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Sent: Thursday, 18 August 2016 3:25 PM
Subject: KNOW MORE ABOUT CHENNAI
24 Amazing Places to Visit in Chennai
Every aspect of its culture, be it the cuisine, music and dance, textiles or architecture,
is steeped in time-honoured customs. Amongst this setting, it is no wonder that there
are many interesting places to visit in Chennai.
With several religious sites, galleries, museums, gardens, historic monuments, beaches and adventurous activities, one can easily spend a week touring this city. Given below is a list of where you can visit when in this city. While some are located in the heart of the city, others are placed on the outskirts and call for adaylong expedition.Popular Beaches in Chennai:
01Marina Beach
Image Credit : wikimediaIndia's largest beach happens to be Chennai's Marina Beach which extends from Fort St. George to Besant Nagar.
One of the best places to visit in Chennai for viewing a spectacular sun rise, this sandy delight is lined by palm trees
on one side.An old light house stands on the southern end of Marina along with several other structures including an aquarium,
a swimming pool and a park. With food stalls, rides on ponies, kite flying and beach games to entertain you,
a visit to here must be included on your trip to this city.02Elliot's Beach
Image Credit : wikimediaNow renamed as Besant Nagar Beach, Elliot's is one of the places to see in Chennai and less crowded
than the popular Marina Beach. On the southern side this seashore are the famedAshta Lakshmi Temple
and Velanganni Church, popular among the residents of Chennai.The Schmidt Memorial is yet another draw of Elliott Beach which was built in remembrance of a Dutch sailor,
Karl Schmidt. Head here to experience a tranquil evening overseeing the waves as they roll into the shore03Covelong Beach
Located a distance of 40km from Chennai, on the coast of Coromandel, Covelong Beach is well-known for
its beach activities and the serene beauty of its surroundings. Once a major port, one comes across it
on the way to Mahabalipuram.It is now thronged mostly by water sports enthusiasts for activities such as wind surfing and swimming.
Close by are ancient monuments like forts, churches and mosques apart from the town of Mahabalipuram
and the Crocodile Farm, makingCovelong Beach a popular destination for a day outing.Monuments & historical places to visit in Chennai:
04Fort St. George
A delight for history buffs, this fort constructed during the British Rule, encloses historic monuments
of St. Mary's church and St. George museum. The museum houses artefacts from that era including paintings,
coins, silverware, arms, porcelain and documents.Timings: 9 am to 5 pm (except Friday)Entry Fee: INR 100 for foreign tourists and INR 5 for Indian visitors (only the museum)Photography: Allowed05Santhome Church
An important religious spot for the Christian community, the sparkling white structure of San Thome
stands on the tomb of St Thomas. This structure, which is a reminder of the colonial past of the city,
has stained glass windows and a statue of St Thomas in a sitting posture. A museum, a library and
a shop selling prayer material are found within the church premises too.Timings: 6 am to 8 pmEntry Fee: NonePhotography: Allowed06Sri Parthasarathy Temple
Image Credit : Aj Photography - FlickrOne of the historical places to visit in Chennai is the temple said to be the oldest in this city.
Dedicated to Lord Krishna, one can see its splendid coloured gopuram apart from the other shrines
that stand within the temple grounds.Timings: 4 am to 11:30 pmEntry Fee: NonePhotography: Allowed07Kapaleeshwar Temple
Image Credit : Sriirama Santhosh - FlickrApart from being a religious spot, what draws crowds to this temple is its unique architecture.
The detailed Gopuram of this structure is 37 metres high and is a fine example of Dravidian style of
construction. The temple, home to the deities Shiva and Karpagambal, even holds a festival in the
months of March and April.Timings: 5:30 am to 12 pm, 5-9 pmEntry Fee: NonePhotography: Allowed08Vellankani Shrine
Just off the Elliot's Beach stands the AnnaiVailankanni Shrine which is much revered among both
Christians and non-Christians. The pristine white structure of the church stands overlooking the
Bay of Bengal and is visited by thousands of solace-seekers each day. One can attend the mass
conducted here in both Tamil and English.Timings: 5 am to 9 pmEntry Fee: None
09Thousand Lights Mosque
Image Credit : Chennai in focus - FlickrAnother place to see in Chennai for its architectural magnificence is this mosque which holds a
special place in the Shia community. A total of 1000 oil lamps light up the hall of the mosque,
which is how it got its name. Its multi-domes and twin minarets enclose the main hallwhere men
offer their prayers. There is a separate hall for the women.Timings: 5:30 am to 9 pmEntry Fee: NonePhotography: Not allowed
10Connemara Public Library
Constructed in late 19th century, Connemara library is a treasure house of centuries-old publications.
With a collection of over 600,000 books, it is one of Asia's largest libraries. Be it avid readers or scholars
doing research work, one could easily get lost in this enchanting world of books as they immerse themselves
in their favourite activity.Timings: 9 am to 7:30 pmEntry Fee: NonePhotography: AllowedPlaces to visit in Chennai with family & kids:
11Arignar Anna Zoological Park
Image Credit : Emma Louise - FlickrLocated 35 km from the city centre, this zoological park is one of the places to visit in Chennai with kids.
The expansive grounds of the zoo are home to 1500 species of wild beings, some of which are even endangered.
An aviary, a lion safari, a deer safari and an elephant safari form the popular sections of the zoo.
There is a separate section for nocturnal animals, an aquarium and a butterfly house too.Timings: 9 am to 5 pm (except Tuesdays)Entry Fee: INR 30 for adults and INR 10 for children between 5-12 yearsPhotography: Allowed, INR 25 for camera and INR150 for a handycam.12Semmozhi Poonga
overing an area of 20 acres, the Semmozhi Poonga Park is a botanical garden.Overseen by the
horticultural department, it is an ideal place to visit in Chennai with family. Apart from the exotic
and rare flora grown, there are also some medicinal herbs in the green houses of the park.Visitors can relax on the park grounds which also contain a water and rock garden, a butterfly garden,
a fern garden, a sunken garden and many theme gardens.INR 15 for people over 10 years of age.Photography: Allowed13Crocodile Bank
Image Credit : Sunil soundarapandian -FlickrStarted in an effort to preserve and protect this reptile species, the Crocodile Bank even houses
alligators, snakes, sea turtles and water birds. In all there are 2500 creatures within the premises
of the Bank and one can spot crocs as well as ghariyals sunning themselves on the edge of the
water body during the day. There is also a shop where one can purchase books and memorabilia
related to these reptiles.Timings: 8:30 am to 5:30 pm (except Monday)Entry Fee: INR 35 for adults, INR10 for children below 10Photography: Allowed, INR 40 camera and INR 100 for video camera14MGM Dizzee World
Image Credit : wikimediaThis amusement park, located on the East coast road, is a wholesome entertaining spot for young
and old alike. With several thrilling rides and an amphi-theatre for performances, guests to Dizzee World
would surely enjoy a day spent here. The water park on the premises has a wave pool apart from many
other rides and slides.Timings: 9:30 am to 5:30 pm on weekdays, 10:30 am to 7:30 pm on weekends and holidaysEntry Fee: INR 799 for adults (with food), INR 577 for kids (food included), INR 550 for adults, INR 450 for kidsPhotography: Allowed15Dakshina Chitra
Image Credit : cprogrammer FlickrThis is one of the places to visit in Chennai with kids where they will be introduced to the South Indian
culture of the past. Literally translating to 'a picture of the south',DakshinaChitra is a small village has
been recreated using replicas of traditional South Indian houses dating back to the 19th and 20th
centuries.The visitors get a peek into the lifestyle and customs of different communities of South India and
also viewartefacts made by the local artisans. Another treat is one can taste a vast array of the
traditional South Indian cuisine.Timings: 10 am to 6 pm (except Tuesday)Entry Fee: INR 100 for adults INR 30 for children between 5-12 and INR 250 for foreign visitorsPhotography: Allowed16Cholamandal Artist Village
Image Credit : wikimediaThis artists' commune is a platform for the resident painters and sculptors to showcase their creations
to the visiting guests. Located on the fringes of Chennai, in the village of Injambakkam, Cholamandal
has two galleries, an open-air theatre, a book store and a craft shop. For those interested in art and
craft, this destination with a serene ambience will be an ideal outing.Timings: 9 am to 6:30 pmEntry Fee: INR 20 for adults and INR 5 for childrenPhotography: Allowed17Guindy National Park and Snake Park
The only national park situated in the middle a city, Guindy has many birds, animals and reptiles as
its residents. On visiting this place one can see blackbucks, spotted deer, jackals, tortoise and the
likes. The snake park is home to cobras and pythons, while the birds found here include partridge,
quail, fly catcher and buzzards. This is one of the few places to visit in Chennai with family where
every member will enjoy the experience thoroughly.Timings: 9 am to 5:30 pmEntry Fee: INR 20 for adults, INR 5 for childrenPhotography: Allowed, INR 20 for camera and INR 100 for handycam.18Birla Planetarium
Image Credit : wikimediaSituated close to the Anna University in Chennai, Birla Planetarium is an important part of Periyar Science
and Technology Museum. There are regular audio-visual programs on astronomy conducted here apart
from exhibits that include Solar System, Cycle of Stars, Sky and Seasons, Comets and Man on the Moon.
Science Park, Traffic Park and Science on Wheelsare the highlights of Science Centre which are of special
interest for young visitors.Timings: 10 am to 5:45 pmEntry Fee: INR 40 for adults, INR 25 for childrenPlaces to visit near Chennai (within 100 Kms):
19Muttukadu
Image Credit : Simply CVR - FlickrA backwater area of the Bay of Bengal, Muttukadu is one of the tourist places near Chennai where
one can get to indulge in water sports. With its extensive facilities, that include a restaurant, and
a large number of boats, it can host visitors throughout the year.Distance: 31 kmLocation: Eastern coast, South of ChennaiBest time to visit: November to MarchAttractions:The Boat house in Muttukadu is where all the action is. Apart from this, the beach at Muttukadu draws a sizeable crowd during trips to this area. Get a glimpse of various species of birds at the backwaters during migratory season.Activities:Rowing, water skiing, speed boat riding, wind surfing and paddle boating are possible in Muttukadu.Type of destination: Family and kid friendly20Mahabalipuram
Image Credit : prabhu b - FlickrFamed for its ancient mountains, Mahabalipuram, also known as Mamallapuram, is one of the places
to visit near Chennai. Placed around 60 km south from the city of Chennai, it was once a busy seaport
during the dynasty of the Pallavas.Distance: 52 kmLocation: Eastern coast, South of ChennaiBest time to visit: November to MarchAttractions:The iconic Shore Temple, among the oldest temples of South India, is carved out of a large block
of granite. A short distance from this place of worship is 'Descent of the Ganges' or'Arjuna's
Penance'.Among the world's biggest bas-reliefs, it depicts the story of the descent of the River
Ganges from Heaven to Earth. 'PanchaRathas' or the five chariots are again carved out of a
single rock and are dedicated to the Pandavas.Activities:Explore and observe the fine sculpture of the various monuments standing in Mahabalipuram.
The drive from Chennai to Mahabalipuram along the seashore is quite an experience too.
The beach at this tourist place near Chennai is also ideal for spending a day just lounging
on the sand and relaxing.Type of destination: Family and kid friendly, historic, beach and pilgrimage21Sadras
Image Credit : wikimediaThe coastal town of Sadras was once a Dutch fortress which was taken over by the British in later years.
It is currently in ruins but a few structures within can still be viewed.Distance: 71 kmLocation: Eastern coast, South of MahabalipuramBest time to visit: October to MarchAttractions:The glorious Sadras Fort was constructed by the Dutch as a post for exporting goods.
It has a vast compound which contains a large granary, stables and structures used to mount elephants.Activities:On a day trip to Sadras, one can enjoy a picnic on its beach after touring the fort.Type of destination:Family and kid friendly, historic and beach22Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary, Kanchipuram
This bird sanctuary is inundated with thousands of birds of varied species during the migratory season.
The lake within the sanctuary is the all important source of water for these creatures, around which
they build their nests and thrive.Distance: 78 kmLocation: Close to Palar River, south of ChennaiBest time to Visit: November to FebruaryAttractions:Birds of diverse origins are what you can see at this place to visit near Chennai. While some birds
like cormorants, egrets, moorhens and terns are found at other places in India, others like snake
bird, ibis, stork, heron and spoonbill come all the way from Europe to make Vedanthangal their
home for a few months.Activities:Bird watching and capturing the experience with your cameras is the major activity to be carried on
here.Type of destination: Trekking, family & kid friendly23Tiruttani
Image Credit : jagadeesh - FlickrThis small town is known for the temple dedicated to Murugan that stands on top of a hillock here.
One can reach the temple by climbing up the 365 steps that take you to it. A few religious festivals are
celebrated here during which many devotees visit the temple.Distance: 90 kmLocation: West of ChennaiBest time to visit: October to MarchAttractions:This pilgrimage centre has a number of temples located here apart from the famed one dedicated to
Murugan. Some of these are Shivan temple, BajanKovil, VinayagarKovil and Eshwaran temple.Type of destination:Pilgrimage, family and kid friendly24Pulicat Lake & Bird Sanctuary
Formed by the backwaters of the Bay of Bengal, Pulicat is the second largest lagoon in India that
has brackish water. And the bird sanctuary stands on a piece of land in the middle of this lake.Distance: 98 kmLocation: Eastern coast, North of ChennaiBest time to visit: October to MarchAttractions:The spectacular sights of thousands of pink Flamingoes flocked together can be viewed only
at this place to visit near Chennai. Besides, you can spot pelicans, herons, kingfishers, storks
and many more at the sanctuary. There are quite a few fishing villages on the lake's edge which
one can visit if interested.Activities:Boating in the lake during which one can see birds splashing about in the water.Type of destination: Trekking, family and kid friendlyWhether travelling with a family or on your own; spiritually inclined or a history buff,
nature lover or photography enthusiast – every kind of traveller to Chennai has something
of their interest here. The best season to visit Chennai and its neighbouring regions is winters
when it is relatively pleasant and one can make the most of the trip.
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