From Beaches To Temples, 10 Must-Visit Attractions In Chennai

Nidhi Kadere

Marina Beach

This urban beach stretches for 13 kilometres along the Bay of Bengal, making it one of the longest in the world. You can enjoy the sea breeze, catch the sunrise or sunset, and indulge in local street food here.

Marina Beach | Shutterstock

Kapaleeshwarar Temple

This temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is built in the Dravidian style of architecture and features a colorful gopuram (tower), a sacred tank, many shrines, and sculptures.

Kapaleeshwarar Temple | Shutterstock

Fort St. George

This is the first British fortress in India, established in 1644 by the East India Company. The fort contains St. Mary’s Church, the oldest Anglican church in India, and a museum exhibiting colonial artefacts and paintings.

Fort St. George | Shutterstock

San Thome Basilica

A Roman Catholic basilica, it was built over the tomb of St. Thomas, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ. The basilica has a neo-Gothic style, a stained glass window, and a 14-foot statue of St. Thomas.

San Thome Basilica | Shutterstock

Government Museum & National Art Gallery

This museum, established in 1851, showcases rich collections of art, archaeology, numismatics, zoology, and botany, including works by Raja Ravi Varma and other Indian artists in the National Art Gallery.

Government Museum And National Art Gallery | Shutterstock

Arignar Anna Zoological Park

This is the largest zoological park in India, covering an area of 602 hectares of land. It houses over 2,500 animals, birds, and reptiles and offers exciting safari rides, boating, and a butterfly house.

Arignar Anna Zoological Park | Shutterstock

Valluvar Kottam

This monument is a tribute to the renowned Tamil poet and philosopher Thiruvalluvar, who authored the Thirukkural, a masterpiece of moral and ethical teachings. It has a 12-metre-high statue of Thiruvalluvar, and a hall showcasing his verses.

Valluvar Kottam | Shutterstock

Guindy National Park

This is the eighth smallest national park in India, located within the city limits. It is a green oasis that has deer, monkeys, snakes, and birds. The park also has a children’s park, a snake park, and a nature trail.

Snake swallowing deer and snake eggs statue displayed at Guindy Snake Park | Shutterstock

Birla Planetarium

This planetarium provides a virtual tour of the night sky and holds cosmic shows on a hemispherical dome. It has a science park, a 3D theatre, and a science museum that exhibits various aspects of science and technology.

Birla Planetarium | Shutterstock

Chennai Rail Museum

This museum is dedicated to showing the evolution of the Indian Railways. It has an impressive collection of vintage locomotives, coaches, wagons, and models. You can ride on a toy train, experience a simulator ride, and marvel at a miniature rail layout.

Chennai Rail Museum | Shutterstock

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