Chennai district is the smallest and the most densely populated district in Tamil Nadu. It lies on the northeastern corner of Tamil Nadu along the Coromandel coast and is bounded by the Bay of Bengal and is surrounded inland by the districts of Tiruvallur, Kanchipuram and Chengalpattu. Referred to as the ‘Gateway of South India’, it has a long coastline of around 25km.
The district has emerged as a cosmopolitan hub and has an important role in the historical, cultural and intellectual development of India. A perfect combination of South Indian architecture, music, dance, drama, sculpture and other arts and crafts can be seen in the district. The British developed the region into a major urban centre and naval base.
The capital district has a wide industrial base in the automobile, technology, hardware manufacturing and healthcare industries. Home to much of India’s automobile industry, the district is the country’s second-largest exporter of software. The annual Madras Music Festival is known the world over for the performances by hundreds of noted artistes.
With temples, beaches and historical monuments, the Chennai district is one of the most visited cities in India. Fort St. George, Government Museum Complex, Valluvar Kottam, MGR Film City, Birla Planetarium, Kishkintha, Marina Beach, Santhome Cathedral Basilica, Edward Elliot’s Beach and Arulmigu Sri Parthasarathy Temple are some of the popular attractions in the district.
Chennai Mofussil Bus Terminal (CMBT) at Koyambedu is one of Asia's largest bus stations.
Madhavaram Mofussil Bus Terminus (MMBT) is a satellite bus terminal of Chennai, providing outstation/inter-state transport services.
Several National Highways (NH) and State Highways connect Chennai to almost all prominent Indian cities.
The Chennai International Airport, Meenambakkam - the fourth-busiest in India in terms of passenger traffic behind New Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru.
Chennai has four main railway terminals - Puratchi Thalaivar Dr. M.G. Ramachandran Central Railway Station (Chennai Central), Chennai Egmore, Chennai Beach and Tambaram. It is the headquarters of the Southern Railway.
Chennai Suburban Railway network spans from Beach to Chengalpet, Chennai Central to Arakkonam and Chennai Central –Gummidipoondi.
The Chennai Metro is the fourth longest metro system in India after Delhi Metro, Hyderabad metro and Namma Metro.
Chennai enjoys a tropical humid climate year-round. Apparently, the destination has a hot and humid weather during summers. So, the ideal time for a leisure experience would be in the winter season - November to February - as the temperature would be moderate and the weather is pleasant.
Right in the midst of a metropolitan urban settlement lies a serene strip of land, so relaxing and comforting. Living in its heart are a variety of species that are well protected and looked after. Guindy National Park is a wonder that Chennai has for the world.
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Here they rest, in a pensive mood; sometimes looking as if lost in thoughts or meditation and at other times frolicking in the cool pool that is all theirs. The Crocodile Park in Tamil Nadu is indeed a place of great interest.
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One of the imposing religious sites of Chennai city is the noted Kapaleeswarar Temple that is majestically set in the Mylapore region of Chennai. It is said the Shiva Lingam in the temple is Swayambulingam, which means it is self-manifested.
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Sri Parthasarathy Temple at Thiruvallikeni in Chennai is one of the 108 Divyadeshams mentioned in Divya Prabandha, the works of literature by Tamil saints or the Alvars.
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Just a small drive from the heart of the city, but a blissful location that will win the hearts of every visitor. A beach buzzing with life, activities and the sheer pleasure of beach leisure. Thiruvanmiyoor beach is Chennai’s gift for you.
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The sea is calm here. The sun shines above gleamingly and the coast reflects a shimmering aura that captivates and enthralls every single visitor. Covelong Beach is one such spectacular spot that is more than ideal for that perfect vacation.
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No matter how busy this beach gets, you still get to experience the tranquility that fills the air. Here is where a city comes together to celebrate every moment. Elliot’s Beach is a shore that reflects the richness of Chennai’s soul.
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There are certain attractions that define a city in many unique ways; reflecting the essence, the character and the very soul of that destination. That is what Marina Beach is to Chennai – the city’s heart that reflects everything that is best about the city.
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The temple was constructed in 1962 on a piece of land donated by Chithira Thirunal, the last Maharaja of Travancore. Built in the Kerala style, the temple caters to Chennai’s Malayali community.
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According to a legend, the mosque got its name as in olden times thousand lamps were needed to illuminate the prayer hall. The mosque has a special significance for the Shia Muslims. It is dedicated to Imam Hossain, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad, who is respected among the Shia sect around the globe.
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The landscaped garden, ornamented parapets and colourful pathways give us a pleasant welcome. The main temple at the place is the Universal Temple. It is open to anyone irrespective of their caste, creed, gender or status in the society.
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Also known as St Thomas Cathedral Basilica and National Shrine of Saint Thomas, San Thome Church is a Roman Catholic minor basilica at Santhome in Chennai. It was built over the tomb of Saint Thomas in the 16th century by Portuguese explorers.
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Along with the Central Railway Station, Fort St George is one of the remarkable colonial structures in the city that hark back to the times of the British rule in India.
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Here is where every wave that kisses the shore will leave an indelible impression in your mind; creating memories of a time well spent on a shore that is abundantly blessed with the bliss of Nature. Welcome to Sadras Beach.
Vivekananda House or Vivekanandar Illam in Chennai played a significant part in the spread of Ramakrishna Movement in South India. Swami Vivekananda stayed here for nine days in 1897, after his return from the West.
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Golden sands, cool sea breeze, great ambiance for the perfect day out – it’s a beach of dreams. VGP Golden Beach has a charm that is unmatched. The pristine shore shines brightly all day, making it a beach lover’s paradise.
Away from the madding city crowd, nestling in a tranquil setting, lies a quiet beach that would mesmerise any visitor. Nettukuppam beach might not be a part of popular hype, but worth every visit you make. Come, be embraced by serenity.
Started in 1851, Government Museum, Chennai, or Madras Museum is the second oldest museum in India after the Indian Museum in Kolkata. Rich in archaeological and numismatic collections, the museum has the largest collection of Roman antiquities, outside Europe.
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This 14 acre property with its Bungalow was built by Arunagiri Mudaliar. Lt.Col.John Carne Boulderson became the first Police Commissioner in 1856 as per the City Police Act of XIII of 1856. The once rented property now became the asset of the Police via Lt.Col.John Carne Boulderson on July 22, 1856.
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The lighthouse in Chennai is a place where the majesty of the sea meets the brilliance of architectural artistry, that emits a beacon of hope amidst the rolling waves of the serene Bay of Bengal and the thriving city of Chennai. Here, a structure of unparalleled elegance and grace awaits your presence.
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Tucked away in the heart of the lush and verdant East Coast Road in Chennai lies a temple that is a true masterpiece of peace, beauty, and spiritual wonder— Shri Munisuvratswami Jain Navgraha Temple. This magnificent abode of worship is a testament to the rich cultural and religious heritage of India and is a destination that will leave a lasting impression upon your soul long after you depart its hallowed grounds.
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Embark on a journey of marvel at the Rail Museum in Chennai, where India's glorious railway heritage is displayed in all its radiance and grandeur. This resplendent museum is a homage to the might and beauty of Indian Railways and a salute to its impact on the country's growth and development.
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This 14 acre property with its Bungalow was built by Arunagiri Mudaliar. Lt.Col.John Carne Boulderson became the first Police Commissioner in 1856 as per the City Police Act of XIII of 1856. The once rented property now became the asset of the Police via Lt.Col.John Carne Boulderson on July 22, 1856.
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Chennai, the steamy capital of Tamil Nadu, is huge, sometimes hectic, and a perfect introduction to the wonderful, frenetic energy of South India. The city sprawls for miles along one of the world’s largest urban beaches, dotted with temples, museums, Raj relics, and restaurants serving what could well be the world’s finest vegetarian cuisine.
2 years ago
Often overlooked by the crowds who flock to Delhi and Mumbai, fascinating, foodie Chennai is the gateway to India’s steamy south. Within easy striking distance of the Tamil Nadu capital are timeless temple towns, coastal nature reserves, old colonial outposts and beach resorts that are as popular for monsoon watching as sitting on the sand.
2 years ago
In our times of matchbox apartments and crowded parks, uninspired design and soulless malls, Chennai offers up a slice of both grandeur and grace through its several heritage buildings reflective of colonial times. Part 18 of an Outlook special on lesser-known destinations in Tamil Nadu
2 years ago
Chennai is graced with a rich architectural legacy from the times of British colonial rule. Part 19 of an Outlook special on lesser-known aspects of Tamil Nadu as a tourist destination.
2 years ago
