The Guide for Places to Visit in Chennai

Every rhythmic crash of the beach waves showcases the culture and color of the city of Chennai. The capital of Tamil Nadu is a lively place exhibiting the rich traditions and values of South India. If you’re new in town or planning a vacation to South India, then here’s a quick guide to the best places to visit in Chennai.

Introduction

You will not only find an amazing number of attractions in Chennai but also ancient works of art and a rich cultural history. It is one of the busiest cities in the country, and it houses sea beaches, well-developed markets, British colonial architecture, and ancient temples. Check out the long list of places to visit in Chennai that you can explore using your car or self-drive car rental in Chennai.

Places to Visit in Chennai

The fourth metropolis of the country is a beautiful beach city with a peaceful soul. Whether you’re a resident of the city or a visitor, make sure you check out the attractive places in Chennai.

Marina Beach

Experience serenity and peace while wandering around the second-biggest urban beach in the world! Marina Beach, enclosed by admirable palm trees and shining golden sand beneath, will surely mesmerize you. One of the most amazing places in Chennai, the beach enchants the onlookers, especially during sunrise and sunset. Standing at a stretch of 6 km from Fort St. George to Foreshore Estate, the Marina Beach is visited by more than 30000 visitors daily. Enjoy crispy South Indian snacks such as murukku and sundal by street hawkers while exploring the beach.
Location: Marina Beach, Chennai
Timings: All day long
Entry fee: Free

Kapaleeshwarar Temple

One of the best places to visit in Chennai with family is the Kapaleeshwarar Temple. Constructed in the 7th century by the Pallava Dynasty, the temple exhibits the Dravidian style of architecture along with 120 ft. Gopuram and inscriptions dating back to the 12th century. Explore the shrines present in the temple complex devoted to a particular Hindu god. The street of the temple is decked with age-old shops selling pooja stuff, jewelry, and cotton and silk sarees.
Location: Kapaleeshwarar Temple, Vinayak Nagar Colony
Timings: 5 am – 12.30 pm and 4 pm – 8 pm
Entry fee- Free

Fort St. George

With its imposing 20-foot walls, Fort St. George is a stunning example of British colonial architecture in Chennai. Built in 1644, this historic landmark has played a vital role in India’s history and is now a popular tourist attraction.
You can book car rental services in Chennai to conveniently explore these places at your own pace. As a tourist, you can visit the fortress, check out the paintings, coins, arms, artifacts, and documents, and more. The building shares a lot of information about colonization and freedom of India.
Location: Rajaji Rd, near Legislature and Secretariat, Fort St George, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600009
Timings: 9 AM to 5 PM
Entry fee: INR 5 for Indians and INR 300 for foreigners

Santhome Cathedral Basilica

The Saint Thomas Cathedral Basilica is a famous tourist destination of Chennai, situated near Marina Beach. Built in 1523 AD, the church was made by Portuguese missionaries as the tomb of Saint Thomas the Apostle.
In 1896, the church was rebuilt by the British in Gothic style. In 1956 Pope John Paul II visited the cathedral and in 2004, it was declared a National Shrine.
Timings: 6 am – 9 pm
Location: Santhome Cathedral Basilica, Rosary Church Road, Santhome, Mylapore

Government Museum

Situated in Egmore, the Government Museum is 173 years old with an amazing collection of archaeological artifacts speaking about the evolution of human history. It is the second oldest museum in the nation after the Indian Museum in Kolkata, housing rare antique Roman artifacts and bronze idols dating back to 1000 BCE. It also includes The National Art Gallery and the Connemara Public Library.
Timings: 9.30 am – 5.30 pm
Entry Fees: INR 15 for Indians and INR 250 for Foreigners
Location: Government Museum Chennai, Government Maternity Hospital, Pantheon Road, Egmore.

Valluvar Kottam

Valluvar Kottam is an impressive monument in Chennai and is dedicated to the Tamil poet and philosopher Valluvar, who is best known for writing Tirukkural, a collection of couplets on ethics, politics, economics, and love. Thiruvalluvar and his works are an eminent part of Chennai’s literary heritage. This monument was inaugurated in 1976, and since then, it has been one of the prime tourist attractions in Chennai. It is constructed in the shape of a chariot, and the auditorium it houses is one of the largest in India.
Location: 34, Valluvar Kottam High Road, Nungambakkam, Chennai
Timings: 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM
Entry fee: INR 10 for adults and INR 5 for children

Besant Nagar Beach

Besant Nagar Beach, or Edward Elliot’s Beach, is dotted with various mouthwatering eateries. The place is a paradise for foodies, ranging from Ibaco, Tamen- the Local Ramen to KFC, and other cuisine restaurants and local food stalls such as Chennai’s Murugan Idli Shop. Situated in a tranquil and posh area, the beach has trees and beautiful bungalows.
It is highly visited by joggers, and travelers looking for a stroll by the sea. If you have time, don’t forget to visit the Huddleston Gardens of Theosophical Society, situated near the beach for a serene time in nature.
Timings: Anytime
Entry Fees: Free
Location: Besant Nagar, Chennai

Marina Lighthouse

The Marina Lighthouse, located on the scenic Marina Beach in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, is an iconic landmark and a popular tourist attraction. Standing tall at approximately 46 meters, this lighthouse offers a panoramic view of the Bay of Bengal and the sprawling cityscape of Chennai. Originally built in 1881, the current structure was inaugurated in 1977 and is one of the few lighthouses in India that is still functional and open to the public.

Conclusion

Now that you are well aware of the places to visit in Chennai, you just need to hire the best car rental in Chennai and plan your trip accordingly. Don’t forget to extend your trip by opting for a road trip to hill stations near Chennai