Chennai, formerly known as Madras, is one of the four metropolitan cities of India. The capital of Tamil Nadu is also a major port town which ahs always attracted traders and merchants including the French, the Portugese, and the British. Today Chennai is one of India's booming cosmopolitan city and the center of the Tamil film industry. In fact, the hoardings and the billboards in the city are possibly the most gigantic that one will ever come across anywhere in the country. Chennai is also known for its good educational institutions and some of India's hottest retail outlets. Tourists on holiday in Chennai are in for a memorable experience. Travel in Chennai and visit the Marina beach, where the blue waters of the Bay of Bengal mingle with the golden sands, or the forts and palaces of Chennai, which remind one of the bygone eras. There are several places to visit in the city when on a holiday in Chennai.
Places To Travel in Chennai
Marina Beach
Marina Beach, the second largest beach in Asia wears a festive look in the evening when the city descends here for relaxation and to savor the fresh air. The beach, which extends from Fort St. George all the way to Mahabalipuram, looks spectacular at dusk when the setting sun casts iridescent glow and peddlers sell everything from ice creams to roasted peanuts to balloons.
St. George Fort
A major landmark of the city, St George Fort was built by the British East India Company. Besides being used as the state secretariat, the building also houses a variety of British and French antiques and other commemorations. The fort has a grey granite exterior unlike the Mughal forts that has lavish ornamentation and luxury. It housed barracks for the British army, a parade ground, and the oldest church of Chennai-the St. Mary's Church. A holiday in Chennai is never complete without a visit to this incredible heritage building.
Sri Parathasarthy temple
This temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna. Built by the Pallavas in the 8th century, the temple was renovated in the 16th century by the Vijaynagar kings.
Situated in Triplicane, another beach in Chennai and one of the major harbours during Pallava time, it is famed for the beauty of its gopuram (arched gateway) and its architecture. The entire locality is fashioned around the temple.
San Thome Cathedral
The cathedral is built near Marina Beach is another tourist attraction. It was originally built in neo-Gothic style in the 13th century in honor of the apostle St.Thomas and was rebuilt in1896. According to legends, St. Thomas arrived in India from Palestine in AD 52 and died after 26 year. The church was built after a millennium, probably by the Persian Christians, and his remains were moved inside. The church was refurbished in 1606 and made into a cathedral. Again, in 1806, it was rebuilt as a basilica. There is a museum in its premises with a 16th-century map of South Asia.
Kapaleeshwar Temple
This temple is an example of a typical Dravidian style of architecture. It is located near the San Thome Cathedral. The oldest temple of Chennai, is dedicated to Lord Shiva However, non-Hindus are not allowed to enter into the main worshiping place of the temple. The temple is the nucleus of the local tank market and residential quarters around it. The main entrance facing east is painted in red, blue and yellow with Puranic legends sculpted on the sanctum sanctorum.
The Government MuseumThe museum houses the finest collection of Chola art in the country. It also has a fascinating collection from the Chalukya, Hoysala and Vijaynagar periods in South India.
National Art GalleryBuilt in 1906, the gallery is situated in a splendid Indo-Saracenic edifice. The building was initially known as Victoria Memorial Hall and was designed by Henry Irwin. There is an interesting collection of old paintings and sculptures including Tanjore paintings on glass; Rajput and Mughal miniature paintings; Deccan paintings from 17th century; and handcrafts, metalware, and ivory carvings from 11th and 12th century.
Guindy National park and The Snake Park.Situated close to each other near the Guindy station, the parks are an animal lovers' delight, being home to rare species of snakes and reptiles.Birla PlanteriumThis unique planetarium is the ideal place to gaze at the stars.Elliot BeachAnother famous beach located in the city, is an ideal place for relaxation and contemplation.National Art and Government MuseumThe museum houses some of the rare art pieces of the country.Anna Zoological ParkThis park, an animal lovers' delight, aptly showcases the wildlife of India.
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