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Top 16 Places to Visit in Chennai | Trace The Rich Heritage and History of Chennai

Chennai, the culturally rich capital of Tamil Nadu, is a place steeped deep in cultural history, traditions, and work of arts. 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, the tourists have many choices and options to explore the city leisurely. 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.

List of Top 16 Tourist Places to Visit in Chennai

  • Marina Beach
  • Government Museum
  • Nagalapuram Waterfalls
  • Thousand Lights Mosque
  • Ashtalaxmi Temple
  • Valluvar Kottam
  • Kanchipuram
  • Mylapore
  • DakshinaChitra
  • Velankanni Church
  • Elliot's Beach
  • Guindy National Park
  • Birla Planetarium
  • Golden Beach
  • Royapuram Fishing Harbor
  • Madras War Memorial

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 places to visit in Chennai to make your trip more enjoyable and exciting.

1. Marina Beach

It is the second-largest urban beach globally, and your trip to the city is incomplete without visiting this lovely beach. Catch the lovely sunrises and sunsets that will enthral and enchant you with their hues of colours spread across the shimmering water. When it becomes too much to handle the intense temperature of the city, visit the beach and enjoy the light breeze caressing your face and making you feel better.

A top view of Marina Beach in Chennai
Marina Beach | #1 of Top 16 Best Places To Visit In Chennai

  • Location. Chennai along the Bay of Bengal
  • Best time to visit. November to February
  • Fees. None
  • Timings. All Day Long

2. Government Museum

The museum and the artefacts displayed there is the best way to know 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.

A front photo of Government Museum in Chennai
Government Museum | #2 of Top 16 Best Places To Visit In Chennai
  • Location. Egmore, Chennai
  • Best time to visit. November to February
  • Fees. INR 15 (Adult); INR 10 (Child)*
  • Timings. 9:30 am to 5 pm (Friday closed)*

3. Nagalapuram Waterfalls

Nature enthusiasts love staying connected to the marvels and beauty of nature. A visit to Nagalapuram Waterfallswill brings you much-desired relief from Chennai's hot and sultry weather. Here, you can enjoy watching water plummeting from a high vantage point, and trekking in the wilderness will surely delight you to the core.

Tourists Enjoying at Nagalapuram Waterfalls
Nagalapuram Waterfalls | #3 of Top 16 Best Places To Visit In Chennai
  • Location. Arai
  • Best time to visit. January to February
  • Fees. INR 20 (Adult)*
  • Timings. 8 am to 3 pm*

4. Thousand Lights Mosque

In ancient times, people believed that it was 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 the best and most-visited tourist places in Chennai.

Places to visit in Chennai - Thousand Lights Mosque
Thousand Lights Mosque | #4 of Top 16 Best Places To Visit In Chennai
  • Location. Royapettah, Peter’s Colony, Chennai
  • Best time to visit. September to March
  • Fees. No entry fee
  • Timings. 5:30 am to 9 pm*

5. Ashtalaxmi Temple

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 tranquil 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.

A beautiful photo of Ashtalaxmi Temple
Ashtalaxmi Temple | #5 of Top 16 Best Places To Visit In Chennai
  • Location. Kalakshetra Colony, Basant Nagar, Chennai
  • Best time to visit. September to February
  • Fees. No Fee
  • Timings. 6:30 am to 12 noon; 4 pm to 8 pm*

Also Read: Top 10 Places To Visit In Tamil Nadu To Add To Your South India Wishlist

6. Valluvar Kottam

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 that was built to pay respects to the great poet. Planning a visit to this place during sunrise or sunset will help you experience the sheer beauty and brilliance of this attraction.

valluvar kottam chennai
Valluvar Kottam | #6 of Top 16 Best Places To Visit In Chennai
  • Location. Valluvar Kottam High Road, Nungambakkam, Chennai
  • Best time to visit. November to February
  • Fees. INR 3 (Adult); INR 2 (Child)*
  • Timings. 8:30 am to 5:30 pm*

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7. Kanchipuram

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. The 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. It is gently enveloped by beautifully landscaped gardens and bird sanctuaries, further adding to its beauty.

Tourist places in Chennai, Kanchipuram
Kanchipuram | #7 of Top 16 Best Places To Visit In Chennai
  • Location. Tondaimandalam region, Chennai
  • Best Time to Visit. October to February
  • Fee. No Fee
  • Timings. All Through the Day 

8. Mylapore

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.

Mylapore, Chennai
Mylapore | #8 of Top 16 Best Places To Visit In Chennai
  • Location. Central Chennai
  • Best Time to Visit. All Through the Year
  • Fee. No Fee
  • Timings. All Through the Day 

9. DakshinaChitra

Depicting the picture of the south, DakshinChitra 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 like Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and Karnataka. It is one of the Chennai famous places that also helps you learn a lot about South Indian states and gives you a chance to have fun.

A photo of dakshinachitra museum in Chennai
DakshinaChitra | #9 of Top 16 Best Places To Visit In Chennai 
  • Location. SH 49, Muthukadu, Chennai
  • Best Time to Visit. October to February
  • Fee. INR 100 (Adult)*
  • Timings. 10 am to 6 pm*

10. Velankanni Church

It is a beautiful church that brings 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.

A sunset photo of Velankanni Church in Chennai
Velankanni Church | #10 of Top 16 Best Places To Visit In Chennai
  • Location. 4, Anna Velankanni Road, Besant Nagar, Chennai
  • Best Time to Visit. November to February
  • Fee. No Fee
  • Timings. 9 am to 1 pm and 4 pm to 8 pm*

Also Read - Best Places To Visit In November In India 

11. Elliot's Beach

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 located close by, adding to the ambiance of the place.

elliot's beach chennai
Elliot's Beach | #11 of Top 16 Best Places To Visit In Chennai
  • Location. Besant Nagar, Chennai
  • Best Time to Visit. November to February
  • Fee. No Fee
  • Timings. All Through the Day 

Also Read: 10 Best Beaches In Tamil Nadu Every Beach Lover Should Explore

12. Guindy National Park

The famous snake park and the Guindy National Park have added to the architectural elegance of the city. This park houses a diverse range of reptiles, mammals, birds, trees, amphibians, etc. This park is centrally located and attracts a large number of animal lovers. The incredible snake park has various crawlies like pythons, cobras, and other snake species. The park is verdant and insulated from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Guindy National Park
Guindy National Park | #12 of Top 16 Best Places To Visit In Chennai
  • Location. Rangeguindy, Chennai
  • Best Time to Visit. October to March
  • Fee. INR 20 (Adult)
  • Timings. 9 am to 5:30 pm 

Also Read - Best Places To Visit In October In India

13. Birla Planetarium

If you are intrigued with 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. Take your kids and introduce them 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.

birla planetarium chennai
Birla Planetarium | #13 of Top 16 Best Places To Visit In Chennai
  • Location. Gandhi Mandapam Road, Chennai
  • Best Time to Visit. December to February
  • Fee. INR 30 (Adult)*
  • Timings. 10 am to 5:45 pm*

14. Golden Beach

The famous Golden Beach is another important place to visit 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 man, 2000 millennium tower, and more. Visit the beach during the sunset and enjoy the breathtaking views of the deep orange-colored sun setting on the horizon.

Tourists enjoying at Golden Beach in Chennai
Golden Beach | #14 of Top 16 Best Places To Visit In Chennai
  • Location. Injambakkam, Chennai
  • Best Time to Visit. September to February
  • Fee. INR 150 (Adult)
  • Timings. 11 am to 7:30 pm (Weekdays); 10:30 am to 8 pm (Weekends)

Also Read - Top 20 Best Tourist Places To Visit In September In India

15. Royapuram Fishing Harbor

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 harbor commands splendid views. It can easily accommodate approximately 570 boats and is a popular attraction for the fish-lovers.

Boats standing at Royapuram Fishing Harbor in Chennai
Royapuram Fishing Harbor | #15 of Top 16 Best Places To Visit In Chennai
  • Location. Kasimedu, Royapuram, Chennai
  • Best Time to Visit. July to March
  • Fee. No Fee
  • Timings. All Through the Day

16. Madras War Memorial

One of the most visited places in Chennai, the Madras War Memorial, is dedicated to the martyrs of World War II. Beautifully carved structures and well-landscaped grounds of the memorial bring a sense of calm and peace to the minds of the visitors. Visit this place on Army Day or Vijay Diwas and pay homage to the martyrs.

Madras War Memorial | #16 of Top 16 Best Places To Visit In Chennai

  • Location. Mount Poonamalle High Road, Chennai
  • Best Time to Visit. October to February
  • Fee. No Fee
  • Timings. 8 am to 6 pm*

Chennai has a lot to offer besides the places to visit in Chennai mentioned above. Plan a trip well, book a perfect tour package to Chennai with Adotrip and spend a wonderful time in this culturally rich city.

Click Here for the Best Tour Packages to Chennai

Frequently Asked Questions About Famous Tourist Places In Chennai

Q 1. What is famous in Chennai?
A 1
. Marina Beach is the most famous among people visiting Chennai. Moreover, there are lovely temples, museums, gardens, and parks worth visiting and exploring.

Q 2. What to buy when visiting Chennai?
A 2
. Chennai is famous for handbags, footwear, dress material, temple jewellery, and more.

Q 3. Which time of the year is best for visiting Chennai?
A 3. Although Chennai is an all-year destination, the best time to visit is September to March as, during this time, the weather is pleasant.

Q 4. Which are the best shopping places or malls in Chennai?
A 4
. Some of the best shopping places in Chennai are

  • T Nagar
  • Pondy Bazaar
  • Sowcarpet
  • George Town
  • Anna Nagar
  • Nalli
  • Kumaran Silks

Q 5. Which are the most popular religious places in Chennai?
A 5. The most popular religious places in Chennai are

  • Kapaleeshwarar Temple
  • Parthsarthy Temple
  • The Sacred Temple of Thyagaraja
  • Ashtalaxmi Temple
  • Vadapalani Andavar Temple
  • Kalikambal Temple
  • The Gateway Adeeswar Temple

Q 6. Which are the most popular fun places in Chennai?
A 6
. The most popular fun places in Chennai are

  • Marina Beach
  • Vandalur Zoo
  • Hell Freezes Over
  • Chillax at Dublin
  • Express Avenue
  • VGP Universal Kingdom
  • Guindy Snake Park
  • Fun City

Q 7. Which are the popular one-day trip places from Chennai?
A 7. The popular one-day trip places from Chennai are

  • Elliot’s Beach
  • Pulicat Lake
  • Nagalapuram
  • Gingee Fort
  • Yelagiri
  • Mahabalipuram
  • Auroville

Q.8  What are the best places to visit in Chennai?
A.8  
Chennai tourist places list are

  • Marina Beach
  • Government Museum
  • Nagalapuram Waterfalls
  • Thousand Lights Mosque
  • Ashtalaxmi Temple
  • Valluvar Kottam
  • Kanchipuram
  • Mylapore
  • DakshinaChitra
  • Velankanni Church
  • Elliot's Beach
  • Guindy National Park
  • Birla Planetarium
  • Golden Beach
  • Royapuram Fishing Harbor
  • Madras War Memorial

--- Published By  Arpita Mathur

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