What is Chennai famous for?
Chennai is the capital city of the state of Tamil Nadu in India. Being a coastal city, Chennai never fails to lure visitors with its charming beauty and peaceful spaces. There are plenty of temples reflecting an intricate pattern of architecture, shopping arcade, lush green national parks, libraries and breathtaking beaches. Besides tourism, Chennai is a major hub for many industries. Also, Chennai has a storehouse of fun-filled and adventure-packed activities to be explored by travellers here. Chennai has temples dedicated to deities of various religions, some of which are famous for their mythological stories. While some of those temples are several hundred years old which have also been included in the UNESCO Heritage Site.
Best places to visit in Chennai
- Marina Beach: Marina Beach is the most popular place all over India. It is the longest beach in India extending nearly to 12 km. Palm trees line the entire edge of the beach.
- Fort St. George: Fort St. George is the symbol of British rule in India. The fort now has a museum that displays the coins, silverware, porcelain and paintings from the period of British rule.
- Thousand Lights Mosque: The Thousand Lights Mosque derives its name from the one thousand oil lamps that light up the hall of the mosque.
- Elliot’s Beach: Elliot’s Beach, also known as the Besant Nagar Beach is a great place for visitors who don’t like crowded spaces. The clean brown sand of the beach attracts people.
- Ashtalaxmi Temple: This temple is the only one dedicated to Goddess Mahalakshmi and situated on the East coast of India. The architecture of the temple is marvellous as the temple is designed in the shape of OM.
- Velankanni Shrine: Situated at Elliot's beach, Velankanni Shrine is painted in pristine white colour. The shrine stands tall looking upon the Bay of Bengal. Thousands of tourists visit this place to find peace and solace.
- Dakshina Chitra: Also known as the Living History Museum, Dakshina Chitra was built to preserve the culture and history of Tamil Nadu. The museum displays unique items from Tamilian culture.
- Guindy National Park and Snake Park: Guindy has a collection of a variety of birds, animals and reptiles. The key attractions here are tortoises, jackals, spotted deer and blackbucks.
- Mylapore: It is an rich and traditional place in Chennai hosting the famed Kapaleeshwar temple, and Ramakrishna Math. Also, there are beautiful avenues lined with tall trees.
- Royapuram Fishing Harbour: It is a huge harbour housing more than 575 fishing boats. It is one of the perfect places in Chennai to spend some leisure time while shopping for some fresh fishes.
Airport in Chennai
Chennai International Airport is situated in Tirusulam, about 21 km from the city centre. It also serves as the headquarters of the Airports Authority of India for the southern states of the country.
- Airport address: Chennai International Airport, Grand Southern Trunk Road, Meenambakkam, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
- IATA code: MAA