20 Best Places to Visit in Chennai

Formerly known as Madras, Chennai, in the southern part of India, is the capital of the state of Tamil Nadu. On the Bay of Bengal’s Coromandel coast, Chennai is as dynamic as the culture submerges in it. This ‘Southern Capital’ is one of India’s four metropolitan siblings.

It is a rich cultural past that balances perfectly with its metropolitan lifestyle. Chennai’s skyline is world famous because of its skyscrapers. And, also the city has its own old charm still alive. We have got the best 20 best places to visit in Chennai.

The List of 20 Best Places to Visit in Chennai:

1. Marina Beach

Marina Beach is a natural urban beach along the Bay of Bengal in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. The beach is 13 kilometers long, making it the longest natural urban beach in the region.

The second-largest in the world, with almost 30,000 visitors a day, and the most crowded beach in India. Witnessing the sun going into the sky or coming back to the ocean is a wonderful and soothing experience.

2. Breezy Beach

Breezy Beach lies in Chennai’s remote and serene Valmiki Nagar neighborhood. Being smaller and less polluted, it is a great getaway for those looking for a quiet evening. The evenings here are enjoyable and breezy.

In recent years, because of its beauty, many visitors have been drawn to this beach. The Breezy Beach of Chennai is the place to be for those seeking a friendly, refreshing, and breezy place to chill out and have fun.

3. Arignar Anna Zoological Park

The Arignar Zoological Park is one of the most famous picnic spots in Vandalur. It is an incredible place to explore the region’s flora and fauna. The zoo is 32 kilometers far from the city.

And, it is loved by kids and adults as well, as a perfect weekend spot. In southeast Asia, it is the largest zoo of its kind and is spread over 1260 acres.

4. Murudeshwara Temple

In Tiruvanmiyur, near Chennai, the magnificent Murudeshwara Temple has the temple deity Shiva in the form of Murudeshwara, or Aushadeeswarar, the Medicine God.

This temple is a fine example of Dravidian architecture, a must-see for anyone visiting Chennai or nearby cities.

5. Kolli Hills Tourism

The Kolli Hills area in the district of Namakkal in Tamil Nadu. The hill’s name has meaning, and that is “Mountain of Death.” It is largely untouched by commercial tourism and thus has maintained much of its natural magnificence.

The Arappaleshwar Temple dedicates itself to Lord Shiva. The mountains are not only famous for their natural beauty but also have religious significance.

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6. Elliot’s Beach

Among tourists and natives of the state, Elliot’s Beach is very popular. In colonial times, white people had a restriction in the area. The beach is popular with students and families from the local college. Near the beach, there are several restaurants with mouth-watering kitchens.

For sunbathing, relaxing, and visiting the popular ancient monuments nearby, travelers also visit the beach. It is typically less crowded than the popular beach of Marina and is therefore preferred by travelers.

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7. VGP Golden Beach

Considered to be one of Chennai’s cleanest and most scenic beaches. VGP Golden Beach is one of the area’s most sought-after destinations for family and friends. This beach is part of the VGP Universal Kingdom.

It lies on the East Coast Road and is a popular amusement park. In the freshwater tub, the place is also considered safe for one to engage in bathing and swimming.

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8. Valluvar Kottam

Valluvar Kottam is a monument-like chariot temple in Chennai, designed to honor Thiruvalluvar, the renowned classical Tamil poet, and saint. During the 1970s, Kalaignar M. Karunanidhi constructed this intricately crafted monument to honor Thiruvalluvar’s contributions.

During the morning hours, the sublime beauty of Valluvar Kottam is best to enjoy. You can visit this destination during the evening hours when the sun is just setting over the horizon.

9. Ashtalakshmi Temple

The temple of Ashtalakshmi is in Besant Nagar. A few meters away from Besant’s beach, on the coast of the magnificent Bay of Bengal.

The Goddess of Riches and Wisdom, Ashtalakshmi, resides here. And also blesses those who come to the temple to offer their prayers with a clean soul.

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10. Madras War Cemetery

The Madras War Cemetery is right in the heart of the city of Chennai. It is a recognition of the glory as well as horrors of the war. Our ancestors have waged to make this world a more peaceful place.

Every year on November 11, with wreath offerings and Guard of Honours, it hosts the Armistice Day homage. The Madras War Cemetery should be visited by anyone interested in wartime history or who wants to pay homage to the martyrs. It is not only a memory but also concrete proof of the price of war.

11. Santhome Cathedral Basilica

Santhome Cathedral is a historical and ancient center of pilgrimage. Founded by the then reigning Portuguese during the 14th to 15th centuries A D. A 16th-century map of South Asia is the museum’s primary attraction.

Santhome Cathedral is one of the popular attractions in Chennai. People of the Christian faith visit this place and take part in the Mass.

12. MGM Dizzee World

One of India’s largest and oldest amusement parks is MGM Dizzee World. It boasts of having provided some interesting experiences to its guests, many of whom were first-timers. This brought Jurong’s Bird Display back to India from Singapore in 1999.

There are intense levels of thrill rides, but there are also good and enjoyable ones. The park has something for every age level. There are a plethora of rides for children spread all over the park. It also has games that other family members can also enjoy.

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13. Nettukuppam

Chennai’s northernmost tip is Nettukuppam, which has a beach that is not yet tarnished by crowds. Those who seek to enjoy the roaring sea up close but in a quiet setting are a solitary escape.

Ennore’s saltwater creek meets the sea here, creating a kind of estuary. As it is still not on the radar of the maddening tourist crowd, the place is perfect for quiet time.

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14. Fort St. George

The root of Fort St. George’s great white structure is inextricable from the history of Chennai. The sole aim of building the huge fort compound was to establish a British fortress, generally called the ‘White Town’.

During this time, under the British-conferred name Madras, Chennai’s now booming town grew up around this fort.

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15. Royapuram Fishing Harbour

Royapuram Fishing Harbour, under the administration of the Chennai Port Trust. It is one of the most popular fishing grounds in Chennai.

Located in a region popular for seafood, this harbor is definitely one of Tamil Nadu’s busiest fishing hubs. You can almost always find the place crowded with various fishing vessel types if you visit Royapuram Fishing Harbour.

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16. Santhome Church

In the history of Christianity in India, the importance of the San Thome Church is unparalleled. If you visit the Church of St Thomas in Mylapore, you will discover a historical tale that will take you back a few centuries.

Within the cathedral, the museum shows souvenirs of the great saint and his legend. So, tourists can get to know the glorious history of the Church of San Thome.

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17. Mylapore

Located in the southern part of Chennai, Mylapore is one of the oldest and most culturally enriched neighborhoods. However, as the British called it, the region precedes Chennai or Madras’ birth by at least 1500 years.

Simultaneously, shopping malls, tree-lined beautiful avenues, and other attractions are also stepping up to fit the new world and meet the needs of urban visitors.

18. Anjaneya Temple Nanganallur

Viswaroopa Adhivyadhihara Sri Bhakta Anjaneya swami Temple is about 10 kilometers away from the city’s heart, in a locality called Nanganallur. Commonly referred to in short as the Anjaneya Temple, its name comes from its principal deity, Lord Hanuman.

Not only for those who are devotees of Anjaneya or Hanuman but for anyone who wants to glimpse a different kind of temple other than Vishnu and Shiva. It is popular in Chennai. It is a must-see spot.

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19. Pebble Beach

Pebble Beach is a comparatively smaller beach located 1 km away from Thiruvanmiyur in Chennai. It receives a comparatively smaller number of visitors due to its location.

However, the beach is tranquil and serene, and you can visit it to spend some time in solitude.

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20. Palavakkam Beach

Located in Palavakkam on the southern tip of Chennai, Palavakkam Beach is a wonderful beach. The beach offers beautiful and interesting sunrise and sunset views. An ancient temple located on the beach is the highlight of the beach. The beach has a vast expanse of beaches, merging into the sea with breath-taking views of the horizon.

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