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Writer's pictureAmy

Captivating Chennai - 15 Must-Visit Places in the Heart of South India

Updated: May 25

This time on my annual India trip from the Netherlands, along with the usual Mumbai and Bangalore halt, I decided to include Chennai in my itinerary. Now you’d ask me why Chennai of all the places in India. One, because August happens to be the monsoon season in India, the downpour is severe in several regions and parts of the country, and we were left with very few options to vacation. I asked my parents to join in. The idea was to celebrate their birthdays, which fall few days apart. Another very important reason for my visit to Chennai was to meet my very close friend Priya Subramaniyam who graduated in Engineering with me in Mumbai. It was almost 7 years since we last met up, and now she was married and had a butterball of a daughter who was seven months old. With that agenda in mind, off we set off to the coastal beauty of South India, Chennai.

Chennai City - The Land of Temples
Chennai City - The Land of Temples

Prelude

Back in the day, my father's ship used to visit Chennai more often than we preferred. Visiting the snake and crocodile parks and gorgeous beaches of this hot, sultry coastal city of Tamil Nadu state excited us as kids, however the temple run and mandatory lunches and dinners at family friends’ houses weren’t our favourite pastime. Growing up, call it my naïvety, I’d formed an impression about the Tamilians. One, either they were highly educated, incredibly intelligent individuals, acing the engineering and medicine fields or were IITians or government delegates. Two, they were god-fearing, extremely religious individuals who enjoyed their rice-sambar-rasam-thayir every day. Three, their Hindi wasn’t the best, however majority of them conversed exceptionally well in English. I had no inkling that in my adult years, I would develop a deep affection for a Tamilian and eventually partake in a splendid temple wedding adorned in the elegance of Kanjivaram attire. Majority of my naïve thoughts proved true except for the fact that Tamilians are also multilingual geniuses garnering talents and cultural skills in unison with their academic prowess. The amalgamation of this culture, tradition, value, and belief system constitute the social fabric of this capital city of Tamil Nadu. And excited were we to return again to this coastal land of temples to build memories that will be etched for life. Below is a list of 15 Must-Visit Places in Chennai jotted down for your quick reference.


15 Must-Visit Places in Chennai

Cultural Exploration

Beach Excursion

Heritage and Nature Tourism

Shopping Spree

Culinary expedition


The Drive

We drove down from Bangalore in dad’s car. The journey took us roughly about seven hours with a halt for lunch at Upashana Hotels. After a royal Thali lunch, we arrived in Chennai around early evening. As soon as we stepped out of the car, we received a very warm welcome. A release of hot and humid air. This welcome was very different from the one I received in my cool city of Bangalore. We checked into our four star Hotel Turyaa Chennai, which is located on OMR. This hotel stands tall, welcomes families with children and business persons and has comfortable accommodations with modern amenities, a rooftop swimming pool and restaurant, spa service, in-room dining and a sprawling breakfast option. Itu pōtumā allatu iṉṉum vēṇṭumā? 🤪


#1 Prayer and Offerings at Shri Ashtalakshmi Temple

It was mum’s birthday and we decided to start our day by offering prayers at Shri Ashtalakshmi (8 forms of Lakshmi) temple in Besant Nagar. We were meeting Priya and her family at this renowned temple. She had insisted we make it early, as it could get really hot in the day. However, after a long drive the previous day, we couldn’t move a limb before 11 am, hence that became our ETA. We arrived at the temple parking and were swiftly ushered by the a frail man, who seemed like the man responsible for the parking, to park in the backyard of the temple which faced the resplendent Besant nagar beach. Priya met me at the entrance of the temple. After a quick, deep hug and purchase of a basket of 8 lotus blooms, we entered the temple. The scent of incense and used oil from lamps permeated the crisp air. As we walked towards the first Lakshmi, a small crowd of devotees gathered in queue ahead of us.

Shri Ashtalakshmi Temple
Shri Ashtalakshmi Temple

To give you a bit of history, the Asthalakshmi Temple is believed to have been built in the 1970s by the late Sri Jayendra Saraswathi Swamigal, the 69th Shankaracharya of the Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham. It was constructed to honor and worship the eight forms of Goddess Lakshmi, known as the Ashtalakshmi. The temple complex is located in hubbub cosmopolitan neighborhood of Chennai, in Besant Nagar.

As we walked through the temple interiors, from one Lakshmi sanctum to another, Priya, with utmost devotion, dedicated her time to enlighten the children about the profound significance of the Asthalakshmi. As we immersed ourselves in prayer, she passionately elucidated the names and meanings of each of the eight Lakshmis.


Opening Timings :

6:30 AM - 12:00 PM, 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM. Friday, Saturday and Sunday- Morning hours: 6:30 AM - 1:00 PM

#2 Discover the ancient Kapaleshwara Temple

It was now Dad’s birthday and what better encounter start to the day after than a visit to the heavenly abode of Lord Shiva, the Kapaleshwara Temple. Situated in the Southern part of India in the hot and sultry capital city of Tamil Nadu is situated the very ornate Kapaleshwara Temple. This ancient temple was built in the 7th century CE by the Pallava dynasty and stands the test of time. Kapaleshwara Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, one of the most revered deities in Hindu mythology. Even if you don’t have time to visit the temple, please make time to at least view the intricate details from its exterior. The vibrant colors of the idols and the intricately carved gopuram (tower) is a work of Dravidian architecture and is a sight to behold.

As we walked through the huge temple doors into its interiors, we witnessed devotees offering prayers and priests performing rituals. Women and children were lighting oil lamps, and in the main Shiva temple, the priest was performing abhishekam (ritual bathing of the deity). The energy in the temple was palpable, and I could relate to the popularity of this temple with foreigners, tourists and locals alike.

The ornate Gopuram of Kapaleshwara Temple
The ornate Gopuram of Kapaleshwara Temple

Priya shared interesting anecdotes and legends with the kids, bringing the stories to life for them. All around the temple complex, there were smaller shrines dedicated to various gods which had carvings which depicted Hindu mythological stories. My personal favourite part of the temple was the area where they hung small baby Krishna cradles from a branch of a tree symbolizing goodwill for women who had trouble bearing a child.


With the help of our temple queen Priya and her mother, we received a very personal and upclose darshan of the Supreme lord Shiva - the destroyer of evil and the embodiment of cosmic energy. All in all, dad’s day was made and the Kapaleshwara Temple turned out to be an enriching experience for our family.


Opening times:

Every day of the week- 5 AM to 12:30 PM and 4 PM to 8 PM. Since the temple interiors are mostly open, it is recommend to visit the temple either early in the morning or in the evening to beat the heat.


#3 Visit the architectural gems of Mahabalipuram

Sometime in the year 2022, I read a report which stated that a coastal town in South of India in the state of Tamil Nandu by name of Mahabalipuram had beaten the Taj Mahal in the number of foreign visitors. I had visited Taj Mahal in 2010, and was mesmerised by one look of it. Now an exquisite architectural gem like Taj Mahal being classified as one of the Wonders of the World is no joke. And to beat that wonder and make it to the top, then Mahalbalipuram had surely something incredible to offer. For one in 1984 itself, it was classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site, thus declaring the Mamallapuram monuments and its coastal region as an archaeological, tourism and pilgrimage site. Secondly, some people may argue that Mahabalipuram is better than the Taj Mahal due to its intricate rock-cut sculptures, ancient temples, and coastal location, which offer a different cultural and aesthetic experience. However, in my personal opinion, you cannot compare the two, you cannot rate one above the other, they both have their unique characteristics and charm alluring tourists from all over the world.

Shore Temple in Mahabalipuram
Shore Temple in Mahabalipuram

Built by the Pallava dynasty in the 7th and 8th century, the place Mahabalipuram or Mamallapuram derived its name from a combination of two words, ‘Mahabali’ and ‘Puram’. The term ‘Mahabali’ denotes a legendary ruler named Mahabali, renowned for his immense strength and authority. In the Tamil language, ‘Puram’ signifies a city or town. Consequently, Mahabalipuram can be interpreted as ‘the city of Mahabali’ or ‘the town of great strength.’


Visiting Mahabalipuram is like stepping into a world frozen in time, where ancient wonders whisper tales of a glorious past. The ancient rock-cut temples showcase the architectural brilliance of the Pallava dynasty. The Shore Temple with its 3 elaborate granite shrines, in particular, stood out with its breathtaking location by the Bay of Bengal. The other architectural gems of the region include the Pancha Rathas (Five Rathas), Arjuna's Penance, Krishna's Butter Ball, Mahishasuramardini Cave, Varaha Cave, Descent of the Ganges (Bhagiratha's Penance), Tiger Cave, Mahabalipuram Beach etc.

Krishna's Butter Ball
Krishna's Butter Ball

Pancha Rathas (Five Rathas)
Pancha Rathas (Five Rathas)

Please take a look at my blog post titled 'Mahabalipuram: A Journey through Ancient Temples and Coastal Charms' to truly appreciate the wonders this place has to offer.


#4 Immerse in Cultural and Traditional Practices at Dakshinachitra

For all those people who associate South India with ‘Tamil’, please expand your horizons and challenge your preconceptions about South India at Dakshina Chitra 🙏🏼. This enchanting destination invites you to explore a world beyond the commonly associated ‘Tamil’ culture. In just three hours, you’ll discover a intricate and culturally abundant fabric of South Indian heritage that extends far beyond what you may have previously believed.


Enroute Mahabalipuram is a cultural heritage museum called Dakshinachitra. It is an open-air museum that showcases the rich cultural legacy of South India. For many Indians from other parts of the country, it is a glimpse of the region's diverse traditions and customs. For foreigners, it is an eye-opener where they have enough opportunities to immerse themselves in Indian culture.

From Tanjore paintings to Carnatic music, from Pongal harvest festival to the beautiful dance performances during Natyanjali dance festival, from traditional homes of Andhra Pradesh to skilled artisans of Kerala, from stone-carvers of Tamil Nadu to handloom weavers of Karnataka, every corner tells a story.

DakshinaChitra Coastal Andhra House
DakshinaChitra Karnataka Chikmagalur House

We bought our tickets and directly headed to the in-house restaurant where we treated ourselves to a non-vegetarian thali. It wasn’t the best, however it satiated our hunger. After which we received a visual prelude of the South Indian traditional houses. We were not just admiring the facade of these houses, but we were also exploring their interiors, getting a sense of their way of living, their traditional attire, artifacts, weaponry and tools. Whilst we were busy exploring the houses, one of the female staff engaged the children in various craft demonstrations in a covered shed at the entrance. Kiu and Arya thoroughly enjoyed painting earthen pots and made paper lanterns. We also visited the art exhibitions in DakshinaChitra. The art displays celebrate the rich cultural heritage of South Indian. The artists have greatly influenced others through their artistic portrayal of mythological tales and traditional paintings. Concluding our visit to DakshinaChitra was a superb performance of local folklore, leaving us with a sense of awe. Overall, our experience was delightful, and we thoroughly enjoyed our time there.

Exhibits in Tamil Nadu house
Exhibits in Tamil Nadu house

Temple Car - Perumal Temple Pondicherry display
Temple Car - Perumal Temple Pondicherry display

#5 Try your hand at Stone Sculpting and Pot Making

The craft of stone sculpting or stone carving, similar to the carvings seen on Mahabalipuram caves is carried out by various artisans in the historic town on Mahabalipuram and its surroundings. You can pay visit to one of their workshops or visit their stores to purchase this traditional craft.

Stone Sculptures enroute Mahabalipuram
Stone Sculptures enroute Mahabalipuram

Similar to Stone carvings, pot making is too a traditional craft that's deep rooted in Chennai's culture and heritage. Used for domestic, functional and decorative purposes, these detailed clay pots and earthenware are created in various neighbourhoods in Chennai, including Koyambedu and Mylapore.

Clay Pots display
Clay Pots display

You can see traditional craftsmen and artisans, including potters and stone sculptors, demonstrating their skills in DakshinaChitra too.


#6 Take a stroll on Marina Beach

Did you know that this not so clandestine beach in Chennai is one of the longest urban beaches in the world? It is in entirety 6 kms long running from near Fort St. George in the north to Besant Nagar in the south. I remember playing on its sandy shores with my sister when we were little kids. Imparting a similar vibe of Chowpatty in Mumbai, Marina Beach is popular with its locals for its street food. You’ll find locals enjoying a lazy stroll here at night, finding some much needed tranquil after a hard day of work. Many tourists also come here to catch beautiful views of the Bay of Bengal. You get a fabulous view of the beach from atop Shri Asthalakshmi temple. It is the perfect place to simply relax and soak in the beauty all around.


Psst psst I know what will peak your interest. Fish lovers Marina beach is your ultimate destination. Look no more, because Loop Road that runs along Marina beach is your answer to your fish needs. Fresh fish in several fish stalls on this road is sold everyday for lunch between 11:30 am and 4 pm.


#7 Enjoy the sunset at Besant Nagar Beach

Speaking about the city’s colonial past, it is no surprise that Besant Nagar Beach was named after after Annie Besant, a prominent British social reformer and Theosophist. It is also known as Elliot's Beach, and is situated in the prominent and affluent neighborhood of Besant Nagar in Chennai, India. When we visited the Ashtalakshmi temple, we got a gorgeous view of the serene and clean beach surroundings from the temple terrace.


Locals frequent the beach for evening or early morning walks or just to relax on its pavements. It offers dramatic sunset views and evenings are a good time to enjoy the cool breeze. Locals also come here to enjoy local street food like bhajji (spicy, hot vegetable fritter), sundal (a delicious munching snack made of legumes mostly chickpea, coconut, curry leaves and tempering spice’s), and ice cream. It reminds me of Juhu beach with its food stalls and lights at night.


What is incredible about this beach is that it has public restrooms and parking spaces, and they are clean. 100 points for that!


#8 Visit the Madras Crocodile and Reptile Park

An absolute must do with or without kids when in Chennai 🐊 🐍 🦎 Situated along the famous East Coast Road, on the same route to Mahabalipuram, about 30 minutes drive away from Chennai city is the very popular and large reptile park by the Madras Crocodile bank trust and center for herpetology.

The Madras Crocodile Bank Trust and Centre for Herpetology
The Madras Crocodile Bank Trust and Centre for Herpetology

The Madras Crocodile Bank Trust and Centre for Herpetology, spanning over eight and a half acres, is among the world's largest reptile zoos. It houses 15 out of the 25 known species of crocodiles worldwide.

The tickets can be bought at the entrance, Rs. 100 for Adults and Rs. 50 for children below 10 years of age. For an entry that cheap, they do a phenomenal job of conserving the ancient guardians of the waters - yes the crocodiles, gharials, water monitors, snakes, aldabra giant tortoise, komodo dragon, caiman and more. As soon as you enter the park, you will be welcomed by the staff for a demonstration of snake venom extraction and an educative session on the ‘Big 4’ snakes of India, namely the sawscaled viper, Russel’s viper, common Krate and the cobra. This was one of the best attractions of the park.

One of the crocodile enclosures
One of the crocodile enclosures

Another interesting attraction was the gharial reserve. The Madras Crocodile Bank helps to conserve gharial and their habitat. These species are significant because the increased population of gharials are a good indicator of clean river water. The bank has a gharial study station on the Chambal River. Telemetry is used to follow, map and observe them.


A night safari is organised from 7.00 pm to 8.15 pm from Tuesday to Sunday at a ticket price of ₹300/- (children below 4 years don’t need a ticket). You can even book it online from the official website of Madras Crocodile Bank.


They are making great conservation efforts to preserve these ancient reptiles since 1976 and it’s heartening to see the fierce grace of this park and its caretakers. They have programs for adoption and care and they make a sincere attempt to generate awareness.


#9 Marvel at the architectural beauty of San Thome Church

We visited the San Thome church as mum wanted to rekindle some fond memories from her graduation days at Chennai. She frequented this church which was located very close to her college. It’s a remarkable white facade church, standing tall at a height of 50 meters and faces the Marina beach. This church was built by the Portuguese in the 19th century. There is a shrine dedicated to St. Thomas inside the church along with several chapels and altars.

Santhome Church
Santhome Church

#10 Explore the historic Fort St. George

The first four developed cities of British India were namely Bombay (Mumbai), Calcutta (Kolkata), Madras (Chennai) and Delhi (New Delhi). These cities played significant roles in the colonial administration, trade, and cultural development during the British rule in India. In 1644, the British East India Company built the Fort St. George in Chennai for the intent of establishing a base for their trading activities, which is now considered a historic landmark in Chennai. If you’d like see artefacts from the British era, do visit the Fort Museum. You can also explore the St. Mary's Church, the oldest Anglican church in India.


Opening times:

Mon to Sat - 12 AM to 11 PM

Sunday - 12 AM to 10:30 PM


#11 Shop for traditional silk sarees at T-Nagar

It is customary for me to shop for the best from the region of my travel, and hence I picked Priya’s brain again to guide me to the best in shopping in Chennai. She was quick to suggest Sundari silks in T-Nagar. Sundari Silks is a popular saree outlet in T-Nagar. It has been in business for many decades now, providing high quality, exclusive silk sarees with innovative designs to its customers. Apart from silk sarees, Sundari Silks offers a diverse range of ethnic and Indo-Western clothing and accessories. I bought a beautiful Kalamkari printed dress for myself (Rs. 1800/-) and a skirt-blouse ethnic set (Rs.1400/-) for Arya. They also sell a variety of Indian souvenirs for those seeking to embrace Indian cultural aesthetics.


Circling back to T-Nagar, this bustling neighbourhood cannot be missed in Chennai! As we approached T-Nagar, we witnessed gigantic buildings with their brand hoardings as massive as their buildings, screaming in your face ‘SHOP HERE’ ! Shoppers ascended the staircases of these showrooms in unison and in desperation, as if they were to miss the last train to God-knows-where! It is extremely commercial and packed, no doubt, but shopping here becomes an exhilarating experience. T-Nagar, short for Thyagaraya Nagar has large streets now narrowed down, thanks to a myriad of shops, boutiques, and markets.

Sundari Silks in T-Nagar
Sundari Silks in T-Nagar

Range of silks sarees, ethnic wear,  accessories and more at Sundari Silks
Range of silks sarees, ethnic wear, accessories and more at Sundari Silks

Catering to every taste and budget, you will be amazed by the variety of markets that T-Nagar houses. From extremely impressive textiles and jewellery to electronics and accessories, it is an ideal destination for shopaholics and bargain hunters alike, providing an unparalleled shopping experience. You surely have to have strong negotiating and bargaining prowess to survive here.

Chennai’s cultural tapestry is summed up in these two particular streets namely Pondy Bazaar and Ranganathan Street, the beating heart of T-Nagar's shopping scene. Haggle away for the best bargains on traditional silk sarees to trendy clothing, footwear, souvenirs, fashion, accessories and more.

T-Nagar truly captures the essence of Chennai's dynamic spirit.


#12 Purchase sweets and savouries from The Grand Sweets and Snacks

If you’ve ever eaten thokku (grated or chopped and cooked pickles), its probably from the great Grand Sweets and Snacks in Chennai. Founded in 1982, Grand Sweets has gained a prominent reputation for its authentic range of South Indian snacks such as murukku, hand-murukku, mixture, and sev, savoury treats namely thattai, cheedai, masala pori, mixture, and oma podi, sweets namely Mysore Pak, Laddu, Jangri, and Badusha, masalas, and rice mixes which are popular among customers. Grand Sweets has multiple outlets in Chennai. We visited the shop in R.K.Puram which didn’t have a lot of variety, although it had enough for us to purchase as goodies for families and friends back home. Now, the brand has expanded its presence to other cities as well.


#13 Grab your Gelato at Les Amis in Alwarpet

Located in the hubbub of Alwarpet, this ice cream parlour is unlike others. We entered the door to a space that was adorned with flowers, possibly a florist taking part of the parlour space. To the right led a door to a sizeable room with white tables and chairs, to the beyond of which lay an entire section of delectable ice cream flavours. We were truly spoilt for choices with a plethora of Gelato and sorbets, including vegan options and limited edition items. We encountered flavours that were unfamiliar to us, especially the limited editions such as Sea Salt Caramellow Brownie, Caramelized Chelsea Bun, Bakewell Strawberry Galette, to name a few. In Gelatos and Sorbets, they had the usual favourites but with a twist such as Alphonso mango, chocolate brownie, Mahabaleshwar Strawberry, Toasted Coconut (Vegan) etc.


The first level of the parlour was a quieter area, that served a variety of delicious breads and freshly brewed coffee.


#14 South Indian Dining Experience at Savya Rasa in Alwarpet

I had the pleasure of celebrating my mother's birthday at Savya Rasa, a renowned South Indian restaurant in Chennai, thanks to the recommendation again from my friend cum local tour guide Priya.

The elegant and tranquil ambience of Savya Rasa
The elegant and tranquil ambience of Savya Rasa

A special mention goes to the elegant ambience, the kinds that you crave for in an Indian restaurant abroad 🙄. The decor had a traditional touch including the staff who were dressed in white shirt and lungis, which added to the overall charm of the place. The menu at Savya Rasa was extensive, offering a wide range of authentic South Indian dishes. We were greatly impressed by the meticulous attention to detail in the ambiance and tabletop arrangements. The plates were elegantly lined with banana leaves, the beverages from the menu were freshly crafted without added sugar, the staff exhibited a deep understanding of their dishes, the food arrived piping hot without requiring repeated reminders, and the cozy and intimate room provided for our boisterous family with children perfectly complemented the experience. We particularly enjoyed the Chettinad chicken curry and the manga fish curry, which were bursting with aromatic spices. Each dish was meticulously prepared and presented.


With full hearts and satisfied taste buds, we were grateful for the wonderful memories we had created in Savya Rasa.


Note: A bit on the higher side price-wise, but worth every penny.


#15 Relish a South Indian Thali at Anandam Restaurant

I may come across as overly particular, but I have a strong preference for clean and hygienic dining establishments when I travel in India. However, this doesn't mean I'm willing to compromise on the quality and flavour of the food.


And this where Anandam can squeeze right in. I desired to relish an authentic Tamilian lunch thali, yet I was uncertain about choosing between Saravana Bhavan or Sangeetha. While these are highly renowned eateries in Chennai, known for their culinary offerings, I had previously dined at both and was aware that they would likely be filled to capacity and that gave me the gutters about their cleanliness standards. Anandam Restaurant housed in Hotel Maris in Teynampet Chennai was a refreshing welcome to our lunch expectations. A delectable Chennai Meal (lunch thali) priced at Rs. 275/- was on the menu. With 15 items on the thali, it was the most satisfying lunch of my Chennai trip. Moreover, the restaurant interiors were air-conditioned and cleansed and the tables were wiped clean and spotless. Apart from thali meals, you also are served snacks, breakfast items, soups, fried delicacies, Indian breads, rice and noodles, desserts etc. at other timings of the restaurant.


Opening times: 6 AM to 10 PM

Lunch timings - 12 PM to 3:30 PM and Dinner timings - 7 PM to 9:45 PM


My Takeaway…

Certainly in our 4 days stay there, the weather in Chennai showed us its hottest moves and we turned into human torches, but the city's magnetic appeal remained unscathed. As we navigated the lively streets of Chennai, we were met with a kaleidoscope of colors, of women draped in colourful sarees, of vibrant temple art, of bustling markets, of lush green produce, of ornate handicrafts and textiles and more, a symphony of sounds, of honking horns, of chiming temple bells, of animated Tamil conversations, of yelling street vendors, and an array of scents, of freshly brewed filter coffee, of jasmine flowers adorning women’s hair, of dosa and idli stalls, and of tangy sea breeze. All this embodies the essence of Chennai. And this experience will be truly unforgettable.

Fragrance of temple flowers
Fragrance of temple flowers

Temples on the Chennai- Bangalore Highway

As we drove back along the Chennai-Bangalore highway, we were captivated by the sight of numerous stunning temples dotting the landscape. Each temple was unique, of various sizes and styles lining the route, with different coloured Gopurams and carvings. The drive was truly a feast for the eyes. Each time my gaze shifted towards the highway, it quickly returned to my left, drawn to yet another breathtaking temple. Make sure you don't overlook the awe-inspiring Sriperumbudur Temple, a tribute to Lord Vishnu. Its towering gopuram and intricate carvings are a sight to behold. Further along the highway, you will also pass the beautiful Ekambareswarar Temple in Kanchipuram. This temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is one of the largest temples in the region and is known for its massive gopurams and sacred mango tree.

A beautiful temple on the Chennai-Bangalore Highway
A beautiful temple on the Chennai-Bangalore Highway

Barring the to-do list above, there are several other places that I havent covered in my blog post. The below is a download of the remaining places to see and things to do if you have more time in Chennai.


More things to see and do

For History,Culture and Art buffs

  1. Visit Valluvar Kottam (popular monument dedicated to the classical Tamil poet and philosopher Thiruvalluvar)

  2. Visit Kalakshetra Foundation (renowned cultural institution founded in 1936 by Rukmini Devi Arundale, a pioneering dancer and visionary)

  3. Admire contemporary and traditional Indian art at Cholamandal Artists' Village

  4. Explore Egmore Museum

  5. Explore India's past and cultural heritage in Government Museum

  6. Dedicated to Lord Krishna, explore Parthasarathy Temple

  7. Visit Thousand Lights Mosque

  8. Explore a revered Christian pilgrimage site at St. Thomas Mount National Shrine

  9. Participate in ritual baths at Mylapore Tank

  10. Explore the art galleries and boutiques in Nungambakkam

For Kids and Nature/Animal Lovers

  1. Attend astronomy shows and stargaze through telescopes at Birla Planetarium

  2. Kids day out at the Arignar Anna Zoological Park (also known as Vandalur Zoo)

  3. Explore Chennai Snake Park

  4. Boating on the lake in Chetpet Eco Park

  5. Nature walks and birdwatching at Guindy National Park

  6. Visit Semmozhi Poonga (botanical garden and public park)

  7. Explore the local fishing villages in Pulicat Lake

For Good Eats

  1. Try the traditional Kumbakonam Filter Coffee with the inclusion of chicory

  2. Relish a South Indian thali at Sangeetha restaurant (surprisingly their chaat items are also too good)

  3. Ghee Idli and Podi Idli at Murugan Idli cannot be missed (Idli is a steamed rice cake)

  4. Breakfast tiffin items at Sarvana Bhavan

  5. Try the Neer Dosa and Masala Dosa at Eating Circles (Dosa is a fermented rice crepe)

  6. Relish the Cali Sushi and Chilli Cheese Toast at East Coast at Madras

  7. Dakshin at the ITC Grand Chola, renowend for its South India cuisine and luxurious dining experience

For Entertainment and Adventure enthusiasts

  1. Enjoy VGP Universal Kingdom

  2. Visit Kishkinta Theme Park

  3. Visit MGR Film City

  4. Wander through the vibrant streets of Mylapore

  5. Experience the vibrant nightlife at the pubs and clubs in Egmore

For Relaxation

  1. Cool down at Elliot's Beach

  2. Sunsets at Covelong Beach

  3. Enjoy a peaceful walk in the Theosophical Society Gardens

If you enjoyed reading my post, please share it with family and friends and do not forget to like and subscribe.


Happy Travels !

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hans jivan
hans jivan
Aug 19, 2023
Rated 5 out of 5 stars.

Dear Amy,

Experience shared is Experience Halved ! I felt like I went on a Captivating Chennai trip. Plethora of information, with eye catchy pictures, made it a worthy read every minute.! Your flair for writing is highly appreciated! Kudos !

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Amy
Amy
Aug 19, 2023
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Thank you very much 🙏🏼 Boond boond se sagar bane. Really appreciate your kind words. I hope to keep my writing worthy for you always 🤗

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Exploring the world one sip at a time. ☕✈️ Follow Amy Sidd's adventures at The Morning Brew for a daily dose of travel inspiration.

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Looking for unique travel experiences? Look no further than The Morning Brew. Hi, I am Amy, exploring the world one sip at a time. ☕✈️ My blog is dedicated to providing families with the most exciting, fun, and authentic travel experiences. The Morning Brew is my travel journey of travel escapades to gorgeous places, meeting like-minded people, exploring different culinary treats and the experience of travelling with kids. I invite you to explore my content and reach out and engage—I’m happy to hear from you, as well. Subscribe to our blog for more updates and travel inspiration. Follow Amy Sidd's adventures at The Morning Brew for a daily dose of travel inspiration.

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