Top 15 Tourist Places in Chennai – A Complete Guide

Chennai, the capital of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, is a vibrant city known for its rich history, culture, and architecture. Top 15 Tourist Places in Chennai – A Complete Guide for you.

With an array of tourist attractions, ranging from ancient temples and churches to modern beaches and shopping centers, Chennai is a popular destination for travelers from all over the world.

Top 15 Tourist Places in Chennai

In this article, we will explore the top 10 tourist destinations in Chennai that you must visit on your trip.

1.     Kapaleeswarar Temple

This ancient temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is one of the oldest and most famous temples in Chennai. Built in the 7th century, the temple is known for its intricate carvings and beautiful architecture.

1.1. About Temple

The temple was built in the 7th century and is known for its intricate carvings and beautiful architecture. The temple complex is composed of several buildings, including the main temple, which houses the shrine of Lord Shiva, and the gopuram, which is a tall tower decorated with sculptures of gods and goddesses.

1.2. Oldest And Most Famous Temples In Chennai

Kapaleeswarar Temple is one of the oldest and most famous temples in Chennai, India. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is located in the Mylapore neighborhood of the city.

1.3. The temple is also famous for its annual festival

The temple is also famous for its annual festival, the Mylapore Festival, which is held in January or February and is celebrated with music and dance performances, processions, and other cultural events.

1.4. Timings

The temple is open from 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM and from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Visitors are required to remove their shoes before entering the temple and dress modestly. Photography is not allowed inside the temple.

1.5. How to reach?

The Temple is located in the Mylapore neighborhood of Chennai, India and there are several ways to reach the temple:

By Train: The nearest railway station to the temple is the Mandaveli Railway Station, which is located about 2 kilometers away. From there, visitors can take a bus or a taxi to reach the temple.

By Bus: Several city buses, including MTC (Metropolitan Transport Corporation) buses, stop near the temple. Visitors can take bus routes 5B, 15C, 15E etc.(Please check MTC site at the time of your Travel).

1.6. A popular spot for traditional South Indian breakfast

It is also a popular spot for traditional South Indian breakfast, served by street vendors outside the temple. Visitors can also take a guided tour to know more about the temple’s history and significance.

Overall, Kapaleeswarar Temple is a must-visit destination for those interested in ancient Indian culture and architecture. The temple’s intricate carvings and beautiful architecture, combined with its historical and religious significance, make it an important part of Chennai’s heritage and a popular tourist destination.

2.     Fort St. George

The first British fortress in India, Fort St. George is a historical landmark that offers a glimpse into the city’s colonial past. Visitors can explore the fort’s museum, which houses artifacts from the British era.

2.1. Fort St. George is a historical landmark in Chennai

Fort St. George is a historical landmark in Chennai, India and a must-visit destination for those interested in the city’s colonial past. Here are some major points for tourists traveling to Fort St. George:

Fort St. George is the first British fortress in India, built in 1644. It was used as a military garrison and was the administrative center of the British East India Company in Madras.

2.2. The fort now houses the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly and Secretariat

The fort now houses the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly and Secretariat, as well as a museum, which displays artifacts from the British era, including weapons, coins, and documents.

Visitors can explore the fort’s ramparts, bastions, and gates, as well as the St. Mary’s Church, which is the oldest Anglican church in India.

2.3. Timings

The fort is open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM on weekdays and from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM on Saturdays, it is closed on Sundays and public holidays.

2.4. How to Reach?

To reach the Fort St. George, the nearest railway station is the Chennai Park Railway Station, located about 1 km away. The Fort is also well connected by city buses and local trains. Visitors can also take a taxi or a car to reach the fort.

2.5. Fort St. George is located in the heart of the city

Fort St. George is located in the heart of the city, it’s a great place to combine with other tourist destinations in Chennai such as Marina Beach, San Thome Basilica, and Government Museum.

2.6. Fort St. George offers a glimpse into the city’s colonial past

Fort St. George offers a glimpse into the city’s colonial past and is a great place to learn about the history of the British East India Company and its impact on India.

2.7. Guided tours

Guided tours of Fort St. George are available and are recommended for a more in-depth understanding of the fort’s history and significance.

3.     Marina Beach

Marina Beach is a popular tourist destination in Chennai, India, known for its long stretches of sandy beach and scenic views of the Bay of Bengal.

Here are some major points for tourists traveling to Marina Beach:

3.1. One of the longest urban beaches in the world

Marina Beach is one of the longest urban beaches in the world, stretching for over 13 km along the Bay of Bengal. It’s a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying the scenic views of the ocean.

3.2. Home to several monuments and statues

The beach is also home to several monuments and statues, including the Anna Memorial, a tribute to the late Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C.N. Annadurai, and the MGR Memorial, a tribute to the late Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.G. Ramachandran.

3.3. Enjoy street foods, snacks, and drinks

What is The best time to visit Marina Beach

The best time to visit Marina Beach is during the early morning or late evening, as it can get quite crowded during the day.

3.4. How to reach?

To reach Marina Beach, the nearest railway station is the Chennai Beach Railway Station, located about 1 km away. The beach is also well connected by city buses and local trains. Visitors can also take a taxi or a car to reach the beach.

3.5. Most famous spot in the city

Marina beach is the most popular beach in Chennai and the most famous spot in the city, it’s a great place to combine with other tourist destinations in Chennai such as Fort St. George, Kapaleeswarar Temple, and Government Museum.

3.6. A great spot for photography, the sunrise and sunset

Marina beach is a great place to relax and enjoy the ocean views, it’s also a great spot for photography, the sunrise and sunset are particularly spectacular.

3.7. Visitors are advised

Visitors are advised to take necessary precautions when swimming in the ocean, as the currents can be strong. Lifeguards are on duty during the day to ensure the safety of visitors.

4.     Government Museum

Here are some major points for tourists traveling to Government Museum:

Government Museum in Chennai is a popular tourist destination in India, known for its vast collection of artifacts, including ancient sculptures, coins, and paintings.

4.1. About the Government Museum

The Government Museum is one of the oldest museums in India and it was established in 1851. It has a collection of over 46,000 artifacts including bronze idols, stone sculptures, and paintings. It is divided into several sections including anthropology, archaeology, botany, geology, and numismatics.

4.2. Children’s Museum

The museum also has a Children’s Museum, which is an interactive section designed to educate children about various aspects of Indian culture and history.

4.3. Timings

The museum is open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM on weekdays and from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM on Saturdays, it is closed on Sundays and public holidays.

4.4. How to reach?

To reach Government Museum, the nearest railway station is the Egmore railway station, located about 2 km away. The museum is also well connected by city buses and local trains. Visitors can also take a taxi or a car to reach the museum.

4.5. Great place to combine with other tourist destinations in Chennai

Government Museum is located in the heart of the city, it’s a great place to combine with other tourist destinations in Chennai such as Fort St. George, Kapaleeswarar Temple, and Marina beach.

4.6. A great place to learn about the history and art of India

Government Museum is a great place to learn about the history and art of India, it’s also a great place for photography, the exhibits are well lit and labeled.

4.7. Visitors are advised

Visitors are advised to allocate enough time to visit the museum as it’s quite vast and it could take several hours to see all the exhibits.

4.8. Audio guides are available

Audio guides are available for rent at the reception, it’s a great way to know more about the exhibits and their history.

5.     San Thome Basilica

This beautiful church, located in the heart of the city, is one of the most important religious sites in Chennai. Built in the 16th century, the church is dedicated to St. Thomas, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus.

San Thome Basilica is a historical landmark in Chennai, India and a must-visit destination for those interested in the city’s religious heritage.

Here are some major points for tourists traveling to San Thome Basilica:

5.1. San Thome Basilica is a Roman Catholic Basilica

San Thome Basilica is a Roman Catholic Basilica built in the 16th century by the Portuguese. It is dedicated to Saint Thomas, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus, who is believed to have preached in the area.

5.2. Gothic architecture

The basilica is famous for its Gothic architecture and it is one of the three churches in the world built over the tomb of an apostle of Jesus, the other two being St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome and Santiago de Compostela in Spain. The basilica also houses a museum, which displays artifacts related to the history of the church and the life of Saint Thomas.

5.3. Timings

The basilica is open from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM on all days of the week. Visitors are required to dress modestly and remove their shoes before entering the church.

5.4. How To Reach?

To reach San Thome Basilica, the nearest railway station is the Santhome railway station, located about 1 km away. The basilica is also well connected by city buses and local trains. Visitors can also take a taxi or a car to reach the basilica.

5.5. A great place to combine with other tourist destinations in Chennai

San Thome Basilica is located in the heart of the city, it’s a great place to combine with other tourist destinations in Chennai such as Fort St. George, Kapaleeswarar Temple, and Government Museum.

5.6. A great place to learn about the history of Christianity in India

Visitors can attend mass at the basilica, which are held regularly in English and Tamil, the basilica is also available for private prayers and confessions.

6.     Mahabalipuram

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Mahabalipuram is a small coastal town located about 60 kilometers from Chennai. The town is home to several ancient rock-cut temples and monuments, including the famous Shore Temple.

Here are some major points for tourists traveling to Mahabalipuram:

6.1. An ancient port city

Mahabalipuram is an ancient port city that was established by the Pallava dynasty in the 7th century AD. The city is famous for its rock-cut temples and monuments, which are carved out of solid rock and are known for their intricate carvings and sculptures.

6.2.  A UNESCO World Heritage Site

The most famous monuments in Mahabalipuram include the Shore Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Five Rathas, a group of monolithic temples that are carved in the shape of chariots.

6.3.  Beautiful beaches and is a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing etc

Mahabalipuram is also known for its beautiful beaches and is a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying the scenic views of the Bay of Bengal.

6.4. The best time to visit Mahabalipuram

The best time to visit Mahabalipuram is between October and March, as the weather is pleasant and cool.

6.5.  How To Reach?

To reach Mahabalipuram, the nearest railway station is the Chengalpattu railway station, located about 30 km away. From there, visitors can take a bus or a taxi to reach Mahabalipuram. Visitors can also take a bus or drive from Chennai to Mahabalipuram, it is located about 60 km from the city.

6.6.  A great place to learn about the history and architecture of the Pallava dynasty

Mahabalipuram is a great place to learn about the history and architecture of the Pallava dynasty and the ancient port city.

7.  Theosophical Society

This beautiful garden, located on the banks of the Adyar River, is a popular spot for nature lovers. The society also has a library and a museum that are open to the public.

The Theosophical Society is a spiritual organization in Chennai, India that promotes the study of comparative religion, philosophy, and science. Here are some major points for tourists traveling to The Theosophical Society:

1. The Theosophical Society was founded in 1875 by Helena Blavatsky, Henry Steel Olcott, and William Quan Judge, with the aim of promoting the study of comparative religion, philosophy, and science.
2. The society’s headquarters in Chennai, known as the Adyar campus, is home to a library, a museum, and a research center, which are open to the public. Visitors can explore the beautiful gardens, and the buildings that reflect different architectural styles.
3. The society also holds regular lectures, workshops, and classes on topics related to spirituality, philosophy, and science.
4. The Theosophical Society is open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM on weekdays and from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM on Saturdays, it is closed on Sundays and public holidays.
5. How To Read? To reach the Theosophical Society, the nearest railway station is the Adyar railway station, located about 2 km away. The society is also well connected by city buses and local trains. Visitors can also take a taxi or a car to reach the society.
6. The Theosophical Society is located in a beautiful and peaceful environment, it’s a great place to meditate, relax, and learn about different spiritual traditions and philosophies.
7. Visitors are encouraged to take a guided tour of the campus to learn more about the history and mission of the society and to visit the library, museum, and research center.
8. Visitors are requested to dress modestly and to refrain from smoking, eating or drinking in the buildings, and also to maintain silence in the library and meditation hall.

8.  Guindy National Park

This small national park, located in the heart of the city, is a great spot for nature lovers. The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including spotted deer, blackbuck, and peacocks.

Guindy National Park is a protected area located in Chennai, India and is a popular tourist destination for its diverse wildlife and scenic nature trails. Here are some major points for tourists traveling to Guindy National Park:

1. Guindy National Park is the 8th smallest national park in India, it is a small park that spreads over an area of 2.70 square kilometers. It is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, including spotted deer, blackbuck, jackals, and more than 170 species of birds.
2. The park also features several nature trails, where visitors can explore the park’s diverse ecosystems and learn about the different species of plants and animals that live there.
3. Guindy National Park also has a snake park and a children’s park inside the park. The snake park is home to a variety of snakes, turtles, lizards, and crocodiles.
4. The park is open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM on all days of the week, it’s closed on Tuesdays.
5. To reach Guindy National Park, the nearest railway station is the Guindy railway station, located about 2 km away. The park is also well connected by city buses and local trains. Visitors can also take a taxi or a car to reach the park.
6. Guindy National Park is a great place to learn about the diversity of Indian wildlife and the importance of conservation.
7. Visitors are advised to wear comfortable walking shoes and to bring sunscreen, insect repellent, and plenty of water.
8. Guindy National Park is a great place to spend a relaxing day out of the city, walking on nature trails, enjoying the fresh air, and observing the wildlife.

9.  T. Nagar

T. Nagar is a popular shopping district known for its street markets and traditional shops. Visitors can shop for traditional Indian clothing, jewelry, and souvenirs.

1. T. Nagar is a bustling commercial and shopping area in Chennai, known for its wide variety of shops and markets selling everything from clothes and jewelry to electronics and household items.
2. The area is particularly famous for its sarees, and the T. Nagar Ranganathan Street, also known as “Saree Street,” is a must-visit for anyone interested in traditional Indian clothing.
3. Another major attraction in T. Nagar is the Sri Kapaleeswarar Temple, a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, which is known for its unique architecture and rich history.
4. T. Nagar is also home to several parks, such as the Natesan Park and the L.B. Road Children’s Park, which are perfect for a relaxing stroll or a picnic.
5. The area also has a number of good restaurants and street-side food vendors that serve delicious local cuisine, including traditional South Indian dishes like dosa, idli, and sambar.
6. T. Nagar is well-connected by public transport and is easily accessible from other parts of the city, making it a convenient place to stay for tourists visiting Chennai.

10.  Elliot’s Beach (Besant Nagar Beach)

Located in the southern part of the city, Elliot’s Beach is a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and watching the sunset.

1. Elliot’s Beach, also known as Besant Nagar Beach, is a popular spot for tourists and locals alike in Chennai, known for its scenic beauty and tranquil atmosphere.
2. The beach is located in the southern part of the city and is accessible by bus, train, or auto-rickshaw. From the city center, the beach is about 10-15km away, and it takes around 30-40 minutes to reach by car.
3. The beach is open from sunrise to sunset and is a great place to relax and enjoy the beautiful sea views. Visitors can also take a walk along the beach, sunbathe, or swim in the sea.
4. There are many food stalls and shacks on the beach, where you can find a variety of local delicacies like seafood, dosas, and ice creams.
5. The famous Ashtalakshmi Temple, dedicated to the eight forms of the Hindu goddess Lakshmi, is located on the beach, and is a popular place of worship for Hindus.
6. The beach also has a number of other temples nearby, including the Velanganni Church and the Annai Vailankanni Shrine, that are worth visiting.
7. Visitors should be mindful of the beach timings, as it may close early in the evening or might be closed on some days due to events or festivals.

11.  Government Museum Art Gallery

The Government Museum Art Gallery houses a vast collection of paintings, sculptures and other art forms from India and other countries.

1. The Government Museum Art Gallery in Chennai is one of the most important cultural institutions in the city, known for its vast collection of Indian art, sculptures, and artifacts.
2. The museum is located in the heart of the city, and is easily accessible by bus, train, or auto-rickshaw. The nearest bus stop is “Government Museum” and the nearest railway station is “Chennai Central Station” and from there it is around 3km away.
3. The museum is open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Tuesday to Sunday, and closed on Mondays and national holidays. Visitors are required to wear masks and follow social distancing guidelines.
4. The museum’s collection includes works of art from different periods of Indian history, including ancient bronze sculptures, temple carvings, and 19th-century Indian paintings.
5. The museum also houses a collection of Roman and Indian coins, and a reference library that contains over 30,000 volumes on art, archaeology, and related subjects.
6. The Government Museum Art Gallery also has a Children’s Museum, which is an interactive space designed to educate and entertain children of all ages.
7. Guided tours of the museum are available for visitors, which can provide a more in-depth understanding of the collection and the historical context of the works on display.

12.  St. Mary’s Church

St. Mary’s Church is one of the oldest churches in Chennai, built by the British in the 18th century. The church is a blend of Gothic and Indian architectural styles.

1. St. Mary’s Church is one of the oldest churches in Chennai, dating back to the 1680s. It is a prominent historical and architectural landmark in the city, known for its beautiful architecture and rich history.
2. The church is located in Fort St. George, the first British settlement in India, and is easily accessible by bus, train, or auto-rickshaw. The nearest bus stop is “Fort St. George” and the nearest railway station is “Chennai Fort Station” and from there it is around 1.5km away.
3. The church is open to visitors every day from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Visitors are required to dress modestly and remove their shoes before entering the church.
4. The church is known for its beautiful architecture, which combines elements of Gothic and Romanesque styles. Inside, the church features intricate carvings and frescoes, as well as several beautiful stained-glass windows.
5. The church also has a number of historical artifacts on display, including a bell that dates back to 1701, and a tombstone that marks the graves of the first British Governor of Madras and his wife.
6. The church also has a small museum that showcases the history of the church and the surrounding Fort St. George area, including artifacts and photographs from the colonial period.
7. Visitors can also explore the surrounding Fort St. George area, which is home to several other historical buildings, including the Fort St. George Museum, which houses a collection of artifacts from the colonial period.

13.  Anna Centenary Library

1. The Anna Centenary Library is the largest library in the city of Chennai, India, and is known for its modern architecture and vast collection of books. The library is situated in the Kotturpuram area of Chennai and is a popular spot for book lovers and researchers.
2. The library is easily accessible by bus, train, or auto-rickshaw. The nearest bus stop is “Anna Centenary Library” and the nearest railway station is “Chennai Central Station” and from there it is around 6km away.
3. The library is open from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM, Tuesday to Sunday, and closed on Mondays and national holidays. Visitors are required to wear masks and follow social distancing guidelines.
4. The library has a collection of over 1.2 million books, covering a wide range of subjects, including literature, science, technology, history, and philosophy.
5. The library also has a collection of over 1000 journals, magazines, and newspapers, as well as a large collection of audio-visual materials, including CDs, DVDs and microfilms.
6. The library also has a range of digital resources, including e-books, e-journals, and online databases, which can be accessed from the library’s website.
7. The library also has a number of other facilities, including a reading room, a reference section, a children’s section, and a computer section.
8. Visitors can also explore the surrounding Kotturpuram area, which is home to several other tourist attractions, including the ISKCON Chennai and the Dr. M.G.R. Educational and Research Institute.

14.  Valluvar Kottam

Valluvar Kottam is a memorial dedicated to the famous Tamil poet, philosopher and saint Thiruvalluvar. It is known for its beautiful architecture and the statue of the saint.

1. Valluvar Kottam is a popular tourist destination in Chennai, India, known for its beautiful architectural design and cultural significance. It is a memorial dedicated to the famous Tamil poet and philosopher Thiruvalluvar, and is considered as a symbol of Tamil culture and heritage.
2. The memorial is located in the Nungambakkam area of Chennai, and is easily accessible by bus, train, or auto-rickshaw. The nearest bus stop is “Valluvar Kottam” and the nearest railway station is “Chennai Egmore Station” and from there it is around 4km away.
3. The memorial is open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM every day, and visitors are required to dress modestly and remove their shoes before entering the memorial.
4. The memorial is known for its unique architectural design, which is based on the design of a traditional Indian chariot. The memorial consists of a temple-like structure with a 38-meter high chariot, which houses the statue of Thiruvalluvar.
5. The memorial also features a beautiful auditorium, which can accommodate up to 3,000 people, and is often used for cultural and religious events.
6. The memorial also has a small library and a museum, which houses a collection of Thiruvalluvar’s works and other historical artifacts.
7. Visitors can also explore the surrounding Nungambakkam area, which is home to several other tourist attractions, including the Government Museum and the Connemara Public Library.

15. Muttukadu Boat House

A popular spot for boating and other water activities, located on the East Coast Road.

1. Muttukadu Boat House is a popular spot for boating and other water activities located on the East Coast Road, about 35km from the city of Chennai, India. It is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, known for its beautiful surroundings and recreational activities.
2. The boat house is easily accessible by bus, train, or car. The nearest bus stop is “Muttukadu” and the nearest railway station is “Chennai Beach Station” and from there it is around 30km away.
3. The boat house is open from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM every day. Visitors are required to wear masks and follow social distancing guidelines.
4. Visitors can enjoy a variety of water activities at the boat house, including speedboat rides, windsurfing, kayaking, and rowing.
5. The boat house also has a number of facilities for visitors, including a restaurant, changing rooms, and a gift shop.
6. Visitors can also explore the surrounding area, which is home to several other tourist attractions, including the Crocodile Bank, the DakshinaChitra Museum and the Mahabalipuram UNESCO World Heritage Site.
7. Visitors are recommended to check the weather forecast before visiting, as the boat house might be closed during bad weather or high tide conditions.
8. Visitors should also keep in mind that the boat house might be closed during some festivals or events, so it’s advisable to check the schedule and book in advance to avoid disappointment.

FAQ

Conclusion

In conclusion, Chennai is a city that offers a variety of tourist attractions, for history buffs, culture enthusiasts, beach lovers and shopping enthusiasts, making it a perfect destination for all types of travelers. We hope this article has helped you plan your trip and make the most of your visit to Chennai.

Chennai offers a wide range of tourist attractions, from ancient temples and churches to modern beaches and shopping centers, making it a perfect destination for all types of travelers. With a rich culture and history, it is a city that will leave a lasting impression on all visitors.

These are some of the top tourist places to visit in Chennai. The city also offers a lot of other options for entertainment and leisure, such as shopping centers, parks and gardens, and art and cultural centers.

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