Chennai – More Than Just Automobiles and Dosas

This powerhouse of the Tamil Nadu state with a huge land area and massive population, Chennai is one of the most popular sweet spots for travellers and tourists. Though the climate is scorching and the winter’ is hardly come by, no one complains. This article briefly walks through the major places that one must visit during their stay in Chennai.

The hot city of Chennai with equally good natured people is a destination you do not want to miss. Chennai, located around the southernmost part of India, is an exciting city with amazing beach resorts along the beach. Also considered a must go for travellers, a trip to Chennai will be the ultimate cherry on the cake for your travel log on your trip to south India.

The capital city for the state of Tamil Nadu, Chennai, also known as the “Detroit of India” for its automobile industry, offers you a rare experience of its own. Formerly called “Madras”, it has evolved into a fast growing developed city in India. There are numerous sources of places you can visit. Places ranging from parks, beaches, historical monuments, library museums to temples and churches. Let us walk through some of the must visits during your stay in Chennai:

Iskcon Temple Chennai – Formally inaugurated on 26 April 2012, Iskcon Chennai which stands for International Society for Krishna Consciousness, dedicated to Lord Krishna, is the biggest Radha Krishna temple stretching to about 1.5 acres of land.

Marina beach – An old rustic lighthouse in view, sun basking with kites flying around and food stalls around every nook and corner you see – that is Marina Beach. This largest beach in India definitely gives you the best beach experience.

Ford St. George – An architectural art of a building filled with ancient artefacts all from books, manuscripts, coins and silverware, this museum offers you the experience to fill your eyes with lust as an art forger or con artist would.

San Thomas Church – A place of pilgrimage for Catholics, this awe inspiring structure holds the tomb of St. Thomas. Built as a reminder of the colonial period with stained glass windows and a statue of St. Thomas sitting, this place gives you the vibe of a higher power and enlightens you. You can also check out the library, museum and a shop that sells rosaries, Bibles, crucifix, etc. to take as a souvenir or gift someone.

Arignar Anna Zoological Park – If have entered the second phase of your life where you have little angels running around the house and you want to show them a good memorable fun time, then, take them to this place. Located 35 km away from the city centre, this place shelters up to 1500 species of wild beings, some of which are even endangered.

The beach is open for all at any time at any day, however, for some of these places, they operate and leave their gates open only for their given working hours. For instance, Iskcon Temple Chennai timings starts from 4:00 am – 1:00 pm and 4:00 pm – 8:30pm. So it is important you do some prior planning in case you do not want to hire a tour guide. And the best part about Chennai is that it is just a few hours drive from the city to many other more tourist sweet spots with amazing natural beauty.

And if you are still not convinced enough, even after seeing and reading about the things this amazing place has to offer; get this – Chennai is the only city in South Asia and India to feature in the “52 places to go around the world” by the New York Times. Also tourism guide publisher ‘Lonely Planet’ has named Chennai as one of the top ten cities in the world to visit in 2015. That is just proof enough for you!