams, this ancient Dravidian architectural masterpiece is a visual treat for art and architecture enthusiasts.

Sprawling over acres of land, the temple complex is one of the most photographed places in the world and provides an ideal setting for visitors to immerse themselves in the rich cultural and religious heritage of the region.

8. Santhome Cathedral Basilica: A Pilgrimage for Christians

One of the top tourist places to visit in Chennai is the Santhome Cathedral Basilica. Built on the tomb of St. Thomas, it’s a significant pilgrimage site for Christians and boasts neo-Gothic architecture. Visitors can explore the museum inside to learn about the basilica’s rich history.

Throughout the year, religious ceremonies and events are held, providing a spiritual haven for those seeking solace and enlightenment. With its profound sanctity, the Santhome Cathedral Basilica is a must-visit spot for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of Chennai’s cultural and spiritual heritage.

9. Thousand Lights Mosque: An Architectural Marvel

The Thousand Lights Mosque in Chennai is a testament to the city’s rich history and cultural diversity. Its captivating architecture, illuminated by a thousand lights during special occasions, provides a tranquil haven for exploration and introspection.

Guided tours enhance visitors’ understanding of its historical and cultural significance. Immerse yourself in the timeless allure of the Thousand Lights Mosque and experience its beauty and serenity.

10. Ashtalakshmi Temple: A Unique Spiritual Site

Ashtalakshmi Temple is a unique and spiritually significant site dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi. It is one of the must-visit tourist places in Chennai, nestled within the culturally rich state of Tamil Nadu. The eight shrines within the temple symbolize different forms of the goddess, each representing prosperity and well-being.

This temple is also one of the most photographed places in the world, with its exquisite architecture and tranquil surroundings creating a serene and sacred atmosphere. It offers visitors a place for prayers and rituals to seek inner peace and blessings, while also providing a glimpse into the rich Hindu heritage and traditions of South India.

Parks and Nature Reserves in Chennai

Looking for places to visit in Chennai? Look no further than the city’s numerous parks and nature reserves. From the popular Besant Nagar Beach to the poignant Madras War Cemetery, there’s something for everyone. Bird enthusiasts will love the bird haven of Pulicat Lake, while families can enjoy the amusement park and thrilling rides at VGP Golden Beach and VGP Universal Kingdom.

And don’t miss the calming vistas of Marina Beach Road, one of the most photographed places in the world , perfect for leisurely walks on national holidays. With so many options for outdoor activities, Chennai’s parks and nature reserves are the ideal spot for relaxing getaways.

11. Guindy National Park: Flora and Fauna in the City

Looking for tourist places to visit in Chennai? Check out Guindy National Park! This urban oasis is home to over 130 bird species and rare plant varieties, making it a must-visit for nature enthusiasts. Take a leisurely nature walk, enjoy a picnic, or even go bird-watching.

Families with children will love the dedicated children’s park and snake park on the premises. And don’t miss the interpretation center, where you can learn about the park’s history and conservation efforts. Plus, if you’re looking for places to visit in India in April , Guindy National Park should be on your list!

12. Semmozhi Poonga: A Botanical Garden

Looking for places to visit in Chennai? Semmozhi Poonga is a must-visit site! This 20-acre botanical garden is a lush oasis in the heart of the city, featuring rare and endemic plant species from around the world. Take a peaceful stroll through its well-maintained walking paths and beautifully landscaped gardens, and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere.

Semmozhi Poonga also hosts educational programs and events suitable for all ages, making it an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts. And if you’re looking for places to visit in India in March , Semmozhi Poonga should definitely be on your list!

13. The Madras Crocodile Bank Trust: A Reptile Haven

If you’re looking for tourist places to visit in Chennai, don’t miss out on the Madras Crocodile Bank Trust. Established in 1976, this conservation center is home to an impressive collection of reptile species, including crocodiles and alligators.

The Madras Crocodile Bank Trust also conducts educational programs to raise awareness about reptile conservation. Plus, it’s an introvert friendly destination , allowing visitors to enjoy the rich diversity of reptiles in a peaceful and quiet setting.

Museums and Cultural Centers of Chennai

Discover Chennai’s rich cultural heritage at its renowned museums and cultural centers. Immerse yourself in history at the Madras War Cemetery. Experience intellectual charm at the Connemara Public Library. Be amazed by cosmic presentations at the Birla Planetarium.

Marvel at ancient artifacts and manuscripts at the Government Museum. Explore the city’s artistic side at the National Art Gallery and local craft shops. Chennai’s museums and cultural centers showcase its vibrant history and artistic flair.

14. Government Museum: A Glimpse into the Past

Experience history at the Government Museum, where you can explore the Madras War Cemetery and artifacts from the Second World War. Enjoy the serene surroundings of Marina Beach Road and Kamaraj Salai while exploring this captivating destination.

15. Dakshinachitra: A Peek into South Indian Culture

Looking for places to visit in Chennai that offer a rich cultural experience? Look no further than Dakshinachitra! This attraction immerses you in the traditional architecture, arts, and crafts of South India, with meticulously recreated streets, homes, and workplaces that showcase Tamil Nadu’s diverse cultural heritage.

Don’t miss the craft shop and art gallery, where you can marvel at the region’s exquisite craftsmanship. Dakshinachitra is a cultural oasis that should be on your list of places to visit in Chennai. For more travel inspiration, check out some Bollywood travel movies !

16. B.M. Birla Planetarium: Astronomy Made Interesting

Explore the captivating world of celestial marvels at the B.M. Birla Planetarium. Discover the mysteries of stars and planets through interactive shows and exhibitions. Expand your knowledge of space exploration in an engaging and educational setting. This must-visit attraction offers insights into the cosmos while exploring Chennai’s famous tourist spots.

Unique Spots in Chennai

If you’re looking for places to visit in Chennai, you shouldn’t miss out on the Madras War Cemetery, Besant Nagar Beach, Marundeeswarar Temple, Connemara Public Library, Birla Planetarium, Pondy Bazaar, Vadapalani Murugan Temple, Pulicat Lake, VGP Golden Beach, and MGM Dizzee World. These unique spots cater to various interests, making them ideal for weekend getaways.

17. Royapuram Fishing Harbour: A Glimpse of Fishermen’s Life

Explore the rich history and significance of Royapuram Fishing Harbour in Chennai. Observe hardworking fishermen in their daily routines, showcasing traditional practices. Discover a variety of fish and seafood, highlighting the region’s marine life. Enjoy activities like boat rides and fish auctions. Get tips for the best time to visit and appropriate attire for an enriching experience.

18. Chennai Rail Museum: A Journey through Indian Rail History

The Chennai Rail Museum is a beloved destination for both visitors and locals. It showcases vintage locomotives and artifacts, offering an immersive experience of the railway’s evolution. Interactive exhibits like a miniature train ride and 3D virtual reality bring history to life.

The museum also hosts engaging events such as heritage train rides and captivating photo exhibitions. Visit the Chennai Rail Museum to gain insight into Indian railway history and immerse yourself in Chennai’s cultural tapestry.

19. Cholamandalam Artists’ Village: A Creative Community

Indulge in the vibrant art scene of Chennai at the Cholamandalam Artists’ Village. This unique community is home to a group of talented artists who have come together to create a space that fosters creativity and artistic expression.

Stroll through the village and witness the artists at work in their studios, capturing moments of inspiration on canvas. Engage in conversations with these creative minds and gain insights into their artistic processes.

The village also features an art gallery showcasing a diverse range of artwork, from traditional paintings to contemporary sculptures. Immerse yourself in the world of art as you

The Cholamandalam Artists’ Village, located on the outskirts of Chennai, is a testament to artistic creativity and community spirit. Established in 1966 by a collective of artists, this unique village is a haven for creative expression and collaboration.

Explore galleries, studios, and workshops showcasing diverse artistic styles and mediums. Attend exhibitions, events, and workshops to expand your artistic horizons while immersing yourself in Chennai’s cultural heritage. Show support for the local artists and artisans who call this village home.

How to Make the Most of Your Chennai Visit with Kids?

Discover an array of engaging activities and attractions in Chennai that will create lasting memories for your family. From kid-friendly experiences to specially curated attractions, Chennai offers endless possibilities for a delightful visit with kids. Unlock a world of wonder and adventure tailored for families in this captivating city.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)

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Chennai Travel Guide: Places to Visit, Things to Do & Other Chennai Travel Essentials

Chennai, the lively capital of Tamil Nadu, is a city that seamlessly merges both the historic and modern. Chennai provides a unique travel experience. It is well-known for its rich cultural legacy, ancient sites, and dynamic arts culture. Chennai has something to offer every kind of traveler, from historic temples and colonial buildings to beautiful beaches and bustling marketplaces. Explore the top attractions, must-do activities, and essential tips for traveling to and around with the help of this comprehensive Chennai Travel Guide.

Table of Contents

Would you like to visit this city and make a last-minute plan? Don’t worry for those planning a spontaneous trip, you can secure cheap last minute flights to Chennai with Indian Eagle.

Top Chennai Tourist Places

Marina Beach :

As the longest beach in India , Marina Beach is one of the best places in Chennai. Stretching over 13 km, this beach is perfect for a morning walk, enjoying the sunrise, or simply relaxing by the sea. The beach is lined with food stalls, making it a great place to taste local snacks.

Kapaleeshwarar Temple :

This iconic temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is a good example of Dravidian architecture. One of the most ancient and popular temples in Chennai is Kapaleeshwarar Temple, which is situated in Mylapore. It’s a visual treat due to the elaborate carvings and colorful gopuram (tower).

Fort St. George :

The Tamil Nadu legislative assembly and a museum are currently housed in Fort St. George. It is a historic site that was constructed by the British in 1644. The museum offers an insight into the city’s colonial past by displaying objects from the British era, such as coins, firearms, and paintings. 

San Thome Basilica :

The Roman Catholic basilica, which is built upon Saint Thomas the Apostle’s tomb, is an architectural masterpiece. It is a popular destination for pilgrims and tourists alike because of its neo-Gothic architecture and tranquil atmosphere. Go with a Chennai local guide for exploring and learning about the history of the places.

Government Museum :

One of the oldest museums in India is the Government Museum, which is located in Egmore. It has a huge collection of artifacts, which includes coins, sculptures from antiquity, and a renowned bronze gallery. The National Art Gallery and the Connemara Public Library are also part of the museum complex.

Valluvar Kottam :

This monument, which honors Thiruvalluvar, a prominent poet and philosopher from Tamil, is a unique construction built like a temple chariot. It is a famous tourist place in Chennai for cultural events and provides information on Tamil literature and history. 

Things to Do in Chennai

• Explore Chennai’s Art Scene Visit the National Art Gallery to see some of the finest South Indian paintings and sculptures. Chennai’s colorful art culture reflects the dynamic artistic development of the city and can be seen in modern galleries and street art places.
• Culinary Tour No Chennai travel guide would be complete without recommending a culinary tour. Visit a local eatery to try the masala dosa, an iconic dish of Chennai, or savor the strong tastes and fragrant spices of Chettinad cuisine.
• Shopping in T. Nagar Explore the bustling marketplaces of T. Nagar to purchase anything from trendy Indian clothing to traditional silk sarees. It’s a lively location where bargaining is part of the enjoyment and discovering the ideal gift is an interesting task.
• Attend a Classical Dance Performance Visit the Kalakshetra Foundation to witness the beauty of Bharatanatyam, a traditional Tamil dance. The dance performances are more than just a trance they are powerful narrative and emotional expressions.
• Day Trips from Chennai Visit the historic seaside village of Mahabalipuram, which is only an hour away and is well-known for its 7th-century rock-carved temples and other monuments. If you are planning the road trip then you must go through the Chennai tour guide first and then begin your ride.

Chennai Festivals

When it comes to festivals and cultures of South India, Tamil Nadu is one of those states in India that has carefully maintained its traditions. There are various colorful festivals in Tamil Nadu celebrated throughout the year in the state. They include Pongal, Thaipusam, Thiruvaiyaru Festival, Natyanjali Dance Festival, Mahamaham, Tamil New Year’s Day, Karthigai Deepam, etc. And if you visit its capital city during this time, you’ll find many interesting things to do in Chennai during these festivals. 

Chennai is a city where urban development coexists with historical richness. What you can discover in this fascinating city is far beyond what the Chennai Travel Guide can tell you. All parts of Chennai, from its busy marketplaces to its serene beaches, provide a different kind of experience. For great flight offers, make sure to check out Indian Eagle deals if you’re thinking about visiting. With the best deals, you can fully immerse yourself in the rich Tamil culture while making sure your vacation to Chennai is both affordable and memorable.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What to know before visiting Chennai?

A. It is important to prepare for Chennai’s climate before arriving; wear light, breathable clothing and drink plenty of water. Also, learn about local customs and basic Tamil language to improve your interactions with locals.

2. Which area is best to stay in Chennai for tourists?

A. It is generally suggested that travelers stay in the T. Nagar region because it is a convenient and lively area with easy access to restaurants, shopping centers, and cultural attractions.

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• 51 Places To Visit In Chennai For An Intriguing Vacation In 2024

The capital of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, not just offers a wide range of places to visit in Chennai but is also steeped in cultural history and ancient works of art. It’s a bustling Indian city home to many sea beaches, British colonial architecture, newly developed markets, and some of the oldest temples in the world. With temples dotting the city’s skyline, the city is known to preserve India’s great religious architecture and has a completely unique way of life.

Home to the second-largest urban beach in the world, Marina Beach, this city draws thousands of visitors as there are a plethora of places to visit in Chennai. As you come to Chennai, you will be amazed to find a combination of culinary flavors and cultures that are bound to excite the traveller in you. 

51 Tourist Places In Chennai

Chennai is more than the fourth metropolis in India. It is a lovely beach city with a soul that has people warmer than the weather. Whether you are a visitor or a new resident of the city, make sure to do your bit of sightseeing. Here is the list of top places to visit in Chennai for an enthralling time. Keep scrolling down and read along!

1. Marina Beach: Visit The World’s Second Largest Beach

Image Credit: KARTY JazZ for Wikimedia Commons

Experience tranquillity and peace as you wander across the second-largest urban beach in the world. Marina Beach is mesmerizing in every sense of the word, enclosed by beautiful palm trees and glittering golden sand beneath feet. A prominent landmark in Chennai, Marina Beach captivates the onlooker with its beautiful sunrises and sunsets.

The beach runs from near Fort St. George at one end to Foreshore Estate at another, a distance of 6.0 km. The beach is on average 300 meters wide and is incredibly spacey even as it is one of the most visited beaches in India with more than 30,000 visitors daily. Cool winds never fail to rejuvenate you here. You will find many hawkers selling authentic South Indian snacks – crispy sundal and murukku that deliciously explode on your taste buds. Awake the explorer in you and visit numerous historic places near the beach. A stunning beach nestled in South India, Marina Beach is the perfect getaway. It is one of the most gorgeous places to visit in Chennai.

Location: Marina Beach, Chennai

Timings: All day long

Entry fee: Free

Also Read: Things To Do In Chennai

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2. Thiruvanmiyur Beach: For Beautiful Sunrise And Sunset

Image Credit: Magesh95 for Wikimedia Commons

Located in the neighborhood of Thiruvanmiyur in Chennai, Thiruvanmiyur Beach is quite an isolated and tranquil spot as compared to other beaches. Offering beautiful sunrise and sunset views, it’s the perfect place to rejuvenate and rewind yourself. The beach is a little out of the way, and therefore it is usually not very crowded. For the same reason, it is much cleaner than most beaches as well.

Visitors are sometimes able to spot bioluminescence in the water at night as phytoplanktons wash up ashore and glow in the dark. It creates a hypnotic blue effect that is fascinating to look at. It is one of the most romantic places to visit in Chennai for couples and solitude seekers as the atmosphere is quiet and peaceful.

Location: Valmiki Nagar, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600041

3. National Art Gallery: Nourish The Artist Within

Image Credit: slasha for Wikipedia

The National Art Gallery in Chennai is one of India’s oldest art galleries. First built in 1906 in the Indo-Saracenic architectural style, which was a style that British architects developed by combining Islamic and Hindu styles. The gallery is located inside the Museum Complex on Pantheon Road, which also houses the Connemara Library and Madras Government Museum.

The art gallery had been closed for renovation ever since 2002, as some parts of the building were structurally unsound. A budget of 110 million rupees was allocated and in 2024, the renovation has finally been completed and the building opened to visitors. The gallery contains various artworks dating back to the Mughal Age and rare paintings by Raja Ravi Verma. More than 200 ancient, medieval, and modern historical artworks including paintings, sculptures, sandalwood artifacts, ivory carved objects, and miniature paintings depicting battle scenes and court scenes are showcased here, making it one of the most culturally significant places to visit in Chennai.

Location: Museum Complex, Pantheon Rd, Egmore, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600008

Timings: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm (closed on Fridays)

Entry fee: Indian citizens Rs. 20/- and Foreign citizens Rs. 250/-

Related Post: Tourist Places Near Chennai

4. Fort St. George: Witness British Artistry

Image Credit: L.vivian.richard for Wikimedia Commons

One of the live examples of British history in India, Fort St. George, is one of the official buildings of the British Empire in Chennai, and the first English fortress in India. Chennai was an instrumental stronghold for the Britishers since it is a port city. With 6-metre-high (20 ft) walls that withstood a number of assaults in the 18th century. Constructed in 1644 in the coastal city of Madras, the place serves as a museum today.

The fort currently also houses the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly and other official buildings. It is maintained by the Archeological Survey of India with help from the Indian National Army. Tourists can make a visit to the fortress, and witness artifacts, paintings, coins, silverware, arms, documents, and much more. The building has so much to say about India’s history of colonization and freedom. It is one of the most stunning places to visit in Chennai if you’re a lover of architecture.

Location: Rajaji Rd, near Legislature and Secretariat, Fort St George, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600009

Timings: 9 AM to 5 PM

Entry fee: INR 5 for Indians and INR 300 for foreigners

5. Madras War Memorial: The White Stone Structures

Image Credit: Silvarius Celso for Wikimedia Commons

Witness the martyrs of the Second World War at Madras War Memorial. It is one of the most visited places in Chennai where you can take a stroll through the well-maintained gardens and find structures beautifully carved out of white stones with details of men who sacrificed their lives during World War II (1939 – 1945). During the time of the war, India was still a colony of Britain and upon the Queen’s orders, Indian soldiers were marched into a battle in which they had no stakes.

The cruelties of colonialism are manifold and you can come here to pay your respect to the martyrs who died in the unjust war. The best time to visit the place will be during Army Day or Vijay Diwas if you want to witness the special homage paid by the forces to the martyrs.

Location: Mount Poonamalle High Road, Nandambakkam, Chennai, Tamil Nadu

Timings: 10:30 am–5:30 pm

Related Post: Honeymoon Places Near Chennai

6. Pulicat Lake & Bird Sanctuary: Pelicans And Flamingos

Image Credit: Aranyaparva for Wikimedia Commons

Pulicat Lake Bird Sanctuary is the second largest Brack-water (saltier than freshwater, fresher than saline water) ecosystem in India after Chilka Lake. This bird sanctuary is spread over an area of 759 km² and boasts an incredible range of biodiversity. Many migratory birds arrive here seasonally, and the place is always abound of pelicans, storks, and greater flamingos. Thousands of tourists come to visit the birds here every day as it is one of the top places to visit in Chennai for wildlife enthusiasts.

Located in the Tirupati district of Andhra Pradesh, about 50 km from Chennai, this wildlife sanctuary is an important feeding and nesting ground for many aquatic and terrestrial birds. Conservation efforts have maintained a steady population of the beautiful birds that reside here. The lake has 16 island villages and 30 villages adjoining the lake. The local populations depend on the lake and the surrounding foliage for their food and means of survival and live in a sustainable harmony with the flora and fauna of the region.

Location:  Near Sriharikota Road – Attakanitippa Pulicat Lake, 524121 Andhra Pradesh

Timings: 8 am – 5 pm

7. Prakasam Salai: The Roman-Style Building

Prakasam Salai, also called Broadway, is an avenue in the commercial district of George Town in Chennai. It is named after T. Prakasam, a freedom fighter in the Indian Independence movement. It was also called Popham’s Broadway earlier owing to the fact that most of the land in the region was owned by a British settler called Stephen Popham. The avenue is the commercial hub of the region and many establishments, especially opticians are located here. Built in 1795, Prakasam is a landmark milestone in the history of the city. It is one of the most prominent places to visit in Chennai and remains very busy day in and day out.

Location: 88, Prakasam Road, Mahfushkhan Garden, Manadi Police Colony, George Town, Chennai, Tamil Nadu

Related Post: Beaches Near Chennai

8. Swami Vivekananda’s House: Explore The Famous Spot

Image Credit: Halder97Sudipto for Wikimedia Commons

Take a knowledge tour and learn more about Swami Vivekananda’s life and his impact on Indian culture. This is the house where Swami Vivekananda spent a few days of his life after he returned triumphant from the West. At that time, during 1897 – 1906, the house was managed by the Sri Ramakrishna Math, Chennai. Now the Vivekananda House is a smart interactive museum that displays artworks, texts, sculptures, and wall paintings that illustrate the life and teachings of Swami Vivekanand.

The museum also uses virtual and augmented reality and 3D/4D effects to impart life lessons and disseminate Indian knowledge systems and cultures. This historical place will sow positivity in your soul and arouse you towards a new approach to life as you visit the art gallery and meditation room, and walk through Vivekananda Park. 3D films and digital art galleries are also fascinating features of the museum thus making it one of the most interesting places to visit in Chennai.

Location: Kamaraj Salai, Marina Beach Road, Triplicane, Chennai, Tamil Nadu

Timings: 10 AM to 12:30 PM; 3 PM to 7:15 PM (Tuesday to Sunday)

Entry fee: INR 10 for adults; INR 5 for children

9. Arignar Anna Zoological Park: For Animal Lovers

Image Credit: Pravee1207 for Wikimedia Commons

For animal lovers, this place is beyond missing. It is home to more than 500 rare species, most of which are endangered. The park is located at Vandalur in the south-western part of the Chennai Metropolitan Area at a distance of 32 km from Chennai city. There are currently about 262 full-time staff against a sanctioned strength of 300, including forest rangers, wildlife keepers, biologists, and veterinary doctors.

The size of the zoo is actually so large that it is considered to be a wildlife sanctuary. Pay a visit to the zoo and join the various safaris offered, such as the Lion Safari and the Elephant Safari. Not just a diverse selection, it also boasts a rich variety of indigenous flora of the region.  Also, witness the aquarium, crocodile house, butterfly house, and amphibian house, that the place has to offer.

Location: Grand Southern Trunk Rd, Vandalur, Tamil Nadu 600048

Timings: 9 AM to 6 PM (Wednesday to Monday)

Entry fee:  INR 30 for adults; INR 10 for children and INR 25 for photography

Related Post: Romantic Places In Chennai

10. George Town: The Oldest Market

Image Credit: Rasnaboy for Wikimedia Commons

Shopping is an integral part of every tour. And when history meets the marketplace, what else could you want? George Town is one of the oldest markets in Chennai and offers anything and everything that you can imagine buying from Chennai at the right price. It is located near Fort St. George and is one of the historical areas in Chennai from where the expansion of the city initially began in the 1600s.

In 1911, when King George V ascended to the British throne and was named also the emperor of India, an erstwhile colony of Britain, this area was renamed George Town in his honor. In George Town you can buy souvenirs from flea markets, there is a street dedicated to bangle makers and sellers, a clothing market, and an electronics hub. Walk through the narrow lanes of George Town and witness the marketplace place which is rich in history and has a story to tell. Moreover, the Chennai Institute of Diving is situated here, for when you’re in the mood for scuba diving in Chennai.

Location: George Town, Chennai

Timings: 10 am – 8 pm

11. Covelong Beach: Walk Through The Sparkling Silver Sand

Image Credit: Prateek Rungta for Wikimedia Commons

Located on the coast of Coromandel near the village of Covelong, this Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches around Chennai. Set amidst palm trees and sparkling silver sand, Covelong Beach has a captivating environment making it ideal for excursions and picnic spots. It is said that the original name of the place was Kovalam, however when the Britishers arrived, they were unable to pronounce it correctly, and thus the name Covelong came about. An important tourist spot in Chennai, the beach offers a plethora of water activities to its visitors, swimming and windsurfing being the most popular ones.

Walk through the sands, rest under the palm trees, or enjoy the calmness during the sunset, the experiences that this beach offers are unmatched. Offering various water activities like surfing, jet skiing, and boating, the beach is packed with thousands of visitors every day. This beach has some of the best beach restaurants in Chennai where you can taste delicious local delicacies.

Location: Kovalam, Chennai, Tamil Nadu

Related Post: Beach Resorts In Chennai

12. Elliot’s Beach: Take Stroll Around The Cleanest Beach

Image Credit: Alexey Komarov for Wikimedia Commons

Located in Basant Nagar, Chennai, Elliot’s Beach is one of the best places to visit in Chennai for youngsters. This astounding beach is named after Edward Elliot, who was once the chief magistrate and superintendent of police in Madras during the British times and forms the end-point of the Marina Beach shore.

Out of all the spectacular beaches, the beach is touted as one of the cleanest beaches in the city of Chennai. For those who want to enjoy solitude or make some priceless memories with your family, this beach is an incredibly calm and tranquil place. To make the most of your vacation, you can also visit the Velankanni Church and the Ashtalakshmi Kovil situated near the beach. The beach is pretty safe as well as there is a police outpost stationed equipped with multiple all-terrain vehicles in case there is danger. For beach lovers, this is among the top budget-friendly places to visit in Chennai with family or friends.

Location: Elliot’s Beach, Chennai

13. Mylapore: The Oldest Residential Area

Image Credit: Nsmohan for Wikipedia

From religious places to outlets that are known for serving delectable food, Mylapore is a neighborhood that is perfect for all kinds of travelers. Located in the Chennai district, Mylapore is home to a plethora of places that you can explore. Kapaleeswarar temple and Ramakrishnan Math are situated in Mylapore. The British-era Luz Church replete with stain-glass windows and frescoes, the Santhome Cathedral built in Gothic style, and the Arulmigu Kapaleeswarar Temple are also all situated in the same locality.

The area is also called Black Town since the local merchants and weavers used to live here, as opposed to Fort St. George, which was called White Town since it was occupied by the white settlers. Mylapore is the oldest residential area and all those who are interested in getting acquainted with the historic lanes of Chennai must visit this neighborhood. Tourists can also go see the Chennai Lighthouse which is located on Gandhi Beach nearby. It makes for a great pit stop on your Chennai to Pondicherry road trip .

Location: Chennai, Tamil Nadu

Related Post: Most Romantic Restaurants In Chennai

14. Royapuram Fishing Harbour: The Perfect Spot For All Photographers

Image Credit: VikiUNITED for Wikipedia

One of the best tourist attractions in Chennai and a great place for photography enthusiasts is the Royapuram Fishing Harbor. Also known as the Kasimedu Fishing Harbor or the Chennai Fishing Harbor, this spot is a major fishing ground in Chennai and catches hundreds of tonnes of fish and crustaceans like shrimps, krills, and prawns every day. Nearly 30,000 people visit the auction hall situated near the harbor to buy fish daily. If you want to capture an eminent part of the lives of locals in Chennai then you ought to visit this harbor.

As many as 1300 boats can be found in the harbor on an average day. Constructed in 1975, the harbor is also a shipbuilding facility, chiefly building fishing boats. Great for sightseeing in Chennai, as the sun sets, the Chennai fishing harbor becomes even livelier and looks mesmerizingly beautiful.

Timings: 3 am – 10 pm

15. Birla Planetarium: Know All About The Solar System

Image Credit: Sivahari for Wikipedia

Are you also fascinated by the extra-terrestrial? If yes, then the next one on this handcrafted list of places to see in Chennai is something that you shouldn’t miss out on. Founded in 1985, Birla Planetarium in Chennai is one of the oldest planetariums in India and an excellent spot for a family outing. Located in Kotturpuram, Chennai, Birla Planetarium organizes many cosmic shows and virtual tours of the solar system.

It is a great educational tool for school kids to learn about the planets, stars, and other terms related to the solar system via interactive and 3D apparatus. The planetarium also features an Astro Corner, an exhibition gallery, a library, and a sky theatre. Interesting shows on the functioning of spacecrafts and celestial object collisions are held regularly at the planetarium. It is one of the best places to visit in Chennai for schoolchildren’s field trips.

Location: Kotturpuram, Chennai, Tamil Nadu

Timings: 10 AM to 6 PM

Entry fee: INR 120 for the general public and INR 50 for students

Related Post: Cottages In Chennai

16. Thousand Lights Mosque: Visit The Multi-Doomed Structure

Image Credit: Aleksandr Zykov for Wikipedia

Thousand Lights Mosque is one of the largest mosques in the country and has an impressive multi-domed structure. Built in 1810 by the Nawab of Arcot, Umdat ul-Umara, this worship place is frequented by thousands of Shia Muslim devotees who come to pray and deliver Azaan. There are separate sections for women and men in this mosque. The mosque gets the name “Thousand Lights Mosque” because of a tradition of lighting a thousand oil lamps within the premises to illuminate the assembly hall that has been followed ever since the first days of its founding.

It is a beautifully constructed and maintained mosque that offers peace and quiet to the heart. Visitors, however, must remember to dress up appropriately and cover their heads while visiting this mosque.

Location : Royapettah, Peters Rd, Peters Colony, Thousand Lights, Chennai, Tamil Nadu

Timings: 5:30 AM to 9:00 PM

17. Guindy National Park: For All Wildlife Lovers

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This is a perfect place for the wild-hearted and the lovers of animals and plants. Located right in the heart of Chennai, and occupying an area of more than 22 acres, this park was integrated in 1959 by the first Prime Minister of free India Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru. Guindy National Park is abode to deers, blackbucks, jackals, snakes, tortoises, and more. The park has around 130 species of birds and 14 species of mammals.

The Guindy Snake Park and Guindy Children’s Park are located right next to the national park. The snake park displays a number of species of king cobra, pythons, vipers, and other reptiles. It is a nice hangout for the entire family and with so many mammals, birds, and animals to spot, this national park should be on your itinerary. Further, if you like birdwatching then it’s time for you to take out your binoculars and visit this national park for this is one of the most stunning places to visit in Chennai.

Location: Rangeguindy, Chennai, Tamil Nadu

Timings: 9 AM to 6 PM

Entry fee: INR 20 for adults and INR 15 for children

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18. Parthasarathy Temple: Seek Blessings

Parthasarathy Temples is one of the best religious places to visit in Chennai. It is a Vaishnavite temple primarily dedicated to Lord Vishnu in his Krishna avatar and was constructed as far back as the 6th century AD. Located in Thiruvallikeni, Parthasarathy Temple in Chennai was built by the Pallava King Narasimhavarman I in the traditional Dravidian architectural style. The name Parthasarathy means “the charioteer of Partha” and refers to Lord Krishna who acted as Arjun’s charioteer in the Mahabharata war.

This temple has icons of Gajendra Varadaraja, Narasimha, Ranganatha, Rama, and Krishna. These icons are the five forms of Lord Vishnu that are worshipped in this temple. If you want a witness the grand ceremony organized in this temple, then you must plan your trip around the traditional festivals like the Marghazi festival and Masi Theppam festival.

Location: Narayana Krishnaraja Puram, Triplicane, Chennai

Timings: 6:00 AM to 12:30 PM; 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM

19. Valluvar Kottam: The Chariot Shape Monument

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Valluvar Kottam is an impressive monument in Chennai and is dedicated to the Tamil poet and philosopher Valluvar best known for writing Tirukkural, a collection of couplets on ethics, politics, economics, and love. Thiruvalluvar and his works are an eminent part of Chennai’s literary heritage. This monument was inaugurated in 1976 and since then it has been one of the prime tourist attractions in Chennai. It is constructed in the shape of a chariot and the auditorium it houses is one of the largest ones in India.

The chariot is an architectural triumph as it is made out of around 3000 blocks of granite stone and weighs 2,700 tonnes. You can take a look at all 133 chapters of his famous work Kural Manimandapa which has been inscribed on the monument. Valluvar Kottam is thus one of the most important cultural centers in Tamil Nadu that all travelers should visit.

Location: 34, Valluvar Kottam High Road, Nungambakkam, Chennai

Timings: 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM

Entry fee: INR 10 for adults and INR 5 for children

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20. Government Museum, Chennai: Take A Step Back Into The History Of Chennai

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The Government Museum or the Madras Museum in Chennai is a museum of human history and culture. The museum houses some of the rarest artefacṭs in all of India. Being the second oldest museum in India and the tenth oldest in the world, built in 1851, it is one of the most sought-after places of study for academicians. The museum has a rich archaeological and numismatic collection. 

Built in Indo-gothic or colonial architecture, the place is a treat for history lovers. Among rare and amazing collections, the museum has paintings from renowned Indian and European painters. The third-largest museum in the world, the Madras Museum has 500 bronze idols dating back to 1000 BC. The Connemara Public Library and the National Art Gallery are also housed in the Government Museum complex. It is one of the prime hangouts and places to visit in Chennai for intellectuals and bookworms.

Location: Pantheon Rd, Egmore, Chennai, Tamil Nadu

Timings: 10:30 AM to 6:30 PM

Entry fee: INR 15 for Indians and INR 250 for foreigners

21. Breezy Beach: The Name Says It All

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Hidden away in the Valmiki Nagar area of Chennai, this aptly named beach is the perfect getaway from the bustling city life of the metropolis. Located around 9 kilometers from the city center, the place offers a peaceful ambiance. The beach is famous for its stunning sunrises and delicious breakfast served at the nearby restaurants and cafes.

Being among the popular tourist places in Chennai, people often end up here to take a break from their daily routine. On your trip down to the breezy beach, you can try street snacks including sandals and idlis, and enjoy shopping at the nearby Thiruvanmiyur market. You can swim in the ocean if you so wish, but caution should be exercised and you should keep to the shallow waters since there are no lifeguards on the beach.

Location: Valmiki Nagar, Chennai

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22. Marundeeswarar Temple: A Shrine Dedicated To Shiva

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A revered Shiva temple in Chennai, Marundeeswarar Temple is located on the shores of the Bay of Bengal. Marundeeswar, a form of Shiva, is the ‘god of medicines’, and represented here by the lingam. Hindu devotees from around the country come here to pray for the recovery of ailments or diseases.

The temple is a fine specimen of the quintessential Dravidian architecture built between the 7th and 8th centuries by the ‘Nayanars’ Appar and the Thirugnana Sambandar. The temple was later maintained and made popular by the Chola kingdom in the 11th century. Today it is among the most famous tourist places in Chennai and pilgrims from across the country come to visit it. The unique thing about the temple is its prasadam which is a mix of ash, water, and milk that is believed to act as a medicine for any kind of diseases and ailments.

Location: 8, W Tank St, Lalitha Nagar, Thiruvanmiyur, Chennai, Tamil Nadu

Timings: 5 am–12 pm, 4–6 pm

23. Ashtalakshmi Temple: On The Shorelines Of The Bay Of Bengal

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Ashtalakshmi Temple in Chennai is another vibrant Hindu place of worship on the coast of the Bay of Bengal, a few meters away from the famous Basant beach. The temple is dedicated to the Hindu ‘goddess of eight forms of wealth’ – Lakshmi. Devotees pray to the goddess for offspring, success, prosperity, wealth, courage, bravery, food, and knowledge. The temple also houses sanctums of Ganesha, Dhanvantri, and the 10 avatars of Vishnu. The best part about the complex is that you can hear the continuous sound of the ocean waves echo which offers the place a peaceful and calm ambiance.

The temple hosts an important Hindu religious ceremony that attracts people from all over the country here, called the ‘Jeernodhara Ashta Bandana Maha Kumbhabhishekam’. Overall, this temple is among the best tourist places in Chennai and if you’re religiously inclined you must stop by here.

Location: Elliot’s Beach, 6/21 Paindi Amman Kovil, Besant Nagar, Chennai

Timings: Monday – Friday: 7:30 am to 11.00 am & 5.30 pm to 8.30 pm. Saturday – Sunday: 7:30 am to 1.00 pm & 5.30 pm to 8.30 pm

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24. Connemara Library: A Repository Of Knowledge

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One of the premier landmarks in the city, the Connemara Library was inaugurated in 1890 and is a treasure trove of literature. It is one of the four National Depository Libraries in India which receives a copy of every book, newspaper, and periodical published in the country. The building is located in the Egmore area of Chennai and was built by the Raj government modeled after the British Museum Library in London.

A haven for book lovers, the hundred-year-old library contains a rich collection of books, braille manuscripts, journals, and magazines. The archives here are highly sought after by researchers and academics. The library is well-kept and you can spend a day buried between books here. This place is also one of the famous tourist places in Chennai.

Location: Museum Compound, Pantheon Road, Egmore, Chennai, Tamil Nadu

Timings: 8 am – 8 pm

25. Madras Crocodile Bank Trust: More Than Just A Zoo

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A rich crocodile breeding center, the Madras Crocodile Bank Trust is more than just another zoo. You can witness this ferocious yet calm and beautiful reptile living here in a healthy habitat. A great place for kids to learn more about nature and wildlife, the place is home to more than 17 species of crocs, some of which have been listed as critically endangered by the IUCN. MCBT is one of the largest reptile zoos in the world and has bred more than 5000 crocodiles ever since its founding.

The initiative is the brainchild of the famous wildlife activist and herpetologist, Romulus ‘Rom’ Whitaker to conserve the fading species of crocodiles in the subcontinent. This herpetology (study of amphibians) center is located about 40 km south of Chennai. It is also fondly called the Crocbank and remains open for 6 days a week for visitors and is definitely worth a visit.

Location: Post Bag No 4, Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu

Timings: 9 AM to 5 PM (Tuesday to Sunday) Last ticket at 5 PM | Night Safaris from 7 PM to 8:30 PM. Closed on Mondays

E ntry fee: INR 100 for Adults and INR 50 for children

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26. Nettukuppam: The Most Unspoilt Beach

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One of the most offbeat places to visit in Chennai , Nettukuppam is a small fishermen’s village at the northernmost tip of the metropolis. The beach here is absolutely unspoiled and serene and the most spectacular part about this place is the broken pier that turns the place into a postcard-perfect scenery.

While the beach is usually more crowded over the weekends and during festivals, it is usually lesser-known and emptier. Located some 20 km away from the city center, you can reach the place in a 30-40 minute drive. Enjoy the stunning skyline of Chennai with glittering lights from this beach. And if you happen to be here in the morning, the fishermen sell their fresh catches and you can buy off of them at reasonable rates. It is one of the best places to visit

Location: Nettukuppam, Chennai, Tamil Nadu

27. Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health: The Shrine Of Vellankani

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Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health, also known as the Vailankanni shrine is a huge catholic church near Elliot’s beach. It is a huge structure and a revered religious place for Christians in India. A pristine white edifice today, it was originally a modest chapel built by Portuguese sailors who claimed to have been saved by Mother Mary from a tempest in the sea.

In the same place, two other incidents are said to have occurred where people saw Marian (the Virgin Madonna and the Child) apparitions. A shepherd boy and a crippled man on two different occasions saw visions of Mary with baby Jesus in her hands. The crippled man was healed of his disability soon after. Thus, the name “our lady of good health” came about. 500 years later today the church hosts a nine-day festival that is observed by over 5 million devotees from across the country. It is one of the top places in Chennai if you want to experience a bit of old-world charm and catholic architecture.

Location: Velankanni, Nagapattinam, Tamil Nadu

Timings: 6 AM to 9 PM

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28. San Thome Church: Religious Escape

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The sparkling white structure of San Thome Church that stands on the tomb of  Saint Thomas The Apostle is one of a kind. The St. Thomas Cathedral is a minor basilica of the Catholic Church of India. The place is quite popular among locals and lures travelers wandering in the city with its exclusive infrastructure and serene ambiance. This beautiful masterpiece was built in 1523 AD by the early Portuguese settlers and later during the British Raj era, it was renovated according to the neo-gothic style of architecture.

It has a teak wood ceiling, 16 windows, and 34 stained glass panels. One particular stained glass creation features the image of St. Thomas touching the wounds of Christ. The building reminds us of the colonial past of India and is one of the most interesting places which Chennai is famous for.  

Location: 38, Santhome High Road, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600004

Timings: 6 AM to 8 PM

Entry fee:  Free

29. Kapaaleshwar Temple: Vibrant Architecture

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Another popular temple in Chennai with sophisticated & intricate architecture, Kapaaleshwar Temple exhibits the Dravidian style of construction. Originally built in the 7th century AD by the Pallava kings, it is a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in Mylapore, Chennai. The height of the temple is nearly 37 meters. Shiva is worshipped as Kapaleeshwar, and represented by the Lingam in the temple. The temple remains lively in March and April.

The temple’s name comes from the words Kapal (head) and Ishvara (god). Legend has it that once Lord Brahma met Lord Shiva but forgot to pay respect to him, and in anger, Shiva decapitated Brahma’s 5th head from his body. To please Lord Shiva, Brahma planted a lingam in this place. There is a huge tank filled with water at the place which is believed to have religious importance. Tourists can stay at an option of hotels in Chennai located close to the temple.

Location: Within Chennai city

Timings: 5:30 AM to 12 PM and 4 AM to 9 PM

Entry fee:  No entry fee

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30. Vadapalani Murugan Temple: Exclusive Carvings

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The temple is nearly 125 years old and is amongst the most prominent religious sites in the capital city. The temple is dedicated to Lord Murugan, son of Shiva and Parvati, and the god of war. The temple was initially founded by one of Lord Murugan’s devotees Annaswami Nayakar inside a thatched hut, where he kept an image of the god and worshipped him faithfully.

The current structure was built in 1890 and stands in the same spot as that hut. It now exhibits exclusive and colorful carvings. The Rajagopuram at the entrance has various episodes from the Puranas inscribed on it. The idol of Murugan at the temple is wearing footwear making it one of the most unique temples in South India. The Murugan Temple is one of the top places to visit in Chennai for pilgrims and devotees.

Location: Palani Andavar Koil Street, Vadapalani, Chennai

Timings: 5 AM to 12:30 PM and 4 PM to 9 PM

31. Golden Beach: Leisurely Walks

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As the name says, this pristine beach is known for its huge expanses of golden sands. Golden Beach is a natural urban beach along the Bay of Bengal in Chennai. Although it is a private beach, owned by the VGP Universal Kingdom, you can visit VGP and experience the beach and the thrill of an amusement park. VGP also boasts having one of the best water parks in Chennai .

Named after its owner V G Panneerdas, VGP Resorts is one of the first themed amusement parks in the entire country. This is one of the cleanest beaches in Chennai and is loved for offering enticing views of sunset and sunrise. For its allure and beauty, the beach has also been featured as the backdrop for several Tamil movies.

Location: East Coast Road, Injambakkam, Chennai

Timings: 5 AM to 6 PM

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32. Akkarai Beach: Enthralling Seafront

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Another stunning beach in Chennai, Ankkarai Beach features an enthralling seafront that comprises luxuriant greenery and a gentle sea breeze. This is one of the most offbeat places in Chennai and remains clean and peaceful throughout the day. The beach is perfect for leisurely strolls, picnics, sunbathing, and getting some beach reading done.

The sunrise and sunset at this beach are perfectly gorgeous and one should carry a camera if you’re interested in photography. The views of the endless ocean and the sun melting into the sea at the horizon are heartstoppingly delightful. Do not forget to carry sunscreens and sunglasses with you and follow local guides in regards to swimming in the ocean as the currents can sometimes be a little turbulent.

Location: Injambakkam, Chennai

Timings: Throughout the day

33. Ripon Building: Roman-style Architecture

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Ripon Building is one of the most popular spots in Chennai and this behemoth government building features unique Roman-style architecture. The building was established in the year 1913 and is named after Lord Ripon, the prominent governor-general of British India. Presently, the building is used as the headquarters for Greater Chennai Corporation, the local municipal government body.

This is one of the top places to visit in Chennai with its all-white structure and is also located quite close to the city railway station. The clock on the spire in the center of the building called the Westminster Chiming Clock, is the highlight of the structure. While visitors are not allowed inside the complex, because it houses government offices, architecture students and lovers must take a sightseeing tour of the building.

Location: 53, Raja Muthiah Road, Kannappar Tidal, Periyamet, Chennai

Entry fee:  Restricted entry

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34. Dakshinachitra Museum – Picture Of The South

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Dakshinchitra, which translates to “a picture of the South” is a living history museum dedicated to uplifting and championing the lives, cultures, and histories of the people of South India. Located 25 km from Chennai in Muttukadu, this museum is run by the Madras Crafts Foundation. The artifacts displayed at the museum are categorized state-wise and include local folk arts, textiles, literature, architecture, and crafts.

The museum is one of the most intriguing Chennai visiting places and is of great interest to foreigners or anyone curious about the cultural practices of South Indian people. You can rent villas in Chennai to make your stay comfortable while visiting here. The complex contains a crafts market, a playground, an area to hold events and functions, various workshops, a research unit, and souvenir shops. Many craftspeople live and work on the premises and visitors can see the process that goes into making the art making it one of the best places to visit in Chennai.

Location: Dakshinachitra Heritage Museum, SH 49, Muthukadu, Tamil Nadu 603112

Timings: 10 am – 6 pm

Entry fee: INR 120 for adults and INR 50 for children

35. Semmozhi Poonga – Exotic Flowers & Duckies

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Semmozhi Poonga. also spelled Semmoli Poonga, is a botanical garden located in Chennai city. Meaning “Classical Language Park”, this picturesque little garden grows more than 500 species of plants and trees. Some trees stand from before the construction of the garden and are more than 100 years old. The garden also grows exotic plants, medicinal herbs, and rare species of flowers and herbs, some of which have been imported from other countries such as China and Japan.

The garden also contains a lot of miniature trees and imported bonsai plants. There are many thematic sub-gardens in the park, for instance, vertical hanging garden, water and rock garden, fern garden, butterfly garden, sunken garden, and theme garden. An artificial pond is built where ducks swim and lotuses float and make beautiful scenery. The garden is one of the top places to visit in Chennai with family and kids.

Location: Cathedral Rd, opposite American Consulate, Ellaiamman Colony, Teynampet, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600086

Timings: 9 am – 6 pm

Entry fee: Rs 25 for Adults & Rs 10 for Children

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36. Cholamandalam Artists’ Village: Folk Art At Its Finest

Cholamandal Artists’ Village is a commune of artists living together, creating together, and showcasing their art together as a group. Various painters and sculptors form the Cholamandal group. They pool their resources and skills in order to create innovative art and further the art movement in India. The group has been credited with introducing modernism in art in South India and is the biggest artist commune in India.

Their movement has survived for more than four decades now, and to this day they continue to create art and showcase it while creating handicrafts on the side to sustain themselves. Their work has been displayed in galleries in not just India and South, but also the USA, Europe, and South America. Visitors can take a look at the art, buy handmade prints & handicrafts, and get books from the in-house bookstore. Thus, it is one of the most interesting and unique places to visit in Chennai for artists and art lovers.

Location: Cholamandal Artists’ Village, Injambakkam, Chennai – 600041

Timings: 10:30 am – 6:30 pm

Entry fee: INR 30 for adults and INR 10 for children

37. Wallajah Mosque – Largest Mosque In Chennai

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Wallahaj Mosque, also known as the Triplicane Mosque, is the largest and one of the oldest mosques in Chennai. The mosque was built by the Nawab of Arcot in the late 18th century, and it is an active mosque to this day. Many followers of the religions and visitors come here to pray and pay their respects. The mosque represents the multiculturalism and syncretism of the region. The Nawab was friendly to Hindus and had many Hindus in his service. A chronogram written by a Hindu Munshi of the Nawab remains at the entrance of the mosque. Most of the administrative staff of the mosque to this day are Hindus.

Architecturally, the building doesn’t have a unified style, although the two minarets are indicative of Mughal architecture. That being said, the granite structure is majestic and awe-inspiring and one feels at peace as soon as one arrives here.

Location: Triplicane High Rd, SVM Nagar, Ellis Puram, Padupakkam, Triplicane, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600005

Timings: 5 am to 12:30 pm and 3:30 pm to 9 pm

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38. Chennai Rail Museum – History Of Trains & Tracks

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As the name says, this is a museum that displays the railways’ history of transportation in India. From the very first British models of steam engines to the superfast express trains currently in use, this museum explains it all. Founded in 2002, this museum has heritage exhibits of British train engines, vintage coaches such as the Ooty Trains, and trams, and more.

Toy train rides are available for children, and the museum has multiple halls and galleries where curious folk can familiarize themselves with historical and technical knowledge of these locomotive beasts which were a miracle for the human race and made life comfortable beyond belief. The complex also houses a movie theatre that streams documentaries about the railways and a Natyarangam and amphitheater as well.

Location: New Avadi Rd, Lakshmipuram, Villivakkam, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600038

Timings: 10:00 am – 4:30 pm

Entry fee: INR 50

39. Victoria Public Hall – A Colonial Masterpiece

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Built in the Indo-Saracenic style, Victoria Public Hall, or the city Town Hall, is a historical building that was built in the 1880s in honor of Queen Victoria who was also the Empress of the Indian Subcontinent at the time. The town hall is one of the finest examples of British architecture in Chennai and was built to commemorate the golden jubilee of the queen’s rule in Britain and the Commonwealth.

The building is also of historical importance because leaders like Sardar Vallabhai Patel, Gopal Krishan Gokhale, and Swami Vivekanand have given addresses here. Mahatma Gandhi too visited the building in the late 19th century when he visited Madras. The building is elaborately decorated in carvings and stonework and is a modern marvel to behold.

Location:  Evr Salai, Park Town, Kannappar Thidal, Poongavanapuram, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600003

Timings: 9 am–5:30 pm

Entry fee: INR 30

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40. Jagannath Temple – A Sacred Ground

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Jagannath is the supreme Hindu deity within Odia Hinduism. Jagannath is also celebrated and worshipped in other states as well, including Tamil Nadu. In this temple, situated in Kannathur in Chennai, the god is worshipped along with his brother Balabhadra and his sister Subhadra, forming the divine trinity.

The structure of the temple is dignified and striking. Jagannath Temple is built in the Kalinga style of architecture, just like the Jagannath Temple in Puri. The black granite for the temple was sourced from Kanchipuram and marble from Rajasthan after the sacred lands were consecrated in 2001. The walls and ceilings of the temple are painted with frescoes which depict the 10 forms of Vishnu. There lies a big garden outside the temple premises. The best time to visit here is during the Rathyatra which takes place on the same day as it does in Puri. It is one of the best places to visit in Chennai in one day with family for all devotees of Jagannath.

Location:  Kannathur Reddikuppam, Kovalam Post, Sunrise Ave, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 603112

Timings: 6:30 am – 12:30 pm, 3:30 – 7:30 pm

41. Madras High Court – Where Justice Is Delivered

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The importance of this historical and contemporary significant building cannot be overstated. It is one of the oldest high courts in India along with the Calcutta and Bombay High Courts. Spread over an area of 106 acres, Madras High Court is also one of the biggest court complexes in the entire world, smaller only to the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom. The court has judicial jurisdiction over the state of Tamil Nadu and sees hundreds of litigants every day.

The building is 4-storeyed and built in the Indo-Saracenic style of architecture with Henry Irwin and JW Brassington as the architects. The beauty of the complexes is fascinating with frescoes on ceilings and stained glass doors which are nothing short of masterpieces. There is also a lighthouse that is located within the premises of the court. Interestingly, it is also one of the only buildings in India that was damaged during the shelling attacks in World War 1. Therefore, the Madras High Court remains a curious piece of architecture that influences modern policy-making while carrying a world of history within its walls.

Location: High Ct Rd, Parry’s Corner, George Town, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600104

Entry fee: None

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42. Palavakkam Beach – A Paradise On The Coast

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This windy and sunshiney beach is a must-visit when on a Chennai vacation. Located on the southernmost tip of Chennai in the Palavakkam locality of the city, this beach is a tourists’ paradise with stunning sunsets and mesmerizing sunrises. The coast along the Bay of Bengal gives a delightful view of the horizon.

The special attraction of the beach is that it is one of the lesser-known and less frequented beaches in Chennai. The wave of commercialization has not hit here as of yet, and thus the beach is very solitary, and not many tourists visit here. You will rather see the locals out for a walk on the beach in the evenings. As a result, this recently developing beach is much cleaner and peaceful. Therefore, it is simply one of the prettiest places to visit in Chennai.

Location: Palavakkam Beach Rd, Palkalai Nagar, Palavakkam, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600041

Timings: Open 24 hours

43. Kolli Hills – A Gem Hidden In The Wild

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Kolli Hills or Kollimalai is a hill station located near Chennai in Namakkal district in Tamil Nadu. The hills are named after the goddess Ettukai Amman, also called Kollipavai, who is said to guard the hills and its inhabitants with her divine magic. The hill station has been referenced in several pieces of ancient Sangam period literature as well such as the Tamil epics Cilappatikaram and Manimekalai.

The region is beautiful beyond imagination. The vegetation cover comprises tropical moist evergreen forests, and the reserve forests are home to many animal and plant species indigenous to Tamil Nadu. There are many temples in the area as well, most of which are dedicated to Ettukai Amman. It is a hill station comparable to the best hill stations in India, and a garden comparable to Eden. It is one of the best places to visit on your solo trip from Chennai .

Location:  Kollimalai, Namakkal, Tamil Nadu, 637411

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44. Mahabalipuram – A World From Antiquity

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Mahabalipuram is also known by the name Mamallapuram after the Pallava King Narsimhavarman, also called Mamalla. It is a UNESCO world heritage site known for its 7th and 8th-century monuments. These royal monuments cut from rock have some of the most spectacular art carved in them. The town is therefore one of the most popular tourist places in Tamil Nadu. There are many resorts near Chennai where you can stay close to Mahabalipuram.

Various buildings including rathas (which are temples shaped like chariots), mandapas (cave structures), and open-air rock sculptures are found at this site. There is archeological evidence of urns and jars dating back to the 1st century BCE that has been found here. It is a great place of interest for history lovers, academicians, researchers, and common folk alike. The monuments are awe-inspiring and make one forget about the transient and inconsequential details of life and concern themselves with the bigger picture. The beauty found in Mahabalipuram is truly sublime!

Location: Mahabalipuram, Chengalpattu, Tamil Nadu 603104

Timings: 6 am–9 pm

45. MGR Film City – The Real Behind The Reel

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Named after the former Tamil Nadu chief minister M G Ramachandran, this film city is home to film sets of many beloved South Indian films. This film studio was first set up in 1994, and since then has served as background scenery for films like Avvai Shanmughi, Mudhalvan, and Hey Ram. The studio has built up diverse sets that resemble places from Mughal Courts to Japanese landscapes.

Queen Elizabeth visited this tourist hotspot on her visit to India in 1997. In 2002, the city council decided to add a knowledge park to the film city as well. Because of its proximity to city institutions like IIT Madras, and the IT corridor, various research facilities for biotechnology and information technology are also being planned.

Location: MGR Film City Road, Tharamani, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600113

Entry fee: INR 25

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46. ISKCON Temple – A Grand Worship Place

The Iskcon Temple in Chennai is also called the Sri Sri Radha Krishna Mandir and is a Chaitanya Vaishnavaite temple. As the names suggest, it is a temple dedicated to Sri Krishna and his divine consort Sri Radha Rani, and follows the Vaishnavism inspired by Chaitanya Mahaprabhu.

The temple was opened to the public in 2012, and ever since it has seen a number of dedicated devotees visit the temple and pray for peace and liberation from the cycle of birth and death. The temple itself is grand and elegant. The atmosphere is tranquil and devotees experience inner peace and relief from turmoil while visiting here. Divinity sparkles through the sculptures and idols here. The walls are intricately decorated and carved out of marble in a magnificent beauty. A majestic chandelier made out of 100s of quartz crystals hangs in the central chamber. If heaven was to be on earth, it might look something like this temple.

Location: Bhakti Vedanta Swami Rd, Akkarai, Sholinganallur, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600119

Timings:  7:30 am–1 pm, 4 pm–9:15 pm

47. Chennai Sangamam – A Showcase Of Folk Culture

Image Credit: Centro Culturale Khatawat for Wikimedia Commons

Chennai Sangamam is a cultural festival organized annually in the city of Chennai. It is grand and open to all and seeks to revive and champion local festivals, folk art forms, and old ways of being. The festival is organized by the Department of Tourism and Culture and takes place in the evening hours of an entire week close to the festival of Pongal.

Chennai Sangamam is the longest and largest open festival held across the entire country. The idea of starting a festival to showcase the cultural richness of Tamil Nadu germinated in former MP Kanimozhi, and ever since 2007, this festival has taken place alongside Pongal in Chennai. It is held on beaches, in parks, and other places, and 1000s of artists display martial abilities, classical dances, and more. It is one of the best tourist attractions in Chennai, India.

Location: Various localities in Chennai

Timings: 6 pm – 9 pm

Related Post:  Mahabalipuram In Tamil Nadu

48. Express Avenue Mall – Fun Hangout With Friends

Express Avenue Mall is the town hotspot in Chennai. Everyone in the city is hanging out here. The mall has everything that your quintessential mall does, but bigger, better, and grander! The mall has a large food court which is 4600 m² in area, and an 8-screen PVR cinema which can seat more than 1500 people – Chennai’s largest cineplex. The gaming arcade in the mall is also the largest one in the whole of South India.

E Hotel, a 44-room four-star boutique hotel resides within the mall complex. Buyers can get anything and everything in the mall. From businesses like Bath & Body Works, and Armani Exchange, to H&M and Forever 21, the best multinational brands are here. It is one of the low-stakes fun places in Chennai .

Location: 17, Pattullos Rd, Express Estate, Thousand Lights, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600002

Timings: 10 am to 10 pm

Entry fee: NA

49. Sai Baba Temple – Shirdi Of The South

Image Credit: Sanskar RM Khatri for Wikimedia Commons

One of the most serene places to visit in Chennai, this temple dedicated to Sai Baba is located in Mylapore. It was established in 1952 by a devotee of Sai Baba called Sri Narasimha Swamy who used to worship a picture of Sai Baba under a tamarind tree. The place is now called the Shirdi of the South and is maintained by All India Sai Samaj, which was founded by Narasimha Swamy.

The inner sanctum of the temple contains a magnificent idol of Sai Baba sitting on a silver throne. Another highlight of the temple is the tomb of Sri Narasimha Swamy which is also housed in the temple. The temple complex is serene and reflects meditative peace upon the visitors and devotees.

Location:  No 41, V C Garden Street, Mylapore, Chennai – 600004

Timings: 5:00 am to 1:00 pm and 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm

Related Post: Places To Visit In Rameshwaram

50. Anjaneyar Temple – Second Largest Hanuman Statue

Image Credit: Dr Murali Mohan Gurram for Wikimedia Commons

Anjeneya in Sanskrit means “the son of Anjani”, and refers to Lord Hanuman. The Anjeneya Temple therefore is a Hindu Temple dedicated to the god Hanuman. The principal idol of the deity is a marvelous feat of sculpting itself. The entire 32-foot statue is sculpted out of a single block of granite and is the second tallest Hanuman statue in the country after Panchvatee in Puducherry.

The presence of sanctums dedicated to both Lord Rama and Lord Krishna nods to the fact that it was only Lord Hanuman who was present during the events of both the epics, Ramayana and Mahabharata. Ramanavmi and Hanuman Jayanti are celebrated with grandeur at this temple, and tourists should visit during these festivals to participate in the festivities.

Location: 2nd Main Rd, Ram Nagar, Nanganallur, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600061

Timings: 6 am–12 pm, 4–9 pm

51. Kasimedu Beach – A Quaint Tropical Time

Kasimedu Beach is a relatively lesser-known and quieter beach in Chennai. Kasimedu is a small village located in Royapuram and is populated mostly by fishermen. At the beach, you can often spot fishing boats and fishermen laying nets and catching fish, crabs, krills, and prawns. Kasimedu, naturally, also has a fish market where fishermen sell their fresh catches.

This sandy beach is super pretty during the evening hours of sunset as red light scatters over miles of unending water. Popular activities at the beach include building sandcastles, playing volleyball, and relaxing under the shade of palm trees or in the sun according to the weather and preference.

Location: Kasimedu Beach, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 600013

Timings: Open all hours

Related Post: Street Food In Chennai

How To Reach Chennai

Image Credit: hafiznaveed for Pixabay

By Road : Chennai is well-linked by road to various cities and towns through decently made roads and highways. The Chennai Bus Terminal CMBT is one of the largest ones in the country, covering an area of almost 40 acres. Chennai is directly connected via highways to Trichy (330 km), Bangalore (350 km), Coimbatore (500 km), Tiruvallur (50 km), and more.

By Flight : The city is just 7 kilometers away from the Chennai International Airport. The third busiest airport in India, Chennai International Airport is the main hub for major flights in South India. The airport is well-connected to most major airports in the world. Passengers can easily book their taxi at the prepaid taxi booths outside the airport, and reach the destination. Also, there is no dearth of auto-rickshaws which can take you to the city at a relatively low fare.

By Train : Reaching the city via train is also easy thanks to the railway connectivity. Chennai has three major railway stations namely Chennai Central (code MAS), Chennai Egmore, and Tambaram which are well-connected to major cities like Bengaluru, Mumbai, Coimbatore, Delhi, Cochin, Hyderabad, Kolkata, and other Indian cities. Many super-fast and express trains operate here on a daily basis.

Best Time To Visit Chennai

Image Credit: Fioselvan for Wikimedia Commons

Chennai is never too cold being a coastal city, it can however get hot and humid sometimes. The annual average temperature in Chennai is usually around 28 degrees Celsius. For people who are accustomed to such temperatures, Chennai can be a year-round travel destination, but for people coming from colder environments, Chennai’s heat can come as quite a shock. The peak season in Chennai is, therefore, during the winter months.

November to February months are considered the best time to visit the city since it is when the winters are here. The temperature remains pleasant during this time between 20 and 25 Degrees Celsius. One can experience cool breezes from the sea in Chennai in December which provides respite from the otherwise hot weather. So one can also enjoy long morning walks during the daytime and breezy evenings.

You May Also Like To Read: Places to Visit in South India

Chennai is a metropolitan city that is blessed with natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and teeming with welcoming people, making it a perfect holiday destination. This means that a trip to Chennai would not only be enriching but would also be a peaceful travel experience. Add the above-listed places to visit in Chennai to your itinerary and ensure a fulfilling experience in this city of sacred temples and ancient forts.

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Cover Image Credit: oataro for Pxhere

Frequently Asked Questions About Places To Visit In Chennai

What are the best shopping places in Chennai?

The most popular marketplaces in Chennai are Phoenix Market City, T Nagar, and Express Avenue. Make sure to visit these vibrant markets and purchase various handmade products, and silk sarees.

What are the best places to visit in Chennai at night?

Visiting Marina Beach and walking along the shore is one of the best things you must experience at night. If you are interested in going to some night clubs then you can check out Pasha, 10 Downing Street, Gatsby 2000, and many more.

What are the top restaurants in Chennai?

The top restaurants in Chennai in recent times are Ayur Square, Writers Cafe, Library Blu, Avartna, Gossip Fusion Bistro, The Marina, Eli's Kitchen, and more.

Which is the best trek near Chennai?

There are numerous exciting trekking trails near Chennai. The following are the most popular: 1. Tada Waterfall Trek 2. Kotagiri Trek 3. Kurangani Top Station Trek 4. Kumbakumari Trek. Make sure to go for these intriguing adventures during your Chennai tour.

What is so special about Chennai?

Chennai, the capital city of Tamil Nadu, attracts many visitors both local and foreign tourists owing to its history, heritage and healthcare facilities. Known as an IT and industrial hub, it houses many innovative and ambitious startups that are redefining the creativity and work culture followed by Indian companies. With its mesmerizing temples, beaches, music & arts culture, Chennai serves as a gateway to the rest of the South. Foreign tourists also land here more frequently to get lost in the charm of Mother Nature.

What are the places to visit in Chennai with family?

There are many places in Chennai that families can visit where adults can enjoy themselves that are also appropriate, educational or entertaining for kids - Science City, Arignar Anna Zoological Park, Marina Beach, Guindy National Park, Birla Planetarium, Semmozhi Poonga, and more.

What should I do in Chennai?

Things to do in Chennai: 1. Witness the glorious sunrise at Elliots Beach, 2. Have unique experiences at MGM Dizzee World amusement park, 3. Feed your literary desires at the Anna Centenary Library., 4. Witness shore temples and sculpted wonders at Mahabalipuram.

What is famous in Chennai to eat?

Some of the popular and appetizing dishes in Chennai that you shouldn’t miss are: 1. Filter Coffee, 2. Idli, 3. Masala Dosa, 4. Sambar and Rasam rice, 5. Vadai/Thayir Vadai, 6. Meals, 7. Kuzhi Paniyaram, 8. Bajji, 9. Adai.

Which are the famous temples in Chennai?

There are many important and divinely beautiful temples in Chennai, some of which are Kapaleeswarar Temple, Marundheeswarar Temple, Ekambareswarar Temple, Parthasarathy Temple, Sri Vadapalani Andavar Temple, etc.

What are the best places to visit in Chennai with friends?

Chennai has plenty of delightful and adventurous places that you should visit with your gang including Marina Bay, Vandalur Zoo, Guindy Snake Park, Pasha Nightclub, Writers' Cafe, Ciclo Cafe, and Bicycle Shop, and more.

What are the places to visit in Chennai in one day time?

It is in fact possible to hit all the best hotspots in Chennai in a single day. Visit Marina Beach, Kapaleeshwarar Temple, Fort St. George, Valluvar Kottam, Santhome Basilica, Government Museum, Connemara Library, and National Art Gallery.

Which are the must visit places in Chennai?

The places that make top of the top list of places to visit in Chennai are Marina Beach, Guindy National Park, Victoria Hall, Fort St. George, and Mahabalipuram.

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Abhay Kumar

Abhay Kumar is a graduate of English Literature. Writing is both his hobby and his passion. He writes academic research articles as well as poetry and short fiction. He loves reading science fiction, fantasy, literary fiction, and translated fiction. He also loves traveling and writing about himself in the third person.

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19 Best Things To Do In Chennai, India

Published: July 31, 2019

Modified: January 3, 2024

by Pavneet Kaur Lobana

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Chennai is the land of Sanskrit and age-old traditions, in India. The capital of the Tamil Nadu state, this city has some of the most exceptional Indian attractions. It is also a witness of colonial past, and the many old forts and churches stand in testimony. Thus, there are many places to visit in Chennai, from temples to churches and museums to wildlife reserves!

But Chennai tourism is not all about ancient or colonial heritage. It’s a calm and peaceful city next to the ocean, which makes it an amazing tourist destination for travellers seeking solace and peace of mind. It’s also blessed with a rich culture that dates back to centuries before there was an industrial revolution in Europe.

Chennai was known as Madras during the colonial period. Also, if you are planning to visit this south Indian city, here are some of the best things to do in Chennai. Have a look!

Take A Stroll On Marina Beach, India’s Longest Beachline

Photo From Holidayify

Marina Beach is eye candy for most travellers from near and far. Marina Beach is also the longest beach in India, which is worth exploring for its raw beauty. It offers you everything that Chennai entails, all at one place.

When in Chennai, you’ll love a stroll along this coastline, especially during sunrise. And you’ll surely come across a variety of people exercising, chatting or simply having fun. While in the evening, the beach is full of street-side vendors, and a multitude of people from all walks of life.

Get Impressed By The Charm Of San Thome Cathedral

Photo From Expedia

An epitome of the Portuguese colonial rule over Chennai (the then Madras), San Thome Cathedral is a sight to behold. Its neo-gothic style of architecture attracts tourists to its doors. Besides the tranquillity it beholds is hard to match.

It has recently been declared as a National Shrine in Tamil Nadu . It is also believed to have been built on the actual shrine of Saint Thomas, who visited India before the onset of Portuguese rule. Thanks to its mesmerizing beauty, its a major highlight of Chennai tourism.

Explore The Marvelous Collection Of Government Museum, Chennai

Photo By Vinita Govindarajan From Twitter

Another famous attraction in Chennai, the Government Museum is the second oldest museum in India. It is also known as the Egmore Museum or the Madras Museum. Another feat attributed to this museum is that it has the largest collection of archaeological and numismatical artefacts in South-East Asia.

One of the best attractions in India, this place has numerous galleries where it houses its collection. Moreover, there’s also a huge library called Connemara Public Library, that’s housed in a 200 feet tower. You’ll love exploring it!

Get Enchanted By The Grace Of Puri Jagannath Temple

Photo From Wikipedia

This stunning piece of architecture is equally amazing for its spiritual and religious connection. A popular holy temple for the Hindu community, this place is known to grant wishes. Its structure includes stone carvings, with touches of Granite and Marble.

Also, there are distinct shrines for different deities, and they are all worth paying a visit. The annual custom of Rath Yatra (a chariot procession) is a magnificent festival that’s awaiting all year long. The temple is exceptionally crowded, during Rath Yatra, and yet attracts most tourists.

Have Fun Time At MGM Dizee World

Photo Bt MGM Dizee World From Linkedin

Love amusement rides and water sports? Then the MGM Dizee World is your perfect destination. Kids or adults its a paradise for all age groups, and there’s plenty to revel in.

However, if you do have kids along, then it is the best things to do in Chennai to visit here. This place is full of multiple joy rides, water slides, and other fun activities.

Pay Obeisance At The Kapaleeshwarar Temple, Mylapore

Photo From Goibibo

Devoted to Lord Shiva, the Kapaleeshwarar Temple is placed in Mylapore , Chennai. Lakhs of devotees hold immense faith in the blessings of this temple. Thus, it is one of the most visited locations in Chennai, by local, national and international tourists.

Its Dravidian style architecture is also a people magnet, as its magnificence knows no bounds. The ancient halls inside the temple have intricate designs that will leave you in awe. Visiting the Kapaleeshwarar Temple, Mylapore is one of the most satisfying things to do in Chennai.

Mylapore is also known for shops selling handicrafts, fashion accessories, jewellery, and other traditional items. If you have extra time, window shop and see another awesome side of Chennai tourism.

Birdwatch At Pulicat Lake, Chennai

Photo By EPS From NewIndianExpress

For experiencing the most natural aspects of the city of Chennai, visiting Lake Pulicat is a must. The Pulicat Lake is a masterpiece of nature with an immense wealth of migratory birds visiting its waters year after year. Naturally, it becomes a sight to behold when these colourfull aviators fly up in the sky making abstract patterns.

Thus, bird watching on its placing shores is an amazing thing to do in Chennai. You may even click some pretty Flamingoes if you are lucky. Besides many other exotic species may also pay you a visit. One tip – always be ready with your camera here.

Touch The Stars At Birla Planetarium

Photo From yatra

Birla Planetarium is one of the best places to visit in Chennai, especially if you are a science enthusiast. This planetarium is in place since 1988 and attracts a number of visitors on a daily basis. It’s the best spot to grasp some astronomical science.

So if you have kids or not, visiting Birla Planetarium is one of the best things to do in Chennai. If you are wondering of what it entails, you will be experiencing the space in life-like ambience. Fancy touching some stars and constellations? You know where to go!

Traverse the Streets Of George Town Markets

Photo From MadrasphotoBloggers

The George Town Markets or Bazaars are a haven for the shopaholic in you. This market includes a wide variety of products for you to buy, and take back as souvenirs from Chennai trip. I suggest buying pure mulberry silk, a Tamil speciality, apart from Kanchipuram sarees.

Even if you are not a saree lover, you may stitch them into another dress style. Anyhow they are sure to get you to elegant compliments, as the dazzle these fabrics carry is praiseworthy, and of course of exceptionally high quality. Besides, you may also taste some delicious local delicacies made by street-side vendors or restaurants in the area.

Cruise Through The Guindy National Park

Photo From JayaTravel

Chennai attractions like the Guindy National Park are particularly famous for their pristine wildlife. It is a tropical rainforest and is home to some of the most exotic species of the world. It is particularly inhabited by Jackals, Hyenas, Blackbucks and elephants. While there are many other species of snakes, turtles, butterflies, peacocks, ostrich, etc.

Another place worth visiting here is the Chennai Snake Park, which has large pythons and cobras as the chief residents. Besides the famous St Thomas Mount is also situated right beside this park. Located in the heart of the city, you must definitely visit this place.

Do Not Miss The St Thomas Mount Church

A historic church, the Church sits atop a mountain, and hence the name. It’s a popular religious site in the city and is also has an exceptional edifice. A legend says that St Thomas, the disciple of Christ, lived here until his death, about 2000 years ago. And this church was built to commemorate him.

Painted in all white, it is located in a Chennai suburb. But the loveliest thing about this Chennai attraction is that it is located in a very peaceful and picturesque area. You may come here to unwind your travel stress, or to click plenty of memorable pictures.

Indulge Into Some Watersport At Muttukadu

Photo From TheCultureTrip

Kayaking, boating, canoeing or surfing, there’s plenty to indulge into at this amazing location in Chennai’s Muttukadu. Plus, you may also try your hands at windsurfing regatta, though that’ll be possible only if you visit around February.

The small town of Muttukadu is also adorned with lush green backdrops and open skies. If you are visiting Chennai, you must definitely take some time for adventure sports. As, these are one of the best things to do in Chennai, for sure!

Revisit The Colonial Era At Fort St George

Photo From GoodFreePhotos

Visiting Fort St George is another astounding thing to do in Chennai. Built by the British East India Company, back in 1644, this is one important piece of history. It has a wonderful collection of the colonial era coins, ammunitions, artefacts, etc.

The building currently serves as the state legislative assembly and has elegance beyond its age. 

Appreciate The View At Thalankuppam Pier

Photo From SathishContradicts

Thalankuppam is a small hamlet in Chennai, known for its fishing community. A quiet location just beside the city, it’s one of the best Chennai attractions. You must visit this hamlet for its serenity and simplicity.

Besides the pier is the spot for enjoying one of the best sunset views you’ll ever see in your lifetime. I bet you can sit with your legs hanging from the pier, and gaze at the sparkling ocean for hours. It’ll also be an opportunity to delve into the deeper questions of one’s existence.

Comprehend The Ruins Of Alamparai Fort

Photo From HappyFeet

The ruins of Alamprai Fort stand in testimony to the great Mughal heritage of this Tamil capital city. This fort was once the hub of sea trade to other countries, with merchants carrying cloth, ghee and salt.

Located next to the sea, its grandeur is still intact and is visible in the way it captivates the visitors with its enthralling beauty. Further, the calmness of the ocean, adds to its solace, though sunset view is completely enchanting.

Relax And Unwind At The Ubbalamadugu Falls

Photo From VaibhavKashyap29

One of the best waterfalls in Chennai, the Ubbalamadugu Falls have sparkling waters. Just 35 km from Chennai, these falls are nestled in the forests of Siddulaiah Kona. Moreover, the sound of splashing water and the cool breeze is enough to rejuvenate the most tired of souls.

These picture-perfect falls are also a spiritual site for Hindu devotees. Especially during the festival of Maha Shivratri, many followers throng this place to offer their prayers. But its magnificent beauty remains intact, all year round.

Lose Yourself In The Calmness of Elliot’s Beach

Named after a former British Governor of Madras, it is located at the end of Marina Beach. This stunning beach also houses a landmark in the name of Schmidt Memorial. There’s an interesting anecdote behind this memorial, as it commemorates a European sailor, who drowned while saving a little girl.

The Elliot’s Beach is a hidden gem in the city. Though its a popular tourist destination among locals, not all are aware of its distinct charm. It’s even calmer than Marina Beach, and also less crowded. You’ll have to reach the Besant Nagar to experience its serene atmosphere.

Unravel History At Mahabalipuram

Photo From GoTravelaz

Even though it is located a bit outside the city, exploring it is one of the best things to do in Chennai. This prehistoric town is home to gigantic rock-cut temples, which have been carved out of a single piece of rock. You’ll be mesmerized by the level of intricacy in the carving, which was done by hand, ages ago.

The ancient structure is still in good shape even after centuries of wear and tear. Besides, its a gold mine for the lovers of archaeology and culture. Plus, there are plenty more historic temples worth visiting in Mahabalipuram , so a day trip will be best for exploring these. They have been collectively declared as UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Discover The Waves Of Royapuram Fishing Harbour

Photo From Chennai-in-focus

A seafood paradise, the Royapuram Fishing Harbour is where you can get your hands on the freshest of marine life. A seafood market, it offers best views during sunset.

You can also get in touch with the local way of living by observing the fisherman toiling hard for their day’s catch. It also depicts the true Chennai lifestyle, which involves everything fishing.

Photo From UrbanTreeHomes

Chennai is nirvana for the seekers of peace, adventure, culture and history. It has numerous historical marvels, apart from some amazing food habits. Just use this list to chalk out your itinerary, and have a trip of a lifetime. Bon Voyage!

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CHENNAI TOURISM | TOURIST PLACES TO VISIT & TRAVEL GUIDE TO CHENNAI

• Chennai Overview
• Top 37 Places to Visit in Chennai
• 6 Best Chennai Tour Packages
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• Best Time to Visit Chennai

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About Chennai

Country: india | state: tamilnadu, #11 of 25 places to visit in tamilnadu | places to visit in india, ideal trip duration: 2-3 days, base station: chennai, nearest city to chennai: chennai, best time to visit chennai: october to february, peak season: november to january, chennai weather: maximum : 42°c minimum : 15°c.

At a distance of 170 km from Pondicherry, 337 km from Bangalore, 629 km from Hyderabad, 453 km from Vijayawada, & 772 km from Trivandrum, Chennai is one of the largest cities in India and the capital city of Tamil Nadu state. It is one of the famous places to visit in Tamilnadu . Located on the Coromandel Coast of the Bay of Bengal, the city is home to several beaches, museums, parks, temples, and several historical places that can be visited as part of Chennai packages . Chennai, the 'Cultural Capital of India', is the fourth largest metropolis in the country with a population of over 8 million. Formerly called Madras, the present town was founded in 1639, by Sir Francis Day, who arrived with East India Company. The British East India Company established a fort and a trading post at the small fishing village of Chennai. Today, it has emerged as a major industrial and educational center. Chennai with the Bay of Bengal on its side had been a major British trading post for years. The region around Chennai has served as an important administrative, military, and economic center since the 1st century AD. It has been ruled by various South Indian dynasties, notably the Pallava, the Chola, the Pandya, and Vijaynagara. The area where the present city exists was awarded to the British by Damerla Chennapa Nayaka who a general under Vijayanagara kings ruled from Chandragiri, near Tirupathi. The name Chennai is believed to be derived from Chennakesava Perumal Temple present in the city. Marina Beach, Govt Museum, Parthasarathy Temple, Kapaleeswaraar Temple, San Thome Cathedral, etc. are the top places to visit in Chennai . There are several other attractions in the vicinity of Chennai like Elliot Beach, VGP Golden Beach, Mahabalipuram , Pulicat Lake, Muttukadu, etc. Kanchipuram, the famous historical & pilgrimage town is situated close to Chennai. Chennai has great flight connectivity from major cities in India and countries like Dubai, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, USA & Europe. Chennai has two major railway stations - Chennai Central & Chennai Egmore. Chennai Central is a major junction which is connected with major cities in India like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Vijayawada, Kochi, Pondicherry , etc. Chennai Mofussil Bus Terminus (CMBT) is one of the largest bus terminuses in India with inter-state and inter-city connectivity. The city is base to around 30% of India's automobile industry and 35% of its auto components industry. Chennai is a highly humid area and winter is the best season to visit. It usually takes two full days to visit major attractions in Chennai.

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Nearest Airport: Chennai - Chennai International Airport (15 Kms)

Direct flights to chennai, nearest train station: chennai central railway station (0 kms) chennai beach railway station (7 kms) chennai egmore railway station (3 kms), direct trains to chennai, nearest bus station: chennai mofussil bus terminus (0 kms), direct buses to chennai, distance chart, distance chart & driving directions to chennai, top 10 places to visit in chennai, marina beach.

#1 of 37 Places to Visit in Chennai

At a distance of 4 Kms from Chennai Central Railway Station (located at Kamarajar Road, near local Chepauk Railway Station), the famous Marina beach is the second longest beach in the World and runs to a length of 13 Km. This is one of the top tourist places to visit in Chennai city and also one of the popular attraction not to miss in a Chennai tour packages . Situated on the beach, the Anna Park, named after the founder of D.M.K Anna durai and the tomb of M.G. Ramachandran who was a film star (both were former Chief Ministers of Tamil Nadu) and the Statue of Labour is a splendid sculpture depicting the efforts of a team of labourers who are at hard manual labour. The beach can be ideally visited in the early mornings or in the late evenings when the area becomes a virtual ground with food stalls and other entertainments.

Govt. Museum

#2 of 37 Places to Visit in Chennai

At a distance of 4 km from Chennai Central Railway Station, Governement Museum is a museum situated on Pantheon Road in Chennai. This is one of the oldest museums in India, and among the top tourist places to visit in Chennai city. Established in 1857, Government Museum is the second oldest museum in the country after the Indian Museum in Kolkata. The museum is located in what is known as the Pantheon complex, or 'public assembly rooms.' Situated in the Egmore suburb of Chennai, it is built in the Indo-Saracenic style. It is the third-largest museum in the world, and with 0.6 million visitors in 2018. It is particularly rich in archaeological and numismatic collections. It has the richest collections of bronze idols, 500 of them dating to 1000 BC, in Asia. The museum has the largest collection of Roman antiquities outside Europe. Among them, the colossal Museum Theatre is one of the most impressive. .....

Sri Parthasarathy Temple

#3 of 37 Places to Visit in Chennai

At a distance of 4.5 km from Chennai Central Railway Station, Sri Parthasarathy Temple is a Hindu temple located in the Triplicane locality of Chennai. It is one of the popular temples in Tamilnadu , and among the must-visit places during your Chennai Trip . Sri Parthasarathy Temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna. It was originally built by the Pallavas king Narasimhavarman I in the 6th century CE and was renovated by the Vijayanagara kings around the 15th century. It is one of the oldest temples as well as the famous places to visit in Chennai . The temple was built in the typical Dravidian architecture style, complete with gopurams and mandapas with intricate carvings and stucco figures. The temple has icons of five forms of Vishnu: Yoga Narasimha, Rama, Gajendra Varadaraja, Ranganatha, and Krishna .....

Kapiliswarar Temple

#4 of 37 Places to Visit in Chennai

At a distance of 6.5 Kms from Chennai Central Railway Station (located in Mylapore), the Kapaleeswarar Temple dedicated to Shiva is built in 8th Century by Pallavas. But the current structure is rebuilt by the Vijayanagara rulers in 16th century. The 37 meters tall and grand gopuram is made in the characteristic Dravidian style of architecture. This is one of the top tourist places to visit in Chennai city. This temple has some beautiful sculptures, among which the bronze idols of 63 Saivaite Saints or the Nayanmars. The Arubathumoovar festival dedicated to the 63 Nayanmars held in March-April every year is a special attraction. Timings: 5 AM to 11 AM and 4 PM to 9.30 PM.

San Thome Cathedral Basilica

#5 of 37 Places to Visit in Chennai

At a distance of 7 Kms from Chennai Central Railway Station (located at the Southern end of Marina Beach, in Mylapore), San Thome Cathedral Basilica is one of Chennai's historic landmarks. This Cathedral was originally built in 1504. It was rebuilt in 1890 with a 180 ft basilica. This is one of the top tourist places to visit in Chennai city. The church gets its name from St.Thomas, the apostle of Jesus who is believed to have come to India sometime during 52 A.D. It is believed he was killed on St. Thomas Mount just outside the city in 78 AD and his remains interred in Santhome beach where a church was later built. Several years later, another church was built further inland and his mortal remains were transferred here. Timings: 5 AM to 9 PM

Valluvar Kottam

#6 of 37 Places to Visit in Chennai

At a distance of 7 Kms from Chennai Central Railway Station (located in Vaikuntapuram, less than 1 Kms from local Kodambakkam Railway Station), Valluvar Kottam is a monument built to pay homage to Tamil Poet Saint Thiruvalluvar. Inaugurated in 1976, the memorial is the form of 101-feet high temple chariot and is the replica of the temple chariot in Thiruvarur. A 33m tall life-size statue of the saint has been installed in the chariot. Another amazing attribute of the auditorium is that it is not supported by a single pillar and stands without any support. The 133 chapters of his famous work Thirukkural have been depicted in bas-relief in the front hall corridors of the chariot. All the 1330 verses of the poet's epic are depicted on the granite pillars, which surround the auditorium. The auditorium at Valluvar Kottam is said to be the largest in Asia and can accommodate about 4000 people. Timings: 8.30 AM - 5.30 PM Entry Fee: Rs. 10 for Adults & Rs. 5 for Childre .....

Birla Planetarium

#7 of 37 Places to Visit in Chennai

At a distance of 10 Kms from Chennai Central Railway Station (located at Kotturpuram near Guindy, less than 1 km from local Kotturpuram Railway Station) the Birla Planetarium is the most modern planetarium in India. It houses a fully computerised projector that depicts the heavens on a hemispherical dome. The Planetarium presents audiovisual programmes on various themes in astronomy. Adjoining the planetarium is the Periyar Sceince and Technology Museum, which is of interest to students and other science enthusiasts. Timing : 10 AM to 5 PM, Closed on National Holidays only English Programme Timings: 10.45 AM, 1.45pm and 3.45 pm. Tamil Programme Timings: 12.30 AM and 2.30 PM. Entry Fee: Rs. 45 for Adults & Rs. 25 for Children (which includes Science Centre, Planetarium, 3D Science Movie & Science Park)

Vadapalani Murugan Temple

#8 of 37 Places to Visit in Chennai

At a distance of 10 km from Chennai Central Railway Station, the Vadapalani Murugan Temple is a Hindu temple situated in Vadapalani area of Chennai, Tamil Nadu. Also known as Vadapalani Andavar Temple, it is among the most popular temples in Chennai and also one of the famous places to visit in Chennai . Vadapalani Andavar Temple is dedicated to Lord Murugan. Built around 125 years ago, this temple is one of the most frequented temples of Chennai. According to the legend, Annaswami Nayakar, an ardent devotee of Lord Murugan was the founder of the temple. During his worship, he experienced divine power entering his body and inspiring him to speak surprising things later found to be true. His utterance went by the name of arulvakku and relieved people in several ways, like curing diseases, getting jobs and marriages, etc. The presiding deity idol in the sanctum sanctorum of the temple resembles the original .....

National Art Gallery

#9 of 37 Places to Visit in Chennai

At a distance of 3 km from Chennai Central Railway Station, the National Art Gallery is situated inside the Government Museum Complex on Pantheon Road in Egmore, Chennai. This is one of the oldest art galleries in India and also one of the must visit Chennai Tourist Places. The National Art Gallery was built of sandstone in the year 1907 by T. Namberumal Chetty. Earlier known as Victoria Memorial Hall, the National Art Gallery was built during the celebration of Queen Victoria's Golden Jubilee in Indo-Saracenic style, designed by architect Henry Irwin. It has been identified as a Heritage site by the CMDA. The National Art Gallery consists of four different sections, which include Tanjore Painting Gallery, Decorative Art Gallery, Indian Traditional Art Gallery and Raja Ravi Varma Painting Gallery. The miniature paintings from the Mughal era, handicrafts from 11th and 12th centuries and Rajput paintings from the 18th and 19th centuries are also on display. Portraits of various .....

Elliot's Beach

#10 of 37 Places to Visit in Chennai

At a distance of 13 Kms from Chennai (located in Besant Nagar), The Elliot's Beach is a well known destination for people who seek relief from the crowded metropolitan life of the Chennai . The Adyar River drains into the sea here. Popularly known as 'Bessie' among locals, this is an extremely calm and tranquil place. The Beach has become a popular hangout for the young generation. Elliot's Beach is also a favorite haunt of foreigners where they can peacefully take their sun bath. The Ashtalakshmi Temple near the beach is around 20 years old and has modern style architecture. Velanganni Church is a pilgrim place for the Christians. Elliot's Beach has good connectivity and transportation options from Chennai.

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Best Places to Visit in Chennai Over a Weekend

Table of contents.

Chennai holds an immense amount of history, culture and folklore in its different corners. The origin of Tamil Nadu’s capital dates back to 500 BC. Many ancient scriptures talk about Chennai’s existence, and a lot of mythical stories are attached to this place.

Chennai has a lot to offer to the visitors who come here to spend some time during their Tamil Nadu visit. Some amazing places to visit in Chennai include various beaches, intricately carved temples, buzzing markets, artistic churches and cathedrals. You can explore the whole city over a weekend, and if you want to include the neighbouring Pondicherry then you’ll have to plan for a more extended vacation. Here are few of the must not miss places in Chennai –

1. Marina Beach

Probably the favourite evening stroll point among the locals and tourists, Marina Beach is known for crystal clear water and the shore that extends beyond the horizon. Evenings at Marina Beach are full of hustle bustle as many street food joints pop-up around the road. Here you can enjoy authentic seafood and local delicacies. From here, one can also visit an old lighthouse located nearby. There is an aquarium, a swimming pool and a park which are open for visitors till evening.

2. Fort Saint George

Fort Saint George is a prime example of the British influence in the history of Chennai. This location used to be the official centre of every critical activity including issuing of licenses and entry permits. Today, this fort stands converted into a beautiful museum. The lovely carvings on the walls, pretty artwork and the imposing structure will leave you awestruck.

The fort is open from 9 am to 5 pm and is closed on Friday.

Entry fee is INR 5 for Indian citizens and INR 100 for foreigners.

3. Covelong Beach, Must visit place in Chennai

One of the lesser known beaches in Chennai, Covelong has become popular because of its pretty, serene vibes. It’s soothing, and relaxing atmosphere makes it a must visit tourist place near Chennai. Covelong Beach is one of the gems of the Coromandel Coast and just an hour away from the city. Famous for the pretty, mesmerizing sunsets, one can either spend a whole weekend here or choose to include it in their weekend excursion points.

Covelong Beach is also a popular windsurfing destination.

Suggested Read : Looking For A Beach Resort In Pondicherry? Here Are The Best Ones To Choose From!

4. Local markets of Chennai

Markets of Chennai are as old as the history of this city. Being a trade town, Chennai used to see merchants coming here from various countries. These markets would sell flowers, spices, herbs, tea leaves and coffee. Even today, when you walk into these alleys, you’ll see the same hustle bustle like it used to be in the past.

All the markets are located near Parry’s Corner and the best time to go for a walk is early morning when these setups start coming to life.

5. Sri Parthasarathy temple

Carved with beautiful artworks in every corner, Sri Parthasarathy Temple is one of its kinds in Chennai. The imposing structure and colourful decoration make it a spectacular sight to behold. The temple is dedicated to Sri Krishna and hence is a popular point of interest among the tourists.

Best time to visit Sri Parthasarathy Temple is around sunrise or before sunset.

6. San Thome Church

San Thome Church is known for its sparkling white structure owing to the exquisite marble used in the construction. The unique architecture and the design make it very popular among the tourists. You can also join a heritage walk group to get a thorough tour of the place and uncover the history and significance of this church.

Some of the unique features of this church include the beautiful stained glass window panes. The interiors are visually stunning in the morning when the rays of the sun fall on the window, reflecting the beautiful colours. The sitting statue of St Thomas, museum and library are also the recognizable parts of the church.

7. Birla Planetarium

Birla Planetarium is one of its kind establishments where you can visit the glittering world of stars. The planetarium showcases several exhibitions that change periodically. It is one of the fun tourist places in Chennai where children will love to spend their time and learn new things. The planetarium opens between 10 am to 5:45 pm and the entry fee is INR 40 for adults and INR 25 for children.

8. Eliot’s Beach, One of the best places to visit in Chennai

Those who wish to avoid the crowded Marina can always escape to Eliot Beach. Recently renamed as Besant Nagar Beach, this venue is also famous because of a turtle hatchery as the endangered Olive Ridley Turtles come here to lay their eggs between February and April. The clean brown sands and quiet atmosphere is perfect for visitors to spend their evenings without getting interrupted.

When you are here, don’t forget to taste the relishing nariyal pani that many vendors around the place sell.

Recommended Read : These Top 8 Beaches in Pondicherry are Every Beach Lover’s Paradise

9. Kapaleeshwar temple

Kapaleeshwar temple is a fine example of Dravidian architecture. Its gopuram is constructed keeping in mind that every possible piece of decoration is visible. The whole structure is merely colourful and magnificent. With a height of 37 metres, it takes a lot of time to observe the finest details. The main deities of the temple are Shiva and Karpagambal. The temple complex is also famous for a two-month long festival that is organized during April and March.

The temple is open between 5:30 am to 12 pm and 5 pm to 9 pm

Must Read : Beautiful Temples of South India

10. Guindy National Park and Snake Park

Guindy National Park and Snake Park are one of the most fascinating places to visit near Chennai. Famous for its unique collection of wildlife which also includes endangered species of mammals, birds and reptiles, this place offers a nice break from the city’s noise and chaos. GNP is the 8th smallest National Park in India and one of the very few that is located inside a city.

Snake Park is one of the most unique and recognizable features of this park. Various types of snakes are kept in glass enclosures, and you can learn a lot about their nature, habitats and behaviour. Guided tours are also available for children who want to learn more.

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• 9 Best Places To Visit In Chennai For A Trip Like No Other

9 Best Places to Visit in Chennai for a Trip Like No Other

Formerly known as Madras, Chennai is the capital city of Tamil Nadu that is located on the Coromandel Coast of the Bay of Bengal. The city has a rich cultural heritage that is still preserved and balances well with the metropolis lifestyle. Not just temples, but the city also houses British-era museums and monuments that make your trip even more enthralling. Of course, the tall towers and contemporary structures that Chennai’s skyline is famous for, can’t be skipped. There are numerous places to visit in Chennai, with each tourist attraction having a unique and classic touch to it. Amidst the hustle and bustle of the city, here are the 9 best places that we recommend you to visit in Chennai.

Get Mesmerised by the Beauty of Chennai’s Beaches

1. marina beach.

Starting with the tourist attraction that holds the record of being the second-longest urban beach in India, Marina Beach’s charm simply cannot be overshadowed. The Marina Beach runs from Fort St. George in the North to the Foreshore Estate in the South, stretched to a distance of 13 kilometres. It is the most crowded beach in the country, welcoming almost 30,000 visitors every day. The picturesque and gorgeous view of this tourist place in Chennai is a sight to behold; it has a white sandy shore where you and your loved ones can enjoy a walk in the evening. The beach also houses an aquarium that has a collection of tropical seawater and freshwater fishes. This aquarium happens to be the first aquarium in India which was established in 1909.

The aquarium in Marina Beach has an Ice House, which stores the ice brought from North America’s Great Lakes. Adding to this, the 49-metre Old Light House is also an attraction at this famous place in Chennai, where you can get a panoramic view of the city. Interestingly, the Old Light House is the only lighthouse in India that has a lift. Whether you watch the sun ascend towards the orange-hued sky or descend into the ocean, at Marina Beach you are sure to have an eye-pleasingly alluring experience.

2. Breezy Beach

Located in the remote yet placid neighbourhood of Valmiki Nagar in Chennai, Breezy Beach is yet another breathtakingly gorgeous tourist place in Chennai. It is not known to many and hence, is the best place to enjoy a serene and relaxing time with your loved ones. And because only a few people know about Breezy Beach, it is less polluted and cleaner than the other ones. It is also one of the most recommended places to visit in Chennai for couples as the peaceful aura lets them spend some quality time together.

We can’t say for sure why the beach is named ‘Breezy’ but what we can vouch for is a cool, calm, and refreshing time here.

3. Elliot’s Beach

Photo by Partha Narasimhan

Also known as Besant Nagar Beach or Bessie, Elliot’s Beach forms at the end-point of the Marina Beach shore. It is located in Besant Nagar, Chennai and is named after the Chief Magistrate, Superintendent of Madras and Governor of Chennai during the British times – Sir Edward Elliot. It is one of the cleanest beaches in Chennai, which further makes it one of the best  places to visit in South India . Elliot’s Beach is an ideal destination for long walks and spending quality time in the embrace of tranquillity. The Velankanni Church and Ashthalakshmi Kovil are within the vicinity of Elliot’s Beach. It is a quite famous beach not only amongst tourists but also amongst the locals of the city. It is said that during the colonial times, Elliot’s Beach was accessible only to the white people; but that’s talk of the past. Now, the beach welcomes thousands of visitors not only from India but also across the world. Elliot’s Beach is one of the  best places to visit in Chennai  and the perfect location if you want to lose yourself in the magical hug of nature while soaking your feet in the cool and clear sea waters.

Get Closer to Divinity with these Magnificent Beauties in Chennai

4. ashthalakshmi temple.

Located in Besant Nagar, the Ashthalakshmi Temple must be included in your  Tamil Nadu tour package . was constructed in the wishes of Sri Chandrasekara Saraswati Swamigal, who was the Maha Periyaval of Kanchi Mutt. The temple complex’s foundation was laid in 1974 by the followers and the sanctification ceremony took place on the 5th of April, 1976. The sanctification ceremony was done in the presence of Ahobila Mutt Vedhantha Dhesika Yatheendhra Mahadhesikan Swami. Legends have it that the place where the temple is built is the birthplace of Goddess Lakshmi, facing the Bay of Bengal. The sound of the ocean waves echoes in the temple that instantly gives you a sense of peace and tranquillity. What makes the Ashthalakshmi Temple one of the best places to see in Chennai is its architecture. The architecture of this temple is full of grandeur and it is said that approximately 7 million rupees were spent on the renovation of this beauty in Chennai.

5. Santhome Cathedral Basilica

Earning its name from St. Thomas, the apostle of Jesus Christ, Santhome Cathedral Basilica is one of the most beautiful ancient places in Chennai. It was constructed in the 14th-15th century AD by the Portuguese, who were ruling Chennai (Madras) back then. The Santhome Cathedral Basilica is designed in the Neo-Gothic style, which the British too favoured in the late 19th Century. Apart from the regular prayer services and gorgeous architecture, the Santhome Cathedral Basilica is famous for the 16th-century map of South Asia. Make sure to include it in the list of Chennai tourist places.

6. Thousand Lights Mosque

One of the most esteemed mosques in Tamil Nadu, the Thousand Lights Mosque of Royapettah in Chennai was built in the early 19th Century by the Wallajah family of the Carnatic rulers. The Thousand Lights Mosque is constructed in the traditional Islamic pattern with high minarets and domes, with a large prayer hall for men and a separate hall for women. This beautiful place to visit in Chennai has earned its name from the legend that ‘to illuminate the prayer hall, a thousand oil lamps were lit back in the bygone eras’. Can you imagine the breathtaking sight, when the oil lamps illuminated the mosque against the backdrop of the night’s sky? The shrine of the Thousand Lights Mosque is dedicated to Imam Hossein, who is the grandson of the first prophet Muhammad. What makes this grandeur tourist place in Chennai more alluring are the walls of the mosque, which are ornamented with lines from the Holy Quran.

Make Your Memorable with these Enthralling Tourist Locations

7. kolli hills.

One of the best places to visit in Chennai with friends, if you are up for an adventure, Kolli Hills is for you!

A mountainous range located in the Namakkal district of Tamil Nadu, the Kolli Hills is a hidden treasure of the city, whose beauty has remained untouched from commercialisation. This mountainous range is not only famous for its natural beauty but also because of the Arappaleshwar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva. To reach the peak of this beautiful place to visit in Chennai, you have to drive through the winding road with several twists and turns. The trip is extremely exciting, filled with adventure; however, since the roads are curvaceous and steep, please ensure that you drive safe and at slower speeds.

8. Madras War Cemetery

Photo by Prabhu Chandian

This place may not be the usual touristy thing that people do during their trips but if you are looking for historical places to visit in Chennai in 1-day, Madras War Cemetery is a good option. It is a symbol of glory and sacrifice that our freedom fighters and ancestors have done to give their future generation a fun-filled and independent country. The Madras War Cemetery has the last remains of approximately 855 martyrs who laid down their lives during the Second World War along with a memorial stone for 1000 more martyrs from the Great War. The Madras War Cemetery also houses a small memorial for sea merchants. The cemetery was a beautiful lawn and hosts the Armistice Day homage on 11th November every year, with wreath offerings and Guard of Honour ceremony. If you are into war-time history or want to pay your tributes to the martyrs, include the Madras War Cemetery in your  South India tour package .

9. Fort St. George

Popularly known as the ‘White Town’, the main purpose of the Britishers constructing Fort St. George was to establish a stronghold in South India, especially in the Coromandel Coast. However, with the British gone, Fort St. George has become a magnificent and must-visit place in Chennai. It is now maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India and the station of the Tamil Nadu Government. Fort St. George has the first British official residential complex, the Clive House (Commander-in-Chief’s home), and the orchestrator of British India, Lord Robert Clive. This place to explore in Chennai also houses St. Mary’s Church, which is the oldest Anglican Church in India. It also has a museum, which was once the office for Madras Bank (in the 1795 era). However, after the independence, it has been turned into a museum with more than 3600 artefacts like weapons, silverware, ceremonial dresses, medals, letters, and so on.

Other than these, the Valluvar Kottam, Vivekananda House, MGR Film City, and Santhome Church (not to be confused with Santhome Cathedral Basilica) are some of the other places to visit in Chennai for a memorable trip. Chennai is a metropolitan city now but the charm of the old, heritage beauties still exist. There might be the best entertainment places in Chennai but the time in the embrace of nature remains a favourite.

Amongst the towering skyscrapers, you will find grandeur old architecture that appeals to the eyes. Amongst the happenings of city life, you will find beautiful beaches where serenity resides.

#ExploreChennai

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10 Ideal Tourist Places Near Chennai Within 100 kms

Whether you are seeking an adventure-filled trip, or a relaxing trip to avoid the daily hustle, these best tourist places near Chennai within 100 kms will steal your heart.

What is the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the word Chennai? Hot and humid temperatures, right? What Chennai lacks in its hot and humid weather, it overcompensates with its pristine beaches, ancient Temples, and other stunning places.

Chennai is known as the cultural capital of Southern India, which exudes rich culture, heritage, and tradition.From hair-raising adventure activities to pristine beaches, and nature lovers to history buffs, these best tourist places near Chennai within 100 kms are a perfect getaway. If you are planning a perfect trip for your upcoming weekend, there are numerous amazing tourist destinations near Chennai, which will impart an ideal experience. 

Table of Contents

Best Tourist Places Near Chennai Within 100 kms

Here is a curated listicle of the best tourist places to visit near Chennai within 100 kms, which will help you select the best of the lot.

1. V.G.P Golden Beach Resort 

A stone’s throw from the city of Chennai, VGP Golden Beach is one of the best tourist places to visit near Chennai within 100 km, which attracts thousands of footfalls every year. Privately owned by V.G.P Universal Kingdom Amusement Park, the beach is one of the cleanest and most pristine beaches, which is perfect for having a refreshing break from daily life. 

Distance from Chennai: 22 km

Major Tourist Attractions: 

The beach offers one of the best sea-facing cottages, which allows you to enjoy the scenic view of the endless sea meeting the sky over the horizon. The resort offers a variety of activities like dashing cars, go-karting, Super Trooper, Dragon’s Belly, etc, which is perfect for planning a perfect weekend getaway within city limits. Collect various memoirs or souvenirs at the Art Centre, which sells collectibles made out of sea shells.

Best Time To Visit: Although the beach resorts welcome tourists with open arms throughout the year imparting a soothing experience. The best time to visit is the post-monsoon and winter season, which oscillates between mid-October and February. 

Location: 5, 159, SH 49, Injambakkam, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600115

Entry Fee: Adult: INR 100 and Children: INR 50

2. Covelong Beach

Located on the captivating Coromandel Coast of the Bay of Bengal, Covelong Beach is one of the best tourist places near Chennai within 100 kms. Also known as the Kovalam, the serene beach treats its visitors with calm waters, beautifully dotted vegetation, dazzling golden sun, and glittery sands, which makes it one of the best beaches near Chennai. 

Distance from Chennai: 35 km

Major Tourist Attractions: India’s first surfing school, Covelong village, fishing, and adventurous activities. Catch glimpses of one of the rarest species of turtles, Olive Ridley turtles which return to the shore to hatch their eggs in the warm shimmering sand of the beach.

Best Time To Visit: Although Covelong Beach is a year-round destination, the best time to plan a trip is during the winter season, which starts in November and continues until February. 

3. Arignar Anna Zoological Park

Brought into existence in 1855, the Arignar Anna Zoological Park is one of the best tourist places near Chennai within 100 km. Spreading over an area of 602 hectares, the park is the largest of its kind in Southeast Asia. The park is home to more than 1500 species of birds, reptiles, and mammals, which attract thousands of visitors from around the world. 

Distance from Chennai: 37 km

Major Tourist Attractions: Children’s park, reptile House, Elephant safari, Gaur Safari, Deer Safari, Lion Safari, and Library.

Best Time To Visit: October to February.

Location: Grand Southern Trunk Rd, Vandalur, Tamil Nadu 600048

Timings: 9 AM to 5 PM. Except Tuesday.

Entry Fee: Indian Adults(Above 12 years): INR 50

                   Foreign Nationals: INR 200

                   Children(5-11 years): INR 50,

                    Infants(Less than 5 years): Free

4. Pulicat Lake

One of the best tourist places near Chennai within 100 kms, Pulicat Lake is India’s second largest brackish water lagoon, only after Chilka Lake in Orissa. The large barrier island, Sriharikota separates the Pulicat Lagoon from the Bay of Bengal.

Renowned for its abundant flora and fauna and thousands of migratory birds that flock during the winter season, Pulicat Lake is the perfect place for nature lovers and bird enthusiasts. The lake is the ideal stopover for various migratory birds like herons, pelicans, painted storks, kingfishers, spoonbills, and ducks, which attracts birdwatchers and visitors worldwide.

Distance from Chennai: 54 km

Major Tourist Attractions: Pulicat Lake, Dutch Cemetery, and Pulicat Bird Sanctuary.

Best Time To Visit: The peak season starts from October to March when the temperature is favorable for sightings of migratory birds and various flora and fauna that call it home. Chennai Tourism Board organizes a Flamingo Festival spanning over three days in December, which attracts huge swarms of visitors every year.

Timings: 6 am to 6 pm

5. Mahabalipuram

Mamallapuram, or Mahabalipuram is one of the best tamil nadu tourist places which allows its visitors to unfurl the rich history of the land by exploring the prehistoric sculptures. Known as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as a part of the Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram, this beautiful town traces its roots back to the 7th Century. 

Distance from Chennai: 55 km

Major Tourist Attractions: Shore Temple, Arjuna’s Penance, Pancha Rathas, Krishnas ButterballCave Temples, Mamallapuram Dance Festival, Olakkanesvara temple, Thirukadalmallai Temple, Mahabalipuram Beach and Lighthouse. 

Best time to visit: December to March

You can book your Private Day Tour To Mahabalipuram From Chennai here .

6. Kanchipuram

Renowned as Silk City or Golden City of a Thousand Temples, Kanchipuram is one of the best places to visit around Chennai. Also known as Kanjeevaram, the city is famous for its delicate temple architecture, traditional Kanjeevaram Silk sarees, and towering temple towers, attracting domestic and foreign nationals from every corner of the world. 

Distance from Chennai: 75 km

Major Tourist Attractions:   Ekambaranathar Temple, Kailasanathar Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary, Arulmigu Sri Kamakshi Amman Temple, Arulmigu Sri Varadharaja Perumal Temple, Sri Vaikunta Perumal Temple, etc

Best time to visit:   The best time to plan a visit to Kanchipuram is during the post-monsoon and winter season, which starts in November and continues until March.

7. Thiruttani

Located in the Tiruvallur District of Tamil Nadu, the holy town of Tiruttani is one of the best tourist places near Chennai within 100 kms, which attracts thousands of visitors from around the world. Renowned for the Murugan temple, which is located on the hill is said to be the place where Lord Subramanya married one of his consorts, Valli. The most striking highlight of the temple is the 365 steps of the temple which represent the 365 days of a year.

Distance from Chennai:  86 km

Major Tourist Attractions: Murugan Temple. Check your calendar and plan accordingly to witness the Aadi Krithigai festival, Float Festival, Brahmotsavams, Valli Kalyanam, Skanda Sashti, and Thai Pusam to uncover the traditional rituals and ceremonies. 

Best Time To Visit: October to February

Timings For Murugan Temple: 5:45 AM to 9 PM

Special days: All day long except 12 PM to 3 PM(Closed)

8. Vedanthangal

 Located in the Chengalpattu District of Tamil Nadu, Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary is one of the best tourist places in Chennai within 100 km. Dating back to 1796, Vedanthangal is the oldest bird Sanctuary in India, which was declared a bird conservation site to protect the species of birds from the British soldiers. The Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary is home to more than 40,000 thousand species of birds including migratory birds from various corners of the world. 

Distance from Chennai: 87 km

Major Tourist Attractions: Catch glimpses of rare bird species like kingfishers, pelicans, egrets, spoonbills, parakeets, ibis, darters,open-billed storks, etc,  to name a few. Various species of migratory birds from various corners of the world fill up the sanctuary, which attracts keen bird watchers and nature lovers.

Best Time To Visit: The best time to plan a trip to Vedanthangal is in the post-monsoon and winter season, which starts in  November and ends in March.

Location: GVW4+5CP, Vedanthangal, Madurantakam, Tamil Nadu 603314

Entry Fee: Adult: INR 25 & Children: INR 5

Timings: 6 AM to 6 PM

9. Kailasakona Waterfalls

Located in the Chittoor District of Andhra Pradesh, Kailasakona Waterfalls also known as Kailasanatha Waterfalls is an off-beat tourist destination, which you should not miss while on a trip to the best tourist places to visit near Chennai within 100 km. Although the height of the waterfall is 30 meters, the unique pool created amidst the rock formations provides one of the best places to relax and soak in the enchanting aura of the place.

Distance from Chennai: 92 km

Major Tourist Attractions: Shiv Parvati Temple, Picturesque scenic views, trekking.

Location: 9JQM+868, Chittoor, Andhra Pradesh 517581

Best Time to Visit: October to February.

10. Ubbalamadugu Falls

Located in the Tirupati District, also known as Tada Falls, is one of the best tourist places near Chennai within 100 kms. The crystal clear water falling from a height of 100m, the cascading waterfall is a sight to behold. Bestowed with stunning scenic views and green emerald valleys, Ubbalamadugu Falls attracts tourists worldwide.

Distance from Chennai: 95 km

Major Tourist Attractions: The Ubbalamadugu Falls offers one of the best hiking experiences in Chennai. The 7-km long trek to the summit allows you to uncover a variety of flora and fauna, bird sightings accompanied by mesmerizing views make it one of the best Chennai sightseeing places.

Best Time To Visit: The best time to visit Ubbalamadugu Falls is during the tapering end of the monsoon season and the entire winter season, from October to February. Cool windy days accompanied by chilly nights are perfect for engaging in thrilling outdoor activities and exploring Mother Nature at its prime.

  Also read: Best Hill Stations Near Chennai To Beat The Heat

Keeping this above-mentioned listicle of the best tourist places near Chennai within 100 kms as your guide, embark on a memorable journey with your friends and family which will be forever etched in your hearts. Do let us know which of the above-mentioned places made it to the top of your list in the section below.

Chennai is famous for its rich culture, heritage, Carnatic music, ancient temples, mesmerizing beaches, and sumptuous traditional delicacies.  Chennai is a perfect destination, which allows a perfect amalgamation of relaxing and thrilling activities that are perfect for all ages.

The best time to visit Chennai is during the post-monsoon and the entire winter season, which stretches from October until February. The cool winds during the day are accompanied by chilly nights, which makes it perfect for engaging in various thrilling outdoor activities without breaking a sweat.

Chennai treats its visitors with a plethora of thrilling activities, which include surfing, scuba diving, rock climbing, hiking, etc, to name a few off the list.

Chennai is bestowed with some of the most surreal waterfalls, like Ubbalamadugu Falls, Kailasakona Waterfalls, Talakona Falls and Kaigal Falls, which makes it one of the best tourist places around chennai.

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Discover Kanchipuram's 1300-Year Heritage & Culture

Embark on a captivating journey through Kanchipuram's rich history and vibrant culture spanning 1300 years. Explore ancient temples, exquisite silk sarees, and timeless traditions. Dive into the heart of South India's heritage with our immersive trip!

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• 35 Best Places to Visit Near Chennai

Places to Visit Near Chennai 

Quick navigation, top 10 places to visit near chennai, yercaud - 358 km from chennai.

Among the best tourist places near Chennai, Yercaud is cuddled in the verdant green environs and undulating hills of Salem district of Tamil Nadu, places to visit in Yercaud are really mystical. Escape into the array of flora and fauna of this sleepy little getaway when here.

Place s to Visit in Yercaud : The stunning Yercaud Lake which is surrounded by gardens and woods is one you should not miss. The Pagoda Point is another site where you can catch the panoramic view of the enchanting town. Some other natural gems of Yercaud are the Kiliyur Waterfalls, Lady’s Seat, Silk Farm and Rose Garden, Deer Park, Bears Cave, Kottachedu Teak Forest and Anna Park.

Things to Do in Yercaud :  Enjoy camping, sightseeing as well as trekking up in the hills of Yercaud as you discover its little-known natural treasures.

Distance from Chennai:  358 km

Best time to visit:  October - June Where to stay:   Best Yeracaud resorts for a perfect stay .

Yelagiri - 227 km from Chennai

Get pleasantly lost in the magical hill station of Yelagiri, in the Vellore district of Tamil Nadu. Yelagiri is one of the best tourist places near Chennai. Have a tryst with the charming neighbourhood of tribal villages in here. It is because of the tranquillity and solitude of this hillock that Yelagiri scores high on the list of most popular weekend getaways around Chennai.

Places to Visit in Yelagiri:  Yelagiri is for those seeking an easy-paced holiday away from the madness of the city. Perhaps the signature landmark of the place is the Punganoor artificial lake-cum-park where tourists can enjoy a walk or some boating.

Additionally, the picturesque Swami Malai Hills is a dreamy treat to the eyes. One can even take a walk by the cascading waters of the majestic Jalagamparai Falls.

Things to do in Yelagiri :  Boating and sightseeing are some easy-paced activities one can entertain themselves with. However, for adventure aficionados, the Yelagiri Adventure Sports Association (YASA) offers a host of thrilling activities.

Distance from Chennai:  227 Km

Best time to visit:  November - February Whe re to stay:   Best resorts in Yelagiri for a perfect stay .

Must Check Out: Top places to visit in Chennai  

Top Experiences To Do in Yelagiri

Ooty - 547 km from Chennai

Although this cosy hill town is a little too messy for some tastes, the greenery quieter neighbourhoods of this place could easily be mistaken for an English countryside. 

A combination of charming British bungalows, temples, parks and gardens, and a number of places to visit in Ooty makes it the most popular hill station of South India and works as a welcome relief from the humdrum scenes of life. 

Places to Visit in Ooty : If we had to list down a number of tourist attractions in this scenic town, the Botanical Gardens, Rose Garden and Thread Garden are for those who appreciate living galleries of the natural flora of the Nilgiris.

Then comes St. Stephen’s Church, Tribal Research Centre Museum and Nilgiri Library. For those who want to bask in the misty scenery of the place, Doddabetta Lookout is a must-visit.

Things to do in Ooty :  Boating and sightseeing are the activities tourists love to indulge in when here.

Distance from Chennai:  547 km

Best time to visit:  May – June and December - February

Where to stay:   Best Resorts for a relaxing stay in Ooty .

Top Experiences To Do in Ooty

Kodaikanal - 518 kms from Chennai

One of the most sought after honeymoon destinations in the country, Kodaikanal, or Kodai as it is lovingly called, is the princess of Hill Stations and rightly so. Not only for the spectacular yet cosy serenity of the place that captivates the soul but for its multitude of phenomenal waterfalls that make this beautiful town the most visited weekend getaway from Chennai. The beautiful places to visit in Kodaikanal make it best for the Honeymoon.

Places to Visit in Kodaikanal : The views from Coaker’s Walk, Moir’s point, Green Valley view and Pillar rocks are stunning. Chettiar and Bryant Parks both are small, pretty, landscaped which explains its popularity amongst canoodling couples. Berijam Lake, Bear Shola Falls, and Silver Cascade are some of the natural treasures of this quaint little town.

Things to do in Kodaikanal :  Apart from rowing down the Berijam Lake and going on walks in the parks, one can indulge in a bit of trekking as they head to the various viewpoints here.

Distance from Chennai:  518 Kms

Best time to visit:  September - May Where to stay:   Resorts in  Kodaikanal with best amenities .

Top Experiences To Do in Kodaikanal

Best of Goa

Pondicherry - 161 kms from Chennai

Fondly termed as ‘Pondy’, this former French colony is a sea of tranquillity what with its quiet, clean cobbled streets and colonial townhouses aligned beside them. The vibe of the township is a faded colonial bohemian chic with a touch of new age international French culture.

The presence of the internationally recognized Sri Aurobindo Ashram lends in the peaceful yoga-like feel to the place. By popular demand, Pondy has earned itself a number on the list of most popular weekend getaways from Chennai.

Places to visit in Pondicherry : There are several sights of tourist interest in Pondicherry. The first that comes to mind is the French Quarter, a quaint little neighbourhood laced with cobbled streets, white and mustard romantic colonial buildings. The most well-known landmark is the Sri Aurobindo Ashram founded in 1926 that is un-missable when here.

A series of religious attractions are favourites here as well, namely Notre Dame des Anges, Our lady of the Immaculate Conception Cathedral, Sacred Heart Basilica and Sri ManakulaVinayagar temple.

Things to do in Pondicherry :  One can either indulge in a bunch of exhilarating water sports adventures or pamper themselves in the multitude of ayurvedic health centres and spa treatments.

Distance from Chennai:  161 Km

Best time to visit:  October - February

Where to stay:   Resorts for a Perfect stay in Pondicherry .

Top Experiences To Do in Pondicherry

• Pondicherry

Coorg - 597 kms from Chennai

A very popular hill station in the Kodagu district of Karnataka paints a pretty picture of the grandeur of nature. Nestled in the thick canopies of the Western Ghats, Coorg is everyone’s favourite weekend getaway because of the abundant coffee plantations, lush greenery and gorgeous landscapes it houses.

Places to Visit in Coorg : Coorg also has a number of local attractions to its credit, some of which include the Tibetan settlement of Bylakuppe, Talakaveri, Omkareshwara temple in Madikeri, and the picnic spot of Cauvery Nisargadhama.

This destination also has three wildlife sanctuaries – thePushpagiri and Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuaries and the Nagarhole National Park. Some of the animal species found in these wildlife parks include the Asiatic elephant, tigers, leopards and wild boars.

Things to do in Coorg :  This place is a hotspot for campers and mountain or quad biking enthusiasts. Rafting, microlight flying, and water rappelling are other adventure activities one can partake in when here.

Distance from Chennai:  597 km

Best time to visit:  September - May

Where to stay:  Best Resorts to stay in Coorg with best facilities .

Top Experiences To Do in Coorg

Munnar - 575 kms from Chennai

One of the most popular trekking destinations in South India, Munnar is situated approximately 583 kilometres from Chennai. Boasting of many lakes, waterfalls and forests, along with the clean environment, Munnar is one of the best places to visit for a weekend away from the bustling city life of Chennai.  Famous all around the world for its tea estates, Munnar is also the commercial centre for some of the largest tea plantations in the world. Moreover, it is also home to some endangered wildlife species, such as the Nilgiri Tahr and the Neelakurinji. Places to Visit in Munnar : The paradise of Munnar attracts tourists all over with its lush environs, lakes, waterfalls, forests that offer some spectacular flora.  Some notable tourist attractions in Munnar are Mattupetty Lake, Eravikulam National Park, Echo Point, Rajamala Wildlife Sanctuary, Valara Waterfalls and Marayoor.Munnar is rich in tea plantations and hence is known to be one of the tea trade centres in India. Things to Do in Munnar:  Tourists visiting Munnar keep themselves occupied by indulging in paragliding, rock climbing, cycling and hang gliding activities. Nature walks, trekking and bird watching are also some of the other activities which one can pursue in Munnar. Distance from Chennai:  575 km Best time to visit:  August - May Where to stay:   Best resorts to stay in Munnar

Top Experiences To Do in Munnar

Kanchipuram - 72 kms from Chennai

Also known as the “Silk City”, the popular city of Kanchipuram is not only reputed for its world famous traditionally crafted silk sarees but also its culture and civilization with its glorious display of a thousand temples. If you aim to visit someplace religious, historical and entertaining altogether,Kanchipuram is one of the best weekend getaways around Chennai.

Places to visit in Kanchipuram:  Considered the city of thousand temples, Kanchipuram has temples that stand proof of the Dravidian legacy left behind some of which are Ekambareswarar, Kamakshi Amman, Devarajaswami and Kailasanathar.

Another must-visit sight is KanchiKudil, a 90 year ancestral home resembling the olden style of architecture of the entire town. Additionally, a prominent attraction is the Vedanthangla Bird Sanctuary is a bird watcher’s paradise.

Things to do in Kanchipuram:  Bird watching and sightseeing are forms of entertainment for tourists who visit the temple city.

Distance from Chennai:  72 km

Best time to visit:  September - March

Top Experiences To Do in Kanchipuram

• Kanchipuram

Best of Bangalore

Nellore - 177 kms from Chennai

Known for its great religious importance bestowed upon by the Telugu poet Tikkana Somayaji, Nellore is located around 177 kilometres from Chennai and is amongst the places that one should definitely visit when they are nearby. Lying alongside the banks of the Penna River, Nellore derived its name from “Nelluru,” where Nel means Paddy and Ooru stands for Place.  Nellore is known all around the country for its rich agriculture and is a major exporter of sugarcane, rice, sugarcane-based products, several other crops, as well as prawns and shrimps. The city also has quite a few ancient temples which are culturally and religiously significant and attracts many devotees all through the year. Places to visit in  Nellore:  The environs of Nellore offer some interesting places as tourist attractions namely the Pulicat Lake and the Nelapattu Bird Sanctuary. Other attractions of a man-made nature are the Somasila Dam, Udaygiri Fort and SatishDhawan Space Centre. Things to do in  Nellore :   Sightseeing and bird watching are the prominent activities enjoyed by tourists here. Distance from Chennai: 177 Kms Best time to visit:  December - February

Rameswaram - 553 kms from Chennai

One of the holiest places to see in India and often considered the Varanasi of the south,Rameswaram, as ancient as the Ramayana, is among perfect weekend getaways from Chennai. The city is a pilgrimage centre being home to some of the most spectacular places of worship in the country. Apart from these pilgrims, Rameswaram is a small fishing town on an island by the name 

Places to Visit in Rameswaram : The esteemed Ramanathaswamy Temple that has the largest temple corridor in India is one religious site that is celebrated world over since the time of the Ramayana. Since Rameswaram is an important fishing centre of Tamil Nadu, visits to its neighbouring fishing villages are quite the tourist attraction.

While passing through the Pamban Bridge to reach Rameswaram, park your vehicle and enjoy the captivating view of the ocean as you feel the breeze in your hair.

Things to Do in Rameswaram:   Due to the rich cultural heritage of the place, sightseeing the most indulgent activity here.

Distance from Chennai:  553 Kms

Best time to visit:  October - April

Top Experiences To Do in Rameswaram

Places to Visit Near Chennai Within 200 Km

Mahabalipuram - 52 kms from chennai.

Listed as a World Heritage Site because of its ancient archaeological wonders, this fascinating place is also known as Mamallapuram or as some call it - “Mahabs” is one of the best places to visit near Chennai. It is a laid-back town which most travellers flock to.

Places to Visit in Mahabalipuram : The windswept Shore Temple is a sight worth catching on the water’s edge. Mahabs is known for the Five Rathas (sculptured temples in the shape of chariots) and Arjun’s Penance (huge carvings on a rock depicting scenes from the Mahabharata).

The Mamallapuram Dance Festival is a remarkable event that one cannot miss. Other religious sights are the Krishna Mandapa, Trimurti Cave Temple, Ganesh Ratha and Draupadi Ratha. The Sculpture museum is a treasure trove of the most magnificent sculptures and paintings in the city.

Things to Do in Mahabalipuram:  Bicycling tours to the neighbouring villages offer activities like rice and masala grinding as well as kolam or rangoli drawings. One can even indulge in rejuvenating spa treatments and water sports.

Distance from Chennai:  52 km Best time to visit:  December - March

Top Experiences To Do in Mahabalipuram

• Mahabalipuram

Pulicat - 55 kms from Chennai

A small seashore township, Pulicat resides in the Thiruvallur district of Tamil Nadu on the island of Sriharikota dividing the Pulicat Lake from Bay of Bengal. Itis renowned for its invigorating sights worth catching a glimpse of.

Places to Visit in Pulicat : The major attractions of the place are the beach, the Dutch cemetery, Fort, church and particularly the bird sanctuary where a variety of migratory birds reside. Between December and January, the Tourism Board organizes the Flamingo festival when thousands of the bird species align on the swampy regions of the Pulicat Lake. Two neighbouring villages of Vedurupattu and Nelapattu are other attractions here.

Things to Do in Pulicat:  Bird watching is a prominent activity for tourists as they can catch sight of some of the most stunning species of migratory birds here. Several beach activities and water sports are other forms of entertainment in Pulicat

Distance from Chennai:  55 Kms

Best time to visit:  October - March

Best of Ooty

Tirupati - 135 kms from Chennai

One of the most important places to visit near Chennai, Tirupati is located around 133 kilometres away from the city. Situated in Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh, Tirupati is home to Tirumala, or Venkateshwara Temple, which is one of the most famous and important religious centres in India. Additionally, it is also one of the oldest Indian cities, having its name in the ancient Vedas and Puranas.  Tirumala, as it is popularly known, is also home to the seven peaks of the Tirumala Hills. Tirupati also has a unique geological wonder called the Silathoranam. It is a natural arch which is formed out of rocks and is located on the Tirumala Hills. It is one of the only three natural rock formations in the world and is thus an important archaeological monument. Places to Visit in Tirupati : One of the richest pilgrimage centres of any religion and regarded as the most visited temple in the world, TirumalaTirupatiDevasthanam is where you must stop at when in Tirupati. Another place of religion is the Venkateswara temple, an avatar of Lord Vishnu. The geographical marvel that is a naturally formed rock bridge called Silathoranam adds to the beauty of the city. But one cannot miss the evergreen ornate heaven beyond the hillocks of the TirumalaTirupatiDevasthanam that is the TTD Gardens. Things to Do in Tirupati:  The activity enjoyed by tourists here is sightseeing since the city has a ton of magnificent historical monuments to offer. Distance from Chennai: 135 km Best time to visit:  September - March You Can Also Book:  Dhow Cruise Dubai Creek

The Fort City of Tamil Nadu, as it is affectionately called, Vellore has the perfect blend of rich cultural heritage reminiscent of the ancient Dravidian civilization as well as picturesque scenery. Thus it is an ideal weekend getaway from Chennai. Vellore and Yelgiri are among the best Hill stations near Bangalore . 

Places to Visit in Vellore:  A monument of National importance and a noted tourist attraction, Vellore Fort marks as one of the most prominent landmarks in the city. Within the fort are the ancient Jalakanteswara Temple and the epic State Government Museum.

Srilakshmi Golden Temple that is coated with gold both in the exteriors and interiors is another must-visit in Vellore. Additionally, the Archaeology Survey of Indian Museum is another that must be up on your to-do list. 

Things to Do in Vellore:  Tourists love to indulge in as many sightseeing activities as possible for the city holds historical and architectural significance.

Distance from Chennai:  136 kms

Best time to visit:  October - March

Places to Visit Near Chennai Within 500 Km

Sakleshpur (575 km from chennai).

Top Experiences To Do in Sakleshpur

Horsley Hills - 260 km from Chennai

Best of Alleppey

Tranquebar/Tharangambadi - 283 kms from Chennai

A tiny windswept town in Tamil Nadu which goes by the Danish name of Tranquebar, Tharangambadiis the ideal weekend getaway if heritage buildings, cultural history and architecture is your thing. The beachy town is also affectionately termed as the “village of the dancing waves.”

Places to visit in  Tharangambadi : Besides Fort Dansborg where Danish manuscripts and sculptures are the only remnants of the Danish East India Company, there are a ton of churches that are must-visits here. One of the most significant ones is the Zion Church, a new Jerusalem church built in 1701. There is also the Danish Museum for those of who keen of studying the antiques belonging to the colonial period.

Things to do in  Tharangambadi :  Tourists love to indulge in sightseeing when in Tranquebar because of its rich colonial heritage.

Distance from Chennai:  283 kms

Best time to visit:  February- August Recommended Read:   Things To Do In Paris This Weekend

Hogenakkal Waterfalls - 342.5 km from Chennai

Gandikota - 348.8 km from Chennai

Top Experiences To Do in Gandikota

Bheemeshwari - 350 km from Chennai

Top Experiences To Do in Bheemeshwari

• Bheemeshwari

Best of Pondicherry

Nandi Hills - 358 kms from Chennai

If you want to be enticed by the charming green allure of hills, Nandi Hills is your ideal weekend destination. The lofty hills also known as Nandidurg are an ancient hill fortress in South India and offers a magnificent view from its peaks. It not is a picturesque respite from the humdrum of the city but also lends a cultural significance with Tipu Sultan having resided here during retirement.

Places to Visit in  Nandi Hills : Feast your eyes to an array of tourist attractions such as the Bhoganandeeswara Temple, Tipu’s Drop, Tipu’s Summer Palace and Fort, Brahmashram, and Hoskote Lake to name a few.

Things to Do in  Nandi Hills :   Cycling, trekking &  Wine Tour  are celebrated activities as visitors love exploring the depths and landscapes of these hills. Bird watching is another loved activity tourist cannot get enough of.

Best time to visit:  From sunrise i.e. 6am to 10am

Also Check:    Places for trekking near Chennai .

Kolli Hills - 360.4 km from Chennai

Shivanasamudra Falls - 470.2 km from Chennai

Mysore - 480 kms from Chennai

The cultural capital of Karnataka, Mysore is proudly renowned as the city of palaces. An ancient town with more than 600 years of legacy, it is one of the most flamboyant destinations in the country.

Reputed for its glittering royal heritage, magnificent monuments and a friendly populace, Mysore is also a thriving centre for the production of silk, sandalwood and incense with trade markets worldwide thus making it one of the most frequented weekend getaways from Chennai.

Places to Visit in Mysore : It is but obvious that the palaces of Mysore appeal to one and all;especially the world-renowned Mysore Palace, Jagmohana Palace, Rajendra Vilas, Jayalakshmi Vilas and LalithaMahal. Most of these have been converted to museums dedicated to arts and artifacts for the pleasure of tourists.

Some other notable tourist attractions in Mysore are Chamundeshwari temple, DattaPeetham, Mysore Zoo, Shivasamudram waterfall, Rail Museum and Brindavan Gardens.

Things to Do in Mysore:  Sightseeing and royal walk tours are the most cherished activities tourists like to indulge in when in Mysore.

Distance from Chennai:  480 Km

Best Deals:  Budget Mysore tour packages .

Top Experiences To Do in Mysore

Best of Kodaikanal

Places to Visit Near Chennai Within 600 Km

Br hills - 504 kms from chennai.

BR or Biligiriranga Hills is the slice of heaven between the Eastern and Western Ghats, featuring diverse flora and fauna. The place houses many exotic animals and birds, one of the favorite activities to keep you busy all day. If you are looking for the best weekend getaways near Chennai, BR Hills is your best bet.  Explore the Dodda Sampide Mara, signifying the huge Champak Tree, which is also a spiritual site holding the tree for 1000 years.  Places to Visit in BR Hills : Among the other places to visit near Chennai, the major attractions and places of interest are the BR Hills. The touristy destinations here include BRT Wildlife Sanctuary, coffee estates, Biligiri Rangaswamy Temple, Dodda Sampide Mara, and many more. 

Things to do in  BR Hills :  You can indulge in activities like fishing, trekking, river rafting, temple visits, animal and bird watching, as well as shopping.

Distance from Chennai:  504 kms

Best time to visit:  November to March

Coonoor - 538.6 km from Chennai

Top Experiences To Do in Coonoor

Meghamalai - 545 kms from Chennai

One of the many attractive and exquisite places that are abundant in nature’s most beautiful products is Meghamalai, nuzzled in the Western Ghats of Tamil Nadu. Also known as the “High Wavy Mountains”, this is an incredible city if you crave your leisure time absorbing the panoramic views of green environs and lofty peaks.

Places to Visit in Meghamalai : Spreading over an expanse of 600 square meters, Megamalai Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the many famous tourist attractions in the city. Also known as Clouds Land Falls,Meghamalai Falls is very popular for its gushing waters cascading from a height of 190 ft.

Last but not the least,Vellimalai is a scientifically managed expanse of both tea gardens and wild animals that visitors love spending time in.

Things to Do in Megahmalai:  As obvious as it is, tourists in Meghamalai love spending a considerable amount of their time sightseeing around this gorgeous destination.

Distance from Chennai:  545 kms

Nagarhole - 557 kms from Chennai

One of the most attractive and diverse wildlife reserves there are, Nagarhole National Park, also known as Rajiv Gandhi National Park, is located in the Kodagu and Mysore districts of Karnataka. Adjoining Kabini Lake, it forms an important animal corridor that runs through the neighbouring Bandipur National Park.

Its lush green thickets form homes to several species of wildlife that additionally makes for some fantastic wildlife watching. Places to Visit in  Nagarhole : The National Park is the most favoured tourist attraction due to the abundant varieties of tigers, leopards, gaurs, elephants, wild dogs, bonnet macaques and common langurs that have made it their home. Things to Do in  Nagarhole :  Adventure aficionados will love the 20-seater motorboat rides and Government-run jungle safaris that keep the entertainment going in the park. Distance from Chennai:  557 km Best time to visit:  October - May Where to stay:  Best resorts in Nagarhole to get closer to Wildlife .

Best of Kovalam

Kabini - 558 kms from Chennai

Kabini, almost 550 kilometres away from Chennai, used to be a private hunting area for the British. Now, it is a famous wildlife spot, with rich flora and fauna and amazing natural landscapes. Home to the Kabini Wildlife Sanctuary in Karnataka, this place attracts tourists from all over the world. It also has various natural terrains along with magnificent waterfalls that will leave you awestruck.  Situated alongside the banks of the Kabini River, Kabini also boasts of lush green tropical and deciduous forests, which have a wide array of wildlife, from elephants, leopards, tigers and jackals, sambar deer, sloth bears, langurs and pythons. Additionally, there are more than 250 bird species here. Kabini is an ideal spot for nature aficionados and adventure junkies.  Places to Visit in Kabini : Apart from taking in the wilderness of the Kabini Wildlife Sanctuary that houses a multitude of bird and animal species, Tadiyadamol is another must-visit. It is the highest mountain range in the Coorg region and a trekker’s delight. Also, there is Kumara Parvatha, a famous pilgrimage centre, Kabini Dam and Nagarhole National Park. Things to do in Kabini :  Due to its verdant environs, it makes an ideal place to pitch your camps or go trekking in Kabini . The Kabini backwaters are a perfect camping site that allows you to unwind and enjoy the pristine surroundings. Distance from Chennai:  558 Kms Best time to visit:  October - May Where to stay:   Resorts in Kabini for a perfect stay .

Top Experiences To Do in Kabini

Thekkady - 561 kms from Chennai

For tourists looking for weekend getaways near Chennai, Thekkady is one place you can visit to soak in the splendour of nature in all its glory. Away from the hustle and bustle of the busy city limits, Thekkady is tucked in cosily amidst nature, Periyar wildlife and serenity. From the quaint little hamlets to dense jungles, Thekkady is also home to various wildlife sanctuaries where you can find majestic elephants and tigers, among other animals.  Also boasting of numerous tea, coffee and spice plantations, Thekkady will surely fill your soul with wonder and amazement. It is also among the top places for trekking and mountaineering in South India. Thekkady is located around 569 kilometres from Chennai.  Places to Visit in Thekkady : Noted for its biodiversity of wildlife and scenic beauty, the Periyar Reserve attracts visitors from all over the world. The greatest attraction of Thekkady, however, is the herds of elephants that come down to the river.Kumily, Kurisumala, Pandikuzhi and Murikaddy are some of Thekkady’s neighbours. They are an eclectic mix of exotic flora, fauna and gurgling streams and a panorama of coffee, cardamom and pepper plantations respectively. Things to Do in Thekkady :  The most favourite activity here are the elephant rides around the wildlife reserve. Second to that are the plantation rides. What follows them are boat rides on Periyar Lake and trekking. Distance from Chennai:  561 km Best time to visit:  September - March

Top Experiences To Do in Thekkady

Mudumalai - 562 kms from Chennai

Sandwiched between the Bandipur and Annamalai Wildlife Sanctuaries, the Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary is a continuation of Bandipiur’s reserve and is most renowned for its elephant habitat. The river Moyar flows between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka and runs inside the sanctuary.

Places to Visit in Mudumalai : The main attraction of Mudumalai happens to be the elephant camp called Theppakadu. For plant lovers, there are a ton of medicinal herbs to observe. Look out for plants like Aredesia, Solanancea, LabumusumTerminalia and the likes.

Things to Do in Mudumalai:   One can go trekking to explore the captivating magnificence of Mudumalai. Early morning wildlife safaris that take one into the depths of the woods are another favourite.

Distance from Chennai:  562 kms

Best time to visit:  February - June

Top Experiences To Do in Mudumalai

Masinagudi - 562 kms from Chennai

Harbouring a charming ambience of serenity and calmness, the hill town of Masinagudi is located on the foothills of the Nilgiris. Adorned by the scenic Western Ghats landscape full of lush green thickets, this is reserve plays home to innumerable species of animals. It is reputed for housing the largest tiger population in India.

Places to Visit in  Masinagudi : The best tourist attraction in Masinagudi would be catching sight of the rarest wildlife forms in their natural habitats some of which are elephants, Malabar squirrels, langurs, chitals and wild boars. But if you are lucky, you could even spot a tiger.

Things to Do in  Masinagudi :  Jeep safaris are what everybody opts for when here. 2 hours of this safari around the untouched areas of the reserve during dawn and dusk and you will be coming face to face with the wildlife at its best. From tigers, elephants, deer to wild boars, langurs and peacocks, you will see them all.

Also Check:  Best Resorts in Masinagudi

Top Experiences To Do in Masinagudi

Best of Gokarna

Valparai - 573 kms from Chennai

Located around 600 kilometres from Chennai, Valparai is one of the best places to visit near Chennai. It is a small and tranquil hill station situated in the Anamalai Hills in Coimbatore. Known for its lush green coffee and tea plantations, Valparai also has clean, thick and fresh air and scintillating views of nature and surrounding regions.  Amongst the likes of similar hill stations in the country, such as Ooty, Coorg and Kodaikanal, Valparai is one place that caters to every kind of traveller, while offering them a holiday they will never forget. This place caters to both nature lovers as well as those who love trekking and is also known as the “Seventh Heaven” in South India. Places to Visit in Valparai : One could either cool off in the gushing waters of the countless waterfalls here or take in the wilderness of the Anamalai Tiger reserve. To get a panoramic view of the beautiful surrounding around Valparai, one can head to the several lookout points in town. Things to Do in Valparai:  Jungle safaris around the Anamalai Tiger Reserve are popular apart from the usual trekking and bird watching opportunities. Distance from Chennai:  573 kms Best time to visit:  October – March

Chikmagalur - 597 km from Chennai

Top Experiences To Do in Chikmagalur

• Chikmagalur

Kovalam - 766.5 km from Chennai

Top Experiences To Do in Kovalam

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Santhome Church is a standing testament to the belief of the Christian followers and is among the three wonders of this world that house the tombs of Christ’s original disciple. The other two are Santiago de Compostela in Spain and St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City. It was constructed in the memory of Saint Thomas who was an Apostle of Jesus Christ. Santhome Church is the greatest symbol of multi-culture and religious harmony as people from all religions visit this Church to seek solace and eternal peace.This church was built initially as a mausoleum, but it has now transversed into a Basilica owing to it’s gaining popularity and importance. Beneath the towering white embodiment of this basilica lies the body of Saint Thomas who came to India in 52 AD to preach about Christianity. He was successful in converting a large population of the locals residing in Tamil Nadu and Kerala with his wisdom and powerful preaching. He thereafter formed a community that is now known as Syrian Christians. This church also houses a museum that displays souvenirs of Saint Thomas and gives visitors an insight into the glorious past of this church during the historical times.

The Government Museum in Chennai boasts of a large repository of curious exhibits defining art, archeology, anthropology, numismatics and diverse other subjects. From a cutting-edge life-size T-rex in animatronics to ancient sculptural specimens, there is a wealth of interesting things to see here. Besides the main building, the museum has a natural history section, a children’s museum, and zoological and botanical galleries.Those interested in culture can surf through a wide gallery of folk arts, exhibiting puppets, local musical instruments, theatrical costumes, and various other objects. There’s also the  Museum Theatre, capable of accommodating up to 600 people which show enlightening historical documentaries in high-quality acoustics. The centuries old museum was established in the year 1851.It is also one of the most ancient in the world and carries the legacy of housing the vastest collection of Roman antiquities outside Europe. Among the ancient Asian heritages preserved here, the bronze statues found in Southern India, dating back to 1000 BC, are the most well-known. The museum has something to engage everyone, from art aficionados to children. While you spend time admiring Ravi Verma paintings in the arts section, the younger ones in the party can head to the children’s museum featuring vibrant visual exhibits elucidating Nature, Indian history, innovation in technology, and more. The children’s museum is presently being renovated with an air-conditioned 3D theatre equipped to play five films a day. It takes around 2-3 hours to cover a full tour of the Government Museum complex and get super-knowledgeable about all things under the sun.

Tamil Nadu, a land of religious diversity and rich culture, is also home to some astonishing temples. Amongst it, there is Kapaleeshwarar Temple, a holy place situated in Mylapore. According to popular folklore, the temple traces its history back to the 7th and 16th century. This place is known for its history, architectural styles, and spirituality. The temple was built to worship Lord Shiva and other deities.Kapaleeshwarar temple resonates the rich Tamil religious culture. Its premises consist of sculptures of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi. Moreover, the temple is home to shrines of Tamil Shaivite saint poets Nayaars. The structure of these shrines is marked with towering domes or Gopurams. Every structure light up during major festivals. From March to April, Kapaleeshwarar celebrates the religious sentiments during the Brahmotsavam festival. Devotees flock this temple and attend the grandeur of spirituality and Pooja services.Kapaleeshwarar temple hosts five types of Pujas, Ko Puja, Vaikarai Puja, Kaala sandhi Puja, Uchi Kaala Puja, and Ardhajama Puja. Visitors often schedule and take part in the Puja services. With the help of local priests, you can indulge in buying temple offerings and completing rituals. Also, if you are fond of artistic wonders, this place is going to win your heart.

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11 Best Places to Visit Near Chennai

Popular Chennai Side Trips Including Tamil Nadu's Golden Triangle

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There are many places to visit near Chennai that are popular side trips from the city. The tourist circuit of Chennai, Mammallapuram and Kanchipuram is often referred to as Tamil Nadu's Golden Triangle. These destinations can also be individually visited as day trips from Chennai. If you'd like to get close to nature, consider Vedantangal Bird Sanctuary or Madras Crocodile Bank. Further afield, Pondicherry attracts a lot of visitors from Chennai and can be covered on a long day trip. It's really worth staying there though, as it's a relaxing place to spend some time.

Mammallapuram (Mahabalipuram)

Mammallapuram (or Mahabalipuram as it's otherwise known) has a thriving backpacker scene. Famous attractions include the windswept Shore Temple on the water’s edge, Five Rathas (sculptured temples in the shape of chariots), and Arjuna's Penance (a huge carving on the face of a rock depicting scenes from the Mahabharatha). Mammallapuram is known for its surfing and stone sculpture industry as well. The annual Mamallapuram Dance Festival is held during late December to late January at Arjuna's Penance. Plan your trip there with this Mammallapuram beach travel guide.

• Location: About a hour an a half south of Chennai, along the East Coast Road.

Looking for sand and surf? You don't need to go as far as Mammallapuram. The fishing village of Kovalam (also called Covelong) has one of the best surf schools in India, Covelong Point Social Surf School . The school's fantastic new surf facility opened in mid 2015, with a cafe, lounge and guest rooms right on the beach. Part of the earnings go towards funding social projects in the village. A Surf, Music and Yoga Festival is held every September, and free surfing lessons are offered as part of it. The Taj hotel group also has a luxury resort, the Fisherman's Cove , in the area.

• Location: About an hour south of Chennai, on the East Coast Road.

Dakshina Chitra

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If you're heading down the East Coast Road, do spend some time at Dakshina Chitra, on the way to Kovalam and Mammallapuram. One of the top museums in India that showcase the country's culture , it features a collection of 18 authentic historical houses from all over south India. Each one has been transported and reconstructed on the premises, and contains an exhibition related to the lifestyle of the community that it belonged to. The museum is a project of the Madras Craft Foundation. It opened in December 1996. Crafts are promoted via activities and workshops for visitors, and there's also has a handicrafts shop on the premises.

• Location: Muttukadu, about 50 minutes south of Chennai on the East Coast Road. Next to MGM Dizzee World. 
• Opening Hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Closed Tuesdays and Diwali.
• Tickets: 100 rupees for Indians. 250 rupees for foreigners. Discounts are offered for students.

Madras Crocodile Bank

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For a close encounter of the reptilian kind, don't miss Madras Crocodile Bank where you'll be able to meet more than 35 species of reptiles and amphibians. This includes 17 species of crocodiles (numbering 1,800 of these snappy creatures) as well lizards (including komodo dragons), snakes and turtles. Although it's one of the largest reptile zoos in the world, there is a much broader focus on conservation and education. Activities include guided tours, reptile feeding, and night safaris (when the crocodiles really come to life!). The most infamous crocodile, the massive and savage Jaws III, is publicly fed every Sunday at 4.30 p.m. You can also join the volunteer program.

• Location: Between Kovalam and Mammallapuram on the East Coast Road, south of Chennai.
• Opening Hours: 9 a.m. to 5.30 p.m, and 7 p.m. to 8.30 p.m. (for the night safari). Closed Mondays.
• Tickets: Entry tickets are 60 rupees adults and 30 rupees for kids below 10 years of age. Night safari tickets are 200 rupees for adults and 100 rupees for kids.

Experience "Life on the Udder Side", at The Farm! This property started as a dairy farm 1974, and has grown into a rustic rural tourism destination. The owners opened a restaurant and store there in 2009, where they serve and sell their organic produce. This includes cheese, butter, ghee, pickles, jams, rice, oils, and breads. The restaurant's wood-fired ovens are a highlight, and they churn out delicious pizzas.  Those who want to learn about farming can go on a guided walk through the stables (kids can feed the animals) and vegetable gardens. Book ahead on weekends, as it gets busy.

• Location: 1/277 Semancheri Village, Old Mahabalipuram Road. It's about an hour south of Chennai.

Pondicherry and Auroville

Pondicherry, a separate union territory on the east cost of Tamil Nadu, has a French feel and a beach vibe. This former 18th century French colony is home to Sri Aurobindo Ashram , which attracts plenty of spiritual seekers. Sri Aurobindo's teachings were based on the concept of integral yoga and surrendering to a higher consciousness. Nearby, Auroville is a experiential spiritual community set up with the objective of human unity. It was founded in 1968 by a French woman called "The Mother", who was the successor of Sri Aurobindo. Check out these top cultural things to do in Pondicherry and stay at one of these 12 Pondicherry hotels near the beach for all budgets.

• Location: Three and a half hours south of Chennai, along the East Coast Road.

Kanchipuram

Labeled as the "City of a Thousand Temples", Kanchipuram is not just famous for its distinctive silk saris. It was once the capital of the Pallava dynasty, which ruled widely in south India from the 2nd to 9th centuries. Today, only a 100 or so temples remain, many of them with unique architectural beauty. The diversity of temples is particularly noteworthy. There are both Shiva and Vishnu temples, built by various rulers (the Cholas, Vijayanagar kings, Muslims and British also ruled this part of Tamil Nadu) who each refined the design. In case you want to shop, here are some tips for buying Kanchipuram saris.

• Location:  Two hours southwest of Chennai, on the main road to Bangalore .

Vedantangal Bird Sanctuary

If you're into nature, Vedantangal Bird Sanctuary is a good place to go bird watching at the right time of year. A diverse variety of migratory birds come to nest in the open mangrove habitat from November to March. For the best sightings, go early morning or late afternoon at the height of breeding season, in December and January. Bring binoculars and your zoom lenses! Binoculars can also be hired. Nearby, the lesser known Karikili Bird Sanctuary is worth visiting too.

• Location: About two hours south of Chennai, along National Highway 32.
• Opening Hours: 6 a.m. until 6 p.m.
• Tickets: 25 rupees for adults, 5 rupees for children. This is one of the rare places in India where the price is the same for Indians and foreigners.

Gingee Fort

There are not many forts remaining in Tamil Nadu but Gingee Fort is one of them. It occupies three hills (and requires an energetic climb), on the way to Tiruvannamalai from Chennai. This remote and highly impenetrable fortress was apparently referred to as "Troy of the East" by the British. It's in ruins now but still has many interesting structures, including temples, prison cells, marriage hall, and sacred pond.

• Location: About three hours southwest of Chennai, along National Highway 32.

Instead of going south, head north of Chennai to the historic seaside port town of Pulicat (also known by its Tamil name of Pazhaverkadu). This off-beat tourist destination is part of what's known as Dutch India. Except for a short break, the Dutch ruled Pulicat for 214 years, from 1606 to 1825 when it was relinquished to the British. However, Pulicat's heritage dates as far back as the 3rd century BC, to the ancient Chola dynasty. The town's monuments include a Dutch Cemetery, temples, churches and mosques. In addition, Pulicat has the second largest brackish water lake in India, after Chilika Lake in Odisha . The Pulicat Lake Bird Sanctuary attracts some rare birds, including flamingos.

• Location: An hour and a half north of Chennai, along State Highway 104.

The Countryside

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Storytrails will take you into the countryside near Chennai for a relaxing day trip amid paddy fields and sacred groves. You'll get to learn the techniques of organic farming, experience rural hospitality, hear stories of village life, and visit ancient village temples. The delightful sounds of silence provide a refreshing reprieve from the city for curious, immersive travelers.

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14 Best Sightseeing Places to Visit in Chennai for 1 Day Outing

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"Sleep, eat, work, repeat." Sounds like your routine? Well, then this is an indication that you need a break. Chennai is a good place to just take a one-day break from everything and transport yourself to a place where you have time to breathe, to feel every moment, giving yourself the chance to immerse in a peaceful and enriching experience. Chennai, formerly known as Madras, is a vibrant city in the southern part of India with a rich cultural heritage and a variety of attractions to explore. Although one day outing in Chennai isn't enough to cover all that this city has to offer, in this blog, we will help you figure out the top places to visit in Chennai in 1 day to get the most out of your time. Your secret trick to a successful 1 day plan in Chennai includes a good strategy and a budget-friendly hotel to stay. Upar Hotels is the best hotel in Chennai to make your one day sightseeing in Chennai a memorable experience.

The secret sauce to a successful one-day trip to Chennai includes a good plan and a convenient place to stay. Upar Hotels is the best hotel in Chennai to make your trip a memorable one. 

Beautiful Sightseeing Places to Visit in Chennai in One Day

1. marina beach.

Start your day with a visit to the iconic Marina Beach, the second-longest urban beach in the world or you can even immerse yourself in the beauty of the sunset in the evening. The leisurely walk along the shore and sea breeze make it one of the best places to visit in Chennai in 1 day.

Location: Triplicane, Chennai, Tamil Nadu

Timings: 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Entry Fee: No Fee

Best Time to Visit: 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM to 12:00 PM

2. Kapaleeshwarar Temple

Kapaleeshwarar Temple is the best place to visit in Chennai in one day with family especially due to its spiritual significance. The stunning Dravidian architecture, vibrant atmosphere, the temple's intricate design and the rituals that take place here offer a unique cultural experience, making it an ideal thing to do in Chennai in one day.

Location: Vinayaka Nagar Colony, Mylapore, Chennai, Tamil Nadu

Timings: 5:00 AM to 11:00 AM; 04:00 PM to 09:30 PM

Best Time to Visit: Early in the morning to avoid crowd

There are many more must-visit temples in Chennai. For your next trip remember to stop by these 6 oldest temples in Chennai . 

3. Santhome Basilica

Santhome Basilica is a must-visit place in Chennai on a 1-day trip for its historical and religious significance. This is definitely an easy place to visit in Chennai in 1 day as you can explore the Basilica's majestic architecture and serene ambience, and then continue your Chennai adventure with other nearby attractions.

Location: 38, Santhome High Rd, Dummingkuppam, Mylapore, Chennai, Tamil Nadu

Timings: 06:00 AM to 09:00 PM

4. Government Museum and National Art Gallery

Appreciation is important to reinforce a sense of positivity in your life when you feel stuck or hopeless. Visiting the Government Museum and National Art Gallery in Chennai will help you do just that with its region's art, history and culture. You can include this stop in your one-day visit to Chennai by allocating a couple of hours late in the morning to explore it fully.

Location: Pantheon Rd, Egmore, Chennai, Tamil Nadu

Timings: 09.30 AM to 05.00 PM (Closed on Fridays)

Indians: ₹15 per adult and ₹10 per kid below 12 yrs 

Foreigners: ₹250

5. Fort St. George

To visit Fort St. George in Chennai in one day, start your journey here to explore its historical significance, museums, and colonial architecture. It's an ideal place to visit in Chennai in one day with family and friends, offering a blend of educational and recreational experiences.

Location: Rajaji Salai, Near Legislature and Secretariat, Fort St George, Chennai, Tamil Nadu

Timings: 09.00 AM to 05.00 PM (Closed on Fridays)

Indians: ₹5 per person

Foreigners: ₹5 per person

Best Time to Visit: Weekdays and mornings

6. Chennai High Court

Chennai High Court is one of the best places for a one-day outing in Chennai because of its stunning Indo-Saracenic and rich history. It offers a glimpse into the city's legal system and rich heritage. A brief visit to the Chennai High Court is recommended to carry a unique experience back home.

Location: High Ct Rd, Parry's Corner, George Town, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 

Timings: 10:00 AM to 5:45 PM (Closed on Saturdays and Sundays)

7. Vivekananda House

Vivekananda House, where Swami Vivekananda stayed, is one of the best places to visit in Chennai in 1 day. Explore this museum to learn about the life and teachings of this revered spiritual leader and gain insight into the essence of his philosophy. It's a place that offers a profound and thought-provoking experience for visitors of all backgrounds.

Location: Kamarajar Salai, Triplicane, Chennai, Tamil Nadu

Timings: 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM and 03:00 PM to 07:30 PM (Closed on Mondays)

Entry Fee: ₹10 per kid and ₹20 per adult

8. Valluvar Kottam

Valluvar Kottam is a popular place to visit in Chennai in 1 day, honouring the classical Tamil poet Thiruvalluvar. Its significance lies in the stupendous stone monument dedicated to his work, the Thirukkural. It's an educational and cultural stop suitable for those looking for places to visit in Chennai with family in one day, offering insights into Tamil literature and heritage.

Location: Tirumurthy Nagar, Nungambakkam, Chennai, Tamil Nadu

Timings: 08.30 AM to 05.30 PM

Entry Fee: ₹10

Best Time to Visit: Early mornings and winter to enjoy the pleasant weather while exploring

Looking for a budget hotel in Nungambakkam? Book your stay with Upar Hotels in Nungambakkam and enjoy your trip at ease with all the luxurious amenities and facilities.

9. Thousand Lights Mosque

Thousand Lights Mosque is a notable place in Chennai to visit in one day with family to learn about its historical significance and appreciate its architectural beauty. Including this mosque in your plan of “one-day trip places in Chennai” will allow you a glimpse into the city's cultural diversity and heritage, creating a well-rounded experience for all members of the family. 

Location: Royapettah, Peter's Rd, Peters Colony, Thousand Lights, Chennai, Tamil Nadu

Timings: 5:30 AM to 8:30 PM

10. Phoenix Market City

Phoenix Market City is one of the top destinations for one-day sightseeing in Chennai, boasting the distinction of being one of the largest malls in the city. Visitors can expect a diverse range of shopping options, dining experiences, entertainment, and even art installations. It's a one-stop destination offering a mix of retail therapy, culinary delights, and entertainment for a memorable one-day outing in Chennai.

Location: Velachery Rd, Indira Gandhi Nagar, Velachery, Chennai, Tamil Nadu

Timings: 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM

11. Guindy National Park

Guindy National Park is among the top places to visit in Chennai for a one-day nature retreat. Apart from the lush greenery, serene lakes, and diverse wildlife you can also enjoy bird-watching, picnicking, and guided nature walks, making it an ideal escape for nature enthusiasts and families. 

Location: Rangeguindy, Chennai, Tamil Nadu

Timings: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM

Entry Fee: ₹20 per adult and ₹5 per kid 

Book your stay with Upar Hotels in Ashok Nagar and access all the city's popular tourist places. 

12. Birla Planetarium

Birla Planetarium offers an enriching experience for those seeking one-day sightseeing in Chennai. Devote a couple of hours to exploring its fascinating astronomy exhibits and captivating sky shows. You will be spellbound by how there is so much to explore about the universe. 

Location: Gandhi Mandapam Rd, Duraisamy Nagar, Kotturpuram, Chennai, Tamil Nadu

Timings: 9 AM to 6 PM

Entry Fee: ₹20 for adults and ₹10 for kids

13. MGR Film City

MGR Film City is a sprawling cinematic haven, making it a fantastic place for a one-day Chennai trip with family and friends. Covering over 70 acres, it provides a glimpse into the world of Indian cinema with film sets, studios, and engaging exhibits. Visitors can explore the magic of filmmaking, from iconic movie sets to taking a tour of the studios, creating unforgettable memories.

Location: Kazhikundram, Tharamani, Chennai, Tamil Nadu

Timings: 08:00 AM to 08:00 PM

Entry Fee: ₹25 

Chennai is a land of beauty and enjoyment. Visit these popular picnic spots in Chennai the next time you plan a trip here with your family.

14. Semmozhi Poonga

Semmozhi Poonga is a serene botanical garden that should be on your one-day plan in Chennai, offering a peaceful escape from the city's hustle and bustle. Stroll through lush landscapes, themed gardens, and a variety of plant species, making it an ideal spot for nature enthusiasts and families. Enjoy a peaceful time at this park in the evening to fully appreciate the natural beauty on display.

Location: Ellaiamman Colony, Teynampet, Chennai, Tamil Nadu

Timings: 10:00 AM to 07:30 PM (Closed on Tuesdays)

Entry Fee: ₹15

Best Time to Visit: Evenings

Book yourself a room with Upar Hotels in T. Nagar to stay near the popular attractions spot and enjoy your trip without having to spend most of your time travelling across the city. 

Exploring the best places to visit in Chennai in 1 day is like diving into a treasure trove of experiences. Despite the time constraints, Chennai offers a plethora of sights and experiences to savour. From the awe-inspiring Kapaleeshwarar Temple to the serene Marina Beach and the vibrant Semmozhi Poonga, each destination we've explored provides a glimpse into the soul of this dynamic metropolis. Whether you're drawn to the rich heritage, the delicious South Indian cuisine, or the vibrant arts scene, there are some of the famous places to visit in Chennai in 1 day to gain a variety of experiences.

For an unforgettable one-day trip to Chennai, a perfect stay is essential. Experience the best of the city with Upar Hotels – your gateway to comfort and convenience. Book your room now with Upar Hotels and make your Chennai adventure extraordinary! You can also check out other blogs to know more about travelling.