About Chennai
Chennai, the capital of Tamil Nadu, is a commercial powerhouse and a fascinating place to visit for a holiday. This vibrant, cosmopolitan city is home to several museums, historical sites, and art galleries. One can stroll across its beautiful parks, or along Marina or Elliot beaches. Chennai offers something for everyone, from beaches to architectural marvels and lovely temples.
The city is also dotted with many restaurants serving a wide range of cuisines and is well-known for its excellent Chettinad food. Dine in its picturesque coastal settings, where the greatest traditional dishes are served. When shopping, you can select from distinct specialities of traditional arts and crafts as well as an extensive collection of wooden carvings.
Things to do in Chennai
- Having a spiritual experience at Kapaleeswarar Temple: The Kepaleeshwara Temple, built by the Pallavas in the 7th century, is historically and religiously a noteworthy place. The Vijayanagara Kings built this temple in the 16th century in a traditional Dravidian design. Lord Shiva is the chief deity of worship at the temple, while Goddess Parvati is revered as Karpagambal. The Kapaleeshwar Temple houses several other shrines, including some of the most stunning sculptures.
- Spending time at Marina Beach: This golden sand beach, known as the pride of Chennai, is considered one of the longest beaches in India. Locals and tourists go to its coast daily to enjoy the fresh breeze, and beautiful dawn and sunset views. The beach has several food carts selling ice cream, murukku, sundal, and other local sweets. An aquarium with some of the most unique and spectacular collections of tropical sea and freshwater species is also located near the beach.
- Exploring the beauty of the Ripon Building: The Ripon Building is in a rectangular shape and white colour, with a 43-metre-high tower and a clock on the front wall. It is the main feature of the structure and is known as the Westminster Chiming Clock. The building is located near Chennai Central Railway Station and it was designed by G.S.T Harris and commissioned in 1933.
- Offering prayers at Varadaraja Temple: The Varadaraja Temple, one of the 108 temples devoted to Lord Vishnu, is one of the Divya Desams and is reported to have been visited by 12 prominent poet-saints. This temple occupies more than 23 acres of land. It is also stated that Nandivarman, a Pallava ruler, founded it, and then the Cholas expanded it. The temple is located in Kanchipuram, which is already home to numerous well-known Lord Vishnu temples. Visiting the temple is one of the best things to do in Chennai during the festival of Ram Navmi.
- Visit the historic Senate House: The Senate House serves as the heart of the University of Madras. It was built between 1874 and 1879 by Robert Chisholm. It is regarded as one of India's best and oldest Indo-Saracenic constructions. The central hall is enormous and supported by six stone pillars. Other nearby attractions include a convocation hall, porticos, parapets, conference halls, and the library.
About Chennai Airport
Chennai International Airport, formerly known as Madras International Airport, is located 7 km south of Chennai. The IATA code of the airport is MAA and its address is Great Southern Trunk Road, Meenambakkam, Tamil Nadu, India.