Chennai is a city with a rich history and many interesting attractions. It is also an important economic, cultural and educational center of India. The capital city of the State of Tamil Nadu has a population of nearly 11.5 million people and hosts millions of tourists every year.
Here are major places to visit in Chennai:
Fort St. George
The site of the first British settlement in India, Fort St. George has been turned into a museum, and it is also home to the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly. In the 17th century, this fort was built to protect a small fishing village. The British set up their first official trading station here in 1640. The place was called St. George Fort until the end of the 18th century when it became known simply as 'Fort St. George'.
Marina Beach
Marina Beach is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. It is Chennai's longest beach, and it offers stunning views of the Bay of Bengal. The beach itself is clean and well-maintained, and it boasts several restaurants which serve delicious seafood dishes. Additionally, there are several water sports on offer, including parasailing and scuba diving.
The Kapaleeshwarar Temple
The Kapaleeshwarar Temple is one of the most important shrines for Hindus in Chennai. The temple is dedicated to Shiva, and it is known for its beautiful architecture. The temple was built in the 7th century, and it underwent many changes over the centuries. The temple is located near Mylapore beach, and there are several other temples nearby.
The Valluvar Kottam
The Valluvar Kottam is a memorial dedicated to the Tamil poet and philosopher Thiruvalluvar. It features a statue of Thiruvalluvar as well as an auditorium that can seat up to 4000 people. The memorial also has a mini museum, which showcases the work of Thiruvalluvar. The Valluvar Kottam was built in 1976 as a tribute to Thiruvalluvar, one of the greatest Tamil poets and philosophers.
The Madras Museum
The Madras Museum is one of the largest and most popular museums in India. It houses an extensive collection of artifacts from across the country, including an Egyptian mummy and a statue of Gomateshwara, the Jain saint. The museum is located on Egmore road and is run by the Department of Museums. Its extensive collection spans a wide range of subjects, including ancient sculptures, paintings, historical coins and weapons, as well as natural history exhibits.
The Government Museum Chennai
The Government Museum Chennai is another must-visit for history buffs. It includes exhibits on archaeology, numismatics, and natural history, among other topics.