Chennai, formerly known as Madras, is the capital of the state of Tamil Nadu in southern India. Located on the Coromandel Coast of the Bay of Bengal, Chennai is as vibrant as it is culturally rich. One of the four siblings of India, this ‘capital of the south’ has a rich cultural history that fits well with the lifestyle of the metropolis.
Amid traffic jams and sweltering weather, Chennai is worth a visit for its temples steeped in South Indian culture, British-era museums and monuments, delicious cuisine, and Marina Beach (the second largest among all cities in the world). Chennai’s skyline is known for its towering skyscrapers, but the heart of Chennai has an old-world charm that refuses to be overshadowed.
Destinations In Chennai
1. Marina Beach
Marina Beach is an urban beach that is naturally occurring and located along the Bay of Bengal in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. With about 30,000 people every day, the 13-kilometer beach is the most crowded in India and the longest natural urban beach in the nation. It is also the second-largest beach in the world.
Views of Marina Beach’s white sand beach, which appears to stretch into the distance, are captivating and tranquil. The majority of the beach is made of sand, and it is lined by numerous amusement parks and gift shops. You might stroll with your loved ones or perhaps by yourself along the Marina beach.
2. Government Museum, Chennai
After the Indian Museum in Kolkata, the Government Museum was founded in 1851, making it the second-oldest museum in the nation. Located in the Chennai neighborhood of Egmore, it features an extensive collection of Raja Ravi Varma’s artwork and was constructed in the Indo-Sarcenic style.
3. MGR Film City
The MGR Film City, a relatively young establishment that was founded in 1994, is run by the Tamil Nadu government in loving memory of MG Ramachandran, a popular actor and former chief minister of Tamil Nadu.
Stretching across an enormous 70 acres in Taramani, Chennai, the MGR Film City is a well-liked tourist destination as well as the preferred location for several South Indian filmmakers. The film city boasts a film school, indoor and outdoor shooting locations, impersonations of villages and cities, a post office, a police station, a jail, a courtroom, and beautifully landscaped Italian, Japanese, and Mughal gardens in addition to being the greatest place to see a glimpse of a well-known Tamil actor.
4. Breezy Beach
Breezy Beach is located in Chennai’s quiet and isolated Valmiki Nagar neighborhood. Smaller and less contaminated, it’s the ideal getaway place for those seeking a quiet evening.
This beach is more secluded and serene because it is less well-known and crowded than Elliots Beach. This beach has drawn a lot of tourists in recent years due to its beauty, and the evenings are particularly pleasant and breezy here. The Chennai beach known as Breezy is the ideal destination for anyone seeking a friendly, revitalizing, and breezy spot to hang out and enjoy themselves.
5. Marundeeswarar Temple
Shiva is worshipped at the majestic Marundeeswarar Temple at Tiruvanmiyur, near Chennai, as Marundeeswar, also known as Aushadeeswarar, the God of Medicines. This temple, a magnificent example of Dravidian architecture, is a must-see for travelers to Chennai or the neighboring cities.
The temple was enlarged in the eleventh century by the Chola Kingdom and was revered in the seventh and eighth centuries by the Saivite Saints Nayanars, Tirugnana Sambandar, and Appar. Furthermore, true to its name, Marundeeswarar Temple has long been a site of worship, particularly for individuals afflicted with illnesses and other health issues. This place serves prasadam, a concoction of holy ash, water, and milk that is said to heal all ills. It is stated that one must visit the temple to experience the supernatural power.
6. Arignar Anna Zoological Park
Discover the local flora and fauna in the Arignar Zoological Park, one of Vandalur’s most well-liked picnic locations. Situated 32 kilometers away from Chennai city, the Arignar Zoo is a popular weekend destination for kids and adults alike.
Stretched across 1260 acres, it is the biggest zoo of its kind in South East Asia. A trip to a safari park, where lions and deer are frequently sighted, allows tourists to get up close and personal with nature in addition to the large collection of rare and unique creatures.
Additionally, the zoo features a reptile house that is home to a variety of reptile species, such as the viper, python, and king cobra, among many others. They also have a little, integrated Jurassic Park, which just heightens the thrill. Among the park’s other unique attractions are an education center, a children’s park, and elephant pleasure rides.
7. Valluvar Kottam
In Chennai, there is a temple shaped like a chariot called Valluvar Kottam, which was constructed in honor of Thiruvalluvar, a well-known classical Tamil poet and saint. To honor Thiruvalluvar’s efforts, Kalaignar M. Karunanidhi constructed this elaborately crafted memorial in the 1970s. Renowned for his poetry and philosophy, Thirukkurals are considered to be among the best pieces of Tamil literature, and he is credited with creating them. The magnificent architecture of Valluvar Kottam is renowned for its creative designs and well-executed construction. Valluvar Kottam’s breathtaking beauty is best appreciated in the morning when the city is just beginning to awaken, or you can visit this location in the evening as the sun is just about to set.
Valluvar Kottam is not just a popular tourist destination but also the site of some of the most significant exhibitions and events in the city. This air-conditioned auditorium routinely hosts handlooms and handicrafts, and it’s a great place to spend a few hours taking in the aesthetic beauty of both the inside and outside. A temple automobile, a beautiful addition to the construction, is anchored to the floor and nicely complements the monument. Mother Teresa herself planted a few saplings at the Valluvar Kottam, and they are identified by a stone plate bearing the year 1984. This is just another fascinating aspect of the location.
8. Ashtalakshmi Temple
Situated on the stunning Bay of Bengal shore, Ashtalakshmi Temple is a short distance from the Besant beach in Besant Nagar. This is the home of Ashtalakshmi, the Goddess of Wealth and Knowledge, who bestows blessings on everyone who comes to the temple to offer prayers with a pure soul.
The constant sound of the waves reverberates throughout the complex of temples, instantly evoking a peaceful atmosphere. The fact that around 7 million rupees were spent renovating the temple and over 1.6 million rupees were spent on organizing the Jeernotharana Ashtabandana Mahakumbhabhishekam, a significant Hindu religious celebration, is a good indicator of the place’s grandeur.
9. Connemara Public Library
In 1896, Chennai saw the opening of a new and noteworthy landmark: the Connemara Library. This library is a veritable gold mine of books, newspapers, magazines, and other relevant literature. You can without a doubt find whatever text you’re looking for in a library.
As one of India’s four national depository libraries, the Connemara Public Library obtains copies of all books and other texts published in the nation. The library has been there for more than a century, and it continues to be a storehouse of books that are over a century old.
10. Kolli Hills
The mountain range known as Kolli Hills or Kolli Malai is situated in Tamil Nadu’s Namakkal district and carries the menacing moniker “Mountain of Death.” Since commercial tourism hasn’t impacted it too much, the majority of its natural grandeur has been preserved.
In addition to their inherent beauty, the mountains are revered for their religious significance due to the Arappaleshwar Temple, which honors Lord Shiva. The route that leads up to the peak is narrow and full of curves, making it accessible by car as well.
11. Elliot’s Beach
Located in Besant Nagar, Chennai, Elliot’s Beach is also known as “Besant Nagar Beach” or “Bessie“. Alternatively referred to as Besant Nagar Beach, it is named for Edward Elliot, the former Chief Magistrate, Superintendent of Madras, and Governor of Chennai during the British era. It is the terminus of the Marina Beach shore. Nearby are the Ashtalakshmi Kovil and the Velankanni Church. Among the cleanest beaches in Chennai is the captivating beach. Situated to the south of Marina Beach, this serene and quiet area is perfect for strolls as it doesn’t have many activities. Additionally, the location is ideal for those who wish to soak their feet in the swishing seawater.
Travelers frequently visit the beach to unwind, sunbathe, and explore the neighboring well-known historical sites. Travelers usually choose it over the well-known Marina Beach because it is typically less congested. In the evening, a variety of young people can be seen strolling along the beach, which provides the ideal haven from the bustle of the big metropolis.
The Ideal Time To Go To Chennai
Chennai is best visited in the winter, from October to February, during the pre-monsoon season. Since the summers are hot and the monsoons bring heavy rains and cyclones, this is the finest time of year to visit the metropolitan area. The city’s climate is primarily hot and muggy because of its location on the stunning coast.
