Last Updated At: 10-Feb-2025
Chennai, the culturally rich capital of Tamil Nadu, is steeped deep in cultural history, traditions, and works of art. It has natural attractions like beaches on one hand and architectural marvels inspired by British colonial architecture on the other. With so many places to visit in Chennai, tourists have many options for leisurely exploring the city. The sky-touching spires of huge temples evoke a sense of spirituality and devotion. People are engaged in various cultural pursuits and live a unique way of life. Here, let us check out some of the best tourist places in Chennai worth exploring and adding to your bucket list.
Although Chennai is fast capturing popularity as an IT Hub, it has preserved its culture and traditions, bringing an amalgamation of modern culture and traditional aesthetics. We have curated a list of the 15 best Chennai tourist places to make your trip more enjoyable and exciting.
It is the second-largest urban beach globally, and your trip to the city is incomplete without visiting this lovely beach among other Chennai places to visit. Catch the lovely sunrises and sunsets that will enthral and enchant you with their hues of colours spread across the shimmering water. When the intense temperature of the city becomes too much to handle, visit the beach and enjoy the light breeze caressing your face and making you feel better.
The museum and the artefacts displayed there are the best ways to learn more about the cultural past and richness of the place. The Government Museum in Chennai has an exceptionally diverse, rich, and comprehensive collection of modern and ancient South Indian sculptures. The best attractions of the museum, attracting thousands of visitors every year, are the artefacts by the marble sculptors and Amravati marble houses associated with the life of Gautam Buddha. If you are a history buff, you will surely revel in the sheer brilliance of these artefacts.
Nature enthusiasts love staying connected to the marvels and beauty of nature. A visit to Nagalapuram Waterfalls will bring you much-desired relief from Chennai's hot and sultry weather. Here, you can enjoy watching water plummet from a high vantage point. Trekking Spots Near Chennai and the wilderness will surely delight you.
In ancient times, people believed it necessary to light up a thousand lights to bathe the mosque's hall with light. As such, this mosque came to be known as Thousand Lights Mosque. The entire Royapettah area comes alive when lighted up, basking the area in the warm and comfortable glow of lights. The glowing mosque is a beautiful sight, which is why it is one of Chennai's best and most-visited tourist places.
Chennai is a uniquely spiritual place, and the presence of ancient places of worship adds to its amazing ambience. The Ashtalaxmi Temple, devoted to the Goddess Laxmi, the Goddess of wealth, is known for its divine and peaceful ambience. The temple is close to the sea, and one can hear the waves crashing close to the temple, echoing in its complex. It helps the devotees feel relaxed and meditate.
Chennai is the land of the famous Tamil poet Thiruvalluvar. He is worshipped as a saint and known for his scholarly pursuits. Valluvar Kottam is a beautifully designed chariot built to pay respects to the great poet. Amongst the Chennai visiting places, you must add this place during sunrise or sunset to help you experience this attraction's sheer beauty and brilliance.
Kanchipuram is another attraction that lures thousands of visitors every year. It is one of the best places to visit near Chennai. It is the Golden City of Temples in India. A visit to the holy city of Kanchipuram will help you experience a sense of peace, calm, and tranquillity. These temples are beautiful and fine examples of the architectural prowess of erstwhile craftsmen. The city is gently enveloped by beautifully landscaped gardens and bird sanctuaries, further adding to its beauty.
Another place that truly depicts the rich culture of Chennai is Mylapore. It is considered the cultural hub of Chennai. The vibrant culture of this magnificent land enjoys a rich pas of more than 1500 years. Amazing temples, divine deities, and architecturally superior structures add to the magnificence of this place. While visiting Mylapore, make it a point to enjoy the lip-smacking South Indian food.
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Depicting the picture of the South, Dakshina Chitra is a blend or joint museum of 18 houses. This lovely place will give you a peek into the states' rich architecture, lifestyle, culture, and craft, such as Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and Karnataka. It is one of Chennai's famous places that also helps you learn a lot about South Indian states and gives you a chance to have fun.
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It is a beautiful church with an eclectic blend of Portuguese, Gothic, and Christian Pilgrimage-influenced architectural styles. Tall towers and the white structure look pretty against the backdrop of the Bay of Bengal, completing a pretty picture. It is also referred to as the Annai Vailankanni Shrine. The presence of a magnificent Church in this area imparts a lot of peace and serenity.
Located close to the Velankanni Church, Elliot's or Besant Nagar Beach is another attraction in Chennai. It is a clean and pristine beach with an incredible Schmidt Memorial. This memorial was built to commemorate the Dutch sailor Karl Schmidt. A visit to this lovely beach gives you a serene vibe. Its proximity to the Ashtalakshmi Temple is close by, adding to its ambience.
The famous Snake Park and Guindy National Park have added to the city's architectural elegance and to the list of Chennai famous places. This park houses a diverse range of reptiles, mammals, birds, trees, amphibians, etc. It is centrally located and attracts a large number of animal lovers. The incredible snake park has various crawlies, such as pythons, cobras, and other snake species. The park is verdant and insulated from the hustle and bustle of the city.
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If you are intrigued by the position and movement of celestial bodies, a visit to the Birla Planetarium is the best way to find answers to many of your queries. Introduce your kids to the stars, planets, and moon. The exhibitions, audio-visual astronomy programs, and pictures or images are the most interesting things to do here. The Science Park, Science on Wheels, and Traffic Park are other engaging things to check out when visiting this place.
The famous Golden Beach is amongst other important places to see in Chennai. This magnificent beach boasts a vast expanse of golden sands bordering the deep blue waters. It is a pristine beach in Chennai and belongs to the VGP Universal Kingdom. This beach is a top attraction, drawing thousands of visitors who also love checking out the Aqua Kingdom, Statue of Man, 2000 Millennium Tower, and more. Visit the beach during the sunset and enjoy the breathtaking views of the deep orange-coloured sun setting on the horizon.
If you have never seen fishermen at work, visit the Royapuram Fishing Harbor. Here, you can find fishermen selling to the various bidders and trying to grab the best deals. The harbour commands splendid views. It can easily accommodate approximately 570 boats and is a popular attraction for fish lovers.
One of the most visited tourist places in Chennai, the Madras War Memorial, is dedicated to the martyrs of World War II. The memorial's beautifully carved structures and well-landscaped grounds bring a sense of calm and peace to visitors' minds. Visit this place on Army Day or Vijay Diwas and pay homage to the martyrs.
Santhome Cathedral Basilica is a stunning white church built over the tomb of St. Thomas, one of the twelve Apostles of Jesus Christ. This Gothic-style church, originally built by Portuguese explorers, is a marvel of architecture with its intricate stained glass windows and towering spires. Inside, the serene atmosphere and beautiful altars provide a peaceful retreat for visitors. The museum inside the basilica houses rare artefacts and relics, offering a glimpse into the rich history of Christianity in India. The church also offers a splendid view of the Marina Beach from its location.
Arignar Anna Zoological Park, also known as Vandalur Zoo, is another major zoological park that covers 1,500 acres of the landscape. It has flora and fauna, from lions to elephants to various bird species. The enclosures are big and well-maintained, imitating the animals' natural habitats. The zoo has a safari ride, from where one can see animals much more naturally than in the house. Besides, there are programs and activities for children, too. It is a wonderful family spot. The natural green surroundings provide a good break from the city's concrete jungle.
Built-in 1644, Fort St. George is a historical fortification built by the British East India Company. This is where the contemporary Indian Army originated and where the British had their administrative head during that period. Currently, the fort has been serving as a museum, housing several antique pieces dating back to the colonial era: cannons, weapons, and documents. The fort also houses St. Mary's Church, which is said to be the oldest Anglican church in India. The museum and church are open for public viewing for a peek into colonial history and architecture.
Semmozhi Poonga is a botanical garden located in the heart of Chennai. Spread over 20 acres of dense vegetation, It houses a wonderful array of exotic flora, beautiful beds of flowers, rare medicinal and aromatic plants, and much more. It also has sections dedicated to differently-abled people, a fern garden, and a bonsai collection. The fresh air and serene environment make this place the first choice of any nature lover and family.
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Q1. What is popular in Chennai?
A1. Marina Beach is the most popular place in Chennai. In addition, there are amazing temples, museums, gardens, and parks to view and visit.
Q2. What to shop in Chennai?
A2. Chennai is famous for handbags, footwear, dress material, temple jewellery, and many more.
Q3. What is the best time to visit Chennai?
A3. Though Chennai is an all-year-round destination, the best time to visit is from September to March when the weather is very pleasant.
Q4. What are the best shopping places or malls to hangout in Chennai?
A4. Some of the best shopping places or malls in Chennai are-
Q6.Which are the best fun places in Chennai?
A6. Some of the best fun places in Chennai are-
Q7. Which are the popular one-day trip places from Chennai?
A7. The popular one-day trip places from Chennai are
Q8. What are the best places to visit in Chennai?
A8. Chennai tourist places list are
Santhome Cathedral Basilica
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