Last updated on June 7th, 2024 at 12:45 pm
Chennai is a city with a deep-rooted history and culture,blending tradition with modernity in a charming way. Being the capital of Tamil Nadu, Chennai features markets, ancient temples and beautiful beaches set against the backdrop of an urban environment. One can enjoy the offerings of the city ranging from flavorful street food to upscale dining experiences. However, for a retreat treat yourself to the luxury of staying at Chennai Leela Palace. This beautiful palace is situated amidst gardens overlooking the Bay of Bengal. This palace offers comfort and the best hospitality. Therefore, with its architectural amenities and exceptional service, it stands as a symbol of luxury at the heart of this dynamic city.
Top Places to Visit in Chennai
The city of Chennai is more like a collection of places to visit and experiences to gather. From a relaxed beach holiday with the family to educational tours for school children, Chennai has enough places to see, catering to many interests. Let’s discuss some of the sightseeing places in Chennai.
Marina Beach
Marina Beach is no doubt the most visited beach in Chennai. It boasts of being the world’s second-longest beach. Its stretch is opposite to many prominent buildings in the city, such as Madras University, Presidency College, Swami Vivekananda Museum and House, AIR, and various government offices. The Marina Beach is opposite Fort St. George, Kamaraj Salai, and Chepauk. Sunset and sunrise at the beach are worth seeing, and its view is excellent. The beach shows an active environment, with food stalls and pony rides, games, etc.
Arignar Anna Zoological Park
Animal lovers will find it a great place to be missing. With more than 500 rare species, most of them being endangered, the place has ample wildlife. Visit the zoo and be part of various safaris provided here, like Lion Safari and Elephant Safari. It is not just a home of rare species but also a rich variety of flora and fauna in the region. Located 32 km from Chennai city, the zoological park is one of the great weekend spots. Also, witness the aquarium, crocodile house, butterfly house, and amphibian house that the place has to offer.
Fort St. George
Another of the most essential Chennai landmarks is Fort St. George. Construction started in 1644 and has a rich history, with the fort being the first British centre of power in the south. Today, it is used by the government of Tamil Nadu. The inside walls of the fort have a beautiful Fort Museum showcasing some of the colonial-era artifacts, including weapons, uniforms, and personal letters. Also in its walls is St. Mary’s Church, which is said to be the first Anglican Church in India. It was consecrated in 1680 and is often called ‘the Westminster Abbey of the East.”
Vivekananda House and Museum
Another sightseeing place you can’t miss on a Chennai tour is the Vivekananda house and Museum, located at Kamaraj Salai on the Marina Beach Road. Initially, built in 1842 to store ice blocks, it was called the Ice House. Later, it was bought by a renowned lawyer, Bilagiri Iyengar, who named it Castle Kernan in the respect of his friend. In February 1897, Swami Vivekananda had stayed at this Victorian-style, two-story home for a few days. The Vivekananda Navaratri was celebrated here every year in the honor of this, and eventually, it was named Vivekananda House.
Mylapore
Mylapore is a neighbourhood that is perfect for all kinds of travellers. Located in the Chennai district, Mylapore is home to a plethora of places that you can explore. Kapaleeswarartemple and Ramakrishnan Math are situated in Mylaporewhich is one of the reasons for this neighbourhood being one of the best places to visit in Chennai. Moreover, Mylapore is the oldest residential area, and all those who are interested in getting acquainted with the history of Chennai must visit this neighbourhood.
Royapuram Fishing Harbour
Tourists who go behind taking incredible pictures of some places they visit are crazy about the Royapuram fishing harbour. Sometimes called the Kasimedu fishing harbor or the Chennai fishing harbor, it was famous as the major fishing grounds of Chennai. If you want to witness the local lives in Chennai, then visit this harbour. You can see a lot of fishermen out at sea in their boats and a lot of fish being caught. People also stroll around the market looking to buy a good piece of fish. The best spot to be at night is the Chennai fishing harbour, which gives such a lovely feeling that it becomes mesmerizing to the eyes.
Birla Planetarium
Do you love the solar system? Then, surely, the next one on this handcrafted list of places to see in Chennai is something that you must pay a visit to on your trip. Birla Planetarium in Chennai will make for an excellent spot for a family outing. It is located at Kotturpuram, Chennai, and organizes a lot of cosmic shows and virtual tours of the solar system. You can take your kids there and teach them about planets, stars, and other terms relating to the solar system.
Valluvar Kottam
Valluvar Kottam is one of the most impressive monuments in Chennai and dedicated to Valluvar. Thiruvalluvar was a most noted poet and philosopher, and his works are a very eminent part of Chennai’s literature collection. This monument was inaugurated in 1976, and since then, it has been one of the prime tourist attractions in Chennai. This monument is in the form of a chariot, and the auditorium is one of the biggest in India. You can see the 133 chapters of his famous work inscribed here. Valluvar Kottam is one of the most important places in Tamil Nadu that all travellers should definitely visit.
Final Words
Overall, a trip, to Chennai offers a journey through streets, diverse culture and delicious food. From visiting temples to taking a walk along Marina Beach there’s something for every traveler to enjoy. In the midst of this city life sits the oasis of Chennai Leela Palace, a grand fusion of luxury and coziness.Whether you’re savouring dining or relaxing in accommodations, look for the best Chennai Leela Palace that ensure an unforgettable experience for its visitors, taking their Chennai visit to new heights. Ultimately, located in the heart of the city, it radiates elegance, with its architecture and service. If you are looking for other destinations then check out the best locations in Europe.
