Vacation In Chennai
If you are looking for a vacation spot in India, Chennai is the place to be. From religious places to sightseeing, Chennai has all that you want. And if you are a sports lover, most of the national level tournaments like cricket matches and kabbadi games are held in Chennai. If you are fond of museums, there are nearly 5 museums in Chennai which display ancient idols and even the dusty background behind them.
Vacation is not only a time when you can relax and unwind, but also an excellent opportunity to explore different places. India, being a land of diverse cultures, traditions, religion and languages, offers abundant of opportunities for a traveler to enjoy the experience of sightseeing. Each state of India boasts of its own rich cultural heritage along with breathtaking tourist spots. And among the numerous states in India, Tamil Nadu and particularly the city of Chennai are attracting huge crowds to it due to their rich historical heritages. Chennai by nature is a bustling city with lot to do and see apart from gorgeous beaches like Marina beach and Elliot’s beach, you can check out some interesting tourist spots in this city –
Have you ever been to Chennai? It is a beautiful city, filled with bustling roads and many attractions. There is so much to experience in Chennai. As its famous for its extreme weather it experiences four seasons in a day. People inhabiting in chennai are called as Madrasi. They are warm and frank by nature and are extremely helpful too.
Vacation In Chennai
Have you ever traveled to Chennai? Well if not, then let me introduce you to your next vacation spot. Chennai is situated on the Bay of Bengal and has some of the best beaches in India.
Ancient Civilization. Temple City. World Heritage Site. Education Hub. Chennai is all this and much more. It’s India’s one-and-only cultural capital, a city of art and music, which exudes pure Tamilian charm from every nook and corner.
Places to Visit in Chennai:
1. Marina Beach, Chennai
Marina Beach | #1 of 35 Best Places to Visit in Chennai
Tired of the sweltering heat of Chennai? Let the Marina Beach be a sweet escape spot for you. Beaches in Chennai along the Bay of Bengal coast, it happens to be the longest beach in India and one of the longest in the world. Got enough time to pay a visit to this amazing place during the morning or evening? We suggest that you should not miss out on experiencing the enthralling view of the sun setting or rising from the beach. You may shop for trinkets such as imitation jewellery, shell mementos from the stalls on the beach side. Among the best places to visit in Chennai with friends, it is perfect to build sand castles or play games like beach volleyball.
- Timings: All through the day
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2. Valluvar Kottam, Chennai
Valluvar Kottam | #2 of 35 Best Places to Visit in Chennai
Those of you who love literature must have heard or read about the famous Tamil poet and saint, Thiruvalluvar. For the uninformed, Thiruvalluvar is hailed as one of the greatest Tamil scholars. Valluvar Kottam is an intricately designed chariot built in his honour. The magnificence of Valluvar Kottam can be best experienced early in the morning or when the sun is just setting. Wondering how to reach here? It is located at the intersection of Kodambakkam High Road and Village Road; taxis and buses can be taken from around the city.
- Location: Nungambakkam Lake Area Main Road, Chennai
- Timings: 8:30 am to 5:30 pm
- Entry Fee: ₹ 5 (children); ₹ 10 (adults)
Also read: Best Places to Visit in April in India
3. Thousand Lights Mosque, Chennai
Thousand Lights Mosque | #3 of 35 Best Places to Visit in Chennai
This multi-domed mosque, which is a revered place of worship for Local Muslims, literally lights up the Royapettah area of Chennai. It is believed that in olden times, about 1000 lights were required to light up the hall of this mosque which is why it has been named as the Thousand Lights Mosque. As it goes without saying, this place looks absolutely spectacular all glowing: hence, is among the most popular places to visit in Chennai at night. With two minarets towering at a height of about 64 feet, this mosque exhibits the excellence of medieval architectural style.
- Location: Royapettah, Peters Road, Peters Colony, Chennai
- Timings: 5:30 am to 8:30 pm
- Entry Fee: NA
4. Elliot’s Beach, Chennai
Elliot’s Beach | #4 of 35 Best Places to Visit in Chennai
With Ashtalakshmi Kovil in its vicinity, Elliot’s Beach is a famous place to visit with friends or family. This beautiful beach, which was named after Edward Elliot (the Chief Magistrate, Superintendent of Madras during the British Era), is one of the cleanest seafronts in India. Sunbathe, relax and unwind, keeping the stress at bay at this extremely calm and scenic place. Featuring in the list of places to visit in Chennai for couples, this one is great for a moonlight walk.
- Timings: All through the day
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5. Dakshinachitra, Chennai
Dakshinachitra | #5 of 35 Best Places to Visit in Chennai
Literally translating to “a picture of the south”, DakshinaChitra is a living history museum in Chennai. This museum has 18 houses put together to depict the culture, architecture, craft and lifestyle of all four South Indian states – Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh/Telangana and Karnataka – via more than 4000 artefacts. A quick trip to 4 states under the same roof? Yes please! If you are looking for places to visit in Chennai with family, then this is the right pick as your children will learn a lot about South India here,
- Location: SH 49, Muttukadu, 25 km south of Chennai
- Timings: 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
- Entry Fee:
Children 5-12 years: ₹ 20
Students: ₹ 30
Adults: ₹ 110 (₹ 130 during festivals and national holidays)
6. Ashtalakshmi Temple, Chennai
Ashtalakshmi Temple | #6 of 35 Best Places to Visit in Chennai
Regarded as an abode of Lakshmi, the Goddess of Wealth and Knowledge, Ashtalakshmi Temple is a few kilometres from Besant Beach. Constructed to worship the eight avatars of Goddess Lakshmi, the divine ambience of this temple is bound to leave you feeling relaxed. The most interesting part of this place? The waves of the ocean echo in the temple complex, which further makes it all the more peaceful. Ideal place to give rest to those worries while spiritually enlightening yourself, isn’t it?
- Location: Elliots Beach, Besant Nagar, Chennai
- Timings: 6:30 am to 12:00 pm and 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm
- Entry Fee: NA
7. Government Museum, Chennai
Government Museum | #7 of 35 Best Places to Visit in Chennai
Do you love artefacts? If you do, you will love the Government Museum of Chennai. This place is known for preserving some of the best ancient (10-13th century) and modern South Indian bronzes. What’s more is that the Amaravathi Gallery houses marble sculptures depicting the life of Gautam Buddha dating as back to 2nd century. Truly a gem of a place to visit in Chennai for kids and grownups alike!
- Location: Pantheon Road, Egmore, Chennai
- Timings: 9:30 am to 5:30 pm (closed on Fridays and national holidays)
- Entry Fee:
Students: ₹ 5
Children below 12 years: ₹ 10
Adults: ₹ 15
8. Mylapore, Chennai
Mylapore | #8 of 35 Best Places to Visit in Chennai
Want to soak in the rich and colourful culture of Chennai? Head to Mylapore, which is regarded as the cultural hub of Chennai, boasting a history going back 1500 years! Whether it is beautiful temples you are looking to visit or delicious South Indian delicacies to binge on, Mylapore has it all! All this, combined with endless options for shopping, make the neighbourhood one of the best entertainment places in Chennai.
9. Guindy National Park, Chennai
Guindy National Park | #9 of 15 Best Places to Visit in Chennai
Feeling a little adventurous? How about visiting a national park? Home to over 300 kinds of trees and plants, 150 bird species and 15 species of mammals, reptiles and amphibians, Guindy National Park is a forest situated on the grounds that were earlier part of Raj Bhawan and IIT-Madras. If you are visiting Chennai with your family, make sure you bring your kids here too. We assure you that they will love every bit of this place!
- Location: Rangeguindy, Chennai
- Timings: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm (closed on Tuesdays)
- Fees:
Government and Aided School Children: ₹ 2
Private School Children: ₹ 10
Adults: ₹ 15
10. Sri Parthasarathy Temple, Chennai
Sri Parthasarathy Temple | #10 of 35 Best Places to Visit in Chennai
Dedicated to Lord Vishnu’s incarnation, Lord Krishna, Parthasarathy Temple was built in the 8th century. The intricately carved pillars of this place and colourful gopurams will leave you spellbound. The main features of this temple are the two intricately carved pyramid shaped rajagopuram or domes, one of which is located in the east direction while the other in the west direction.
- Location: Narayana Krishnaraja Puram, Triplicane, Chennai
- Timings: 5:30 am-12 pm and 4:00 pm-9:00 pm
11. Kapaleeswarar Temple, Chennai
Kapaleeswarar Temple | #11 of 35 Best Places to Visit in Chennai
The holy shrine of Lord Shiva, Kapaleeswarar Temple was built by the mighty Pallavas which was demolished by the Portuguese explorers and rebuilt during the Vijayanagara Empire. Kapaleeswarar Temple is the best specimen of the Dravidian and Vijayanagara architecture making it look absolutely marvellous!
- Location: Vinayaka Nagar Colony, Mylapore, Chennai
- Timings: 5:00 am to 12:00 pm and 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm
12. Connemara Public Library, Chennai
Connemara Public Library | #12 of 35 Best Places to Visit in Chennai
Nerdy heads, Connemara Library is where you will find every textbook that you can ever think of. Don’t believe us? This is one of the four depository libraries of the country that house almost every literary work published in India. From periodicals to historical scriptures to modern-day books – this library has them all. For the convenience of readers, Connemara also has a reference room, video room and a periodic hall. Can you imagine how huge a library this is? You need to check it out yourself!
- Location: Pantheon Road, Egmore, Chennai
- Timings: 9:00 am to 7:30 pm (Monday-Saturday); 9:30 am to 6:00 pm (Sundays)
- Entry Fee: NA
13. Royapuram Fishing Harbour, Chennai
Royapuram Fishing Harbour | #13 of 35 Best Places to Visit in Chennai
A fishing harbour might not sound too appealing, but watching the fishermen bring freshly caught fish makes for a sight to behold. Also, remember to click photos of the stunning dock and backwaters while here. Thinking what fun activities you can indulge in here? Maybe learn how to catch a fish or simply distinguish between the different varieties of fish! Come here early morning to see the catch being unloaded and then being auctioned to restaurateurs from around the city.
14. Semmozhi Poonga, Chennai
Semmozhi Poonga | #14 of 35 Best Places to Visit in Chennai
Nature lovers, Chennai has something for you as well! Semmozhi Poonga is a beautiful botanical garden, which attracts lots of tourists every day. With an artificial pond and lush greenery to boast, this place can be a quick escape from the usual hustle and bustle of the city. What’s more? The exotic species of plants that have been imported from all over the world make Semmozhi Poonga are an added feather in its cap of many!
- Location: Ellaiamman Colony, Teynampet, Chennai
- Timings: 10:00 am to 7:30 pm
- Entry Fee: NA (Children up to 10 years); ₹ 15 (adults)
15. Marundeeswarar Temple, Chennai
Marundeeswarar Temple | #15 of 35 Best Places to Visit in Chennai
Know somebody facing health issues? Then, you might fancy paying a visit to Marundeeswarar Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva in the form of the God of Medicines. The legend has it that Lord Marundeeswarar taught Sage Agastya about magical medicines. Believed to have been built in the 11th century, the temple offers prasada of mil, ash and water that is said to cure health issues. With the finesse of Dravidian architecture, this is a must visit place in Chennai.
- Location: Lalitha Nagar, Thiruvanmiyur, Chennai
- Timings: 5:00 am to 12:00 pm and 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm
16. MGR Film City
MGR Film City | #16 of 35 Best Places to Visit in Chennai
South Indian movie buffs must visit MGR Film City. Spread across 70 acres, it will transport you to a dream world with its replicas of religious places, urban and village scenes, and landscaped gardens. You might catch sight of some famous Tamil actors too!
- Location: MGR Film City Road, Tharamani
- Timings: 8:00 am to 8:00 pm
- Entry Fee: INR 25
17. Breezy Beach
Peace and quiet, perfectly describe this not-so-famous, but the clean beach that attracts nature lovers. Unlike most other tourist attractions in Chennai, it sees fewer crowds, but will surprise you with beautiful sunsets.
- Location: Valmiki Nagar
- Timings: All day
- Entry Fee: NA
18. Arignar Anna Zoological Park
Arignar Anna Zoological Park | #18 of 35 Best Places to Visit in Chennai
Also known as Vandalur Zoo, this park is spread over 1260 acres and boasts 138 species. Wildlife enthusiasts will be thrilled at the sight of deer, lions, Indian civet cats, Himalayan brown bears and elephants. The park also has a reptile house.
- Location: Grand Southern Trunk Rd, Vandalur
- Timings: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm (Tuesday closed)
- Entry Fee: Adults – INR 50
- Children under 2 years – Free
- Children from 2 to 12 years – INR 20
- Cameras – INR 25
- Zoo round (Adults): INR 100
- Zoo round (Children): INR 50
19. VGP Golden Beach
VGP Golden Beach | #19 of 35 Best Places to Visit in Chennai
Among the various places to visit in Chennai, this beach steals the show with its beauty and cleanliness. Enjoy swimming, go for walks or simply laze around here. Adventurous souls can try surfing at this beach, which is a part of the exciting VGP Universal Kingdom.
- Location: 5, 159, SH 49, Injambakkam
- Timings: 11:00 am to 7:30 pm (Monday to Friday) and 10:30 am to 8:00 pm (Saturday and Sunday)
- Entry Fee: Adults – INR 600 and Children – INR 500 (for entry through VGP Universal Kingdom)