Overview of Top Tourist Places to visit in Chennai
Chennai is a city rich in history and culture, making it an ideal tourist destination for anyone looking to get a glimpse of traditional India. From famous monuments to religious places, there is no shortage of sights to experience in Chennai. Below, we provide an overview of some of the top tourist places to visit in Chennai.
For the ultimate East Coast Road Trip, start your journey at Marina Beach and then make your way up the East Coast Road. Here you will find stunning beaches, vibrant markets, and scenic temples. The Tamil Nadu Tourist Department can help you plan a route full of wonderful stops so that you can get the most out of your touring experience.
Another must-see sight in Chennai is Valluvar Kottam and its memorials. This is a grand monument that pays tribute to Tamil poet Thiruvalluvar and features three gigantic stone chariots with statues representing 39 chapters from Thirukkural, an ancient text written by Thiruvalluvar 1,800 years ago.
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If artistic monuments aren’t quite your thing, have no fear! Amusement parks such as MGM Dizzee World are great spots for people who like a little adventure while exploring cities. With roller coasters, go-karts, water rides, and plenty more attractions on offer there’s something for everyone at MGM Dizzee World!
Marina Beach
Marina Beach, the largest beach in India and one of the most popular tourist destinations in Chennai, is a must-see for anyone visiting the city. Known for its scenic beauty and historical landmarks, Marina Beach features several key attractions, including the Gandhi Memorial which pays tribute to Mahatma Gandhi’s efforts to propagate peace and nonviolence throughout India.
The gentle waves of the Bay of Bengal along Marina Beach offer a stunning view of the horizon, while an ample collection of buildings ranging from British colonial structures to modern Tamilian architecture can be seen along its stretch. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely stroll in summertime or a sunset escape in wintertime, there’s something for everyone at this majestic beach.
It is not just about relaxing by taking walks along its picturesque shoreline; Marina Beach is also home to some amazing attractions ranging from amusement parks to theme parks. From Snake Park to aquariums and ice houses, there are plenty of things to do here that will keep visitors entertained throughout their stay. The 44m tall lighthouse stands out against the setting sun’s backdrop, giving tourists some wonderful photo opportunities as well as providing an insight into Chennai’s maritime trade history.
Guindy National Park
Guindy National Park, located in Chennai, is a key tourist attraction to visit when exploring India’s cultural capital. Established in 1978 and formerly known as the Guindy Game Reserve, the park spans over 2.70 km² and is home to a variety of fauna including small mammals and reptiles. It has many attractions including the Deer Park which features many species of deer amidst picturesque landscapes for visitors to seize the beauty of nature.
The park also hosts a number of guided tours giving visitors an opportunity to learn about its rich history, different animal species and their habitats. If you’re looking for something more extreme, try out a night safari as it provides an amazing experience to witness nocturnal wildlife and exotic birds in their natural habitat. With so much to explore, Guindy National Park makes for an ideal daytrip while visiting Chennai!
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Kapaleeshwarar Temple
When visiting Chennai, Kapaleeshwarar Temple is an iconic landmark and one of the top tourist places to visit. This ancient temple has a long and rich history in India, and is one of the most important pilgrimage sites for Hindus. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple has numerous mythical stories associated with it.
Visitors to the temple can admire its magnificent gopurams (towers), decorated with colorful sculptural figures that represent Hindu gods and goddesses. Worshippers often gather at the sacred tank at the entrance of the temple to perform rituals such as offering flowers and reciting prayers. Inside, there are several shrines dedicated to various deities that narrate interesting stories from Hindu mythology.
The Kapaleeshwarar Temple is also home to a grand festival on every Friday during the Tamil month of Masi (FebruaryMarch). During this occasion, holy mantras are chanted in chorus by devotees from all around India. Moreover, it offers a unique opportunity to explore its illustrious culture and heritage.
San Thome Basilica
San Thome Basilica, located in Chennai, India, is a popular tourist destination and one of the top places to visit in the city. It has been declared as a Minor Basilica by the Vatican, making it an important pilgrimage spot for Catholics. The church was built by Portuguese missionaries between 16th and 17th centuries and is dedicated to Apostle St. Thomas.
The San Thome Basilica features a unique blend of traditional Catholic devotion and magnificent architecture constructed in the Neo-Gothic style. It stands out with its majestic spires and stained-glass windows that depict biblical stories. Inside the church visitors will find many relics, including an altar believed to contain the tomb of St. Thomas himself that serves as an iconic symbol of faith and devotion for Catholics worldwide.
The San Thome Basilica is also surrounded by many other attractions, such as shopping centers, eateries and other vestiges of Portuguese rule in Chennai from that era that are still visible around this area today. Visitors can stroll around the vicinity after visiting the church itself for additional attractions or great food choices nearby. On major Catholic festivals such as Easter or Christmas there is often something special going on at San Thome Basilica so be sure to check their schedule if you plan on visiting during those times!
The Government Museum, Egmore
The Government Museum, Egmore is certainly a spot you should consider! Located in the heart of Chennai, this museum is one of the oldest and largest museums in India. It features a wide array of classic and historical artifacts that cover many aspects of India’s rich history and culture. From sculptures and paintings to coins and inscriptions, this museum has something for everyone.
The Government Museum in Egmore was established in 1851 by the British. It was initially called the Madras Museum and was eventually relocated to its current location at Egmore. This museum is divided into 6 different sections: Archaeology, Anthropology, Numismatics, Botany, Geology, and Zoology. Each section provides an opportunity to explore the cultural heritage of India. There are galleries devoted to South Indian Art & Culture and Tanjore Paintings too!
At this museum, visitors will find a variety of ancient sculptures dating back to over 2000 years old. Some exhibits include stone sculptures from Amaravati (deity figures), Buddhist Sculptures (from Gujarat) Buddhist stupas from around India, ancient coins from Chola Dynasty (9001300 AD), decorative bronze lamps from Vijayanagara Kingdom (14th century), Indian art pottery from various regions in South India, and photographs showcasing 19th century Delhi monuments like Red Fort & Qutb Minar.
Apart from viewing collections within the museum premises itself, visitors can also take advantage of guided tours with knowledgeable tour guides who can help explain more about the various artifacts on display here. The Government Museum also hosts a variety of special exhibitions throughout the year as well as seminars & workshops related to art
Fort St. George and St. Mary’s Church
When exploring the city of Chennai, visitors often make time to visit Fort St. George and St. Mary’s Church. This iconic destination is a 17th century British military outpost which has since been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a Historic Landmark of India.
Fort St. George is more than just an ancient fortress—it is also home to the Flagstaff House Museum and State Assembly Hall, making it an important cultural destination in the city. The fort was named after St. George, the patron saint of England, and was established as part of their colonization efforts in the 1600s.
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The famous St. Mary’s Church is also located within Fort St. George and is widely recognized as one of the oldest surviving churches built by British settlers in India. Inside, you can find impressive stained-glass windows from the 1800s along with other unique antiques and artifacts from this significant time in history. The church will give you an insight into how Christianity was practiced during colonial times in India, making it a must-see attraction on your itinerary!
The nearby government building houses a number of legislative offices where bills are discussed and voted upon for both national and state governments—a fascinating glimpse into India’s governing body structure! To top it all off, visitors can head to nearby cafes to taste traditional dishes like dosa or sip on chai tea while admiring breathtaking views of the Bay of Bengal from nearby terraces or rooftop restaurants!
