With serene beaches, delectable local cuisine, temples, churches, museums, and numerous archaeological wonders, Chennai promises to offer you a charming experience. With the most intriguing culture and heritage, dating back to the Cholas and Chanakyas, Chennai carries an iconic legacy while constantly evolving.
Not just the state capital, Chennai is one of the richest cultural centres in the country. With its significant history as a premier port city, Chennai has been a melting pot for a variety of art forms, food, and cultures. If you haven't been to the city yet, a trip to Chennai should definitely be on your list.
Here are some of the best places to visit in Chennai
1. Marina Beach
Chennai’s most famous tourist attraction, the Marina Beach is a natural urban beach situated along the Bay of Bengal. It is the longest natural urban beach in the country, stretching over a distance of 13 kilometres. With its white sandy shores, peaceful atmosphere and a visual experience extending up to infinity, Marina Beach offers you a mesmerising experience. Walking along the beach, as you watch the sunset in its vibrant hues is definitely an enchanting view to witness.
Location: Marina Beach, Chennai
Timings: Open for visiting throughout the day
2. Marundeeswarar Temple
Situated in Thiruvanmiyur in Chennai, the Marundeeswarar Temple is a fine example of Dravidian architecture. Glorified by the Nayanars and expanded by the Chola Dynasty, the temple is a place of prominence. It is believed that through worship in this temple, the disease-ridden people can be cured. The prasadam here is a mixture of sacred ash, water and milk which is believed to cure all ailments. The locals have the utmost faith in its healing abilities. This temple is a must-visit to witness what is beyond explanation.
Location: W Tank Street, Ambedkar Nagar, Lalitha Nagar, Thiruvanmiyur, Chennai
Timings: 5 am to 12 pm, 4:30 am to 7:30 pm
3. MGR Film City
Cinéphiles assemble! Dedicated to the memory of MG Ramachandran, the MGR Film City was established in 1994. Stretching over a massive area of 70 acres, the MGR Film City is a popular tourist spot in Chennai. Kollywood has gained worldwide recognition now, especially after the Oscars and you are bound to catch a glimpse of popular Tamil actors while here.
Location: Kazhhikundram, Tharamani, Chennai
Timings: 8 am to 8 pm
4. Arignar Anna Zoological Park
Located in Vandalur, the Arignar Anna Zoological Park is the best place to discover the natural biodiversity of the region. With about 138 species of flora and over 170 species of birds, mammals and reptiles, the Arignar Anna Zoological Park is the perfect spot for nature lovers. Established in 1855, it is the first public zoo of the country. The zoo has a reptile house, built in Jurassic Park, elephant joy rides and a children's park. The perfect weekend getaway for your entire family, Arignar Anna Zoological Park just adds on an element of excitement.
Location: Grand Southern Trunk Road, Vandalur, Tamil Nadu
Timings: 9 am to 5 pm (closed on Tuesdays)
5. Fort Saint George
Located along the banks of the Bay of Bengal, built by the British in 1640, Fort Saint George is among the notable areas in Chennai. A perfect representation of colonial culture, it is considered the first establishment by the British in India and receives a large number of tourists throughout the year. The main fort consists of flagstaff entirely built of teakwood. There is also a banquet hall on the premises of the fort, named after Richard Wellesley, the Governor-General of India during the British era.
It currently houses a museum, a church and the seat of the Tamil Nadu government.
Location: Srirampuram, Thousand Lights West, Chennai
Timings: 6 am to 6 pm
6. Dakshinachitra
Dakshinachitra is a living history museum located in Chennai. With a vision towards promoting the South Indian cultures, Dakshinachitra is a place brimming with crafts, architecture and performing arts. A project of the Madras Cafe Foundation that opened in December 1996, this heritage museum is home to 4220 artefacts and around 1 lakh photographs. If you are someone who has a keen interest in the knowledge of cultures, this place will definitely expand the horizons of your mind.
Location: East Coast Road, Muttukadu, Tamil Nadu
Timings: 10 am- 6 pm (closed on Tuesday and Diwali)
7. Mahabalipuram
Mahabalipuram is an ancient port city, at a 60 km distance from Chennai. It is a city of great historical significance, known for its intricate architectural temples and rock-cut caves. Situated along the Coromandel Coast, it is a popular tourist destination. Some of the group monuments here such as the Five Rathas, Crocodile Bank and the Shore Temple have been included in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Location: Mahabalipuram, Chengapattu