Top 15 Must-Visit Tourist Places In Chennai

How to Reach Chennai?

By Air: Chennai International Airport stands as one of India’s major airports, offering connectivity to both domestic and international terminals. Travelers can effortlessly reach the airport and then opt for a cab to access any part of the city.

By Rail: Chennai Central railway station takes the spotlight as the primary railway hub in the city. Linked to various local railway stations in the vicinity of Chennai, it serves as a gateway accessible from all major cities across India. Regular train services from cities like Mumbai, Kolkata, and Delhi ensure convenient connectivity to Chennai daily.

By Road: Chennai is easily reachable by road, particularly from Bangalore and Hyderabad. Tourists opting for road travel can navigate through NH44, ensuring a straightforward journey to Chennai. Additionally, the city is well-connected to Hyderabad through the NH16 highway, providing an alternative route for those traveling by road.

Best Tourist Places In Chennai

i) Marina Beach

Exhausted from Chennai’s relentless heat? Let Marina Beach be your haven of tranquility. The beaches along Chennai’s Bay of Bengal coastline, renowned as India’s longest and one of the world’s lengthiest, offer a refreshing escape. If you find yourself with a spare moment in the morning or evening, don’t pass up the opportunity to witness the breathtaking spectacle of the sun either setting or rising over the vast expanse of the beach.

Amidst the sandy stretch, local vendors present an array of items, including unique counterfeit jewelry and shell souvenirs. Marina Beach is not only a scenic delight but also a bustling marketplace by the sea. It stands out as one of the premier destinations in Chennai, particularly for those looking to spend quality time with friends. The beach’s expansive shores make it perfect for engaging in recreational activities, from constructing intricate sand castles to partaking in lively games like beach volleyball.

ii) Valluvar Kottam

For literature enthusiasts, the name Thiruvalluvar resonates as a beacon of Tamil poetry and spiritual wisdom. Revered as a great Tamil poet and saint, Thiruvalluvar holds a distinguished place in the world of academia. For those unacquainted with his contributions, Valluvar Kottam stands as a meticulously crafted chariot dedicated to this literary luminary.

The grandeur of Valluvar Kottam reveals itself most profoundly during the tranquil moments of early morning or the serene hues of a sunset. This monument pays homage to Thiruvalluvar, encapsulating the essence of his literary legacy and philosophical insights. As you wander through Valluvar Kottam, you can’t help but feel the resonance of the poet’s words in the very structure.

• Location: Nungambakkam Lake Area Main Road in Chennai
• Timings: 8:30 am to 5:30 pm
• Entry Fee: Rs. 5/- (children), Rs. 10/- (adults)

Also Read: AP Tourism

iii) Thousand Lights Mosque

This mosque, adorned with multiple domes, serves as a revered sanctuary for the local Muslim community and radiates a luminous charm throughout Chennai’s Royapettah neighborhood. Recognized as the Thousand Lights Mosque, the name originates from the historical use of around 1000 lights to illuminate its prayer hall.

The Thousand Lights Mosque transforms into a captivating spectacle when illuminated, making it a must-visit destination in Chennai, particularly during the enchanting hours of the night. The play of lights accentuates the architectural grandeur, rendering the mosque an aesthetically pleasing and popular nocturnal attraction in the city.

Reflecting the brilliance of medieval architectural style, this mosque boasts two soaring minarets, reaching an impressive height of approximately 64 feet. The meticulous craftsmanship and design showcase the historical significance and cultural richness embedded in this architectural gem.

• Location: Peters Road, Peters Colony, Royapettah, Chennai
• Timings: 5:30 am to 8:30 pm
• Entry Fee: No fee

iv) Elliot’s Beach

Elliot’s Beach is a popular area to come with friends or family because it is close to Ashtalakshmi Kovil. This lovely beach, named after Edward Elliot (the Chief Magistrate and Superintendent of Madras during the British era), is one of India’s cleanest seafronts. At this exceptionally tranquil and gorgeous location, sunbathe, relax, and unwind while keeping worry away. This is one of Chennai’s popular destinations for couples and is ideal for a moonlight stroll.

v) Dakshinachitra

DakshinaChitra, meaning “a picture of the south” in literal translation, stands as a captivating living history museum nestled in the vibrant city of Chennai. This unique museum unfolds a rich tapestry of the cultural, architectural, craft, and lifestyle nuances of the four South Indian states: Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh/Telangana, and Karnataka. With 18 meticulously curated homes showcasing over 4000 artifacts, DakshinaChitra offers a fast-paced tour encompassing the diverse heritage of these states, all under one roof.

• Location: SH 49, Muttukadu, 25 km south of Chennai
• Timings: 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
• Entry fee: Children aged 5 to 12 years: Rs. 20

•  Students: 30

• 110 adults (130 during festivals and national holidays) 

vi) Ashtalakshmi Temple

Ashtalakshmi Temple is a few km from Besant Beach and is considered an abode of Lakshmi, the Goddess of Wealth and Knowledge. The heavenly aura of this temple, built to revere the eight incarnations of Goddess Lakshmi, is sure to soothe you. What is the most intriguing aspect of this location? Isn’t it the ideal spot to let go of your problems while spiritually educating yourself?

• Location: Elliotts Beach in Besant Nagar, Chennai
• Timings: 6:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
• Entry Fee: N/A

vii) Government Museum

Do you collect artifacts? If so, you’ll enjoy the Government Museum of Chennai. This location is well-known for maintaining some of the finest ancient (10th-13th century) and modern South Indian bronzes. Furthermore, the Amaravathi Gallery has marble statues commemorating Gautam Buddha’s life that date back to the 2nd century. A true treasure of a spot to see in Chennai for both kids and adults.

• Location: Pantheon Road in Egmore, Chennai.
• Timings: 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (closed on Fridays and national holidays).
• Entry fee:

Students: Rs.5/-

Children below the age of 12 Years: 10

Adults: Rs. 15/-

viii) Guindy National Park

Do you want to try something new? What about going to a national park? Guindy National Park is a forest on the premises of Raj Bhawan and IIT-Madras that is home to approximately 300 types of trees and plants, 150 bird species, and 15 species of animals, reptiles, and amphibians. If you are visiting Chennai with your family, bring your children with you. We guarantee that they will like every aspect of this location.

• Location: Rangeguindy, Chennai
• Timings: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (closed on Tuesdays).

ix) Kapaleeswarar Temple

The great Pallavas erected the sacred sanctuary of Lord Shiva, Kapaleeswarar Temple, which was devastated by Portuguese invaders and restored under the Vijayanagara Empire. Kapaleeswarar Temple is an outstanding example of Dravidian and Vijayanagara architecture, making it very stunning!

• Location: Vinayaka Nagar Colony in Mylapore, Chennai.
• Timings: 5:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

x) MGR Film City

MGR Film City is a must-see for fans of South Indian cinema. With its representations of religious sites, urban and rural sceneries, and beautiful gardens spread across 70 acres, it will transport you to a fantasy world. You could also see some well-known Tamil actors.

• Location: MGR Film City Road, Tharamani
• Timings: 8:00 am to 8:00 pm
• Entry Fee: Rs. 25/-

xi) Vadapalani Murugan Temple

This finely carved shrine dedicated to Lord Murugan assists believers with common concerns such as jobs, academics, and marriage. According to legend, the founder, Annaswamy Naikar, had a dream about establishing this temple for the sake of society.

• Location: Palani Andavar Koil St, Vadapalani 
• Timings: 5:00 am to12:00 pm and 4:00 pm – 9:00 pm
• Entry Fee: No fee

xii) Vivekananda House

If you appreciate the famed monk, you must visit the Vivekananda House. Swami Vivekananda spent six weeks in this double-story Victorian house around 1900. Today, you may see his bedroom, dining table, kitchen, and garden, where he spent time connecting with nature.

• Locations: Kamaraj Salai, Marina Beach Road, and Triplicane.
• Timings: 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. to 7:15 p.m. (Monday closed)
• Entry Fee:

Adults pay INR 20, children (3-12 years) pay INR 10, and school students pay INR 5 for a group ticket.

xiii) B.M. Birla Planetarium

Do you find the night sky fascinating? This massive planetarium with its virtual tours and celestial presentations will definitely wow you. Energy, Physical Science, Life Science, and International Dolls are among the eight galleries. 

• Location: Gandhi Mandapam Road, Duraisamy Nagar, Kotturpuram
• Timings: 10:00 a.m. to 5:45 p.m.
• Entry Fee:

• Adults pay INR 30 to enter the Science Centre, while children under the age of 12 pay INR 15.

xiv)The Madras Crocodile Bank Trust

Apart from being a reptile zoo, this facility conducts herpetology research and works to safeguard the endangered saltwater crocodile, gharial crocodile, and marsh crocodile. Go on an exciting night safari or watch the crocodiles being fed.

• Location: Post Bag No 4, Mahabalipuram
• Timings: 9:00 am – 5:30 pm (Monday is closed)
• Entry Fee: Rs. 60 (adults), Rs. 30 (kids below 10), and approx. INR 200 (Night Safari) 

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