Considered among the four metropolitan cities of India, Chennai is also the gateway to other popular destinations of South India. Located on Bay of Bengal coast, a myriad of interests attract people to this magnificent city. Chennai has preserved its traditional Tamil heritage even today and has effectively brewed it to create a unique synthesis of cultures. Chennai has many destinations of tourist interest, such as ancient temples and museums, churches and forts, which are worth visiting.
Today, it is a booming industrial and software destination, an important point of trade in Asia, houses some of the best hospitals in India and has numerous attractions for the tourists.


Accommodation and Connectivity

Being a metropolitan city, Chennai has excellent facilities for accommodation and well connected with rest of the country.

There are direct flights to Chennai International Airport from most other airports of the country. Chennai also figures prominently in the international air map. Tourists can also avail regular train services to Chennai from other parts of the country. Both private and government buses services are available to Chennai from the neighbouring states.

Tourist Attractions

Marina Beach

The second longest beach of the world, Marina offers a magnificent view of the sunset. Cold waves caressing the feet of every visitor, walking on the Marina beach in the evening is a favourite pastime of many. Vendors line up small shops and sell a variety of decoratives made of sea products.

Anna Square

Anna square is where the former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu Dr. C.N. Annadurai was laid to rest. Thousands of people visit this place to pay respectful homage to this great son of Tamil soil. The upkeep of the place can be described as excellent.

Fort St. George

Fort St. George remains one of the legacies of colonial India. There is a church and a museum here besides the state secretariat.


Jain Temple

The Jain Temple of Chennai is also visited extensively by the tourists. The temple has many beautiful sculptures of Lord Mahavir and Lord Shantinath. It is the most important place of worship for the Jain community of Chennai.

St. Thomas Mount

The Saint Thomas Mount is also flocked by tourists. The saint preached and travelled the Malabar and Coromandel coasts of the country. The tomb is near to Chennai Airport.

Parthasarthi Temple

Dedicated to Lord Krishna, this beautiful temple was built by the Pallavas. The temple was renovated in the 16th century by the Vijaynagar kings.



Kapaleeswarar Temple

Kapaleeswarar is the oldest temple of Chennai. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva. As religious rituals are rigidly followed in the temple, non-Hindus are not allowed to enter into the main worshiping place. The architecture of the temple could be aptly described as marvellous.
Some of the other places worth visiting in Chennai include The Birla Planetarium, Elliot Beach, National Art and Government Museum, Anna Zoological Park, Theosophical Society, Guindy National Park and Snake Park.

Excursion Delights

Kanchipuram

Kanchipuram is a popular weekend getaway from Chennai. Some of the prominent temples are Kailasanathar Temple, Deverajaswamy Temple Kamakshi Amman temple.

Mahabalipuram

Mahabalipuram is another popular destination near Chennai. The attractions of the place include the Shore Temple, Five Rathas Temple and Arjuna's Penance.

Covelong

Covelong has a very beautiful beach. The serene and pristine environs of the place attracts many people from Chennai to here.


Cuddalore

Cuddalore is also well visited for its temples. Some of the famous temples in Cuddalore are Chidambaram Nataraja Temple and Poompuhar.
As the Chennai weather is predominantly hot and sultry, winter is the best time to visit this wonderful city.