THE TOURISM PLACES OF CHENNAI

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There are several tourist
attractions worth visiting in and
around Chennai. Stretched over
an area of 13 km, Marina Beach
isthe second longest beach in
the world. The St. George Fort,
built in 1653, is currently used as
the state government's
secretariat. Santhome Cathedral
was built around 14th/15th
century and is another colonial
structure worth visiting.
Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the
Kapaleeshwar Temple is the
oldest temple in Chennai. Another
importanttemple in the city
dedicated to Lord Krishna is
Parthsarthy Temple. The National
Art Gallery, initially known as
Victoria Memorial Hall, houses a
good collection of old paintings
and sculptures. The Snake Park
has a large collection of snakes
and many other reptiles. The
Theosophical Society is located in
large and tranquil gardens with
several shrines of different faiths
and a Serene Garden of
Remembrance. Nearby is the
Kalakshetra, which was founded
by Rukmini Devi Arundale for the
revival of Indian classical arts and
crafts traditions.
Parthsarthy Temple
The temple was built in the 8th
century by the Pallava kings of
South India. It was renovated by
the mighty Vijayanagar kings in
the 16th century. The temple,
situated in Triplicane, another
beach in Chennai and one of the
major harbours during Pallava
time, is famed for the beauty of
its gopuram (arched gateway)
and its architecture. The entire
locality is fashioned around the
temple.
Kapaleeshwar Temple
This temple was constructed in
the 13th century and is a living
example of the architectural skills
of the Dravidians. Situated in the
Malaypore area of Chennai, the
temple is the nucleus of the local
tank market and residential
quarters around it. The main
entrance facing east is painted in
red, blue and yellow with Puranic
legends sculpted on the sanctum
sanctorum.
Santhome Cathedral
Built over the tomb of apostle St.
Thomas, the Santhome Cathedral
is an important pilgrimage
centre. According to legends, St.
Thomas arrived in India from
Palestine in AD 52 and died after
26 year. The church was built
after a millennium, probably by
the Persian Christians, and his
remains were moved inside. The
church was refurbished in 1606
and made into a cathedral. Again,
in 1806, it was rebuilt as a
basilica. There is a museum in its
premises with a 16th-century
map of South Asia.
Fort St. George
The most powerful symbol of the
British Empire in its early days in
India, Fort St. George was the
first piece of real estate for
British in India. For many, it is still
unclear that why Sir Day (the
founder) choose this place to
build this important fort, leaving
many other picturesque locations
on the vast coastline of the Bay
of Bengal. The fort has a grey
granite exterior unlike the
Mughal forts that has lavish
ornamentation and luxury. It
housed barracks for the British
army, a parade ground, and the
oldest church of Chennai-the St.
Mary's Church.
Marina Beach
The beach extends from Fort St.
George all the way to
Mahabalipuram. The beach looks
spectacular at dusk when the
setting sun casts iridescent glow
and peddlers sell everything from
ice creams to roasted peanuts to
balloons. You can also read your
future from the fortune tellers
and palm readers who lure the
visitors by various means. Don't
try to show your swimming skills
here as the sea can get quite
rough here.
National Art Gallery
Built in 1906, the gallery is
situated in a splendid Indo-
Saracenic edifice. The building
was initially known as Victoria
Memorial Hall and was designed
by Henry Irwin. The eminent
historian Tillotson described it as
one of "the proudest expressions
of the Indo-Sarcenic movement".
There is a good collection of old
paintings and sculptures
including Tanjore paintings on
glass; Rajput and Mughal
miniature paintings; Deccan
paintings from 17th century; and
handcrafts, metalware, and ivory
carvings from 11th and 12th
century.
Other Attractions
The Snake Park situated in the
Guindy National Park in the Raj
Bhavan Estate has a large
collection of snakes and many
other reptiles.
The Theosophical Society was
founded by Madam Blavatsky and
Colonel Olcott in New York in
1875 and moved its
headquarters to Chennai in 1882.
The society is set in large and
tranquil gardens with several
shrines of different faiths and a
Serene Garden of Remembrance.
Kalakshetra, located around 1 km
from the Theosophical Society,
was founded by Rukmini Devi
Arundale for the revival of Indian
classical arts and crafts
traditions.
About Chennai
Introduction to Chennai
Attractions of Chennai
Chennai Sightseeing & Excursions
Culture of Chennai
Weather of Chennai
Rent-A-Car
Beach Resorts in Chennai
MGM Beach Resort
Shelter Beach Resort
Ideal Beach Resort
GRT Temple Bay
Golden Sun Hotel & Beach Resort
K.G. Emerald Beach Resort
Airport Hotels in Chennai
Hotel Le Royal Meridien
The Trident Hilton Hotel
Radisson Hotel
Business Hotels in Chennai
The Ambassador Pallava
The Park
The Trident Hilton Hotel
Taj Connemara
Suburb Hotels in Chennai
Park Sheraton & Towers
Chola Sheraton
GRT Grand Days
Benz Park Tulip
Ambassador Pallava
Savera Hotel
Breeze Hotel
Radha Park Inn
Pandian Hotel
Tour Packages from Chennai
South India Temple Tour
South India Ayurveda Tour
South India Temple and Beach Tour
Panaromic South India Tour
Andaman Island Tour
Things to do in Chennai
Nightlife in Chennai
Shopping in Chennai
Bars & Pubs in Chennai
more...
Sightseeing in Chennai
Birla Planetarium
Government Museum
Crocodile Bank
more...
Heritage Hotels in Chennai