Chennai – formerly known as Madras – is nestled in the Southeastern coast of India, towards the North of Tamil Nadu State. It is the fourth largest city of India and is also the capital of Tamil Nadu, founded in the year 1639.
It’s a city that boasts of countless attractions from historical to cultural, religious to architectural wonders. Since most of the attractions are sporadically spread, it is more convenient to board a train or one of the Metropolitan Transport Corporation buses. You can also opt for hiring a taxi on half or full day basis. And for short distances, you can try the tuk-tuks also known as auto rickshaws.
Chennai has many sweeping beaches including the Marina Beach that spans 12km in length. The beach is also renowned as the 2nd largest beach in the world. If you prefer a more secluded serene and peaceful excursion, try the pristine Elliot’s Beach resting in the Besant Nagar or the Breezy Beach in Valmiki Nagar.
The city boasts of numerous monuments of historical and cultural value. For a historical adventure you can visit the Fort St. George residing in the shores of Bay of Bengal. It was the foremost establishment of the British in India, and was built in 1640 portraying the military architecture. The site houses a fine museum and a banqueting suite featuring Tamil Nadu’s former governors.
To explore the ancient cultural heritage of the city, drop by the Freemasons Hall resting in the Egmore area. To discover a remarkable archeological collection and the finest Chola Bronzes visit The National Art Gallery also known as the Government Museum located in the Pantheon Road. To take a peek at the history of Indian railway, visit the Integral Coach Factory that houses a railway museum, in Perambur.
If you fancy a close encounter with nature, Guindy National Park is just the right place for you. The site is a protected reserve featuring over 350 species of plants, 24 varieties of trees, 14 types of mammals including a sheer 2000 spotted deer and 400 black bucks along with over 100 species of birds inhabiting the dense forest, wet and grass lands of the park.
Adjoining the Guindy National Park sits the Guindy Snake Park where you can discover diverse reptilians. Part of the Guindy National Park is reserved as a Children’s Park and playground, also featuring many animals and birds. The Vandalur Zoo in Vandalur, is sited around 30 km off Chennai and features over 170 species of mammals, birds and reptiles.
Discover Chennai’s culture and breathtaking architecture by visiting some of its most revered Hindu temples such as Parthasarathy Temple in Triplicane, Kapaleeswarar Temple in Mylapore and Sri Vadapalani Andavar Temple in Vadapalani among others.
You can find a cozy Chennai hotel located in and around the city. The Chennai hotels are well furnished with various comforts and services to suit all budgets and tastes.
