Chennai which is also referred to as Madras and is the capital city of Tamil Nadu is indeed a city that is steeped in tradition while embracing the spirit of modernity. Famous for its cultural history, modern city life, and impressive beaches, tourists will find something special about the city of Chennai. Whether it is the plush and fabulous 5 star hotels in Chennai or discovering the more charming facets of Chennai, this city is sure to surprise. Here, in this guide, let us discuss some of the most favoured tourist attractions of Chennai so that one can make the most of their visit.
Marina Beach
Marina Beach is not only famous but one of the oldest beaches that exist in Chennai. Stretching up to 13 km on the shore of the Bay of Bengal it is the longest beach in India and the second longest one in Asia. The beach is one of the tourist attractions within the region and people are willing to have a calm time amid the busy city. The best time to visit is before mid-morning and after mid-evening when one can have opportunities to witness beautiful sunrises and sunsets.
Fort St. George
Fort St. George is a very important site as it consisted of the first English fort in India which was built in the year 1644. It is now home to the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly and several governmental agencies. The fort also has a museum where tourists can see paintings, coins, and documents related to the British colonial era. A visit to Fort St. George would be very enlightening to Chennai’s colonial history.
Kapaleeshwarar Temple
Mylapore has many ancient temples, but one of the most famous and most breathtaking pieces of Dravidian architecture is Kapaleeshwarar Temple. This historic temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and was constructed in the 7th century by the kings known as Pallavas. The gopurams (towers) and the sculptures carved on them are outstanding and the colour contrast is captivating.
Santhome Cathedral Basilica
Santhome Cathedral Basilica is a famous shrine, constructed over the grave of Saint Thomas the Apostle of Jesus. The building that we see today was initially built by the Portuguese explorers in the 16th century but was reconstructed in Neo-Gothic style by the British in 1896. Tourists can also visit the museum located inside the cathedral dedicated to St. Thomas which has various exhibits associated with him.
Guindy National Park
Located in the middle of Chennai city, Guindy National Park is a green paradise with lush vegetation where you can find a reprieve from the noisy city. Having an area of 2.70 square kilometres, and is one of the only national parks to be situated in a city. It also contains lush greenery vegetation and animals such as black buck, spotted deer, and many birds. Many families visit the place because of easily identified recreation amenities such as the children’s park and the snake park.
Elliot’s Beach
Besant Nagar also recognized as Elliot’s Beach is another popular beach in Chennai city. Its sand is clean and it has a relatively serene environment as compared to Marina Beach making it the right place to go if you want to sunbathe. The scenic beauty of the locality is complemented by the Velankanni Church and Ashtalakshmi Temple. A nice evening walk by the sea together with some exotic food sold by street vendors makes for quite a delightful experience.
DakshinaChitra
DakshinaChitra is a working model designed to depict the cultural profile of South India. Originally situated off the East Coast Road, this museum has representative dwelling houses, collections and handicrafts from Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. Many artisans showcase their products through live demonstrations, and several cultural dance presentations are arranged for tourists to give them a taste of traditional South Indian living.
Valluvar Kottam
The Valluvar Kottam is a monument which is specifically built to represent the Tamil poet and philosopher named Thiruvalluvar. The structure in the form of a ‘Temple car’ contains a 180-foot-high statue of Thiruvalluvar and copies of Thirukkural. The auditorium, located in the territory of the monument, is considered the largest cultural centre in Asia and is used for theatre performances, concerts, exhibitions, and other activities.
Arignar Anna Zoological Park
Arignar Anna Zoological Park also known as Vandalur Zoo is one of the largest zoological parks in India and situated approximately at a distance of 35 kilometers from Chennai. The facility covers an area of more than 1,265 acres and has numerous animals like lions, tigers, elephants, and birds among others. The neatly constructed enclosures and educative and interesting exhibits make the park appropriate for children as well as animal enthusiasts.
Kalakshetra Foundation
The Kalakshetra Foundation was founded by Rukmini Devi Arundale in the year of 1936 and is one of the leading institutions to learn and promote the art forms of India. Spread over an area of 100 acres of land, the Thiruvanmiyur campus is surrounded by green vegetation. The foundation provides courses in specific fields of art, including the dance form Bharatanatyam, Carnatic music, and visual arts.
Cholamandal Artists’ Village
Cholamandal Artists’ Village is an artists’ ashram on the East Coast Road, about nine kilometres from Chennai city. Founded in 1966, it is one of the biggest independent artist complexes in India. Also, one can find here galleries, studios, and exhibitions that contain contemporary paintings and sculptures so that people can buy them as souvenirs. What makes Cholamandal special is its calm atmosphere and the possibility of getting acquainted with artists.
Leela Palace Chennai
Exploring the beauty of Chennai is one of the things that can never be left out during a tour in Chennai. This luxury hotel is situated right on the water’s edge and provides lovely views of the Bay of Bengal as well as other facilities and services. The architectural décor of the hotel is Traditional Indian and Modern, and it offers a palace-like appearance. It supervised restaurants for fancy dining, spas for leisure, and eye-popping opulence, making it a beautiful location within the city centre.
Chennai is one of the history-rich cities which is a perfect mix of culture and modernity and hence it caters for every kind of traveler attraction. The 5 star hotels in Chennai include luxurious facilities for those who want to stay in luxurious and comfortable accommodation. Take advantage of being able to stay in the luxurious Leela Palace Chennai, and be captivated by the complimentary luxurious services and the sweeping views of the majestic Bay of Bengal.
