chennai sightseeings, chennai tourist attractions, tourist places in chennai, chennai attractions

Sri Kapaleeswarar Temple
The Kapaleeswarar temple is situated near Kutchery Road, Mylapore. It is an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is a fine example of Dravidian temple architecture and sculpture. The gopuram of the temple is 37 m tall magnificent structure, which is one of the main attractions of this temple. There is a massive rectangular step well in front of its gopuram. Non-Hindus are not allowed to enter the inner courtyard of the temple. The outer courtyard has several bronze statues. Folklore has it that Lord Brahma, the creator or the Hindu Trinity originally had five heads, one of which Lord Shiva cut off to arrest his pride. Following which Lord Brahma installed a Shiva lingam to do penance and that is where the temple stands today. This Shiva lingam is known as Kapaleeshwar and is the main nucleus of the temple. In the courtyard, Goddess Parvathi is depicted in the form of a peacock worshipping Lord Shiva and is known as Karpagambal in this temple. Lord Ganesha, Muruga, Shani and the vahanas of the gods have also been depicted here. In the temple’s outer courtyard, you will come across bronze statuettes of the 63 Saivaite Saints or Nayanmars.
Valluvar Kottam	Top^
The Valluvar Kottam is the most significant landmark of the city of Chennai during the contemporary period. It is a memorabilia of the famous Tamil saint cum theorist, Tiruvalluvar, who had composed the popular work, known as Thirukkural. Since he corresponds to the splendid tradition of the Tamilians, more than three thousand blocks of stone were made to make this commemorative plaque of Tamil culture. This monument in Chennai is shaped like a temple chariot and has a life size 33 meters tall statue of the saint installed there. The Valluvar Kottam stands as a modern memorial to the great poet, an envoy of the splendid Tamilian culture. It was opened in the year 1976. The memorial to the poet-saint Tiruvalluvar is shaped like a temple chariot and is, in fact, the replica of the temple chariot in Thiruvarur. A life-size statue of the saint has been installed in the chariot which is 33m. tall. 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.
Fort St. George	Top^
Fort St. George was the first British fortress in India. The construction of the fort at Chennai saw a spurt in settlements and construction activity around the place. The later day Madras/Chennai city evolved around the same fort. Fort St. George has the distinction of being the oldest English fort on the East Coast of India. Constructed between 1640 and 1653 and subsequently reconstructed in the year 1783, Fort St. George was once a town, complete with named streets, alleys and roads. Since Fort St. George was completed on April 23rd, coinciding with St. George's Day; the fort was christened Fort St. George, which soon became the hub of merchant activity. The fort led to the development of a new settlement called George Town. Over a period of time Fort St. George helped the British to extend their influence over the Carnatic region. It is interesting to note that many historical personalities like Thomas Pitt, Elihu Yale, Robert Clive and Lord Cornwallis either lived in or frequently visited the Fort during the British period. The fort was thus a home away from home for many British officials of the East India Company. To keep the outsiders away, a moat was built around the fort and the British christened the area inside the moat as "the White Town".
Kamaraj Memorial House	Top^
The Kamaraj Memorial House is dedicated to one of the premier leaders of the city, M.G Ramachandran Kamaraj. The memorial was inaugurated on 15th July 1978. The veteran rose to the power as Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu thrice. The great leader rose out of the poverty and lead the state to new heights during his political career. The second floor of the House also displays a number of his belongings, like luxuriant Felicitation Shawls, his simple attire, his suitcases, timepiece, pens and utensils. One of the prized possessions of this exhibition is the prison coat, worn by him while serving term in prison in the year 1942. The displayed personal effects of Kamaraj include his spectacles, a spool tape player and even a Gillette shaving set. Apart from this, there are also pictures showing the leader in different moods.
High Court	Top^
The High Court of Chennai is one of the three courts set up in India during the reign of the Queen Victoria. These important buildings have deliberately been constructed in the Presidency Towns by the Letters Patent of the Queen. The honorable chief justice and the head of the Judiciary were all present at the time of the inauguration. High Court was established on June 26, 1892 under the guidance of the famed architect Henry Irwin, this red Indo-Saracenic structure at Parry's corner is Chennai's main landmark. It is believed to be one of the second largest judicial buildings in the world. This complex houses the High Court, the small Cause's Court and the City Civil Court. It is considered to be one of the three High Courts of india. It is time-honored at Presidency Towns by Letters Patent granted by Queen Victoria. The authority of Chennai High Court extends to Tamil Nadu and Pondicherry. Red sand stone construction, Ornamental decorations on the walls, stained glass windows and minarets add beauty to this building. The compound has a pyramid shape tomb, which belongs to the only son of Elihu Yale, who died in infancy. A fine example is Court No 13, which has stained glass, fretted wood work, carved furniture, silvered panels and a painted ceiling. Entry - Monday to Saturday from 10 to 5 with guided tour for Rs.10. It is situated at Netaji Subash Chandra Bose Road, just north of St.George fort.
Thousand Lights Mosque	Top^
The Thousand Lights Mosque lies close to the Anna flyover on the Anna Salai Road in Chennai. The mosque is located in the Royapettah township in the capital city of Tamil Nadu. Some important nearby regions include the Teynampet and Nungambakkam. The mosque represents one of the popular medieval architectural style building. The structure is multi domed building with two exalting minarets. The minarets reach to height of 64 feet above the ground. The structure is painted with the sayings from the Muslim holy book, the Koran. A main hall is provided in the ground floor for offering prayers. There is a separate room for women. The two rooms on the second floor have been designed to represent the sanctuary. These rooms are called as Bargah. The place does not constitute a burial site. However, the wooden planks on the second floor are held to represent the harems (sanctuary) of Imam Hossein and Abolfazl-al-Abbas. The mosque is a famous pilgrimage place for the Shias of India, especially from South India.
Elliot's Beach	Top^
Located in Besant Nagar, Elliot's Beach is just 60 kms away from Chennai. One can reach Elliot's Beach simply by following the road along the coast towards south from Marina beach. Elliot's Beach is one such beach where one won't be able to resist spending hours relaxing. Come make sand palaces or walk holding hands of your beloved on Elliot's Beach in Chennai. Get to know more about Elliot's Beach during Chennai Tours. From fast food joints to small stores and a few shrines, you will see it all on Elliot's Beach in Chennai. Considered as one of the most popular hangout place in Chennai, Elliot's Beach was once a favorite among foreigners who came here to seek a peaceful time while sun bathing. Also known as, 'Bessie', Elliot's Beach won't fail to enchant you during Chennai Tours.
Covelong Beach	Top^
Covelong Beach is one of the most popular beach on the Coromandel Coast. In the yester years Covelong was the renowned port of the Nawabs of the Carnatic. It is located at a distance of 40 km from Chennai. The beach is situated amidst picturesque locales and serves as the perfect retreat, away from the hum drum of the city life. Covelong is a small hamlet which presents an ideal blend of sun, sand and sea. This has made the beach a sought after tourist destination in every season. It is flanked by beautiful palm trees and white sands. Moreover, a lot of fishing activity also takes place on the Covelong Beach, which is a treat for the eyes in such a serene setting. As per the historical background of the place, it was once the port of the Nawabs of the Carnatic. It is said that Saadat Ali, Nawab of Carnatic, built the ancient port of Covelong. However, with fast pacing developmental activities, the Covelong Beach has become a top beach resort in the state of Tamil Nadu.
Guindy National Park	Top^
The Guindy National Park, 2.70 sq.KM wide is unique in more ways than one. It has the rarest vegetation type - the tropical dry evergreen vegetation. It is one of the smallest national parks and is situated right in the heart of a metropolitan city - Chennai. But perhaps the best of all is that it has a role in both ex-situ and in-situ conservation. Guindy National Park is home to 400 black bucks, 2000 spotted deer, 24 jackals, a variety of snakes, geckos, a wide variety of snakes tortoises, geckos and over 100 species of birds, over 60 species of butterflies and spiders each, a wealth of different invertebrates-grasshoppers, ants, termites, carbs, snails, slugs, scorpions, mites, spiders, earthworms, millipedes, etc., These are free-ranging fauna and live with the minimal of interference from human beings. The only major management activity is protection as in other in situ conseration area. The park boasts of over 350 species of plants, and form a natural destination for botanists. There is an interesting story behind the Guindy National Park. The present day Guindy Park was actually a hunting preserve in its early days and belonged to a British citizen named Gilbert Rodericks. After his death the Government of Madras purchased it in the year 1821 and later in 1910, it was declared as a reserved forest.
Guindy Snake Park	Top^
The snake park is located at guindy, Chennai. This is next to the children's park in guindy, chennai. This is one of the beautiful and tourist place located in the heart of the chennai. It is nearer by Anna University, Gandhi mandapam, Governor Office, Cancer Institute and Tamilnadu science & technology centre. It is a quite peaceful place where the people can take a walk around and take their own rest inside the snake park. It is maintained by Chennai Snake Park Trust. Snake Park is the beautiful place where we can see more snakes, Crocodiles, Tortoise, Chameleon and Bengal monitor inside. There are different varieties of snakes namely Indian Rock Python, Reticulated Python, Common Sand Boa, Red Sand Boa, Common trinket Snake, Indian Rat Snake, Common Bronze back Tree Snake, Common Wolf Snake, Checkered Keel back, Striped Keelback, Hump-Nosed Pitviper, Common Vine Snake, Common Cat Snake, Common Krait, Spectacled Cobra, Russell's Viper, Saw Scaled Viper, Hook Nosed Sea Snake, Annulated Sea Snake, Dog-faced Water Snake, Black and Yellow Sea Snake.
Kishkinta park	Top^
Kishkinta Park is a Theme Park set in 120 acres of specially landscaped hills and lakes. Thirty minutes south of Chennai City, the park is situated five kilometres west of Tambaram Bus stand and Suburban train station. The design philosophy behind this green clad leisure center is simple - new and wholesome family entertainment. Kishkinta ia a household name and the favorite fun destination for kids from six to sixty. Kishkinta, a theme water park with exciting dry rides is an ideal destination for family and group entertainment. The amusements, attractions, water games and rides, make Kishkinta India's No. 1 Theme Park . Water Valcano : You cn see 5 lakh litres of water gushing out in 5 seconds with all the sound and visual effects of huge waves, earthquake , mist etc. You will just standby with a gaping mouth. WavePool : This is a new addition, I suppose . This has got waves but no sand and salt water. Fresh water with waves, enjoy yourselves have a rollicking day. Slides : This is a water slide about 180 ft long and has 6 tracks, starting at the top of a hill. You can just slide along with the water, young and old seem to like this very much. Many participate as families and slide together to just fall into the Pool in a thump. Rain Disco : There are 12 raining monkey statues which squirt water at you while you rock and twist( really I mean twist as there is water underneath your feet) with the music played at 10000 watts supplemented by Digital controller dual CD player.
Armenian Church	Top^
Armenian church is another excellent and old Chennai church. If you plan tour to Chennai church you should not miss Armenian church. Armenian church is a white facade and Dutch gable in Georgetown. It has spacious ground, a squat belfry in the middle. It is ancient, built in 1772 by American merchants. The belfry houses six beautiful bells which still peal each morning to summon the faithful – one solitary Armenian family who double as caretakers. The Armenian Church complex at Chennai consists of a small chapel and belfry tower. The bells contained in the tower makes up the key attraction of the place. A total of six bells are provided in the tower. The bells at Armenian Church are believed to be the largest and heaviest in the city suburbs, each weighing about 200 kgs. The bells belong to different eras and were casted at different points of time.
MGR Film City	Top^
The MGR Film City, established in 1994 in memory of MG Ramachandran, popular film actor and longtime Chief Minister of Tamilnadu, is managed by the Government of Tamil Nadu. Covering 70 acres at Taramani in Chennai, the MGR Film City was a popular tourist spot and the setting of several South Indian films. It is just 10 km from Meenambakkam Airport and along the route to Mahabalipuram. The film city has a film school, indoor and outdoor shooting locations, replicas of village and urban areas, temple, church, mosque, post office, police station, prison, court room, and landscaped gardens in Italian, Japanese and Mughal styles. Research facilities for information technology and communications are being provided by the Indian Institute of Technology in these premises. The recently opened MGR Knowledge Park adds to the attraction.
Marina Beach	Top^
Marina Beach is said to be amongst the longest beaches in Asia with a 13 km long stretch of golden sands lining the city's east coast, from Fort St. George all the way to Mahabalipuram. The beach front is lined with beautiful statues, historic buildings and monumental edifices which are government offices and educational institutions. Lovely artificial fountains set against landscaped gardens and parks add to the charm of the beach front. This beach was given a makeover by Governor Mountstuart Elphinstone Grant Duff in the early 1880's, and is Chennai's major tourist attraction today. Adjacent to the Bay of Bengal, Chennai has one of the loveliest beaches in India. A walk along the Marina, whether in the morning or evening, re-energizes one. The old buildings dotting the other side of Kamarajar Salai, a main road along the Marina, bring back memories of good old British Raj. The Senate House of the University of Madras and the old buildings now housing government offices, such as Ezhilagam and the Director General of Police office. They wear a mysterious look in the morning when the Sun rises.