Tamil Nadu Tourism - Chennai

Chennai is the gateway to South Indian peninsula; also a place of historic importance. It is a pulsating city, ever changing and ever expanding. The city is probably the most peaceful and green metropolis of India. It was once a group of small villages until the appearance of East India Company to set up a new trade centre in the place. This land was known as Fort St. George during British era.

The city is connected by four main roads. Georgetown is to the northwest while Egmore, Triplicane and Mylapore are to the south of Chennai. The city is a blend of temples, churches, monuments and several other prime destinations. Its fascinating monuments and churches date back to the Portuguese and British period. The spectacular Marina Beach stretches 13 km along the city’s eastern flank which is a favourite place for the city dwellers and visitors.








¤ Tourist Attractions of Chennai

* Kalakshetra
Rukmini Devi Arundale founded a world-renowned centre of excellence for dance, music, arts and crafts, in 1936. Housed on over 100 acres at Thiruvanmiyur, it has produced many fine exponents of the Bharatnatyam dance tradition. Following the ancient Gurukula system of education, students from across the globe are taught nuances of traditional dance, music and art amidst the fresh air, large trees and the chirping of birds.

* Theosophical Society
Founded by Madame H.P. Blavatsky and Col. H.S. Olcott in 1875 .It is located on a vast expanse of over 250 acres on the banks of the Adyar estuary amidst the natural surroundings. It provides a peaceful retreat from the city. The Adyar Banyan tree with its roots spreading over 40,000 sq.ft and its library, a research centre in eastern civilization, philosophy and religion, are worth seeing. There is a church, mosque, Buddhist shrine and Hindu temple on the grounds.

* Lalit Kala Akademi
Located on Greams Road you can see Paintings, artifacts from artists and artisans from every nook and corner of India here. Equal importance is also placed on literature, especially the vernacular ones.

* Tamilnadu Ovia Nunkalai Kuzhu
A state-level cultural organization set-up by the State Government at Pantheon Road, Egmore for promoting visual and graphic arts in the state through well-structured programmes.

* Birla Planetarium
Part of the Periyar Science and Technology Centre at Kotturpuram, this is a voyage of discovery for the young and the old. This air-conditioned modern planetarium with a seating capacity of 236 brings to life celestial phenomena replete with special effects. It also conducts courses in astronomy and night-sky observations for public on every second Saturday.

* Valluvar Kottam
The memorial to the poet-saint Tiruvalluvar is shaped like a temple chariot and is the replica of the temple chariot in Thiruvarur. A life-size statue of the saint has been installed in the 33m tall chariot. The 133 chapters of his famous work Thirukkural have been depicted in bas-relief in the front hall corridors of the chariot. The auditorium at Valluvar Kottam is said to be the largest in Asia and can accommodate about 4000 people. It stands as a modern memorial to the great poet who represents the glorious culture of the Tamils.

* Film City
A favorite fixture with film producers of the South, it is also a popular tourist spot. The restaurant in this complex, Taramani Talkies, will appeal those who are looking for an offbeat decor. AVM studios are the only one routinely open to the public.

* High Court
A magnificent example of Indo-Saracenic architecture. In 1841, a granite Doric column of 49m was erected to function as the second light house. Besides the High Court, the Small Causes Court and the City Civil Court function here.

* Ripon Building
The attractive white structure, close to Chennai Central, is 252 ft. long and 126 ft wide. It has a 132 ft tall tower and a mighty clock 8 ft in diameter. Currently, it is the headquarters of Chennai Corporation.

* Government Museum
This Museum is worth visiting. The main building has a fine archaeological section representing all the major South Indian periods including Chola, Vijaynagara, Hoysala and Chalukya.The bronze gallery has a superb collection of Chola Art. You will find the most impressive bronze statue of Lord. Ardhanarishwra.You can also visit the National Art Gallery located in the same compound. The fascinating array of 10th -18th century Mughal, Rajasthani and Deccan artworks are displayed here.

* Vivekananda Museum
The Vivekananda Museum on South Beach Road is located in a building formerly known as the Ice House that used to store the massive ice blocks transported from North America. Later Swami Vivekananda used to preach from the same venue. Now it houses the collection of photographs and memorabilia from his life.

* Development Centre for Musical Instruments
You will find numerous ancient and modern Indian musical instruments exhibited here.

* St Andrews Church
This classical style church was completed in 1821.The impressive blue dome is decorated with gold stars.

* Luz Church
This 16th century church is dedicated to Our Lady of Light said to be oldest church in Chennai.It was built by Portuguese sailors as a thanksgiving to Our Lady.

* Guindy national Park, Snake Park and Children's Park
These parks are located adjacent to each other in Adyar.The children's park is small and pleasant with small animals like peacocks, otters and porcupines etc. You will find two elephants lounge under the watchful eyes of their mahout. Snake Park with its lizards, crocodiles and turtles is more interesting.

* Little Mount Church
Known locally as Chinnamalai this tiny cave is said to be the place where St.Thomas believed to have lived when he came to India around AD 58.Enter the cave via Portuguese church built in 1551.

* Vadapalani Temple
The Vadapalani Andavar temple is dedicated to Lord Muruga being built 125 years ago. Renowned for bringing people together, this temple conducts about 7,000 weddings annually.

* Ashtalakshmi Temple
This new temple is one of the three shore temples open to worship on the east coast. Dedicated to Goddess Mahalakshmi in her eight forms it is located on Elliots Beach.

* Mangadu Temple
Famous for the idol of the Goddess Parvati performing one of her many penances - standing on the leg over the five fires with a visage showing perfect serenity. It is 23 kms from the heart of the city located between Iyyappanthangal & Poonamallee.

* Christ the King Church
Commissioned by French clergymen this church was designed and built by an Indian mason in 1933. It is a fine example of gothic architecture standing majestically in the middle of Loyola College campus. It has pointed arches, ribbed vaults, rose windows, three-aisled nave and flying buttresses. Covering an area of 150 feet by 60 feet, with stained glass windows, this church is a captivating sight, inside as well as outside. The spire is 157 feet high and has a stairway leading to the top, where a cross stands.

* Kali Bari Temple
This is a replica of the famed Kalighata Temple in Calcutta thronged by Bengalis.

* The Armenian Church of Virgin Mary
Built, in 1772, on the site of the Armenian cemetery, this church houses a magnificent belfry six bells, claimed to be the largest bells in Chennai. It is located on Armenian Street.

* C.S.I. Holy Cross Church
More than 120 years old, it was originally called the Perambur Railway Church, when it was under the railway authorities. It earlier had a pre dominantly Anglo-Indian congregation though now everybody attends it. It is located on 16, Siruvalluvur Rd, Chennai.

* Descanso
Lying amidst the cultural and religious centre of Mylapore, this 17th century church is said to have been the place where St. Thomas took rest and also served the people.

* St.Thomas Mount
Legend has it that Thomas, an apostle of Christ, preached atop the hill here. He is said to have been killed on this 300 ft. high mount. The paintings of 'The Holy Lady and The Child' and 'Our Lady of Expectations' exhibited in this church are believed to have been done by St. Thomas. It is located near Meenambakkam.

* St. George's Cathedral
A striking piece of architecture, the St. George's Cathdral was built in 1815. It has a towering 45m spire and lonic columns. The highlight of this Cathedral is the graveyard just adjacent to it with its guardrail made up of war emblems of muskets, bayonets etc captured from Srirangapatnam in 1799.

* Parthsarthy Temple
The temple was built in the 8th century by the Pallava kings of South India. It was renovated by the mighty Vijayanagar kings in the 16th century. The temple, situated in Triplicane, another beach in Chennai and one of the major harbours during Pallava time, is famed for the beauty of its gopuram (arched gateway) and its architecture. The entire locality is fashioned around the temple.

* Kapaleeshwar Temple
This temple was constructed in the 13th century and is a living example of the architectural skills of the Dravidians. Situated in the Malaypore area of Chennai, the temple is the nucleus of the local tank market and residential quarters around it. It is constructed in the Dravidian style, this ancient temple is dedicated to lord Shiva .It displays the architectural elements like gopurams, mandapams and a tank. The main entrance facing east is painted in red, blue and yellow with Puranic legends sculpted on the sanctum sanctorum.

* Santhome Cathedral
This Roman Catholic church built in Neo Gothic style located near Kapaleeshwarar temple is said to house the remains of St Thomas the Apostle. The church is built over the tomb of apostle St. Thomas, the Santhome Cathedral is an important pilgrimage centre. According to legends, St. Thomas arrived in India from Palestine in AD 52 and died after 26 year. The church was built after a millennium, probably by the Persian Christians, and his remains were moved inside. The church was refurbished in 1606 and made into a cathedral. Again, in 1806, it was rebuilt as a basilica. There is a museum in its premises with a 16th-century map of South Asia.

* Fort St. George
The most powerful symbol of the British Empire in its early days in India, Fort St. George was the first piece of real estate for British in India. For many, it is still unclear that why Sir Day (the founder) choose this place to build this important fort, leaving many other picturesque locations on the vast coastline of the Bay of Bengal. The fort has a grey granite exterior unlike the Mughal forts that has lavish ornamentation and luxury. It housed barracks for the British army, a parade ground, and the oldest church of Chennai-the St. Mary's Church.

* Marina Beach
The beach extends from Fort St. George all the way to Mahabalipuram. The beach looks spectacular at dusk when the setting sun casts iridescent glow and peddlers sell everything from ice creams to roasted peanuts to balloons. You can also read your future from the fortune tellers and palm readers who lure the visitors by various means. Don't try to show your swimming skills here as the sea can get quite rough here.

* Velankanni Church
This church is in honour of Our Lady of Health, the Madonna of Velankanni. The devotees believe in the miraculous curative powers of the Madonna.

* Big Mosque
Hidden behind the modern buildings on Triplicane High Road, this renowned place of worship for Muslims, built in 1795, is a marvelous granite structure.

* Thousand Lights Mosque
Close to, the Anna flyover on Mount Road lays this mosque on 3 acres of land. Renovated a couple of times this century; it has two tall minarets and a separate place of worship for women.

* Sri Guru Nanak Sat Sangh Sabha
The holy place for Sikhs, Sri Guru Nanak Sat Sangh Sabha is remarkable for its serene ambience.

* Jain Temple
A striking contrast to the rock hewn temples of Tamilnadu is the Jain temple. The two-tiered, 70' high temple is built of lime-and-soapstone and marble giving it a dazzling appearance.

* Bah'a'i Centre
A place of worship full of solemnity, sobriety and peace.

* Horticultural Gardens
Located in the heart of the city on Cathedral Rd, this 22-acre lush garden is as if a whiff of fresh air for Chennaiites.You will find rare trees, medicinal herbs and shrubs aplenty here. Plants, saplings and seeds are available for sale.

* National Art Gallery
Built in 1906, the gallery is situated in a splendid Indo-Saracenic edifice. The building was initially known as Victoria Memorial Hall and was designed by Henry Irwin. The eminent historian Tillotson described it as one of "the proudest expressions of the Indo-Sarcenic movement". There is a good collection of old paintings and sculptures including Tanjore paintings on glass; Rajput and Mughal miniature paintings; Deccan paintings from 17th century; and handcrafts, metalware, and ivory carvings from 11th and 12th century.

* Nageswara Park
This park at Luz corner was developed a couple of years ago with the initiative of the elected Council that took charge at Ripon Building in 1996. The walkways, fountains and garden benches have also attracted filmmakers for whom this park is a preferred shoot location. New garden light fittings are an additional attraction for visitors. The park that is open to the public on all days has a separate play area for children. The park has a well-maintained garden with varieties of trees like Lapostromea, Capsia Fistula and Tabulia and foliage trees like Pungam, Neem, Palms, Ficus Religiosa and Thespesia. Medicinal and Ornamental plants are also found here.

* Dr Natesan Park
Dr. Natesan Park, in T.Nagar, attracts hundreds of visitors everyday. Spread over 4 acres, with long walkways, fountains and garden lights, this park was opened to the public on September 13, 1950. Situated in the heart of the city, the park has a variety of trees and plants like Crotons, aralias, bougainvilleas, acalypha, ceesil peniea, pulcharima, mahogany, neem and gulmohur. It has a separate tennis court for coaching children. There is also play zone for children.

* Sivan Park
Sivan Park on P.T.Rajan Salai, K.K.Nagar has well-maintained lawns, pathways and play area for children. You can see various monument replicas, like that of the Gateway of India. There is a 15 feet high statue of Lord Siva, depicted in a posture of meditation. The statue is designed in such a way that water flows down from the head, from a height of about 15 feet, giving it a cascading effect. The park has a good collection of trees including Petophorum, Rain tree, Gulmohur and shrubs like acalyppa, creepers and ground covers. In addition, a nursery sells plants to visitors to the park.

* Mayday Park
May Day Park, originally known as Napier Park, is situated on Deputy Mayor Kabalamoorthy Road in Chintadripet. Spread over 14.5 acres, the Park is used to hold public meetings during the May Day celebrations. Even political parties and associations take out rallies from the park. May Day Park is divided into two portions. The park, proper, is on the eastern side and on the western side is a well-maintained playground used by the neighborhood children.

* Vandalur Zoo
One of the finest open-air zoos in India, this wildlife enthusiast's delight is located 30 kms south of Chennai. Mini safaris are organized here.

* Light House
A massive tall structure situated at south end of the Marina Beach beckons the visitors in the evening and adds glory to the golden sands. All India Radio (AIR) radio broadcast station is located opposite to the lighthouse.

* Pancha Mandapams
Adjoining the Governor's residence (Raj Bhavan) at Guindy, there are five memorials. To the father of the nation - Mahatma Gandhi, the first Indian Governor General - C Rajagopalachari, former Chief Ministers of the state - Kamaraj and Bhaktavatsalam and one to Martyrs.The Gandhi Mandapam is immediately recognisable by the temple gopuram styling of its portals. The Kamaraj memorial has a distinctive Charakha (Spinning Wheel) atop the memorial. The Rajaji memorial, with its dominating pink, is quite conspicuous. Clustered among these are the memorials to Bhaktavatsalam and the Martyrs.

* Chennai War Cemetery
The Commonwealth War Graves Commission set up the Chennai War Cemetery in 1952 as a tribute to the valiant men and women who laid down their lives in the Second World War. The Stone of Remembrance greets the visitor to the Chennai War Cemetery with the words from the Book of Ecclesiasticus 'Their Name Liveth For Evermore'. There is the Cross of Sacrifice, set up on an octagonal base bearing a bronze sword upon its shaft. These two monuments are common to all large CWGC cemeteries. The Chennai War Cemetery honors 855 men and women of the Commonwealth forces and one Polish airman who died during the war of 1939 - 1945. It has been a kind of second burial for these armed forces personnel, who died in the line of duty at different places while serving in various units during the war. Most of the graves were brought together from civil and cantonment cemeteries in the South and East of India. There is also a memorial commemorating a merchant seaman who was buried elsewhere. The Cemetery also has three non-world war graves. There is also a Memorial to soldiers who died in the First World War 1914 - 1918. It is known as the Chennai Memorial. The Chennai Memorial has the names of all the 1,039 men who died in the First World War inscribed on it. It is located at Nandambakkam