Chennai is one of the most underrated tourist destinations, Chennai has all the elements that is needed for an ideal vacation spot. With some of the best beaches in India, the city is also called the ‘cultural capital of India’ as even today people have managed to hold on to the age old traditions. With a lots of holy places, some of the structures have stood the test of the time and makes us believe that the city is more ancient than written in the papers. If you are planning to visit Bangalore, then you ought to have Chennai in your itinerary as it has a lots of things to do and places to visit. Pack your bags and board the Bangalore to Chennai train to visit these awesome places in Chennai.
List of 06 Tourist Places near Chennai
1. Marina Beach
One of the obvious choices while Chennai, Marina Beach is the second largest beach on the planet. Everyone should try walking along the seashore during the sunrise or the sunsets as the view is stunningly breathtaking. If you love sports then you can try your hands at fishing and windsurfing at the beach won’t leave you disappointed. Although not well maintained, but still you will find the place quite awesome as there are lots of things to do here.
2. Madras Crocodile Bank
If you are a reptiles’ fan, the Madras Crocodile Bank will not let you down in any way. This place was founded in the year 1976 and is home to three rare species of crocodiles that are mugger, saltwater and gharial. You can find many species located here to make the count of these reptiles to around 25,000. Other attractions of Madras Crocodile Bank are albino and cobra snakes as well as water monitor lizard.
3. Pulicat Lake
You have to have Pulicat Lake on your list of places while visiting Chennai. One of the few places where you can get close to nature in Chennai, Pulicat Lake acts as a sigh of relief for the nature lovers. Located at Tamil Nadu’s border, the atmosphere at the lake is serene and very relaxing. You can even indulge in fishing while enjoying a nice boat ride.
3. Kapaleeshwarar Temple
Derived from the Kapalam (head) and eshwara (Shiva), the temple has an awesome legend attached to it. According to manuscripts Brahma failed to show up at a meeting set up by Lord Shiva on Mount Kailash, which angered Lord Shiva so much that he plucked one of the heads of Brahma. So, in return to please Lord Shiva, Brahma came to the place and installed lingam to please Shiva. If this story can’t bring you to the temple, then we don’t know what will!
4. National Art Gallery
Established in 1907, one can see the influence of Indo-Saracenic architecture in the red sandstone construction. The gallery has mainly 4 sections named Tanjore Painting Gallery, Indian Traditional Art Gallery, Ravi Varma art gallery and Decorative Art Gallery. One of the best places for art lovers, the gallery houses some of the artworks belonging to the 11th century.
5. Fort St. George
Fort St. George, (also historically known as White Town) is the name given to the first English fortress in India, established in the year 1644. It was founded at the coastal city of Chennai (erstwhile Madras). At that time, it was the centre point of merchant trade activity of the British East India Company. However, it houses the Legislative Assembly and the Secretariat of the city. Tourists can find St. Mary’s Church, the oldest Anglican Church in the country and a Fort Museum with exhibits ancient artifacts.
6. Thousand Lights Mosque
In the list of tourist attractions in Chennai, the Thousand Lights Mosque is a famous place. The mosque was constructed by Nawab Umdat-ul-Umrah in 1810. One can fine verses from the holy book are painted on the walls of this beautiful multi-domed mosque. The Thousand Lights Mosque also has a huge library and burial ground. Presently, it is home of Ghazi Moulana Ghulam Mahadi Khan of Tamil Nadu.
Chennai tourism is on the rise and we really hope it reaches to whole new level soon. Chennai’s top attraction, though, is the warmth of the locals. You will discover the perfect harmony among the people of Chennai, who don’t consider the conventional views as far as religion, race and colour. There are many more world class attractions to visit in Chennai apart from these.
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