Top 10 tourist Spots in ChennaiĀ
Hello travelers! Chennai, a city with a deep history and diverse culture, has a charm to captivate anyone who visits it. From mesmerizing beaches to awe-inspiring historical monuments, it has something for everyone. Whether you love exploring ancient stories, enjoying peaceful green spaces, or soaking up the vibrant beach life, Chennai will draw you in. Let me take you on a virtual journey to discover the top 10 touristĀ spots in this captivating coastal city that you absolutely shouldnāt miss.
And for those looking for more off-the-beaten-path experiences, don’t forget to check out our previous article on the Top 10 Most Unseen Spots in Chennai.Ā
Let’s get into the blog!Ā
List of top 10 tourist spots in Chennai
1. Marina Beach
Marina Beach is the second longest urban beach in the world, Stretching for a majestic 13 kilometres (about 8.08 mi). The historical landmarks of Anna Memorial, M.G.R. Memorial, Amma Memorial, Kalaignar
Memorial, and the imposing lighthouse are located here.Ā Ā
Here you get to Witness traditional games like kite flying, horse riding, and sand art, experiencing the essence of Chennai’s culture. You will also meet vendors selling delicious street food, souvenirs, and handcrafted trinkets. Perfect for leisurely walks, soaking up the sun, and enjoying the Bay of Bengal’s breeze.Ā
Google rating: 4.3 based on 56,936 reviewsĀ
Type of place: BeachĀ
Timings: Throughout the dayĀ
Time Required: 2-3 hoursĀ
Entry Fee: FreeĀ
2. Fort St. George Museum
Fort St. George is a historical landmark Built in 1644 by the British East India Company Today, the fort houses the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly signifying its continued relevance in the political sphere. Within the Fort walls lies the fort museum, which holds artifacts, portraits, and exhibits that narrate the fort’s rich history and its role in India’s independence struggle.Ā
Google rating: 4.2 based on 4615 reviewsĀ
Location: Rajaji Rd, near Legislature and Secretariat, Fort St George, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600009Ā
Contact number: 04425671127Ā
Type of place: FortĀ
Timings: 9 am ā 5 pm, Friday holidayĀ
Time Required: less than an hourĀ
Entry Fee: ā¹15 for IndiansĀ Ā
ā¹200 for foreign touristsĀ
3. Santhome Cathedral Basilica
Santhome Cathedral Basilica, also known as St. Thomas Cathedral Basilica, is a significant landmark in Chennai with a rich historical and religious significance. Built over the tomb of St. Thomas, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ, the cathedral is a place of pilgrimage for many, especially for the Syrian Christians of India. The church’s history dates back to the arrival of St. Thomas in India around 52 AD, and his remains are believed to lie underneath the present structure. The basilica itself was built in the 16th century by Portuguese explorers and later rebuilt by the British in a Gothic Revival architectural style in 1896.Ā
Google rating: 4.7 based on 14,580 reviewsĀ Ā
Location: 38, Santhome High Rd, Dummingkuppam, Mylapore, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600004Ā
Contact number: 04424985455Ā
Type of place: ShrineĀ
Timings:Ā 6 am ā 9 pmĀ
Entry Fee: FreeĀ
4. Arignar Anna Zoological Park
Arignar Anna Zoological Park, also known as Vandalur Zoo, is located in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, and stands as the first public zoo in India, established in 1855. Named after the Tamil politician Annadurai, the zoo is a sanctuary for various species, focusing on conservation, education, and research aimed at wildlife appreciation and preservation.Ā
The park houses a diverse range of animals, including endangered species like the Bengal tiger, white tiger, and Nilgiri macaque, as well as exotic creatures such as emus and cassowaries. Visitors can explore different sections like a butterfly house, a reptile house, and more, offering a closer look at various animal habitats.Ā
Google rating: 4.2 based on 66,401 reviewsĀ Ā Ā
Location: Grand Southern Trunk Rd, Vandalur, Tamil Nadu 600048Ā
Contact number: 04429542301Ā
Type of place: ZooĀ
Timings:Ā 9 am ā 5 pm, closed on TuesdaysĀ
Time Required: 3 ā 4 hrs.Ā
Entry Fee: Adults- INR 50Ā
Children below 2 years- FreeĀ
Children aged 2-12 years- INR 20Ā
Cameras- INR 25Ā
Zoo round (Adult): INR 100Ā
Zoo round (Child): INR 50Ā
5. B.M. Birla Planetarium
The B.M. Birla Planetarium in Chennai was Established in 1983 and inaugurated in 1988 by then-President R Venkataraman, the planetarium is part of the Periyar Science and Technology Centre campus in Kotturpuram.Ā
The planetarium offers a range of sky shows in both English and Tamil, covering topics like the Solar System, eclipses, the Earth, and man’s expeditions to the moon, among others. These shows are designed to educate and inspire visitors about the wonders of the universe.Ā
Google rating: 4.1 based on 2,589 reviewsĀ Ā Ā Ā
Location: Gandhi Mandapam Road, Duraisamy Nagar, Kotturpuram, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600025Ā
Contact number: 04424410025Ā Ā
Type of place: PlanetariumĀ
Timings:Ā 10 am ā 5:45 pmĀ
Time Required: 3 ā 4 hrs.Ā Ā
Entry Fee: ā¹100 per personĀ
6. Government Museum Chennai
The Government Museum, Chennai, also known as the Madras Museum, was Established in 1851, it’s the second oldest museum in India and boasts a staggering collection spanning archaeology, anthropology, numismatics, and art. Here’s a glimpse into what awaits you: sculptures, bronzes, and artifacts dating back to the Indus Valley Civilization, Pallava, Chola, and Vijayanagara empires. Be mesmerised by the majestic Nataraja bronze, a symbol of cosmic dance.Ā
Google rating: 4.3 based on 15,853 reviewsĀ Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā
Location: Government Museum, Pantheon Rd, Egmore, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600008Ā
Ā Type of place: MuseumĀ Ā Ā
Timings: 9:30 am ā 5 pmĀ Ā Ā Ā
Time Required: 1ā 2 hrs.Ā Ā Ā
Fee: Adult ā¹15Ā
Children ā¹10Ā Ā
7. Madras War Cemetery
The Madras War Cemetery was established in 1952 by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission to honour the memory of Commonwealth service people who died in the Second World War. The cemetery is beautifully maintained and contains the graves of 856 soldiers from various countries. It also has a war memorial for those who died in the First World War. The cemetery also hosts the Armistice Day homage annually on November 11, a day of remembrance and respect for the war dead.Ā
Google rating: 4.4 based on 265 reviewsĀ Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā
Location: 257V+JH5, Mount Poonamalle High Road, Nandambakkam, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600032Ā
Ā Type of place: War CemeteryĀ Ā
Ā Timing: 10:30 AM ā 6:00 PMĀ
8. Edward Elliot's Beach
Edward Elliot’s Beach also known as Besant Nagar Beach was Named after Edward Elliot, a key colonial administrator, this beach is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. It features attractions like the Annai Vailankanni Church and the Ashtalakshmi Temple nearby, making it a cultural landmark. The beach is known for its cleanliness and safety, with facilities including a police outpost for visitors’ protection.Ā
Google rating: 4.4 based on 7,294 reviewsĀ
Location: Besant Nagar, Chennai, IndiaĀ
Type of place: BeachĀ
Entry Fee: FreeĀ
9. Mahabalipuram
Mahabalipuram, also known as Mamallapuram, is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most impressive historical places near Chennai. Famous for its rock-cut temples and intricate carvings, Mahabalipuram was an important seaport during the Pallava dynasty in the 7th and 8th centuries. Here you can explore the magnificent Shore Temple, the Five Rathas, and the breathtaking Descent of the Ganges bas-relief. The temples showcase some of the finest Dravidian architecture youāll ever witness.
Google rating: 4.6 based on 8923 reviews
Location: Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu 603104
Type of place: Historical Monuments & ArchaeologicalĀ
SiteTimings: 6 am ā 6 pm, Open all days
Time Required: 2ā3 hrs.
Entry Fee: Adults – INR 40 (Indian nationals), Foreigners – INR 600
Parking: INR 30 for cars
10. Valluvar Kottam
Valluvar Kottam is a grand chariot-shaped monument dedicated to the revered Tamil poet and philosopher, Thiruvalluvar. The 1330 couplets of the Thirukkural are carved on the walls of the monument, making it a treasure trove of wisdom for visitors to explore. The monument was built in 1976 and is 39 metres high. The monument is surrounded by a park with a library, an auditorium, and a museum. The monument is a popular tourist destination and is often visited by students, scholars, and tourists from all over the world.Ā
Google rating: 4.0 based on 81 reviewsĀ Ā Ā Ā Ā
Location: Valluvar Kottam High Rd, Tirumurthy Nagar, Nungambakkam, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600034Ā
Type of place: MuseumĀ
Timings:Ā 8:30 am ā 5:30 pmĀ Ā
Time Required: 1ā 2 hrs.Ā Ā Ā
Entry Fee: Adults: INR 3
Kids: INR 2Ā
Š¦ŠøŠŗŠ»Š¾Š½Š½ŃŠµ ŃŠøŠ»ŃŃŃŃ Š“Š»Ń ŃŃŃŠ¾ŠøŃŠµŠ»ŃŠ½ŃŃ ŠæŃŠ»ŠµŃŠ¾ŃŠ¾Š²: ŠŗŠ°Šŗ Š²ŃŠ±ŃŠ°ŃŃ Š»ŃŃŃŠøŠ¹?, Š²ŃŃ.
ŠŃŠµŠøŠ¼ŃŃŠµŃŃŠ²Š° ŃŠøŠŗŠ»Š¾Š½Š½Š¾Š³Š¾ ŃŠøŠ»ŃŃŃŠ° Š“Š»Ń Š²Š°ŃŠµŠ³Š¾ ŠæŃŠ»ŠµŃŠ¾ŃŠ°, ŠøŠ·ŃŃŠøŃŠµ.
Š¢Š¾Šæ ŃŠøŠŗŠ»Š¾Š½Š½ŃŃ ŃŠøŠ»ŃŃŃŠ¾Š² Š“Š»Ń ŠŗŠ°ŃŠµŃŃŠ²ŠµŠ½Š½Š¾Š¹ ŃŠ±Š¾ŃŠŗŠø, Š½Š°ŃŠµŠ¹ ŠøŠ½ŃŃŃŃŠŗŃŠøŠµŠ¹.
Š¦ŠøŠŗŠ»Š¾Š½Š½ŃŠ¹ ŃŠøŠ»ŃŃŃ: ŠŗŠ°Šŗ ŃŃŠ¾ ŃŠ°Š±Š¾ŃŠ°ŠµŃ?, ŃŠ°Š·Š½Š¾Š¾Š±ŃŠ°Š·ŠøŠµ Š²Š°ŃŠøŠ°Š½ŃŠ¾Š².
Š£ŃŃŠ°Š½Š¾Š²ŠŗŠ° Šø Š¾Š±ŃŠ»ŃŠ¶ŠøŠ²Š°Š½ŠøŠµ ŃŠøŠŗŠ»Š¾Š½Š½Š¾Š³Š¾ ŃŠøŠ»ŃŃŃŠ°, ŠæŠ¾Š“ŃŠ¾Š±Š½Š¾ŃŃŠø.
Š¦ŠøŠŗŠ»Š¾Š½Š½ŃŠµ ŃŠøŠ»ŃŃŃŃ: ŃŃŠ¾ Š½ŃŠ¶Š½Š¾ Š·Š½Š°ŃŃ?, ŠøŠ·ŃŃŠ°Š¹ŃŠµ.
Š¦ŠøŠŗŠ»Š¾Š½Š½ŃŠµ ŃŠøŠ»ŃŃŃŃ Šø ŠøŃ Š²Š»ŠøŃŠ½ŠøŠµ Š½Š° ŠŗŠ°ŃŠµŃŃŠ²Š¾ ŃŠ±Š¾ŃŠŗŠø, ŠøŠ·ŃŃŠ°Š¹ŃŠµ.
ŠŠ°Šŗ Š²ŃŠ±ŃŠ°ŃŃ ŠøŠ“ŠµŠ°Š»ŃŠ½ŃŠ¹ ŃŠøŠŗŠ»Š¾Š½Š½ŃŠ¹ ŃŠøŠ»ŃŃŃ?, Š²ŃŠµ ŠæŠ»ŃŃŃ Šø Š¼ŠøŠ½ŃŃŃ.
Š£Ń Š¾Š“ Š·Š° ŃŠøŠŗŠ»Š¾Š½Š½ŃŠ¼ ŃŠøŠ»ŃŃŃŠ¾Š¼: ŃŠ¾Š²ŠµŃŃ, Š»ŃŃŃŠøŠµ ŠæŃŠ°ŠŗŃŠøŠŗŠø.
ŠŠ»ŃŃŃ ŃŠøŠŗŠ»Š¾Š½Š½Š¾Š³Š¾ ŃŠøŠ»ŃŃŃŠ° Š“Š»Ń ŃŃŃŠ¾ŠøŃŠµŠ»ŃŠ½Š¾Š³Š¾ ŠæŃŠ»ŠµŃŠ¾ŃŠ°, ŃŠ·Š½Š°Š¹ŃŠµ Š¾.
Š”ŠµŠŗŃŠµŃŃ Š²ŃŠ±Š¾ŃŠ° ŃŠøŠŗŠ»Š¾Š½Š½Š¾Š³Š¾ ŃŠøŠ»ŃŃŃŠ°, ŠæŠ¾Š·Š½Š°ŠŗŠ¾Š¼ŃŃŠµŃŃ.
ŠŃŠæŠ¾Š»ŃŠ·Š¾Š²Š°Š½ŠøŠµ ŃŠøŠŗŠ»Š¾Š½Š½Š¾Š³Š¾ ŃŠøŠ»ŃŃŃŠ°: ŃŃŠ¾ Š¾Š¶ŠøŠ“Š°ŃŃ?, Š¾ŃŠ½Š¾Š²Š½ŃŠµ ŃŃŠ½ŠŗŃŠøŠø.
Š¦ŠøŠŗŠ»Š¾Š½Š½ŃŠµ ŃŠøŠ»ŃŃŃŃ Š“Š»Ń ŃŃŃŠ¾Š¹ŠæŠ»Š¾ŃŠ°Š“Š¾Šŗ: Š²Š°ŃŠø ŠæŃŠµŠøŠ¼ŃŃŠµŃŃŠ²Š°, Š²ŃŃŃŠ½ŠøŃŠµ.
Š¦ŠøŠŗŠ»Š¾Š½Š½ŃŠµ ŃŠøŠ»ŃŃŃŃ: ŠŗŠ°ŃŠµŃŃŠ²Š¾ Šø ŃŃŃŠµŠŗŃŠøŠ²Š½Š¾ŃŃŃ, ŃŠ°Š·Š½ŃŠµ ŃŠµŃ Š½Š¾Š»Š¾Š³ŠøŠø.
ŠŠ°Šŗ ŃŠøŠŗŠ»Š¾Š½Š½ŃŠ¹ ŃŠøŠ»ŃŃŃ ŃŠ»ŃŃŃŠ°ŠµŃ ŠŗŠ°ŃŠµŃŃŠ²Š¾ ŃŠ±Š¾ŃŠŗŠø?, Ń Š½Š°ŃŠøŠ¼ Š°Š½Š°Š»ŠøŠ·Š¾Š¼.
ŠŠ°Šŗ Š²ŃŠ±ŃŠ°ŃŃ ŠæŃŠ°Š²ŠøŠ»ŃŠ½ŃŠ¹ ŃŠøŠŗŠ»Š¾Š½Š½ŃŠ¹ ŃŠøŠ»ŃŃŃ?, Š¾Š±ŃŃŠ¶Š“Š°ŠµŠ¼.
Š¦ŠøŠŗŠ»Š¾Š½Š½ŃŠµ ŃŠøŠ»ŃŃŃŃ: ŠæŠ»Š°ŃŠ° Š·Š° ŠŗŠ°ŃŠµŃŃŠ²Š¾?, Š²ŃŠµ Š½ŃŠ°Š½ŃŃ.
ŠŠ·ŃŃŠøŃŠµ, ŠŗŠ°Šŗ ŃŠøŠŗŠ»Š¾Š½Š½ŃŠ¹ ŃŠøŠ»ŃŃŃ ŃŠ»ŃŃŃŠ°ŠµŃ ŃŠ±Š¾ŃŠŗŃ, ŃŠ°ŃŃŠ¼Š°ŃŃŠøŠ²Š°ŠµŠ¼.
Š¦ŠøŠŗŠ»Š¾Š½Š½ŃŠ¹ ŃŠøŠ»ŃŃŃ: Š·Š°ŃŠµŠ¼ Š¾Š½ Š½ŃŠ¶ŠµŠ½?, Š¾Š·Š½Š°ŠŗŠ¾Š¼ŃŃŠµŃŃ.
ŃŠøŠŗŠ»Š¾Š½Š½ŃŠ¹ ŃŠøŠ»ŃŃŃ 110 wildberries.ru/catalog/353414029/detail.aspx .