Top 10 Places To Visit In Chennai You Should Know
Are you planning to visit Chennai on your next vacation? If your response is affirmative, you can have a treat in Chennai. If you like to spend your leisure time with a rich cultural background and uncountable people to meet, Chennai will be your cup of tea. You will also love the city if you do not mind the sun’s heat. You can feel and enjoy some warmth with all your heart. The city of Chennai is the 4th largest Indian city, and it is also the 36th metropolitan city. The city is also known as a must-visit place in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu.
The city is also filled with rich traditions, which attracts many people from every corner of the globe. Chennai also has a memorable historical past and lots of constructions in the city that proudly declare the history of Chennai. Nowadays, Chennai is known for being one of the most robust IT hubs in the country. But being an IT hub is not the only identity of Chennai. Chennai consists of much more than IT industries. You can feel the beauty of nature and no doubt every tourist place will make you feel amazed. Temples, beaches, waterfalls, parks, fisheries, and what else you want to experience in Chennai, you will find it. All of these places will have a lifelong impact on your heart. You can also enjoy mouthwatering local foods, the company of local people, local festivals like Pongal, etc. This is the time you can explore Chennai fully with the top 10 best places to visit in Chennai.
Here in this travel guide, you will find all the valuable details that will help you to explore the city by heart.
How can you reach Chennai?
Chennai has its sensational charm as the city consists of industries like automobile, software services, hardware manufacturing, health care and financial services, and well-designed transport service.
The city is connected via air transportation, railway station, road, and two major ports.
Chennai is excellently linked with different major cities in India. Chennai’s four major national highways are NH-32, NH-48, NH-716, and NH-16. The road distance from Chennai to Tirupati is nearly 140 km. Hyderabad to Chennai en route Mumbai Highway and National Highway 5 is almost 630 km, whereas Chennai to Vizag by road is almost 800 km. By road, you may need more or less half a day. Chennai to Cochin is nearly 680 km if you drive through Coimbatore and Salem. You can enjoy the bluish shade of Nilgiri and the Eastern Ghats through this driveway. From Chennai to Madurai, the road distance is 450 km, and the distance between Kanyakumari and Chennai is 700 km. From Chennai to Mahabalipuram, the road distance is approximately 60 km.
Chennai has two major railway stations: Chennai Central station and Chennai Egmore. As Chennai is the Southern Railway’s headquarters, it is connected with cities like Kolkata, Mumbai, Delhi, Jammu, Jaipur, Ahmedabad, Indore, Bhopal, Kanpur, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Cochin, etc. Chennai Central station is the largest Railway station in the city, which connects all major cities and states in India.
On the other hand, Chennai Egmore is connecting the cities within Tamil Nadu.
The Chennai international airport connects all major cities in India by air. It can also take flights to major global parts like Asia, Europe, and North America through more than 30 national and international carriers. Chennai international airport is 7 kilometers away from Chennai city. The international airport has two main terminals named Anna terminal and Kamaraj terminal. Anna terminal receives all international flights from all major global cities.
On the other hand, the Kamaraj terminal receives all domestic flights from Indian cities.
Chennai has a sound water transport system through which the city is connected to Port Blair, Burma, Malaya, Singapore, Manila, London, Suez, Aden, and Colombo. The port is also used for travelers.
So, whatever the transport system you want to avail yourself of in Chennai, you can quickly get access.
What is the best time to visit Chennai?
Chennai is attracting travelers from every corner of India and other countries. But before visiting Chennai, it is essential to know the best time to go there. It will be awesome if you could visit Chennai from October to February. It is basically from the end of the monsoon and all of winter. This season is enjoyable here, and the weather will not be sticky or hot. This weather will help you to enjoy all sightseeing around the city of Chennai, and the fun fact is you do not need to be out in scorching heat.
| Traveling season | Min./Max. Temperature | Season |
| November – February | 22-31°C | Pleasant |
| March – June | 26-38°C | Hot |
| July – September | 27-34°C | Heavy rainfall |
Why should you choose the winter season for visiting Chennai?
During the winter season in Chennai, the temperature is maximum up to 22° C. It is not too cold and not too hot. As the city is situated on the coast, you can expect a slight rainfall, but it is entirely tolerable. This weather is so comfortable that you can easily explore the whole city with your friend or family, or even you can enjoy it on your solo journey.
Also, you can enjoy various dance and music festivals in the winter season. The Pongal festival in January is also quite amazing to enjoy. Pongal is the festival of harvesting when you can also enjoy multiple local food dishes. In February, you can enjoy the Natyanjali Dance Festival.
Though the winter season is not very harsh, you should take at least a lite shawl or cardigan.
Well, as you have learned the details of the place, here are our top 10 best places to visit in Chennai.
Top 10 best places to visit in Chennai
Marina Beach
Marina beach is the second longest Beach in the world. It is the first choice for all travelers who are heading to Chennai. The best place to visit is the large expanse of silver sand which allows you to have a long walk along the bay. Sunrise and sunset view are mesmerizing on this Beach. Fishing, windsurfing, and beach volleyball are some sports you can play on this Beach. If you love spending time, you will love this place. There is no entry fee on the Beach.
Pulicat Lake
Pulicat Lake is a must-visit travel location in Chennai. This location will take you closer to the wilderness. You can add this place to your bucket list. This lake is situated on the boundary of Tamil Nadu. The atmosphere around the lake is serene. We guarantee you that you will be soothed after your hectic work schedule. You can also indulge yourself in boat riding and fishing. You can also enjoy bird watching from this place. There is a ruin of a 17th-century Danish fort near Pulicat Lake.
Valluvar Kottam, Chennai
Those who love literature have read about the famous Tamil poet Thiruvalluvar. This Valluvar Kottam is a chariot that was built in his honor. You can relish the view of this location early in the morning or at the time of sunset. The place is also easy to locate as it is situated at the junction point of Kodambakkam High Road and Village Road. There are many buses and taxis available there.
Location: Nungambakkam Lake Area Main Road, Chennai
Timings: 8:30 am to 5:30 pm
Entry fee: ₹ 5 (children); ₹ 10 (adults)
Thousands Lights Mosque, Chennai
This is a multi-domed mosque. The place is well-known to local Muslim natives who love to pray in this place. It is mentioned that in the past, there were 1000 lights to light up this giant dome, and this became the place’s name. No doubt the place is mesmerizing if you can visit the site at night. Two towers have a height of 64 feet each. This mosque is the best example of a medieval architectural style.
Location: Royapettah, Peters Road, Peters Colony, Chennai
Timings: 5:30 am to 8:30 pm
Entry fee: Not Applicable
Elliot’s Beach
Elliot’s Beach is one of the most famous places to chill with friends and families on your next holiday. This Beach was named after Edward Elliot, who was the chief magistrate during the British era. Elliot’s Beach is the cleanest seafront, suitable for relaxing for a long time. You can enjoy the scenic beauty of this place. You can enjoy a moonlight walk.
Dakshinachitra, Chennai
You can say Dakshinachitra is a living history museum in Chennai. The place combines 18 houses that depict culture, craft, and culture. You can explore the lifestyle and architecture of Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka. You can have a quick trip to 4 different states under one roof.
Location: SH 49, Muttukadu, 25 km south of Chennai
Timings: 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
Entry fee: Children 5-12 years: ₹ 20, Students: ₹ 30, Adults: ₹ 110 (₹ 130 during festivals and national holidays)
Ashtalakshmi Temple, Chennai
This is an adobe or goddess, Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth. You can visit and worship a total of eight avatars of the goddess Lakshmi. You can feel the divine ambiance of the temple. The waves of the ocean echo can be heard from the temple complex.
Location: Elliots Beach, Besant Nagar, Chennai
Timings: 6:30 am to 12:00 pm and 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Entry fee: not applicable
Government Museum, Chennai
If you have a love for artifacts, then this place should be on your bucket list. This government museum of Chennai is a wonder. Here a person can see some of the fantastic ancient and modern South Indian bronzes. Also, there is Amaravati Gallery, which has many marble sculptures depicting Gautam Buddha’s life. No doubt, the place is good for kids and older people.
Location: Pantheon Road, Egmore, Chennai
Timings: 9:30 am to 5:30 pm (closed on Fridays and national holidays)
Entry fee: Students: ₹ 5, Children below 12 years: ₹ 10, Adults: ₹ 15
Mylapore, Chennai
You can indulge in Chennai’s rich and colorful culture in Mylapore. This is known as the cultural hub of Chennai. This place boasts a history of 1500 years old. You can also enjoy delicious South Indian food in this place. You can also enjoy enjoyable things like shopping, walking here and there, and others.
Sri Parthasarathy Temple, Chennai
You can enjoy an excellent divine place of lord Krishna in Sri Parthasarathy Temple, which was situated in the 8th century. The whole carved pillars will make you amazed. Colorful gopurams are also places of attraction. You will be spellbound by the two intricately designed pyramid-shaped raja gopuram.
Location: Narayana Krishnaraja Puram, Triplicane, Chennai
Timings: 5:30 am-12 pm and 4:00 pm-9:00 pm
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Name some of the best places to shop in Chennai.
You can go shopping in Pondy Bazaar and T. Nagar. You can also choose Sowcarpet, Ritchie Street, Burma Bazaar, Cotton Street, Panagal Park, and Parry’s Corner.
- What is the best season to visit Chennai?
As Chennai is situated at the bay, the place is hot and humid throughout the year. You can travel to the city from November to March because the weather is pleasant and tolerable. The climate will not be too burning or too chilly. You can experience the most suitable weather to travel throughout the city.
- What are the nearby places that are good for a one day trip?
You can explore Mahabalipuram, Tirupati, Vellore, Pondicherry, and Tiruvannamalai. These are good places to explore.
- Which are the best South Indian foods you can taste in Chennai?
The best South Indian loc foods available in Chennai are murukku sandwich, idli, sundal, puttu, uthappam, dosa, payasam, Chau Chau baat, idiyappam, athouk, atho, kothu parotta, etc.
- Which temples are best for traveling?
You can visit Kapaleeswarar Temple, Parthasarathy Temple, Thyagaraja Temple, Ashtalakshmi Temple, and Vadapalani Andavar Temple.
- How is the bus service in Chennai?
You can enjoy trips between Chennai and other cities in South India. The bus service is quite good in Chennai, and the central bus terminal in Chennai Mofussil Bus Terminus (CMBT). Another bus terminus is the Omni bus terminus. You can also go to the airport and railway stations.
