Tamil Nadu’s capital city is Chennai and it still embodies the combined frames from both the pre-Vedic age and the modern age. This is because the city is culturally endowed, has nice and appealing architectural features, some of the most beautiful resorts in Chennai and more so, lovely beaches; this means that whichever type of traveller gets to the city will always have something attractive to his/her eyes. However, as a historic city, here are some of the places to visit within Chennai they range from historic landmarks and beautiful views.
1. Marina Beach– Every tourist in Chennai must necessarily visit, Marina Beach which is the second longest natural beach in any city in India. This beach is indeed very long stretching to 13 kilometres and is most preferred by joggers in the morning, families, and tourists. It is quiet with lovely views particularly as you watch the sunrise in the morning and the sunset in the evening. New and Traditional stalls are visible in this coastal city selling voracity foods like sundal and murukku.
2. Fort St. George– This colonial structure was built and is the first-ever English fortress in India. Construction was done in the year 1644 and the place is now used as Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly and Secretariat. The British structures include a fort complex that poses St. Mary’s Church which is the oldest Anglican church in India and a Museum consisting of colonial British artefacts. This historical site presents a good chance to get acquainted with the colonial phase in the city’s evolution.
3. Kapaleeshwarar Temple– Among the commendable structures of this style to be found in Chennai may be the Kapaleeshwarar Temple, which, being one of the city’s most popular places of worship, boasts an impressive example of the Dravidian art of construction. This is a Shiv temple which was constructed in the 7th century and beautiful carvings and attractive bright sculptures moulding the temple. The gopuram of the temple is quite appealing and the atmosphere in the temple spells joy and celebration during the Panguni Peruvizha festival.
4. Santhome Cathedral Basilica– It also lies in the list of religious places located in Chennai which was built on the tomb of St. Thomas the Apostle. An exquisite white Gothic design of the simple building that is used for worship and as a historical monument. The following are strong recommendations; The hospital is relatively quiet, especially in the evening and has beautiful stained-glass windows on the floors and walls, while the museum housing items related to St. Thomas should not be missed.
5. Government Museum– Egmore’s Government Museum is one of the places which depict the art, history and culture of the city. It stands as the second oldest museum in the country after the establishment of the museum in 1851. It has articles collected from different periods, bronzes, Amravati paintings, and a satisfactory natural history exhibit. Another wing of the museum is the National Art Gallery where artworks produced by different artists are exhibited, therefore, the institution is a haven for art enthusiasts.
6. Guindy National Park– The Park nestled in the jungle of Chennai is quite a change of pace from the concrete jungle. Spanning over 2. 70 square kilometres, it is one of the few national parks that is situated inside a city. There are various kinds of plants and animals and one can see black bucks, spotted deer and birds in the park. The Children’s Park as well as Snake Park within the compound are among the famous icons, especially for the families.
7. Elliot’s Beach also known as Besant Nagar Beach- It is comparatively less crowded than Marina Beach as well as cleaner. Located in the posh area of Besant Nagar it is a perfect place for an evening stroll or simply to lie on the sand during the day. The Ashtalakshmi Temple and the Velankanni Church located near this place make it even more holy.
8. DakshinaChitra– This is a great place for culture vultures especially those with a special interest in South Indian-specific cultures and traditions because the area depicts the population’s way of life, the artwork and the type of houses that are so common with the South Indian states. There are houses indeed from Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh one can see the houses and the artisans also present and enjoy the different programs. It is also perfect to learn about the general information on the culture of people residing in the region.
9. Mahabalipuram– There is the famous town of Mahabalipuram that is located nearly in Chennai but is a must-see place as it is a world heritage site. This historical city is also famous for the Rock –rock-cut temples and sculptures and it was one of the ancient seaports of the world. The famous tourist spot that one can associate with Mamallapuram is the Shore Temple; the five chariots, also referred to as the Pancha Rathas and Arjuna’s penance. The works of monumental sculpture on the architectural structures and the background of the sea look very interesting.
10. Mylapore– Mylapore is a prominent area of Chennai which is considered as one of the oldest residential areas of Chennai having richness of cultural and artistic life along with crowded markets. This region has the well-known Kapaleeshwarar Temple and Santhome Cathedral Basilica. Mylapore is also noted for Carnatic music and dance and thus during December Music Season there are many programs. That is indeed the boon of Mylapore as the place is not only alive but very much active, especially the markets, the type of foods served and the cultural events that are ever on make this place even more magnificent.
11. Kalakshetra Foundation– In fact for any art enthusiast particularly when one hails from India the must-visit place for any art enthusiast should be the Kalakshetra Foundation. This institution was founded in the year 1936 by Rukmini Devi Arundale and this institution is particularly devoted to only Bharatanatyam and Carnatic music. It is situated on an area of 100 acres and the necessities of performance, classes, and a craft centre are available as well. It is possible to observe different performances and rehearsals of the ballet troupes and at the same time marvel at the view of the artwork and the surrounding nature.
Conclusion
Chennai is a very beautiful city; I would pride myself on the fact that there is so much a tourist can tour and learn in this city. No matter if your interest in the city stems from being home to some of the oldest buildings ever constructed for people to enjoy the beautiful white sandy beaches in the country or take a cultural tour around the city or dine and unwind in the prestigious resorts in Chennai, the city will defiantly offer a fantastic and entertaining experience. Thus, it is high time to pack one’s bags and get ready for not only the numerous but also the delightful features of Chennai.
