What is Chennai famous for?
Chennai is the capital city of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is located on the Coromandel Coast, facing the Bay of Bengal. Chennai is one of the most significant cultural and financial hubs in the southern part of India. Known for its heritage and history, Chennai is home to more than 600 temples, with the oldest one dating back to the 8th century. The city is well-connected to the rest of the world through its international airport.
Chennai typically experiences a warm and humid climate. The city receives moderate to heavy rainfall and the best time to visit the place is usually in January and February. The temperatures are quite enjoyable during the winter season.
Popular places to visit in Chennai
Chennai has a variety of tourist attractions that you can visit. Some of these attractions include the following:
- Marina Beach: A visit to Chennai just cannot be complete without a visit to the local beaches. Marina Beach is one of the more popular beaches in Chennai which also happens to be the longest in the country. You can also shop for mementoes at the stalls that are present alongside the beach. From trying water sports to building sand castles, Marina Beach is the place to be.
- The Government Museum: If you have a knack for history or are just passionate about the country's heritage, a visit to the Government Museum will not leave you disappointed. You can find marble sculptures depicting the life of Gautam Buddha in this museum. The gallery, popularly known as Amaravathi, dates back to the 2nd century. You can find this museum near Pantheon Road, Egmore.
- Guindy National Park: The Guindy National Park is home to over 300 different species of plants and animals. The park also features over 150 bird species, and 15 species of mammals, reptiles and amphibians. The park is a wonderful place to escape from the city life and just relax in the presence of nature. The Guindy National Park is located in Rangeguindy.
- Kapaleeswarar Temple: A holy shrine of the south dedicated to Lord Shiva, the Kapaleeswarar Temple was built by the mighty Pallavas. The temple was demolished by Portuguese explorers but was rebuilt during the Vijaynagara Empire. It is one of the finest examples of Dravidian and Vijayanagara architecture. The temple can be found in Vinayaka Nagar Colony in Mylapore.
- Connemara Public Library: If you are a reader and are looking for books that are not available in any local bookstore? Well, do not worry as the Connemara Public Library, located at Pantheon Road, Egmore, is one of the best places to look for those books. It is one of the four depository libraries in India and is home to almost every literary work published in India.
Chennai Airport
Formerly known as Madras Airport, the Chennai International Airport is the primary airport serving the capital city of Tamil Nadu. It features three terminals that are well-equipped with all the basic facilities such as free Wi-Fi, parking, and an information centre. There are plenty of gift stores and restaurants to take care of all your hunger and shopping needs. The Chennai International Airport is located on GST Road, Meenambakkam, and its IATA code is MAA.