Historical Sites
Chennai has various historical sites, from ancient temples to magnificent monuments. Exploring these sites is a must to experience this city’s rich history and culture.
Here we’ll look at some of the most popular historical sites in Chennai and why they’re worth visiting:
Fort St. George
Fort St. George is India’s oldest surviving English fort in Chennai (formerly Madras). It was built in 1640 by the British East India Company, the stronghold houses St. Mary’s Church – founded by Thomas Oxford on Easter Day in 1678 – and a museum curated by the Tamil Nadu State government.
The majestic St. George’s Fort sits near a beautiful beachfront facing the pristine Bay of Bengal. This imposing tower has an interesting blend of Greco-Roman military architecture and British colonial design elements mixed with Medieval Indian and beyond styles. One can explore inside its wide walls, take a photograph on its fortifying ramparts, or wander around its grounds.
Within its numerous and varied structures, visitors may encounter:
- Artillery pieces
- Imposing columns
- Statues
- Engravings
All colonial courage, power, and patronage symbols have remained unchanged despite centuries of cultural invasion and political upheaval. A must-see while visiting Chennai is to visit Fort St George to experience this formidable piece of historical beauty first-hand!
Kapaleeshwarar Temple
Kapaleeshwarar Temple is an 8th-century Hindu temple in Mylapore, Chennai, India. Dedicated to the god Shiva, it is one of the important temples in the city. The temple was built around the 7th century A.D. and is also believed to be mentioned by Tamil poets Jain Monk Tirunavukkarasar and Sekkilar in their works. The temple complex is over 23 hectares, with multiple gopuras (towers), shrines, and courtyards. The architecture of the Kapaleeshwarar Temple follows traditional South Indian style design, which includes the vimana unique pyramidal structure in Hindu temples.
The main deity of this temple is Lord Shiva in his role as Lord Kapaleeswarar (the destroyer of false ego), with his consort Karpagambal (Goddess Parvathi) being enshrined in the sanctum sanctorum of the temple. In addition, there are three other significant deities: Murugan, Vinayagar, and Arankadal Chokkalingam, which are situated around the inner precincts of this temple.
This beautifully constructed ancient structure also presents numerous smaller shrines dedicated to various deities, including Hanuman, Kadamba Parameshwari, and Dakshinamurthy. Apart from worshiping Lord Kapaleeswara, devotees can participate in festivals and activities like Tirukalyan Brahmmotsavam, held annually, attracting thousands of people from all over India. These activities include traditional music performances, fireworks displays at night time, etc., which regular visitors greatly appreciate.
Besides its religious significance, Kapaleeshwara Temple also has been a venue for innovative architectural design experiments since its inception, making it an important landmark not just spiritually but also culturally!
Santhome Cathedral
Santhome Cathedral is a Roman Catholic Minor Basilica in Mylapore, Chennai, that dates back to the 16th century. The basilica is located on the site of the tomb of one of Jesus’ apostles, St. Thomas, who is believed to have come to India in 52 A.D.
Built by Portuguese explorers in 1523, this historic structure was initially constructed as a small wooden church. It underwent numerous renovations over time and now stands as a Gothic-style building with three enormous spires reaching about 150 feet. It consists of two entrance doors – one facing east and the other towards the west – decorated with stained glass artwork that depicts scenes related to Christianity. The interiors are well preserved with intricately carved pillars and many exquisite works of art, including paintings, sculptures, frescoes, and engravings drawn from various themes such as nativities, Resurrection, and Pentecostal events.
In addition to its religious significance, this site offers many architectural features, from its checkered flooring pattern to its towering ceilings, which create a unique atmosphere for visitors to experience. Guided tours are conducted regularly at Santhome Cathedral for people interested in learning more about its history and the architectural styles used throughout its construction process.
Parks and Gardens
Chennai is home to many beautiful parks and gardens, each offering something unique for the visitors. So whether you are looking for a peaceful getaway to relax and enjoy nature, or an adventure-filled day for the whole family, Chennai has plenty of options. From the beautiful Marina Beach to the lush gardens of Guindy National Park, you will find an abundance of greenery and fresh air.
Let’s explore some of Chennai’s most popular parks and gardens:
Arignar Anna Zoological Park
Arignar Anna Zoological Park is a zoological garden in the Vandalur region of Chennai, Tamil Nadu. The park, established in 1855, is India’s most extensive zoological arrangement, extending over an expanse of 602 hectares (1,483 acres). It has 46 unique species of mammals and 72 unique species of flying creatures. Spotted deer, panthers, and tigers are housed at the park’s open-air display area; the leading emperor penguin exhibition in Asia is likewise found here.
The Arignar Anna Zoological Park has advanced rather than becoming a zoo for introducing animals as a conservation center and educating locals about wildlife. The zoo incorporates educational facilities for schoolchildren, such as nature clubs, science clubs, and zoo clubs, away from bondage camps which help individuals interface with untamed life and look after them realistically with secure association exercises. Other facilities include night camps that introduce Nature Trail to youngsters from urban areas and Urban Rainforest Camps that include visual presentations by subject masters.
The beautiful garden at the entrance gives one an insight into another world! It features lush green bamboo alongside beautifully blooming flowers like petunia and crovinga poinsettia. Pathways are also covered with different hues of seasonal plants like marigolds, cosmos, and mobiles that add to its aesthetic view. In addition to this delightful site, there are a playground and an aviary where visitors can get up close to birds while they feed or play in their natural habitat.
Guindy National Park
Guindy National Park is situated near the suburbs of Chennai in the southern state of Tamil Nadu, India. Located between Adyar River and Pallikaranai marshland, this 8 square kilometer park is exclusively known for its Blackbuck antelope population as well as about 180 different species of birds. Once owned by an aristocratic family, it was converted into a protected national park to conserve its natural habitat and wildlife.
The British greatly influenced the park, which used it to conduct experiments on conservation farming methods. Guindy has become a popular bird-watching destination due to its varied bird population – 120 residents and 60 migratory birds. Besides this, Guindy is also home to snakes (including cobra, python, and rat snake), various lizards such as the Agama lizard and monitor lizard, chital (a type of deer), and more than 2000 spotted deer.
Other attractions at Guindy National Park include:
- Four watchtowers offer stunning views from different points in the park.
- A children’s corner has a kiddie pool for children to splash around.
- An artificial lake with boating facilities.
- A herb garden with 200 herbal or higher plants is used for medicinal purposes.
- A greenhouse contains over 50 species of trees marked with their common and scientific names.
With its fantastic range of wildlife, scenic beauty, and vast varieties of flora & fauna, this national park will make your day trip from Chennai all the more worthwhile!
Vandalur Zoo
Vandalur Zoo is a zoological garden located at Vandalur, about 31 kilometers from Chennai. It was opened in 1985 and is one of India’s first public zoos. It covers an area of 1,283 acres and houses over 170 species, with nearly 2,500 individual animals from India and abroad. The zoo also serves as a gene pool for the conservation of endangered species.
The park has well-landscaped gardens with excellent flora, including rare bamboo plants, flowering trees, and shrubs. Wildlife enthusiasts can spot several wild animals, such as Nilgiri Langurs, Rhesus Monkeys, Jackals, Leopard, and more, which roam freely in an open environment. In addition, visitors can spot wildlife birds like Peafowls in the park’s lake region.
Other than an array of wildlife attractions, a modern museum showcases stuffed birds found on the premises, among other exhibits. Lion Safari Rides are available for visitors who want a closer experience with Spotbills & lion cubs encaged 4 feet away from your vehicle! Don’t miss out on the unique opportunity to feed Peacocks at Vandalur Zoo’s Deer Park too!
Beaches
Chennai, India, is home to some incredible beaches. From the stunning Marina Beach to the smaller yet picturesque Elliot’s Beach, this coastal city is great for spending a day in the sun. So whether you’re looking for a quiet place to relax or an area with plenty of things to do, Chennai has something to offer beach-goers of all types.
Let’s take a closer look at the different beaches in Chennai:
Marina Beach
Marina Beach is the pride of Chennai and one of the longest Beach stretches in India. Stretching over 12 km, Marina Beach is usually crowded with locals and tourists throughout the year. However, the golden sand and spectacular view of the Bay of Bengal make it an ideal getaway location for the entire family. Alongside, scores of vendors sell delicious seafood delicacies and other refreshments.
The Beach has two stone monuments – a sculpture of Mahatma Gandhi installed in 1955 and a statue honoring Durgabai Deshmukh erected in 1998. At night, when the Beach comes alive with multitudes of colorful lights, lanterns, and vendors selling snacks and toys, there’s something for everyone who goes to Marina Beach.
Major attractions here include:
- Aquarium
- Anna Square
- Anna Memorial Tower will remain etched in your memory forever.
Elliot’s Beach
Elliot’s Beach is famous in the Besant Nagar neighborhood of Chennai, India. It is located to the South of Marina Beach and is a hub for beach-goers, bikers, surfers, and skaters. Its beautiful surrounding scenery, luxurious restaurants and cafés, vibrant shops, and lively atmosphere make it the perfect spot for relaxation, adventure and socializing.
There are plenty of activities available at Elliot’s Beach, including:
- Surfing lessons and rentals;
- Bike rentals;
- Kite flying;
- Sailing aboard houseboats;
- Volleyball courts;
- Beach cricket and football matches;
- Yoga classes in the morning or evening;
- Swimming or relaxing on the peaceful sands stretch for miles in either direction.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you could also try paragliding – best done with a licensed instructor, given the strong winds at this spot!
There are also several impressive structures nearby that are worth exploring, such as Anna Flyover Bridge which links Besant Nagar to Adyar across Elliot’s Beach; a giant Lord Shiva statue at Kannagi Nagar that overlooks the coast; Velankanni Church towards North Bay – perfect for religious travelers – as well as some luxury hotels such as Taj Coromandel – where you can enjoy stunning views of Elliot’s Beach from above.
If you love music, don’t miss out on some of India’s most significant musical events, such as the Sunburn Festival, always occurring once a year at this location – where thousands gather every summer to listen to famous international artists perform live. With great connectivity around town through bus services or Uber/Grab cabs, there is no excuse not to spend an afternoon or evening at Elliot’s Beach!
Covelong Beach
Covelong Beach is an excellent beach destination for those looking to enjoy a day of relaxation. It is a 45-minute drive South of Chennai. The wide Beach offers calm and exciting waters, perfect for swimming and water sports. Visitors can also learn traditional Indian surfing forms through surf schools in the nearby fishing village. Other activities at the Beach include sailing, catamaran rides, kayaking, and stand-up paddle boarding.
The Beach also features several restaurants serving a variety of local delicacies near the sandy shoreline. An old fort near the Beach remains one of the most popular tourist attractions. For those willing to explore more, several ancient Hindu temples are nearby, providing an insight into the culture and history of India’s oldest living city. Covelong Beach is a great spot for families seeking a relaxing break or adventure seekers seeking thrilling water sports action!
Museums
Chennai, India, is a city teeming with culture and history. Various museums in the area make for exciting tourist attractions. These museums cover topics such as art, history, and culture.
From the Madras Museum to the Government Museum, there is something for everyone to explore in Chennai. Let’s take a look at some of the top museums in the city that you should consider visiting:
Government Museum
Chennai’s Government Museum, located in Egmore, is the oldest and one of the most important museums in India. Established in 1851, it holds many artifacts from various spheres, including archaeology, art, zoology, and geology exhibits.
This impressive museum covers around 16.25 acres of land, six buildings, and 46 galleries. Archaeological artifacts from the Paleolithic Age to the Vijayanagara Empire to ruins from temples like the Brihadeswara temple at Tanjavur are on display here. The original Art Gallery building was built in 1948, followed by a Children’s Museum, and then later, a Museum Theatre and Art Square were included within its premises.
Interesting objects such as coins, armories, sculptures, and anthropological objects can be found here. Also located within its premises is an Indira Gandhi Advisory Complex, consisting of 8 galleries with 356 historic paintings collected from art districts across Tamil Nadu, like Thanjavur district and Thirunelveli district, just two.
Madras Museum
The Madras Museum, located in Chennai, India, is one of India’s oldest and best-maintained museums. It was established in 1851 by the East India Company and houses ancient artifacts of Indian culture and art. It also houses natural history artifacts like aquatic & terrestrial habitats, geology, fossils, etc.
The museum is divided into six sections: archaeology, numismatics & epigraphy, anthropology & ethnoarchaeology, geology, zoology, and botany, spread across three buildings: The Main Building boasts an exquisite collection of Roman antiquities; an administrative block houses the numismatic collection; while a science block has an aquarium stocked with exotic fish species.
Some of the major attractions at the museum include:
- sculptures from southern shrines (1st to 4th century), bronze idols and stone sculptures (5th to 11th century), coins from various regions of India over 2000 years;
- wood carving display; furniture display showcasing European style furnishings from 16th to 19th century;
- paintings on silk cloths from South India dating back to the 17th – 19th century;
- Islamic art from 1757 – 1965 A.D.; armory display ranging from shields and muskets belonging to Sultan Hyder Ali Khan (1863) – Andhra Regional Arts & Crafts Exhibition (1959).
Apart from these displays, Madras Museum organizes special children’s tours, including interactive educational activities for children aged 6 -14. Additionally, guided tours are arranged for school students up to 12 grade. It can be an excellent way for adults and kids to learn about various aspects of Indian culture and civilization in their comfort zone at the ease and convenience of the Madras Museum’s well-laid-out pathways.
Rail Museum
Chennai’s Rail Museum (officially known as the National Rail Museum of Southern Railway) offers visitors a unique insight into the history and development of railway systems in India and worldwide. As one of the most important transportation systems in the country, it is no surprise that this museum attracts thousands each year.
The museum holds over 50 outdoor exhibits from 1852, including engines and coaches from different eras. It also boasts an indoor gallery showcasing memorabilia related to Indian railways, such as photographs, medals, lanterns, cut-outs, flags, and much more. You can also take a fifteen-minute ‘Joy Train’ ride on weekends for a truly memorable experience.
Furthermore, the museum provides lectures on various topics related to Indian Railways for school students along with various educational activities like:
- Train playroom corner
- Quizzes
The lower-priced tickets (INR 10) make it a fantastic place to visit with your family or friends – regardless of age!
Shopping
Chennai is one of the popular shopping destinations in India. From bustling street markets to luxurious malls, Chennai has many shopping options. Whether you’re looking for traditional clothes, handicrafts, or modern fashion, you’re sure to find what you’re looking for in Chennai.
Let’s explore some of the best places for shopping in Chennai:
Nagar
T. Nagar, known as Thiyagaraya Nagar, is a premier shopping district in Chennai, India. Located near the city’s center, this area is known for offering shoppers a wide range of items, from clothing and jewelry to electronics. Malls like Spencer Plaza and Nalli Silks and independent shops featuring anything from ethnic apparel to perfumes and silks.
The area has been home to a bustling market since 1914 when Madras’ Presidency was still under British rule. Now there’s a modern shopping experience with elaborately decorated stores that look more like museums than retail outlets. You can find almost anything you desire here – from Azhagar silk sarees to gold-plated glass bangles. There are also numerous restaurants in the area, serving regional cuisines such as idli sambar, filter coffee, and kulfi ice cream.
T. Nagar is famous for its pre-set haggle-free prices at almost every store in the market, so it’s doubtful you’ll win over shopkeepers here with your best negotiation skills! However, whether you’re looking for fashionable apparel or specialty souvenirs, T Nagar will have something special waiting for you.
Ritchie Street
Ritchie Street is one of the busiest shopping destinations in Chennai and a paradise for shoppers looking for electronics items. The area has been renowned for its riches in electronics and much more.
This narrow street features several small electronic shops clustered together, selling all consumer electronics such as computers, laptops, mobile phones, television sets, music systems, and cameras. It also has a few jewelry outlets and mobile stores. There are plenty of bargains to be had if you know what you’re looking for – but equally, there are lots of fake and duplicated items on sale as well, so do go with caution if you’re considering any big-ticket items.
The street’s hawkers come in various forms – from the itinerant sellers riding carts pushing high-end televisions and laptops to shop owners offering the latest LED televisions or low-cost mobile phones – alongside many DVD shops which have gone out of business with the emergence of online streaming sites such as Netflix.
Ritchie Street is a great spot to bargain hunt, and visitors can get good deals compared to other places in Chennai for electronic items like flash drives, DVDs, audio CDs, etc. If you’re keen on getting that elusive item from America or Europe at an affordable price, this market can be your best bet too!
Spencer Plaza
Spencer Plaza is one of the oldest shopping malls in Chennai, India. Located right in the hustling heart of downtown, the mall offers a variety of retail stores, restaurants, and entertainment options. With over 300 stores and six floors to explore, you can find almost anything you need, from designer clothing and cosmetics to books, electronics, household items, and food courts with delicious cuisines worldwide that guarantee a great shopping experience.
Spencer Plaza also includes an on-site grocery store and parking facilities for convenience. In addition to retail shopping destinations, visitors can enjoy an array of restaurants for delicious eats, including Italian cuisine at Bacchanalia Pizza Stop or any other restaurant that offers smorgasbord options for customers who are searching for something special like sushi from The Sushi Bay or Salvadorian dishes from La Mi Tierra cooking up Mexican favorites.
The mall also houses a 4D cinema for movie lovers who want to experience the next generation of movie viewing with amazing effects that make you feel like you are actually in the movie. Apart from this, departmental stores like Landmark shop international brands cater to every need, from luxury items such as watches, bags, branded apparel, footwear, stationery, home décor products, etc. For those looking to grab some quick bites, Spencer Plaza provides numerous food joints, Street food stalls serving classic snacks such as dosas, idli’s chutni, and so much more, cutting across all eatery cuisines right under one roof!