Theosophical Society

Founded in 1875 and headquartered in Adyar since 1882, the Theosophical Society sits on a large, quiet campus along the Adyar river. Its grounds hold a mosque, a church, a temple, and a Buddhist shrine standing close together, reflecting the society's belief in the shared roots of world religions. The biggest draw is the Adyar Big Banyan Tree, thought to be around 450 years old, with roots spreading wide enough to resemble a small forest. The gardens offer a calm, green break from the city, and the campus works well paired with a visit to nearby Besant Nagar or Elliot's Beach.