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20 Famous Places To Visit In Chennai In 2024

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.   

List Of Top 20 Tourist Places In Chennai

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.  

  • 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
  • Santhome Cathedral Basilica
  • Arignar Anna Zoological Park
  • Fort St. George
  •  Semmozhi Poonga

1. Marina Beach

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

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.

  • Location. Chennai along the Bay of Bengal
  • Best time to visit. November to February
  • Timings. All Day Long

2. Government Museum

A front photo of Government Museum in Chennai
Government Museum | #2 of Top 16 Best Places To Visit In Chennai

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.

  • Location. Egmore, Chennai
  • Best time to visit. November to February
  • Timings. 9:30 am to 5 pm (Friday closed)*

3. Nagalapuram Waterfalls

Tourists Enjoying at Nagalapuram Waterfalls
Nagalapuram Waterfalls | #3 of Top 16 Best Places To Visit In Chennai

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.

  • Location. Arai
  • Best time to visit. January to February
  • Timings. 8 am to 3 pm*

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4. Thousand Lights Mosque

Places to visit in Chennai - Thousand Lights Mosque
Thousand Lights Mosque | #4 of Top 16 Best Places To Visit In Chennai

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.

  • Location. Royapettah, Peter’s Colony, Chennai
  • Best time to visit. September to March
  • Timings. 5:30 am to 9 pm*

5. Ashtalaxmi Temple

A beautiful photo of Ashtalaxmi Temple
Ashtalaxmi Temple | #5 of Top 16 Best Places To Visit In Chennai

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.

  • Location. Kalakshetra Colony, Basant Nagar, Chennai
  • Best time to visit. September to February
  • Timings. 6:30 am to 12 noon; 4 pm to 8 pm*

6. Valluvar Kottam

valluvar kottam chennai
Valluvar Kottam | #6 of Top 16 Best Places To Visit In Chennai

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.

  • Location. Valluvar Kottam High Road, Nungambakkam, Chennai
  • Best time to visit. November to February
  • Timings. 8:30 am to 5:30 pm*

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7. Kanchipuram

Tourist places in Chennai, Kanchipuram
Kanchipuram | #7 of Top 16 Best Places To Visit In Chennai

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.

  • Location. Tondaimandalam region, Chennai
  • Best Time to Visit. October to February
  • Timings. All Through the Day 

8. Mylapore