Top 10 Places to Visit Near Chennai is the capital of Tamil Nadu’s southern state, and is also known as South India’s ‘Culture Capital.’ Chennai has a rich past carved in by the British East India Company ‘s efforts. Located on the Bay of Bengal’s Coromandel Coast, it was built as a coastal outpost for the East India Company when the ruling Telugu emperor granted them land in 1639. Formerly known as Madras, for carrying the ancient culture forward, this southern metropolitan has been the torch-bearer in all of South India. Today it stands strong as India’s fourth largest city, attracting tourists with its stunning architecture and humble culture. Chennai was instrumental in humiliating and respectful treatment of tourists. A prominent feature of this town is the lexicon of British architecture interwoven with the essence of Telugu culture , making it a quintessential place to visit in South India. Here’s the top 8 tourist places in Chennai to visit.
Marina Beach, Chennai
Tired of Chennai’s sweltering heat? Let Marina Beach be your sweet place to escape. Chennai beaches along the coast of the Bay of Bengal, it happens to be the longest beach in India and one of the longest in the world. Have you had enough time in the morning or evening to pay a visit to this incredible place? We suggest that you do not miss the fascinating view of the sun From beach setting or rising. You can go shopping for drinks like imitation jewellery, shell mementos from the beach side stalls. Building sand castles or playing games like beach volleyball is perfect among the best places to visit with friends in Chennai.
Valluvar Kottam, Chennai
Those of you who love literature must have heard or read of Thiruvalluvar, the famous Tamil poet and saint. Thiruvalluvar is hailed to the uninformed as one of Tamil ‘s greatest scholars. Valluvar Kottam is an intricately crafted chariot built to his credit. Valluvar Kottam’s magnificence can best be experienced early in the morning, or just when the sun is setting. Wondering how to reach this place? It is located at the intersection of Kodambakkam High Road and Village Road; taxis and buses from around the city can be taken.
Thousand Lights Mosque, Chennai
This multi-domed mosque, a venerable place of worship for Local Muslims, literally lights up Chennai’s Royapettah area. It is believed that around 1000 lights were needed in ancient times to illuminate this mosque’s hall, which is why it was called the Thousand Lights Mosque. As it goes without saying, this place looks all glowing absolutely spectacular: hence, It’s one of the most popular night spots to visit in Chennai. This mosque exhibits the excellence of mediaeval architectural style with two minarets towering at an altitude of about 64 feet.
Elliot’s Beach, Chennai
Elliot’s Beach is a famous place to visit with friends or family, with Ashtalakshmi Kovil in its vicinity. This lovely beach, named after Edward Elliot (the Chief Magistrate, Superintendent of Madras during the British Era), is one of India ‘s cleanest seafront. Sunbathe, relax, and unwind, in this extremely quiet and scenic place keeping the stress at bay. This one is great for a moonlight walk, featuring in the list of places for couples to visit in Chennai.
Dakshinachitra, Chennai
Translating literally into “a picture of the south,” DakshinaChitra is a museum of living history in Chennai. This museum has 18 houses assembled to depict the culture, architecture, craft and lifestyle of all four South Indian states – Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh / Telangana and Karnataka – through over 4,000 artefacts. A quick trip down the same roof to 4 states? Please yes! If you’re looking for places to visit with your family in Chennai, then this is the right choice as your kids will learn much about South India here,
Ashtalakshmi Temple, Chennai
Ashtalakshmi Temple, regarded as Lakshmi’s abode, the goddess of wealth and knowledge, is a few kilometres from Besant Beach. Built to worship the Goddess Lakshmi ‘s eight avatars, this temple ‘s divine ambience is bound to leave you feeling relaxed. The most interesting part this place has to offer? The ocean waves echo in the temple complex, which makes it even more peaceful Ideal place to put those worries to rest while enlightening yourself spiritually, isn’t it?
Government Museum, Chennai
Are you keen on artefacts? If you do, you’ll love Chennai Government Museum. This place is known to preserve some of the best ancient bronzes (10-13th century) and the modern bronzes from South India. What is more, the Amaravathi Gallery houses marble sculptures that depict Gautam Buddha ‘s life dating back to the 2nd century. Really a gem of a place for children and grownups alike to visit at Chennai!
Guindy National Park, Chennai
Feeling kind of adventurous? How about getting to visit a national park? Home to more than 300 species of trees and plants, 150 species of birds and 15 species of mammals, reptiles and amphibians, Guindy National Park is a forest located on the grounds that were part of Raj Bhawan and IIT-Madras earlier. If you and your family are visiting Chennai, make sure you bring your children here too. We assure you that they will love every bit of this place!
Santhome Cathedral Basilica Church
In the religion of Christianity, the Santhome Cathderal Basilica Church bears massive significance as it is built on the site where St. Thomas-one of the twelve Apostles of Jesus-died. Saint Thomas is believed to have built a chapel here after travelling to India in 52 A.D. In the 16th century the Portuguese built the basilica which was later rebuilt in 1893 by the British. The Church exhibits splendid British architecture that is preserved in the best state depicting the faith of Catholic followers. The Church has drawn believers from every part of the world; even in 1986, in this church, Pope John Paul II prayed.
Marundeeswarar Temple, Chennai
Does anyone know they face health problems? Then, you might want to pay a visit to Marundeeswarar Temple, which in the form of the God of Medicines is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The legend has it that Lord Marundeeswarar taught the magical medicines to Sage Agastya. Believed to have been built in the 11th century, the temple offers millet, ash, and water prasada which is said to cure health problems. This is a must-visit place in Chennai, with the finesse of Dravidian architecture.