In addition to a vast variety of attractions, Chennai, the capital of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, is also rich in historical and cultural artifacts. There are numerous coastal beaches, British colonial buildings, recently built markets, and some of the oldest temples in the world in this thriving Indian city. The city is notable for preserving India’s outstanding religious architecture and has a wholly distinctive style of life, with temples dotting the skyline.
The second-largest urban beach in the world, Marina beach, is located in Chennai, and also has a wide variety of other attractions.
Top places to visit in Chennai
Chennai is India’s fourth-largest city by population. It is a beautiful seaside city with residents who have hearts that are warmer than the temperature. Do your fair share of sightseeing whether you are a newcomer to the city or a guest. The greatest places to visit in Chennai for an exciting time are listed below. Scroll down to continue reading!
Covelong Beach
Covelong Beach, one of the most stunning beaches near Chennai, is situated on the Coromandel coast close to the community of Covelong. Covelong Beach has a captivating environment that makes it the perfect destination for excursions and picnics. It is surrounded by palm trees and has sparkling silver sand. The beach, a major tourist destination in Chennai, provides a wide range of water sports to its guests, with swimming and windsurfing being the most well-liked.
Experiences at this beach are incomparable; you can stroll across the sand, relax under a palm tree, or take in the peace during a sunset. The beach attracts thousands of tourists every day since it offers a variety of water sports like surfing, jet skiing, and boating.
Thiruvanmiyur Beach
Comparatively quiet and remote compared to other beaches, Thiruvanmiyur Beach is situated in Chennai’s Thiruvanmiyur area. It’s the ideal location to refresh and unwind because it offers stunning views of the sunrise and sunset. The beach is more charming than you could have anticipated, drawing primarily nature lovers. Due to the serene atmosphere, it’s one of the most romantic sites in Chennai for couples and loners to visit.
Fort St. George
Fort St. George, the first English bastion in India and one of the living symbols of British history in India, is a British Empire official edifice in Chennai. The location was established in 1644 in the seaside city of Madras and is now a museum. You will undoubtedly appreciate British artistry as a result of the massive monument and the surrounding architecture. Tourists are welcome at the location. Visit to see a variety of items, including artwork, coins, cutlery, weapons, documents, and more.
Madras War Memorial
At the Madras War Memorial, honor the Second World War martyrs. It is one of the most popular destinations in Chennai where visitors can stroll through the well-kept gardens and find structures that have been exquisitely carved out of white stones with details of the men who gave their lives during World War II. If you wish to see the unique homage offered by the soldiers to the martyrs, Army Day or Vijay Diwas are the perfect times to visit the location.
Prakasam Salai
This Roman-style edifice, constructed in 1795, is a popular tourist destination in Chennai. The enormous structure is constructed of red bricks, which are stunning on their own. Even from a distance, one can see the enormous structure. As you enter the compound of this ancient building, Prakasam Salai, you will experience Roman culture.
Swami Vivekananda’s House
Learn more about Indian culture and Swami Vivekananda’s life by taking a knowledge tour. After returning from the west, Swami Vivekananda spent a few of his last days there. As you explore the gallery, the meditation room, and Vivekananda Park, this historic location will instill optimism in your heart and inspire you to adopt a fresh outlook on life.
Arignar Anna Zoological Park
For animal lovers, this location is really essential. More than 500 unusual species, the majority of which are endangered, call it home. Visit the zoo and participate in one of the several safaris on offer, including the Lion Safari and the Elephant Safari. It is not only home to endangered species, but also to a wide range of local flora and animals. The zoological park, which is 32 kilometers from Chennai’s center, is a terrific weekend destination for families with young children. Additionally, check out the location’s aquarium, crocodile house, butterfly house, and amphibian house.
George Town
Every trip includes time for shopping. What else would you anticipate in a place where history and commerce coexist? One of Chennai’s oldest markets, George Town sells anything and everything you could possibly want to lawfully purchase there at the proper price.
Take a stroll through George Town’s winding streets to see the market, which is full of colorful sights and has a fascinating history.
Marina Beach
As you stroll down the second-largest beach in the world, you’ll find yourself in a state of profound calm and tranquility. With gorgeous palms encircling it and shimmering golden sand beneath feet, Marina Beach is fascinating in every sense of the term. Marina Beach, a well-known tourist destination and a must-see while visiting Chennai, mesmerizes onlookers with its stunning sunrises and sunsets.
You will always feel refreshed here by the cool winds. Don’t forget to sample the traditional south Indian foods available along this beach, like crispy sundal and murukku. Explore your inner adventurer by going to a number of historical locations close to the shore. Marina Beach, a God-blessed beach tucked away in South India, is the ideal vacation.
Elliot’s Beach
Elliot’s Beach in Chennai’s Basant Nagar is one of the top destinations for young people. This magnificent beach, which marks the end of Marina Beach beachfront, is named after Edward Elliot, a former chief magistrate and superintendent of police in Madras during British rule.
The beach is regarded as one of Chennai’s cleanest beaches among all the amazing beaches in the area. This beach is a very serene and tranquil area for those who want to appreciate alone along with the splendor of Mother Nature. You can also stop by the adjacent Ashtalakshmi Kovil and Velankanni Church to make the most of your holiday.
Mylapore
Mylapore is a neighborhood that is ideal for all types of visitors because it has both religious locations and eateries that are well-known for serving delicious food. Mylapore, a neighborhood in Chennai, is home to a variety of locations you can visit. Mylapore is home to the Ramakrishnan Math and Kapaleeswarar Temple, which is one of the reasons it’s one of the top tourist destinations in Chennai. All those who are interested in learning about Chennai’s history must visit Mylapore, the city’s oldest residential district.
Royapuram Fishing Harbour
The Royapuram fishing harbor is one of the top tourist destinations in Chennai for anyone who loves to take breathtaking images wherever they go. This location also referred to as the Kasimedu fishing harbor or the Chennai fishing harbor, is a popular tourist destination since it is a significant fishing area in Chennai. Visit this harbor if you wish to get a glimpse of a significant aspect of Chennai inhabitants’ daily lives. Numerous boats and fishermen can be seen catching fish. Locals can also be seen wandering the market and buying fish. The Chennai fishing harbor is mesmerizingly beautiful as soon as the sun sets, and you must be there to feel joy.
Birla Planetarium
Fascinated by the solar system? If so, the following item on this curated list of things to do in Chennai is something you really must go see while you’re there. The Chennai Birla Planetarium is a great destination for a family outing. The Birla Planetarium, which is situated in Kotturpuram, Chennai, hosts several cosmic performances and virtual solar system excursions. You can take your children here to learn about the planets, stars, and other concepts associated with the solar system.
Thousand Lights Mosque
One of the biggest mosques in the nation, Thousand Lights Mosque boasts a striking design. Prepare to see the mosque’s many domes, a peaceful space where you can worship and reflect. In this mosque, there are separate areas for men and women. The only thing you need to remember is to cover your head and dress modestly when entering this mosque. The Thousand Lights Mosque is open from 5:30 in the morning till 9:00 at night.
Guindy National Park
The eighth-smallest national park in India, Guindy National Park, is one of the top attractions in Chennai for nature lovers. Deers, blackbucks, jackals, snakes, tortoises, and other animals can be found in Guindy National Park. There are 14 different types of animals and 130 different bird species in this national park. This national park in Chennai ought to be on your agenda since there are so many mammals, birds, and other animals to see there. It’s time to grab your binoculars and visit this national park soon if you enjoy birdwatching.
Parthasarathy Temple
Given that it dates back to the eighth century and is devoted to Lord Vishnu, Parthasarathy Temples is one of the best places of worship in Chennai. King Narasimhavarman I constructed the Parthasarathy Temple in the eighth century, and it may be found at Thiruvallikeni, Chennai. There are images of Gajendra Varadaraja, Narasimha, Ranganatha, Rama, and Krishna at this temple, which is devoted to Lord Vishnu. The five incarnations of Lord Vishnu that are revered in this temple are represented by these icons. You must schedule your vacation around the traditional festivals if you wish to see the great ritual held in this temple.
Valluvar Kottam
The beautiful Valluvar Kottam monument is located in Chennai and honors Valluvar. Thiruvalluvar was a well-known poet and philosopher, and his writings make up a significant portion of Chennai’s literary heritage. Since its dedication in 1976, this monument has become a popular tourist destination in Chennai. One of India’s largest auditoriums is found in this monument, which is shaped like a chariot. You can view the 133 chapters of his well-known work that are etched on the monument. One of Tamil Nadu’s most significant locations in Valluvar Kottam, which all tourists must unquestionably see.
Government Museum, Chennai
A museum of human history and culture is located in Chennai called the Government Museum or the Madras Museum. The museum is home to some of India’s rare artifacts. It is one of the most sought-after locations for academicians to study because it is the second-oldest museum in India and the tenth-oldest in the entire world. It was built in 1851. The museum features an extensive collection of numismatic and archaeological artifacts.
The location, which is one of the top tourist attractions in Chennai, was built in indo-gothic or colonial architecture and is a treat for history buffs. The museum houses artwork by well-known European and Indian painters, among other extraordinary and rare treasures. The Madras Museum, the third-largest museum in the world, houses 500 bronze idols that date back to 1000 BC.
Breezy Beach
This beach, which is appropriately titled, is tucked away in Chennai’s Valmiki Nagar neighborhood and serves as the ideal respite from the hectic city life. The location, which is around 9 kilometers from the city center, offers a tranquil atmosphere. The beach is well-known for its breathtaking sunrises and the delectable breakfasts offered at the local cafés and restaurants.
People frequently visit this location since it is a well-known tourist destination in Chennai and offers a vacation from daily life. You can stop for street food like sandals and idlis on the way to the breezy beach and enjoy shopping at the neighboring Thiruvanmiyur market.
Marundeeswarar Temple
Marundeeswarar Temple, a famed Shiva temple in Chennai, is situated on the Bay of Bengal’s coast. Hindu devotees from all across the nation travel to Marundeeswar, known as the “god of medicines,” to offer prayers for the healing of illnesses or diseases.
The temple was constructed between the 7th and 8th centuries by the “Nayanars” Appar and the Thirugnana Sambandar and is a magnificent example of traditional Dravidian architecture. The Chola monarchy afterward looked after and popularised the temple in the 11th century. Today, it is one of the most well-known tourist destinations in Chennai, drawing tourists from all across the nation. The temple’s prasadam, a concoction of ash, water, and milk, is special since it is thought to treat all types of illnesses and maladies
Ashtalakshmi Temple
A vibrant Hindu religious location on the Bay of Bengal coast in Chennai, a short distance from the well-known Basant beach, is the Ashtalakshmi Temple. The “goddess of wealth and knowledge” in Hinduism is the subject of the temple. The complex’s most appealing feature is that you can constantly hear the echo of the ocean waves, which gives the area a serene and tranquil atmosphere.
The “Jeernodhara Ashta Bandana Maha Kumbhabhishekam,” a significant Hindu religious ceremony, is held at this temple and draws visitors from all over the nation. If you have a religious bent, you must visit one of Chennai’s top tourist attractions.
Connemara Library
The Connemara Library, which was established in 1896 and is one of the most notable structures in the city, is a veritable library of books. One of India’s four National Depository Libraries, it receives copies of every book, newspaper, and magazine the nation publishes.
The century-old library, a paradise for readers, has a large selection of books, periodicals, magazines, and braille manuscripts. The building sits in Chennai’s Egmore neighborhood and is much sought after by researchers. Being one of Chennai’s most popular tourist destinations, the library is well-kept and a great place to spend the day surrounded by a wealth of knowledge.
Madras Crocodile Bank Trust
The Madras Crocodile Bank Trust is a wealthy crocodile breeding facility, not just another zoo. Here, in a healthy habitat, you can see this aggressive but serene and lovely lizard. The area is home to more than 17 species of crocodiles, some of which have been identified as critically endangered by the IUCN, making it a perfect spot for youngsters to learn more about nature and wildlife.
Romulus “Rom” Whitaker, a well-known herpetologist and conservationist, came up with the idea to protect the subcontinent’s endangered crocodile species. The Crocodile Bank in Chennai is open to visitors six days a week and is unquestionably worthwhile.
Nettukuppam
At the northernmost point of the city, the village of Nettukuppam is one of Chennai’s most unusual tourist destinations. The beach is pristine and serene, and the broken pier that transforms the area into a picture-perfect setting is what makes it so spectacular.
The beach is often less popular and empty, though it is busier on the weekends and during festivals. You may drive there in 3 to 4 hours from the city center, which is around 20 kilometers distant. From this beach, take in Chennai’s stunning skyline and sparkling lights. Additionally, if you come here early enough, the fishermen will sell their fresh catches to you at fair prices.
Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health
A sizable Catholic church close to Elliot’s beach is called the Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health, also known as the Vailankanni shrine. In India, Christians respect this enormous building as a sacred site. It was once a small chapel constructed by Portuguese sailors who believed Mother Mary had saved them from a storm at sea. Today it is a pristine white structure. 500 years later, the church still holds a nine-day festival that attracts more than 5 million followers from all over the nation.
San Thome Church
One of a kind is the gleaming white San Thome Church, which is built above Saint Thomas’s grave. The location is quite well-liked by the locals and draws tourists wandering through the city with its luxurious infrastructure and peaceful atmosphere. One of the most interesting places to visit in Chennai is this gorgeous masterpiece, which evokes colonial times.
Kapaleeshwar Temple
Kapaleeshwar Temple, another well-known temple in Chennai with a distinctive design, is built in the Dravidian style. The temple rises to a height of around 37 meters. In the months of March and April, the temple is still active. The location has a sizable water tank that is believed to be of religious significance.
Vadapalani Murugan Temple
The temple, one of the most well-known religious sites in the capital city, is around 125 years old. The temple, which is devoted to Lord Murugan, features unique and vibrant carvings. One of the rarest temples in South India is one where the Murugan statue is dressed in shoes.
