Top 10 tourist Spots in Chennai
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 tourist spots in this captivating coastal city that you absolutely shouldn’t 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.
Let’s get into the blog!
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.
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.
Google rating: 4.3 based on 56,936 reviews
Type of place: Beach
Timings: Throughout the day
Time Required: 2-3 hours
Entry Fee: Free
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.
Google rating: 4.2 based on 4615 reviews
Location: Rajaji Rd, near Legislature and Secretariat, Fort St George, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600009
Contact number: 04425671127
Type of place: Fort
Timings: 9 am – 5 pm, Friday holiday
Time Required: less than an hour
Entry Fee: ₹15 for Indians
₹200 for foreign tourists
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.
Google rating: 4.7 based on 14,580 reviews
Location: 38, Santhome High Rd, Dummingkuppam, Mylapore, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600004
Contact number: 04424985455
Type of place: Shrine
Timings: 6 am – 9 pm
Entry Fee: Free
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.
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.
Google rating: 4.2 based on 66,401 reviews
Location: Grand Southern Trunk Rd, Vandalur, Tamil Nadu 600048
Contact number: 04429542301
Type of place: Zoo
Timings: 9 am – 5 pm, closed on Tuesdays
Time Required: 3 – 4 hrs.
Entry Fee: Adults- INR 50
Children below 2 years- Free
Children aged 2-12 years- INR 20
Cameras- INR 25
Zoo round (Adult): INR 100
Zoo round (Child): INR 50
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.
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.
Google rating: 4.1 based on 2,589 reviews
Location: Gandhi Mandapam Road, Duraisamy Nagar, Kotturpuram, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600025
Contact number: 04424410025
Type of place: Planetarium
Timings: 10 am – 5:45 pm
Time Required: 3 – 4 hrs.
Entry Fee: ₹100 per person
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.
Google rating: 4.3 based on 15,853 reviews
Location: Government Museum, Pantheon Rd, Egmore, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600008
Type of place: Museum
Timings: 9:30 am – 5 pm
Time Required: 1– 2 hrs.
Fee: Adult ₹15
Children ₹10
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.
Google rating: 4.4 based on 265 reviews
Location: 257V+JH5, Mount Poonamalle High Road, Nandambakkam, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600032
Type of place: War Cemetery
Timing: 10:30 AM – 6:00 PM
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.
Google rating: 4.4 based on 7,294 reviews
Location: Besant Nagar, Chennai, India
Type of place: Beach
Entry Fee: Free
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 you’ll ever witness.
Google rating: 4.6 based on 8923 reviews
Location: Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu 603104
Type of place: Historical Monuments & Archaeological
SiteTimings: 6 am – 6 pm, Open all days
Time Required: 2–3 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.
Google rating: 4.0 based on 81 reviews
Location: Valluvar Kottam High Rd, Tirumurthy Nagar, Nungambakkam, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600034
Type of place: Museum
Timings: 8:30 am – 5:30 pm
Time Required: 1– 2 hrs.
Entry Fee: Adults: INR 3
Kids: INR 2
