90 Places To Visit In Chennai

Q: Can you suggest an itinerary for Chennai?

Day 1 - Reach Chennai by morning. Start your sojourn South-Indian style by having Chennai's famous idlis, vadas, and dosas at one of the popular restaurants like Sangeetha's or Murugan Idli shop. Team it up with a glass of steaming hot filter coffee. Next, head out to Mylapore to get a flavor of traditional Tamil culture which includes the famous Kapaleshwara temple, and shops selling local artefacts and jewellery. In the evening, pay a visit to the bustling Marina beach and perhaps even catch a local performance or play if you're lucky, in addition to the beautiful sunset!Day 2 - Take a day trip to Dakshinchitra museum, located around 25 km to the south of Chennai city. After a scenic ride along the ECR coast, revel in the museum's portrayal of South Indian culture, art, and craft. Further, explore some local South Indian cuisine for dinner at restaurants in Alwarpet or Adyar.Day 3 - Devote this day to satisfy your shopping cravings by visiting some of the city's famous shopping areas like T. Nagar and Pondy Bazar, where you can find traditional Kancheevaram silk and other local goodies. For a relaxed afternoon and evening, take a ride through Guindy National Park, and check out the Government Museum and the Birla Planetarium. If time permits, a stroll through IIT Madras would offer you glimpses of deer and peacocks amidst the lush green foliage of the campus. End your trip with an experience of Chennai's nightlife at Besant Nagar beach with a dinner and drink at one of the lovely restaurants there like BOATs (Based On A True Story).

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1. MGR Film City

Top Attraction 3.5 /5

8 km from city center

Amusement & Theme Park

Having been established in the year 1994, a considerably new structure, the MGR Film city is managed by the Government of Tamil Nadu in loving memory of MG Ramachandran who was not only a crowd-pleasing tamil actor but also a longtime CM of Tamil Nadu.

Top Attraction 4.0 /5

Hills & Valleys

With an ominous name which means ‘Mountain of Death’, Kolli Hills or Kolli Malai are a mountain range located in the Namakkal district of Tamil Nadu. It is relatively untouched by commercial tourism and therefore has retained most of its natural magnificence.

3 km from city center

Wildlife Safari

Jungle Safari in Chennai lets visitors explore the city's wildlife parks and see animals in a setting closer to their natural habitat. Guided safaris cover a range of species, giving families and wildlife enthusiasts a chance to get close to nature without leaving the city.

1 km from city center

Museum

Government Museum was established in 1851 and is the second oldest museum in the country after the Indian Museum in Kolkata. Situated in Egmore suburb of Chennai, it is built in the Indo-Sarcenic style and houses a rich collection of the works of Raja Ravi Varma.

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5. Dakshinachitra Museum

3.0 /5

2 km from city center

Museum

Dakshinachitra Museum is one of the living-history museums in India which stores in itself great works of architecture, crafts, performing arts, and lifestyles that belong to South India.

Top Attraction 4.2 /5

8 km from city center

Temple

The Ashtalakshmi Temple sits on the shores of the Bay of Bengal in Besant Nagar, on the stretch of coast known as Elliot's Beach. It was built at the wishes of Sri Mahaa Periyavaal of Kanchi Mutt, Sri Chandrasekara Saraswati Swamigal. The temple's architecture is unique, with deities installed across four levels.

7. Valluvar Kottam

Top Attraction 4.2 /5

1 km from city center

Museum

Valluvar Kottam is an auditorium, with a gigantic capacity to hold 4,000 people, built in remembrance of the poet-saint, Tiruvalluvar. Verses of the poet Tiruvalluvar are embellished on the pillars in and around the auditorium.

Top Attraction 4.3 /5

8 km from city center

Temple

The magnificent Marundeeswarar Temple, in Tiruvanmiyur, near Chennai has the temple deity Shiva in the form of Marundeeswar or Aushadeeswarar, the God of Medicines. A fine specimen of Dravidian architecture, this temple is a must visit for anyone visiting Chennai or nearby cities.

3.7 /5

16 km from city center

Beach

Considered as one of the cleanest and beautiful beaches in Chennai, VGP Golden beach is one of the most sought after destinations in the area by family and friends.

Top Attraction 4.2 /5

1 km from city center

Landmark

The Connemara Public Library at Chennai holds the prestigious status of being amongst one of the four deposit libraries in India which entitles them to a copy of every publication in India.

Top Attraction 4.3 /5

4 km from city center

Beach

Marina Beach is a natural urban beach along the Bay of Bengal. The beach is stretched out to a distance of 13 kilometres making it the longest natural urban beach in the country, second largest in the world and also the most crowded beach in India with almost 30,000 visitors a day.

3.2 /5

4 km from city center

Landmark

Vivekananda House also popularly known as The Ice House, is a shrine and pilgrimage centre for the admirers and followers of Swami Vivekananda. It is in this house that Swami Vivekananda stayed for six weeks in 1900.

13. Camping in Chennai

9 km from city center

Camping

Camping in Chennai is a popular way to get away from the city, with several hills and green patches on its outskirts offering spots to pitch a tent for a night. It's a good option for a quick break from city life without a long drive.

8 km from city center

Cemetery

The Madras War Cemetery houses the last remains of around 855 martyrs who laid down their precious lives at the battlefronts in the devastating Second World War and also a Memorial stone for 1000 more who died fighting in the Great War before that.

5 km from city center

Forts & Palaces

Fort St. George is a 17th-century British fort compound closely tied to the founding of Chennai, built to serve as a stronghold on the Coromandel Coast. The area around it is popularly called the "White Town."

4 km from city center

Temple

Vadapalani Murugan Temple is one of the most popular temples dedicated to Lord Murugan. Located in Vadapalani, Chennai, the temple is known for helping devotees finding solutions to life's problems. It is also believed that worshipping Lord Murugan here is as pious as praying to him at the original Palani temple.

Top Attraction 4.2 /5

27 km from city center

Zoo

Arignar Anna Zoological Park, also known as Vandalur Zoo, is a zoological garden spread over 602 hectares, including a rescue and rehabilitation centre. The zoo shelters around 3,000 species of flora and fauna, including 46 endangered species, across its 160 enclosures.

19 km from city center

Parasailing in Chennai is one of the more adventurous ways to see the city's coastline, with operators along the beaches offering rides where a parachute pulls you above the water while harnessed to a boat. It's not for the faint-hearted, but it's a memorable way to view the Bay of Bengal from above.

Top Attraction 3.6 /5

9 km from city center

Beach

Breezy Beach lays in the remote and serene neighbourhood of Valmiki Nagar in Chennai. Being smaller and less polluted, it's a quiet pick for anyone looking for a peaceful evening.

3.2 /5

4 km from city center

Church & Cathedral

Santhome Cathedral is a historical and ancient pilgrim centre, which was built during the 14th to the 15th century A D by the then reigning, Portuguese.

21 km from city center

Beach

Nettukuppam, the northernmost tip of Chennai, has a beach that stays quieter than the city's more popular ones. It's a good spot for those who want to enjoy the sea without the crowds.

Top Attraction 4.2 /5

7 km from city center

Beach

Elliot's Beach is a calmer, less crowded stretch of coast compared to Marina Beach, popular for evening walks and sunset views. Several cafes and food stalls line the promenade nearby.

6 km from city center

Scuba diving in Chennai offers a chance to cool off in the Bay of Bengal and explore a different world beneath its surface. It's a good option for beating the summer heat while discovering the marine life off the city's coast.

3.7 /5

17 km from city center

Temple

ISKCON Temple Chennai is a temple devoted to Lord Krishna. It is located on the East Coast Road at southern Chennai. Built on 1.5 acres of land, ISKCON, Chennai is the biggest Radha Krishna temple in Tamil Nadu. It was officially inaugurated on 26 April 2012. The deities revered in the temple include those of Radha Krishna and lord's family, including Sri Sri Nitai Gauranga.

35 km from city center

Wildlife

The Madras Crocodile Bank is not to be confused with a zoo. Yes, you can certainly take a look at the reptiles in captivity. But unlike a zoo, this has a much more in-depth operation through ex-situ and in-situ conservation. Right now, it is home to around 17 croc subspecies and some other reptiles like frogs, lizards, snakes and turtles as well.

4 km from city center

Temple

Kapaleeswarar Temple is a holy shrine of Shiva in Mylapore, Chennai. A visit to this temple will be an experience enriched with a glimpse into Tamil religious culture and the lovely architectural combination of the two styles – Dravidian and Vijaynagari, complete with towering Gopurams.

3 km from city center

Temple

Parthasarathy Temple, located in Triplicane area of Chennai, is a structure more than 1000 years old, standing in the heart of the bustling city. Dedicated to different avatars of Lord Vishnu within the many shrines of the temple, it attracts thousands of Vaishanvite followers from all across the country.

10 km from city center

Temple

Viswaroopa Adhivyadhihara Sri Bhaktha Anjaneyaswami Temple, commonly called the Anjaneya Temple, is located in Nanganallur. It gets its name from its principal deity, Lord Hanuman, and is known for its 32-foot idol.

10 km from city center

Paintball in Chennai is a popular option for those looking for an active, combat-style game with friends or family. Several arenas around the city offer equipment and set up matches for groups of varying sizes.

26 km from city center

Amusement & Theme Park

MGM Dizzee World is one of the largest and oldest amusement parks in India. It brought Jurong’s Bird Show from Singapore to India way back in 1999. There are extreme level thrill rides, but nice and enjoyable ones are there too. The park has something for every age group.

3.2 /5

18 km from city center

Beach

Akkarai Beach is a quieter stretch of Chennai's coastline south of the city, running from Uthandi towards the outskirts. It's a good alternative for visitors looking for something less crowded than Marina or Elliot's Beach.

3 km from city center

Mylapore is one of the oldest and culturally enriched neighbourhoods, located in the southern part of Chennai. It is very much traditionalist to its core and boasts many temples, churches and historical monuments.

2 km from city center

Shopping

Express Avenue is a mall in Royapettah of Chennai owned, developed and promoted by Express Infrastructure. The premise includes commercial and hospitality sectors as well. E Hotel is the name of the 4-star boutique luxury-lodging, which caters to the guests all year long with its 44 room capacity. But the mall is the main attraction of the place.

16 km from city center

Rock climbing and bouldering have become a popular fitness activity in Chennai, offering an alternative to regular gyms. Several arenas in the city also offer indoor climbing for those who want to skip the outdoor heat.

6 km from city center

Boating & Cruises

Boating in Chennai has grown in popularity along the city's coast and lakes, with a rising number of yachts and boats available for hire. Options range from pedal boats and rowboats to sailing yachts, suiting groups of any size.

10 km from city center

Beach

Kasimedu Beach is a lesser-known beach in Chennai that doubles as an important fishing harbour. Visitors can watch fishermen at work with their nets and boats, buy fresh fish sold right at the shore, or join a game of volleyball, a popular activity here.

3.2 /5

6 km from city center

Monument

Prakasam Salai, opposite Parry's Corner, is a stylish building in the Indo-Saracenic style built in 1795, notable for its use of red brick. It's a milestone in the history of Chennai and worth a look for anyone interested in the city's colonial-era architecture.

11 km from city center

Paragliding in Chennai gives visitors a chance to see the city's coastline and hills from above, gliding over the terrain with an instructor. It's a good option for those looking to add some adventure to a Chennai trip beyond its temples and beaches.

4 km from city center

Church & Cathedral

San Thome Church is among the only three in the world that house the tombs of one of Christ's original disciples. If you visit this church, you will be stepping into a historical tale that will take you back a couple of centuries. The museum inside displays souvenirs of the great saint and his legend.

3 km from city center

Shopping

T Nagar is one of the busiest neighbourhoods in Chennai, and also the most crowded one. It serves as a commercial and economic hub, as well as a residential area. It does not have many attractions, but you will come across a plethora of retail shops lined up on every main road and arterial streets.

29 km from city center

Adventure Sport

Getting in the water and riding the waves on a surfboard is not a thing that everyone can do. But some hours of practice can make that joy possible. There are a number of surfing schools that offer courses and help you tame the waves under your feet.

11 km from city center

Beach

Located at the southern tip of Chennai in Palavakkam, Palavakkam Beach is a wonderful beach boasting of mesmerising sunrise and sunset views. The highlight of the beach is an age-old temple situated on the beach. The beach has vast expanse of shores, with sweeping views of the horizon merging in the sea.

3.1 /5

5 km from city center

Fairs & Festivals

The Chennai Sangamam, a large open Tamil festival, also coincides with the Pongal season. It is organized in various open locations like beaches, parks etc and showcase traditional folk events, martial arts and classical dance, to name a few. In addition the festival brings together the best that South Indian cuisine has to offer – from tasty panirayams to the traditional pongal.

3 km from city center

Temple

Shirdi Sai Baba temple in Chennai is among the most visited and respected places of worship In Tamil Nadu as well as India. Sai Baba is recognised as one of those spiritual reformers who does not have ties to any particular god of any religion but is a figure of worship himself. So there are no religious restrictions imposed upon those who visit the temple.

10 km from city center

Yoga & Meditation

The International Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centers is named after Swami Sivananda, one of the most influential spiritual teachers of the 20th century and founded by his disciple Swami Vishnudevananda. The Non-Profit organisation has centres in Thiruvananthapuram, Chennai, Madurai and Delhi and all over the world. The Organisation has dedicated programmes like the Sadhana Intensive, Kids Camp, Work/S (Read More)tudy Programme, Prison Project and Teachers Training courses and also Yoga Vacations.

10 km from city center

Beach

Located in the neighbourhood of Thiruvanmiyur in Chennai, Thiruvanmiyur Beach is one of the isolated and peaceful beaches of the city. Popular for beautiful sunrise and sunset views, the beach is mostly frequented by nature lovers, romantic couples or solitude seekers.

17 km from city center

Beach

Situated at a distance of 1 km from Thiruvanmiyur in Chennai, Pebble Beach is a comparatively smaller beach. Due to its location, it receives relatively lesser number of visitors. However, the beach offers extremely peaceful and serene and you can visit it to spend some time in solitude.

1 km from city center

Mosque

The Thousand Lights Mosque of Royapettah, Chennai is among the most esteemed mosques of the city as well as the state of Tamil Nadu. Built in the early 19th century by the Wallajah family of the Carnatic rulers, it is till date a popular gathering place for the daily prayers and festive occasions like Muharram.

9 km from city center

Waterfront

Under the administration of Chennai Port Trust, Royapuram Fishing Harbour is one of the most popular fishing grounds in Chennai. Located in a region which is famous for seafood, this harbour surely has its name among the busiest fishing hubs of Tamil Nadu.

9 km from city center

Fishing & Angling

Fishing was a way of survival until it got challenging and adventurous. Fishing has become a common way of bonding with friends and family. The sport seems easy but takes a lot of dedication and patience to lure and catch the biggest of all the fishes. As the Aquatic Adventure has gained popularity many Sport Fishing Facilities have opened up and are busy providing the experiences.

12 km from city center

Beach

Neelankarai Beach is an untouched gorgeous beach located in the small locality of Neelankarai in South Chennai. The highlight of the beach are the innumerous turtles that can be found on the shores. People usually visit it to watch the turtles or to walk along the lengthy coastline touching the beautiful blue waters of the sea.

4 km from city center

Beach

The southern part of the Marina Beach is known as the Santhome Beach. With immaculate clean sands, azure blue waters and gorgeous sweeping views of the sea, Santhome Beach is a one among the most visited beaches of the sea. You can also find several eateries and sports activities at the beach.

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FAQs on Chennai

How much does a package cost for Chennai?

The packages for Chennai start at INR 6768 which can be further customized based on number of people, days, hotel category, vehicle type and customizations. You can have a look at all packages here

What are the top hotels in Chennai?

There are 849 Hotels in Chennai which can be booked through Holidify. The most popular hotels in Chennai are Phoenix Serviced Apartment - Anna Nagar, Aditi Home Stay, TEMPLE TREE HOMES, HOTEL VAITHEE PARK, Thariff Residency, Vadapalani, SGN GUEST HOUSE. You can see all the hotels in Chennai here

What are the top shopping places in Chennai?

The top shopping places in Chennai are Express Avenue, T Nagar, Phoenix MarketCity.

What are the top sightseeing places in Chennai?

The top sightseeing places in Chennai are Marina Beach, Government Museum, Chennai, MGR Film City, Breezy Beach, Marundeeswarar Temple, Arignar Anna Zoological Park.

What are the top restaurants in Chennai?

The best places to eat in Chennai are Kumarakom, Benjarong, Hotel Saravana Bhavan, Mylapore, Ente Keralam, Murugan Idly Shop, Tuscana Pizzeria. You can see all the places to eat in Chennai here

How can I commute within Chennai?

This city has it all- cabs, buses, an extensive suburban rail system, taxis. You can even walk around the city If you've got the time, patience and strength. The city also has Ola and Uber services.
Read More

Can you suggest an itinerary for Chennai?

Day 1 - Reach Chennai by morning. Start your sojourn South-Indian style by having Chennai's famous idlis, vadas, and dosas at one of the popular restaurants like Sangeetha's or Murugan Idli shop. Team it up with a glass of steaming hot filter coffee. Next, head out to Mylapore to get a flavor of traditional Tamil culture which includes the famous Kapaleshwara temple, and shops selling local artefacts and jewellery. In the evening, pay a visit to the bustling Marina beach and perhaps even catch a local performance or play if you're lucky, in addition to the beautiful sunset!

Day 2 - Take a day trip to Dakshinchitra museum, located around 25 km to the south of Chennai city. After a scenic ride along the ECR coast, revel in the museum's portrayal of South Indian culture, art, and craft. Further, explore some local South Indian cuisine for dinner at restaurants in Alwarpet or Adyar.

Day 3 - Devote this day to satisfy your shopping cravings by visiting some of the city's famous shopping areas like T. Nagar and Pondy Bazar, where you can find traditional Kancheevaram silk and other local goodies. For a relaxed afternoon and evening, take a ride through Guindy National Park, and check out the Government Museum and the Birla Planetarium. If time permits, a stroll through IIT Madras would offer you glimpses of deer and peacocks amidst the lush green foliage of the campus. End your trip with an experience of Chennai's nightlife at Besant Nagar beach with a dinner and drink at one of the lovely restaurants there like BOATs (Based On A True Story).

Places To Visit In Chennai

"Cultural Capital of South India"

90 Places To Visit In Chennai

1. MGR Film City

2. Kolli Hills

3. Jungle Safari In Chennai

4. Government Museum, Chennai

Chennai Travel Packages

7 Days Premium Temple Tour: Chennai Pick Up

Exclusive Fly & Cruise Deal – Cordelia East Coast Sailing

Tranquil Tamil Nadu Tourism Package

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Holy Tamil Nadu Tour Package including Mahabalipuram

Magic of Chennai, Mahabalipuram & Madurai

5. Dakshinachitra Museum

6. Ashtalakshmi Temple

Top Hotels In Chennai

7. Valluvar Kottam

8. Marundeeswarar Temple

9. VGP Golden Beach

10. Connemara Public Library

11. Marina Beach

12. Vivekananda House

Discover More About Sightseeing & Tourist Attractions in Chennai

13. Camping in Chennai

14. Madras War Cemetery

15. Fort St. George

16. Vadapalani Murugan Temple

17. Arignar Anna Zoological Park

18. Parasailing in Chennai

19. Breezy Beach

20. Santhome Cathedral Basilica

21. Nettukuppam

22. Elliot's Beach

23. Scuba Diving in Chennai

24. ISKCON (Hare Rama Hare Krishna) Temple

25. Madras Crocodile Bank Trust

26. Kapaleeswarar Temple

27. Parthasarathy Temple

28. Anjaneyar Temple Nanganallur

29. Paintball In Chennai

30. MGM Dizzee World

31. Akkarai Beach

32. Mylapore

33. Express Avenue

34. Rock climbing In Chennai

35. Boating in Chennai

36. Kasimedu Beach

37. Prakasam Salai

38. Paragliding In Chennai

39. Santhome Church

40. T Nagar

41. Surfing In Chennai

42. Palavakkam Beach

43. Chennai Sangamam

44. Shirdi Sai Baba Temple

45. Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centers & Ashram

46. Thiruvanmiyur Beach

47. Pebble Beach

48. Thousand Lights Mosque

49. Royapuram Fishing Harbour

50. Fishing In Chennai

51. Neelankarai Beach

52. Santhome Beach

Places To Visit In Nearby Places

FAQs on Chennai

How much does a package cost for Chennai?

What are the top hotels in Chennai?

What are the top shopping places in Chennai?

What are the top sightseeing places in Chennai?

What are the top restaurants in Chennai?

How can I commute within Chennai?

Can you suggest an itinerary for Chennai?

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