A doorway to Tamil Nadu’s heritage and lifestyle, this capital city is home to a beautiful mix of temples, churches and beaches. With many options to add on the must see list like Marina Beach, Museums, Kapaleeshwarar Temple, Santhome Church, Iskcon Temple, Thousand Lights Mosque, Arignar Anna Zoological Park, Chembarambakkam Lake, Guindy National Park, one is bound to spend more time outdoors here in the city. The array of attractions ranging from the traditional temples to scenic beaches keep the travellers curious and engaged. You can spend a day at the Marina Beach, indulge in local food, shop for handicrafts at Pondy Bazaar, Anna Salai, Mylapore or simply enjoy at modern malls in the city.
A doorway to Tamil Nadu’s heritage and lifestyle, this capital city is home to a beautiful mix of temples, churches and beaches. With many options to add on the must see list like Marina Beach, Museums, Kapaleeshwarar Temple, Santhome Church, Iskcon Temple, Thousand Lights Mosque, Arignar Anna Zoological Park, Chembarambakkam Lake, Guindy National Park, one is bound to spend more time outdoors here in the city. The array of attractions ranging from the traditional temples to scenic beaches keep the travellers curious and engaged. You can spend a day at the Marina Beach, indulge in local food, shop for handicrafts at Pondy Bazaar, Anna Salai, Mylapore or simply enjoy at modern malls in the city. The beautifully carved temples of Sri Parthasarathy and Kapaleeshwar become a sight to behold standing tall amidst the city in all its majestic splendor. One can also visit the Connemara Library home to rare literary works and artistic decor. If books don't fascinate you, the decor of the library definitely will. You can also spend time catching fishes at the Royapuram fishing harbour or simply capture the locals doing it. Going beyond the shopping and temples, the city also offers many adrenaline pumping activities like surfing, paragliding, river rafting, scuba diving, rock climbing etc. With so much to do its best to pick your favourites and dive in all the experiences this state has to offer.
Eye-Catching Places to Visit in Chennai
Marina Beach
The longest beach in India, it stretches over 13 kms along the Bay of Bengal. This urban beach attracts most of the crowd being the second largest beach in the world. Lined with palms all the way from Fort St. George to Besant Nagar, the endless sight of beach and the sea meeting the sky is a memory to behold. On the southern end of the beach there is also an aquarium, swimming pool and park to keep the kids engaged. A historic lighthouse at the end also makes a postcard worthy picture. The place is brimming with delicious sea food stalls, pony rides, kite flying sessions
The longest beach in India, it stretches over 13 kms along the Bay of Bengal. This urban beach attracts most of the crowd being the second largest beach in the world. Lined with palms all the way from Fort St. George to Besant Nagar, the endless sight of beach and the sea meeting the sky is a memory to behold. On the southern end of the beach there is also an aquarium, swimming pool and park to keep the kids engaged. A historic lighthouse at the end also makes a postcard worthy picture. The place is brimming with delicious sea food stalls, pony rides, kite flying sessions making it an enjoyable stroll along the ocean. Many also visit early in the morning to capture the majestic sunrise from Marina Beach.
Kapaleeshwar Temple
Standing tall at a height of 37 metres with intricately carved architecture, this temple holds prime importance in the southern culture. The Dravidian style of temple construction which is well-known in South Indian cities, and Kapaleeshwar temple is a prime example. The temple is devoted to the deities Shiva and Karpagambal, hosts a festival every March and April that draws thousands of devotees. Another interesting location is Asl, a large tank filled with water that has religious significance and was once used as a water storage facility.
Standing tall at a height of 37 metres with intricately carved architecture, this temple holds prime importance in the southern culture. The Dravidian style of temple construction which is well-known in South Indian cities, and Kapaleeshwar temple is a prime example. The temple is devoted to the deities Shiva and Karpagambal, hosts a festival every March and April that draws thousands of devotees. Another interesting location is Asl, a large tank filled with water that has religious significance and was once used as a water storage facility.
San Thome Church
The gleaming white cathedral can be spotted far from the street. A memoir of India’s colonial heritage, the church attracts visitors from all backgrounds because of its architecture. Be it inside or out, you are bound to look for the intricate details in designing. There is also a museum, a library that takes you deeper in the history of its construction. Further, there are also many vendors who sell candles and flowers for the visitors.
The gleaming white cathedral can be spotted far from the street. A memoir of India’s colonial heritage, the church attracts visitors from all backgrounds because of its architecture. Be it inside or out, you are bound to look for the intricate details in designing. There is also a museum, a library that takes you deeper in the history of its construction. Further, there are also many vendors who sell candles and flowers for the visitors.
Vadapalani Murugan Temple
The Vadapalani Murugan Temple is a beautiful Hindu temple that dates back to roughly 125 years. It is known as Vadapalani Temple, which means Northern Palani Temple, since the idol of Lord Muruga is the same as in Palani temple, which is located in the southern region of the state. Several devotees come to this ancient location of worship in pursuit of Lord Murugan's blessings. Every year, almost 7000 marriage ceremonies take place within the famous temple's grounds. Like other temples in the city, its architecture and historical significance attracts many.
The Vadapalani Murugan Temple is a beautiful Hindu temple that dates back to roughly 125 years. It is known as Vadapalani Temple, which means Northern Palani Temple, since the idol of Lord Muruga is the same as in Palani temple, which is located in the southern region of the state. Several devotees come to this ancient location of worship in pursuit of Lord Murugan's blessings. Every year, almost 7000 marriage ceremonies take place within the famous temple's grounds. Like other temples in the city, its architecture and historical significance attracts many.
Ashtalaxmi Temple
This is the only temple devoted to Goddess Mahalakshmi on Tamil Nadu's east coast, and it is located on the beautiful Besant Beach. The idols of Dashavatara, Ganesha, and Guruvayoorappan can be seen. The architecture's splendour rests in its 'OM' shaped design, making it one of Chennai's most captivating sites to visit. The beauty of the place comes alive during festivals like Navaratri, Diwali, and Pongal. One should not miss the evening puja, which is a very tranquil event enhanced by the fresh sea breeze.
This is the only temple devoted to Goddess Mahalakshmi on Tamil Nadu's east coast, and it is located on the beautiful Besant Beach. The idols of Dashavatara, Ganesha, and Guruvayoorappan can be seen. The architecture's splendour rests in its 'OM' shaped design, making it one of Chennai's most captivating sites to visit. The beauty of the place comes alive during festivals like Navaratri, Diwali, and Pongal. One should not miss the evening puja, which is a very tranquil event enhanced by the fresh sea breeze.
Breezy Beach
This picturesque beach, located in the tranquil suburbs of Valmiki Nagar, provides the ideal coastal vacation away from the more crowded beaches. This is one of Chennai's cleanest beaches, and it's ideal for a family outing. Walking along the beach at dawn and sunset are truly a must have experience. There are also numerous restaurants and shacks that serve some delicious local foods that you might relish. You can also visit the Thiruvanmiyur market close by to witness the local lifestyle.
This picturesque beach, located in the tranquil suburbs of Valmiki Nagar, provides the ideal coastal vacation away from the more crowded beaches. This is one of Chennai's cleanest beaches, and it's ideal for a family outing. Walking along the beach at dawn and sunset are truly a must have experience. There are also numerous restaurants and shacks that serve some delicious local foods that you might relish. You can also visit the Thiruvanmiyur market close by to witness the local lifestyle.
Mouthwatering Meals of Chennai
One of India’s oldest and culturally diverse cities, Chennai or what was known as Madras surely offers a wide range of dishes to surprise your taste buds. While the traditional south Indian dishes like idlis (steamed dish), dosas (crispy wafer filled with potato filling) and sambhar (lentil vegetable stew) are available at every street corner, the classic Indian recipes can be found thriving in restaurants. Very well known for its unique street vendors and their quality dishes you must not miss out on dishes like Idli, Dosa, Appam, Vada, Upma, Sambhar, Parotha, Chettinad Chicken, Pepper Chicken, Chicken Stew, Sweet Pongal, Kesari, Payasam, and more. On the other hand the new age restaurants are taking classic recipes to the next level with a perfect blend of spices and sauces.
One of India’s oldest and culturally diverse cities, Chennai or what was known as Madras surely offers a wide range of dishes to surprise your taste buds. While the traditional south Indian dishes like idlis (steamed dish), dosas (crispy wafer filled with potato filling) and sambhar (lentil vegetable stew) are available at every street corner, the classic Indian recipes can be found thriving in restaurants. Very well known for its unique street vendors and their quality dishes you must not miss out on dishes like Idli, Dosa, Appam, Vada, Upma, Sambhar, Parotha, Chettinad Chicken, Pepper Chicken, Chicken Stew, Sweet Pongal, Kesari, Payasam, and more. On the other hand the new age restaurants are taking classic recipes to the next level with a perfect blend of spices and sauces. The most common dish to try out on the streets is Bhajji, fried onion and potato which introduce perfect tang to your palette once matched with chutney. A spiral Murruku sandwich and Puttu with curry also make up for good breakfast options to try. Majorly the locals end their food with the classic Filter coffee. Its known filter coffee as it is made in a special way by blending the coffee with milk, it’s a must try when down South and often becomes addictive. Due to its roots as a British hub during their reign, it also has some classic recipes that took a traditional turn along the way like Mulligatawny soup, a traditional coconut soup where cooks added British herbs and spices. Chennai’s Burmese connection, when a large number of Tamilians left for Burma shows in a dish called Atho, fried noodles tossed with cabbage, onion and tamarind juice. As you keep exploring the state, more dishes come to the surface that will take you on a tasteful journey.
Activities Not to Be Missed in Chennai
Excursions from the city
Visiting Mahabalipuram
Trip to Pondicherry
Temple city of Kanchipuram
Pulicat Lake and Bird Sanctuary
Shopping at Chennai
One should not skip on shopping while travelling as it makes up for some memorable souvenirs back home. Chennai also has a lot to offer being a vibrant commercial centre. Local shops sell traditional products such as Pattamadai mats and metal works from Thanjavur; stone carvings from Mamallapuram; bronze, brass castings and traditional jewellery from Kumbakonam; leaf handicrafts from Tirunelveli; and silks from Kanchipuram. On the other hand, the state of the art enormous malls feature both global and domestic brands to attract the new age traveller.
One should not skip on shopping while travelling as it makes up for some memorable souvenirs back home. Chennai also has a lot to offer being a vibrant commercial centre. Local shops sell traditional products such as Pattamadai mats and metal works from Thanjavur; stone carvings from Mamallapuram; bronze, brass castings and traditional jewellery from Kumbakonam; leaf handicrafts from Tirunelveli; and silks from Kanchipuram. On the other hand, the state of the art enormous malls feature both global and domestic brands to attract the new age traveller. Some of the most popular markets are T. Nagar for sarees and gold jewellery, Pondy Bazaar for trendy footwear, clothes and accessories, Panagal Park for sarees and jewellery, Kottivakkam for a mix of traditional shops and modern malls. It is best to explore your interests and see what you would like to purchase as souvenirs.
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