15 Best Things To Do in Chennai
From tasting mouth-watering South Indian cuisine to leisurely stroll by its beaches and visiting its shopping districts and temples, find a complete guide for top activities in Chennai
Nestled by the picturesque beaches of the Bay of Bengal, Chennai is a vibrant city that epitomises the best of what South India has to offer. Formerly known as Madras, the city beautifully blends the old-world charm and culture with all the convenience and excitement that one may want in modern times.
From lakes to beaches to historical monuments, art galleries, museums, or parks, you name it and there will never be a dearth of things that you can add to your Chennai travel guide. But of course, with a busy schedule and limited time in hand, you may not be able to absorb it all in one trip.
Worry not, we have brought you a specially curated list of the must-visit places in Chennai. So, without further ado, let us dive in:
Get Mesmerised by The Stunning Kapaleeshwarar Temple
Dating back to the 7th Century, the Kapaleeshwarar temple is a brilliant architectural wonder that is dedicated to Shiva and Parvati. Revered among its devotees, the temple is also a must-visit for all history enthusiasts and art lovers. Featuring the Dravidian architectural style, the temple aptly reflects the artistic prowess and the rich culture of the region.
Take a Stroll by The Marina Beach
The most iconic attraction of Chennai, a walk by Marina Beach is an absolute must among the best things to do in Chennai. The 13 km beach is among the longest urban beaches in the world. Apart from the long picturesque coastline, you can also delight your tastebuds at the beach stalls and try heritage walks by this beach.
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Explore Victorian Wonder at the Vivekananda House
Popularly known as the Ice House, the Vivekananda House is among the top Chennai tourist attractions. A shrine for the pilgrims and a wonder for the architecture-buffs, this is the house where Swami Vivekananda had lived for six weeks in 1900. While here, do take note of the distinctive Victorian architectural features that set this ancient house apart.
Relish South- Indian cuisines with a food tour
If the tangy, finger-licking, scrumptious South Indian food appeals to your taste buds, then you just cannot miss out on some of Chennai’s authentic eateries. Apart from south-Indian cuisine, Chennai also offers great bakeries and biryani points. Our special favourites include Sangeetha and Adyar Ananda Bhavan.
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Spot Crocodiles in the Dark
If you are looking for something unique and adventurous to try out while you explore Chennai, we absolutely recommend trying out the night safari at the Chennai Crocodile Bank. It is by far one of the largest reptile parks in the region. We especially recommend the night safari as that is the best time to see the crocs in action.
Shop at T Nagar
Looking for the best traditional sarees? Or do you want to try out those artistically crafted South-Indian temple jewellery? Well, there is one answer to all shopping needs in Chennai and that is T Nagar! You can try out Nalli and Pothys for Kanchipuram silks.
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Live the History of Fort St. George
Counted among the top historical places in not just Chennai but the entire nation, Fort St. George gives us a glimpse of Chennai’s colonial past. Its well-preserved artifices and relics at once transport you to a bygone era. So, make sure to include it on your list of Chennai historical sites.
Get blown away by the Extensive Collection at Government Museum
The Chennai Government Museum boasts an extensive collection that ranges from art and archaeology to culture and natural history. The diverse collection is a great way to dive into the rich past of the entire region. You can elevate your experience by reading a brief history of the region before visiting the museum.
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Boat in the Serene Waters of Pulicat Lake
If you want to leave behind the noise of the city and experience some moments of pure bliss, then head for Pulicat Lake. The serene water and the beautiful avian population that it houses make it one of the top Chennai sightseeing spots. The best way to experience this lake is with a leisurely boat ride through its water.
Climb Some Rocks
Yes! You can literally climb rocks in Chennai, not just in some indoor gyms but also at outdoor locations like Muttukadu and Yelagiri Hills. There are instructors and guides readily available. So even if you are just a beginner, you can try out rock climbing while you are in Chennai.
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Catch the sunset from the Elliot Beach
Situated right at the end of Marina Beach, Elliot Beach also known as Besant Nagar Beach is relatively quiet and offers you the chance to enjoy some tranquil moments while the soft waves of the Bay of Bengal kiss its shore. The Velankanni Church is also located just next to it.
Pay homage at the Santhome Cathedral
The Santhome Cathedral is a unique relic that takes us back to the time when Chennai was reigned by the Portuguese. The religious centre which dates to the 14th or 15th Century also features a museum nearby. Don’t miss it in your list of Chennai cultural experiences.
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Marvel at the Massive Idol at Anjaneyar Temple
Dedicated to Lord Hanuman, this is another spot that you cannot miss if you want to get a full taste of the temple architecture of Chennai. The biggest spectacle of this temple is the massive idol itself which rises to a height of 32 feet.
Explore Cholamandalam Artist Village
If you are an art enthusiast or someone who wants to explore beyond the usual famous places in Chennai, this may be the best pick for you. Established by the brilliant KCS Paniker this gallery features the work of many prominent artists. It’s spread over 10 acres, so do take your time!
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Tour the MGR Film City
South India is known for its vibrant blockbuster movies. Chennai gives you a chance to go beyond the screen and see where all the magic unfolds at the MGR Film City. The massive sets will get you awestruck. Have you visited any of these Chennai tourist attractions or are you planning to visit them after going through our list? We love to hear from you. Leave a comment about your favourite pick from this list!
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