The Coromandel Coast on the Bay of Bengal is where Chennai, formerly known as Madras, is situated. Southern India includes the state of Tamil Nadu. Chennai is a well-known city and is occasionally referred to as the “Gateway to South India.”
Fort St. George and the Indian quarters, which constituted the city’s heart in the 17th century, served as the foundation for Madras’ unplanned expansion. Large industrial regions lie to the north and northwest. The historic villages are in the middle, while the main residential sections are to the west and south, where a lot of innovative and original apartment complexes have been built along with pincodes of various places in Chennai.
1. Marina Beach
The most well-known tourist destination in Chennai is this large beach, however all but the strongest swimmers should avoid it due to the strong undercurrent. On Marina Beach, keep an eye out for the “Kannagi” monument, which captures the tale of the fabled figure from a South Indian epic.
2. Guindy National Park
The eighth-smallest national park in India and one of the very few to be situated inside a metropolis is Guindy National Park, a protected region of Tamil Nadu in Chennai, India. In 1910, the initial 505 hectares were designated as a reserve forest. It reaches far into the Governor’s domain and is surrounded by lovely forests, scrubs areas, lakes, and rivers.
3. MGR Memorial House
After his death, the residence of Dr. Marudhur Gopalan Ramachandran, better known by his stage as MGR and who served as Tamil Nadu’s chief minister from 1977 to 1987, was turned into a museum. His former official residence, Dr. MGR Memorial House, is now home to a number of fascinating heritage related to his life, profession as an actor, and political career.
4. Mahabalipuram
The East Coast Road makes its first stop in the ancient town of Mahabalipuram around 45 minutes outside of the metropolis. The rock-cut seaside temples of the once port city from the seventh century are well-known. Overlooking a collection of temples below is a lone lighthouse perched on a hill. In addition, Mahabalipuram offers numerous excellent cafés that serve top-notch seafood.
5. Royapuram Fishing Harbour
The fishing harbor in Royapuram is also known as the fishing harbor in Chennai or the fishing harbor in Kasimedu. One of the most popular places to go fishing is here. Moreover, the harbor houses a shipyard that mostly makes fishing boats.
This is the spot for you guys if you enjoy the outdoors and photography; it’s the ideal prime location to see the sun rise and set. The greatest time to visit this harbor to experience the environment and get the atmosphere is in the early hours, between 2 AM and 3 AM in the morning.
6. Vadapalani Murugan Temple
The Vadapalani Andavar Temple is located in Chennai’s Vadhapalani district. Lord Murugan is honored at this temple. A Rajakopuram was constructed at the same time the temple underwent renovation in the 1920s. It is thought that the sponsorship of movie stars has contributed to the temple’s rising popularity. It is thought that the temple was constructed 125 years ago approx.
7. Mylapore
Although Mylapore may be one of Chennai’s most well-known neighborhoods, many people are unaware that this area has a history and culture that extends back more than 1,500 years before Chennai (Madras) was ever founded! Mylapore provides more opportunities for tourist experiences than most other neighborhoods in the city because of its historic legacy. Here are some things you should do without a doubt, from seeing as many temples as you can to enjoying the greatest South Indian dishes.
8. Valluvar Kottam
The Valluvar Kottam Monument serves as a tribute to Thiruvalluvar, a well-known Tamil poet and author of the Thirukkural. This monument, which is shaped like a chariot and is 39 meters (128 feet) tall, is a copy of the chariot used at the Thiruvarur temple. The Valluvar Kottam chariot also features a life-size statue of Thiruvalluvar.
9. Dakshinachitra
Dakshin Chitra, a novel idea that unites the cultural traditions of South India under one roof, is about 25 kilometers outside the city but is definitely worthwhile. Dakshin Chitra literally translates to “image of the south,” and that is just what you will witness. On the 10-acre property, you may take in the living customs, performing arts, music, handicrafts, and architecture. Dakshin Chitra is fantastic for both kids and adults since you can learn how to make pottery, blow glass, and play traditional games.
10. Muttukadu Boat House
On the road to Mahabalipuram, we may visit Muttukadu Lake on the East Coast Road, which is a backwater between the MGM and Kovalam Beach. Muttukadu Lake is around 30 kilometers from Chennai. Since its opening in 1984, this boathouse has been a popular weekend getaway spot for both residents and visitors. Plan your vacation between October and February if you want to see the Muttukadu backwaters and go on a boat tour on the Lake of Muttukadu.
