Chennai, the political and cultural hub of Tamil Nadu is widely acknowledged as a significant city in South India. Commonly referred to as Madras it holds the prestigious title of being the capital of Tamil Nadu establishing itself as the gateway to this vibrant region. Chennai’s exponential growth has substantially positioned it as a premier destination for IT firms and an array of thriving businesses in various sectors.
There are several churches, forts, mosques, temples, mansions, and captivating natural sites in Chennai that you can explore. Chennai is very famous for beaches, fabrics, heritage sites, classical dance and music, and food. Some of the popular tourist Places in Chennai are listed below.
List of Best 12 Tourist Places in Chennai to visit in 2023
1. Marina Beach
Marina Beach is longest beach in India and the second longest beach in the world with a length of 12 kilometers extending from Beasant Nagar in the south to Fort St. George in the north. No visitor to Chennai would dare to skip a visit to the magnificent Marina Beach.
The aquarium and the Ice House stand out as the primary highlights of Marina Beach. The Chepauk Palace, Senate House, PWD office, Presidency College, and Chennai University are the notable historical buildings here. These architectural marvels contribute to the rich historical attraction of the vicinity. You can do a lot of beach activities in the early morning hours and evenings. Witnessing the sunrise and sunset is a delightful and soothing experience for all. you can shop for souvenirs like shell mementos, and fashion jewelry, from the booths on the beachside. Those are perfect tourist Places in Chennai to visit with friends. You can play games like beach volleyball or build sand castles.
2. Valluvar Kottam
Thiruvalluvar is commended as one of the greatest scholars in Tamil Nadu. Valluvar Kottam is an intricately designed chariot erected in his honor. Tourists come to see its splendid craftsmanship, which is a wonderful sight to behold. In the past, it held the honor of being the largest hall in Asia, which has a capacity of accommodating approximately 4,000 individuals.
You can enjoy the true magnificence of Valluvar Kottam in the early morning or at sunset when the sun bathes its architectural splendor in a captivating glow. Situated at the crossroads of Kodambakkam High Road and Village Road, you can visit Valluvar Kottam by taxi or bus from various parts of the city.
Location: Nungambakkam Lake Area Main Road, Chennai
Timings: 8:30 am to 5:30 pm
Entry Fee: For Adult the entry fee is Rs.10 Per person and Rs.5 for a child.
3. Thousand Lights Mosque
Thousand Lights Mosque is among the most revered mosques of Chennai. It serves as a significant gathering place for daily prayers as well as various festivals. Thousand Lights Mosque has been constructed in the traditional Islamic architectural style, displaying its detailed and decorative design. It is among the most popular places to visit in Chennai at night because of the emanating radiant glow that captivates the eyes. The mosque showcases the brilliance of medieval architectural style demonstrating its meticulous craftsmanship and accomplished artistry.
The Thousand Lights Mosque in Chennai is visited by lots of tourists and locals. it holds significant importance as a pilgrimage destination, attracting devout from distant places.
Location: Royapettah, Peters Road, Peters Colony, Chennai
Timings: 5:30 am to 8:30 pm
Entry Fee: Nill
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4. Elliot’s Beach
Elliot’s Beach is one of the popular beaches of this amazing city. This beach is located at the end of Marina Beach in Besant Nagar. It is frequently visited by tourists to enjoy its glittering waters and indulging in a leisurely walk along the beautiful seashore. Many tourists visits here due to its serenity and hygiene. You can enjoy the amazing view during sunrise and sunset. It is a very famous place for the couples.
Timings: All through the day
5. Dakshinachitra
Dakshinachitra Museum is the greatest architecture of Tamil Nadu who is known as one of the best Tourist Places in Chennai. This museum has 18 houses put together which were built to preserve the culture and heritage of all four south Indian states – Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, and Karnataka which is stretched to an area of 10 acres of land. Here you can get a quick trip to all these states. If you want to visit tourist Places in Chennai with family, It is the best Place to explore.
Location: SH 49, Muttukadu, 25 kilometer in the south of Chennai
Timings: 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
Entry Fee:
Children aged 5-12 years: Rs 20
Students: Rs 30
Adults: Rs 110 and Rs 130 during festivals and national holidays
6. Ashtalakshmi Temple
Ashtalakshmi Temple is a Hindu temple which Hailed as the divine abode of Lakshmi, the Goddess of Wealth and Knowledge. It is situated in Besant Nagar. It is a few kilometers from Besant Beach. It is one of the best tourist Places in Chennai to visit with your family. An ideal place to find peace and relieve oneself from worries, while simultaneously seeking spiritual enlightenment. The temple complex resonates with the echoes of the ocean waves, enhancing its tranquil ambiance even further.
Location: Elliots Beach, Chennai, Besant Nagar
Timings: 6:30 AM to 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Entry Fee: NA
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7. Government Museum
You should visit here if you love antiquities. You will love this place. This place preserves some of the best ancient and modern South Indian bronzes from the 10th – 13th Century. Moreover, the Amaravathi Gallery proudly exhibits marble sculptures that portray the life of Gautam Buddha, dating back to the 2nd century.
Location: Pantheon Road, Egmore, Chennai
Timings: 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM (closed on Fridays as well as national holidays)
Entry Fee
Students: Rs.5
Children below 12 years: Rs.10
Adults: Rs.15
8. Mylapore
If you want to dig deep into the culture of Chennai, head to Mylapore as it is considered the cultural capital of Chennai. Mylapore is situated a short distance from the south of the British-built city of Chennai. Mylapore is graced with numerous churches, temples, and mosques. You can visit the Kapaleeswarar Temple where the primary deity worshipped in the temple is Lord Shiva. You can also visit the Adi Kesava Perumal Temple which is constructed in honor of Vishnu. Other temples are Sri Vedantha Desikar Devasthanam, Valluvar Koil, Madhava Perumal Temple, Ramakrishna Math. You will find delicious South Indian delicacies to binge on. Mylapore is very popular for its food, with numerous popular eateries that attract a large number of people.
9. Guindy National Park
You can visit this national park if you are craving some adventures in Tourist Places in Chennai. It has over 300 kinds of trees and plants, 150 species of birds, and 15 animal species, reptiles, and aquatic creatures. You should bring your family here for a visit.
Location: Rangeguindy, Chennai
Timings: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm (shut on Tuesdays)
Entry Fees:
Government and Aided School Children: Rs2
Private School Children: Rs 10
Adults: Rs 15
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10. Sri Parthasarathy Temple
Sri Parthasarathy Temple was built in the 8th century and dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The finely carved pillars and dynamic towering gateways of this place will surely mesmerize and enthrall you. The temple has 2 delicately carved pyramid-shaped rajagopuram or domes, one of them is situated in the east direction of the temple while the other is in the west direction.
Location: Narayana Krishnaraja Puram, Triplicane, Chennai
Timings: 5:30 AM-12 PM and 4:00 PM-9:00 PM
11. Kapaleeswarar Temple
The Kapaleeswarar Temple was built by the mighty Pallavas which was destroyed to the ground by the Portuguese explorers. It was rebuilt during the Vijayanagara Empire. Kapaleeswarar Temple is a magnificent example of the Dravidian and Vijayanagara architectural styles, making it a truly amazing sight to behold.
Location: Vinayaka Nagar Colony, Mylapore, Chennai
Timings: 5:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM
12. Connemara Public Library
If you are a reader and fond of books, you should visit Connemara Public Library. You will find every book available here. From periodicals to ancient scriptures to contemporary books, this library house has an extensive collection of literary works from different time periods, covering periodicals, historical scriptures, and modern-day books.
Location: Pantheon Road, Egmore, Chennai
Timings: 9:00 am to 7:30 pm (Monday-Saturday); 9:30 am to 6:00 pm (Sundays)
Entry Fee: NA
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Conclusion
Chennai presents a lot of extraordinary destinations that you can explore from beaches to one of the best libraries in India, you can travel according to your choices. You will undoubtedly enjoy all the above-mentioned places and have an amazing and memorable journey.
FAQs
Which are the famous places in Chennai?
Government Guindy, National Park, Sri Parthasarathy Temple, Kapaleeswarar Temple, and Connemara Public Library Museum are some famous places in Mylapore.
Which food is famous in Chennai?
Idli sambar, Dosa, Vada, and Uttapam are some famous foods in Chennai
What can I buy in Chennai?
You can buy Handloom Silk Sarees, Thanjavur Paintings Veena, Swamimalai Bronze Statues.
What makes Chennai so special?
Vibrant arts, ancient temples, natural wonders, and a bustling culinary scene make Chennai one of the most popular tourist stops in the southern edges of the country.