If you’re ever thinking of visiting Chennai, now is the time! The city is experiencing a boom in tourism, and there are plenty of amazing places to visit. From ancient temples to vibrant shopping districts, this list has got you covered for an amazing trip. So what are you waiting for? Book rooms at New woodlands hotel Chennai for the best vacation.
I. Main Attraction: Fort St. George
Fort St. George is one of the main attractions of Chennai. It was built in the 17th century by the East India Company. This huge red brick fort is now home to the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly and is surrounded by a wonderful monument of Tipu Sultan. It houses the St. Mary’s Church, the tomb of St. Thomas and the Parade ground. The museum inside the fort is a great way to get a glimpse into the history of the place and allows a look into the colonial past of Chennai.
II. Chennai Beaches
Chennai is known for its stunning and serene beaches. The most famous beach is the Marina Beach, which is the second-longest beach in the world and the crown jewel of Chennai. This clean beach is lined with memorials, statues, and gardens and is the ideal spot to relax and unwind. There are other beaches in the city such as Elliot’s and Covelong beach, both of which are best-known for their seafood.
A. Marina Beach
Marina Beach is the longest natural urban beach in the country and stretches for 13km along the Bay of Bengal. It is lined with several memorials, statues and gardens, making it a great spot to explore. You can also find a lot of shops and stalls selling things like souvenirs, snacks and toys. The beach also has an aquarium, a Velanium Theme Park, a swimming pool and lots of spots for fishing.
B. Elliot’s Beach
Elliot’s Beach is the next beach in the order, located in the Besant Nagar area of Chennai. It is small compared to Marina Beach, but it has its own charm with several restaurants and snack shops. People come here to enjoy the lovely views and spend time by the beach. It also has the Ashtalakshmi Temple which is a very popular temple in the city.
C. Covelong Beach
Covelong Beach is a picturesque and serene beach located about 40km south of Chennai. It is home to a fishing village and secluded beach resort and makes for a great place to relax and unwind. It is known for its watersports such as kayaking, windsurfing and more. There is also an ancient fort located here that was built by the Nawabs of the Carnatic.
III. Religious Places
Chennai is home to a number of Hindu temples and churches. The city houses some of the most beautiful temples, churches and cathedrals that you must visit.
A. Kapaleeshwarar Temple
Kapaleeshwarar Temple is one of the main attractions of Chennai. It is an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and dates back to the 8th century. The colorful gopuram of the temple is one of the most beautiful religious structures in the city. It is located in Mylapore and is a great way to explore the history and culture of Chennai.
B. Thirparthikeshwarar Temple
The Thirparthikeshwarar temple is located in Chennai and is another great temple to visit. It is believed to be one of the oldest temples in the city and is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It houses several magnificent sculptures and ancient inscriptions and is a great place to experience the culture and architecture of Chennai.
C. Santhome Cathedral
The Santhome Cathedral is one of the most popular churches in Chennai. Located in the south of the city, this cathedral was built in the 16th century and is said to be the tomb of St. Thomas, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus. It houses several beautiful frescoes, a sculpture courtyard and a museum that exhibits artifacts related to the history of the church.
IV. Government Buildings
Chennai is home to some of the most stunning government buildings, including the Secretariat, Rajaji Hall and the Town Hall. All of these buildings are great places to explore and learn about the history of the city.
A. Secretariat
The Secretariat is one of the most important government buildings in Chennai. Located in Fort St. George, it is the headquarters of various state departments and deals with the day-to-day activities of the government. It is open to the public and offers guided tours of the building.
B. Rajaji Hall
Rajaji Hall is a prominent government building in Chennai. Built in 1911, it is an important historical landmark and a great place to learn about the history of the city. The hall houses a number of exhibitions and events, and is open to the public on certain days of the week.
C. Town Hall
The Town Hall is a government building located in George Town. It was built in the 19th century and is a great place to learn about the city’s history. It is open for visitors and tourists on certain days of the week and is also home to the Chennai Public Library.
V. Amusement Parks
Chennai is home to some of the best amusement parks in the country. Some of the famous parks include VGP Universal Kingdom, Kishkinta Theme Park and MGM Dizzee World. These are great places to visit to entertain the whole family and have a great time.
VI. Museums
Chennai houses some of the best museums in India, which are a great way to get a glimpse into the culture and history of the city. Some of the most popular museums are the Government Museum, the Birla Planetarium and the Gateway of India.
A. Government Museum
The Government Museum is one of the oldest museums in India. It was established in the 19th century and contains a vast collection of artefacts, sculptures, coins and paintings from the history of the city. It is a great way to explore the history of Chennai and see relics from the past.
B. Birla Planetarium
The Birla Planetarium is a great place to learn about the cosmos. It is located in Kotturpuram and houses a number of interactive displays and exhibits about the planets, stars and galaxies in the universe. It is a great place for children and adults alike to discover and explore the science of the universe.
C. Gateway of India
The Gateway of India is one of the most iconic landmarks in the city. It is located at the entrance of the old city and is a monument built by the British during the colonial era. It is a great place to explore and learn about the history of the city.
VII. Shopping Destinations
Chennai offers some amazing shopping destinations for those looking for souvenirs, gifts, clothes and more. Some of the best places for shopping in Chennai are Panagal Park, Spencer’s Plaza and Express Avenue Mall.
A. Panagal Park
Panagal Park is one of the oldest and most popular shopping destinations in Chennai. It is located in T Nagar and is home to stores that sell everything from souvenirs and gifts to clothes and jewelry. It is a great place to find unique things to take back home.
B. Spencer’s Plaza
Spencer’s Plaza is another popular shopping destination in the city. It is located in Anna Salai and is the oldest mall in the city. It houses a number of stores selling global and Indian brands, as well as a food court and entertainment center.
C. Express Avenue Mall
The Express Avenue Mall is the largest shopping mall in Chennai. It houses a number of international and Indian stores, as well as a food court, multiplex and entertainment center. This is a great place to find gifts, clothes and other souvenirs for friends and family.
VIII. Eateries
Chennai is known for its amazing culinary culture, which is why there are so many eateries in the city. Some of the most popular places to dine are Saravana Bhavan, Sangeetha and Buhari.
A. Saravana Bhavan
Saravana Bhavan is a popular chain of South Indian vegetarian restaurants in Chennai. It is known for its delicious and authentic South Indian food, and a great place to eat if you are looking for a traditional and local food experience.
B. Sangeetha
Sangeetha is a popular vegetarian restaurant chain in Chennai. It offers delicious South Indian cuisine, as well as different types of snacks and beverages. It is one of the oldest chains in the city and a great place to eat if you want to try some traditional local dishes.
C. Buhari
Buhari is another popular eatery in Chennai. It serves some of the most delicious and authentic non-vegetarian food in the city. It is a great place to visit for an evening snack and a nice dinner.
IX. Nature’s Abode
Chennai has a great number of parks and gardens spread across the city. These parks are a great place to relax and experience nature. A few popular parks include Arignar Anna Zoological Park, Guindy National Park, and the Vandalur Forest.
Conclusion:
Chennai is India’s fourth-largest city and the capital of the state of Tamil Nadu. It is one of the most populous and densely populated cities in the country and is also one of the most visited tourist destinations in South India. Whether you want to explore the oldest monuments or some of the finest beaches, Chennai offers a range of attractions and activities.
