Chennai Tourism is the heart beat of Tamil Nadu. It can't be tagged as one, as it has in it the modernity of Bombay, the tradition of Kerala, the spirit of Delhi and the style of Goa. The Sun hits the land with lots of love and so all days here are sunny days. It also takes the pride in having the world's second largest beach and it is a perfect spot for a sojourn. There are good deals of tourist places in and around Chennai, which are worth a visit.
The South & West Chennai, previously mostly residential, are now becoming commercial with many upcoming firms & call centres. The city is fast expanding in the south & in the west.
Art and music dwells in the land of Chennai and that is why it is called the Musical and Cultural capital of India. There are plenty of art galleries and music schools in Chennai among which Kalakshetra which hailed as one of the best dance schools in India.
It is a major trade centre, being well linked by road, rail and air to important cities besides being a sea port. Compared to the other major metros of India, it is far less congested and polluted.
Best places to visit in Chennai
Chennai is known for its amazing beaches, shopping centres, fun parks, zoo, malls, wildlife habitats, bird sanctuaries and the most magnificent temples you’ll ever come across. There are so many important tourist places in Chennai that one must make sure that their visit easily covers the best of this city. You should always keep a Chennai city map so that you are able to figure out which tourist spots are closer to the place where you are staying.
Evening strolls at the stunning beaches is one of the best things to do in Chennai:
Marina Beach
Chennai’s beach, the Marina is the second longest in the world and offers a lot of fun activities and is ideal to unwind and spend an evening. Marina Beach is counted among the topmost Chennai famous places as it has a mesmerising ambience. Many food stalls come up in the evening wherein one can enjoy the local cuisine along with delicious sea food. One can also go for shopping on the roadside stalls.
Elliot’s Beach
Elliot’s Beach is also known as Besant Nagar Beach because of its close proximity to that area. The memorial built in the memory of the Dutch sailor, Karl Schmidt is the most unique feature of this beach. Carved in white stone, this structure is a unique landmark and one of the most photographed spots in the city. The nearby attractions of AshtaLakshmi Temple and Velankanni Church are two of the important places to see in Chennai.
Covelong Beach
Covelong or Kovelam Beach is one of the less crowded beaches where one can visit to enjoy some peace and seclusion. Picturesque views and azure blue waters make Covelong one of the most romantic places in Chennai where couples can spend some personal time.
Madras Crocodile Bank
Home to many endangered species of crocodiles, this conservation society has helped in raising awareness about this wonderful creature. It is located on East Coast road and is among many interesting tourist places near Chennai. With 17 species and a population of 1700, Madras Crocodile Bank is worth visiting.
Some places that you must not forget to add in your Chennai sightseeing plans are the splendid temples and other religious sites: –
Sri Parthasarathy Temple
This exquisitely carved temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna. Due to its historical importance, it is counted among one of the must visited places in Chennai. This temple has several unique features and the high rise gopuram makes it distinguishable from a distance. The intricate carvings and colourful structure gives a stunning overall appearance.
Kapaleeshwar Temple
Ravishing with intricate carvings, figurines and colourful bastions, Kapaleeshwar Temple makes for an incredible spot in the city. As one of the most famous temples in Chennai, this spot boasts of Dravidian style of architecture which has also influenced many different variations all around India.
San Thome Church
Standing in white splendour, San Thome stands on the tomb of St Thomas. This pretty church is one of the Chennai’s best places because of its religious importance as well as the immense architectural splendour. Stained glass panes, windows and museum inside the church are a stunning sight to behold.
Tamil Nadu Tourism in India is a land that simply charms all its visitors. As one of India's most popular tourist destinations, Tamil Nadu receives a good number of footfalls every year. In fact, a visit to South India can never be considered complete without a Tamil Nadu Tour and its delightful tourist attractions. From beautiful beaches to ancient temples, a Tamil Nadu Tour in India is sure to throw up many delightful surprises for its visitors to remember. Interspersed with the Tamilnadu tourist attractions is its rich history that is simply fascinating. It is common to see tourists devouring every little detail offered by the tourist guides or the locals. Tamil Nadu Tour will also introduce you to the state's rich culture that amazes visitors from all across the world. Be it a Bharatanatyam performance or a shopping tour around some of its colourful markets, you will see that the culture of Tamil Nadu is reflected in everything you can see around you. Indeed, nothing can beat the splendour of this Indian state that has remained in perfect touch with its roots even as it makes giant strides in the modern world. So take a look at our Tamil Nadu travel guide.