Places to Visit in Chennai

Top attractions and must-see spots in Chennai

Beaches

2
  • Must Visit

    Elliot's Beach

    A peaceful Chennai beach known for evening strolls, cafés, and calm vibes.

  • Must Visit

    Marina Beach

    The world's second-longest urban beach, buzzing with activity and charm.

Cultural

3

  • Cholamandal Artists' Village

    India's largest artists' commune, with working studios, galleries, and sculpture gardens near the coast.

  • DakshinaChitra

    A cultural heritage village showcasing South Indian art, crafts, and traditional homes along the scenic ECR.

  • Higginbotham’s

    India’s oldest bookstore, a charming literary landmark filled with vintage vibes and endless shelves.

Landmarks

8
  • Must Visit

    Government Museum

    One of India’s oldest museums, featuring impressive art, archaeology, and bronze collections.

  • Chepauk Palace

    An elegant 18th-century Indo-Saracenic palace that once housed the Nawab of Arcot, rich in history and architecture.

  • Fort St George

    The first British fort in India, marking the spot where Madras began, now home to a museum and government offices.

  • Madras War Cemetry

    A peaceful memorial honoring soldiers of World War II, known for its neat lawns and solemn beauty.

  • MGR and Anna Memorial

    Adjoining memorials on Marina Beach for former Tamil Nadu chief ministers Annadurai, MGR, and Jayalalithaa.

  • San Thome Basilica

    A basilica in Mylapore believed to stand over the tomb of St Thomas the Apostle, one of only three such churches in the world.

  • Valluvar Kottam

    A large monument in Nungambakkam honouring the Tamil poet Thiruvalluvar, shaped like a temple chariot.

  • Vivekananda House

    Historic seaside landmark where Swami Vivekananda stayed, now a museum on his life and teachings.

National Parks

1

Scenic Spots

4

  • Chetpet Eco Park

    A scenic lake with boating and walking tracks, ideal for a calm evening outing.

  • Puzhal Aeri

    A quiet lakeside escape known for serene sunrise views and peaceful drives.

  • Semmozhi Poonga

    A beautifully maintained botanical garden with ponds, exotic plants, and shaded paths.

  • Theosophical Society

    A peaceful campus in Adyar with gardens, a huge banyan tree, and buildings from several faiths side by side.

Science

1

  • Birla Planetarium

    Fascinating space shows and astronomy exhibits that make science fun for all ages.

Shopping

6

  • Express Avenue

    Premium shopping mall in Chennai's Royapettah neighbourhood with retail, dining and entertainment options.

  • Phoenix Marketcity

    Large shopping and entertainment complex in Chennai with retail brands, a multiplex and food court.

  • Pondy Bazaar

    Iconic shopping street in Chennai's T Nagar, one of India's busiest retail corridors for textiles and jewellery.

  • Sowcarpet Market

    Bustling old-market lanes filled with bridal shops, imitation jewelry, and tasty North Indian snacks.

  • Spencer Plaza

    One of Chennai's oldest and largest malls in Anna Salai, a landmark retail destination since 1864.

  • T. Nagar

    Chennai’s busiest shopping hub for sarees, jewelry, and street bargains . A lively slice of local life.

Temple

12
  • Must Visit

    Kapaleeswarar Temple

    A 7th-century Dravidian temple dedicated to Lord Shiva in Mylapore, Chennai, famed for its towering gopuram and the annual Arubathimoovar festival.

  • Must Visit

    Parthasarathy Temple

    One of the 108 Divya Desams in Chennai's Triplicane, dedicated to Lord Krishna as a charioteer and dating back to the 8th-century Pallava dynasty.

  • Adeeswar Temple Polal

    Ancient Jain temple in Palitana known for its intricate marble carvings and hilltop setting.

  • Ashtalakshmi Temple

    A coastal temple in Chennai dedicated to the eight forms of Goddess Lakshmi, set beside the waves of Elliot's Beach.

  • Kalikambal Temple

    Ancient Tamil Nadu-style temple in Chennai's Sowcarpet dedicated to goddess Kalikambal, a key landmark of North Chennai.

  • Kandaswami Temple

    Prominent Murugan temple in Chennai's Mylapore, known for its towering gopuram and Thaipusam celebrations.

  • Madhya Kailash Temple Adyar

    Ancient Shiva temple in Chennai's Adyar with a towering gopuram, one of the oldest temples in the city.

  • Mangadu Kamakshi Amman Temple

    Ancient Kamakshi Amman temple in Mangadu near Chennai, a major pilgrimage site with significant Navaratri celebrations.

  • Marundheeswarar Temple

    Ancient Shiva temple in Chennai's Thiruvanmiyur with a striking gopuram and important place in Thevaram hymns.

  • Shirdi Sai Baba Temple Mylapore

    Sai Baba temple in Chennai's Mylapore neighbourhood, a popular devotional site drawing daily worshippers.

  • Thiruvudai Amman Temple Melur

    Village goddess temple near Madurai dedicated to Thiruvudai Amman, known for its annual festival and rural pilgrimage tradition.

  • Vadapalani Murugan Temple

    A prominent Murugan temple in Chennai known for its grand Rajagopuram and status as a major venue for religious ceremonies and marriages.

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