Top Places to Explore in Chennai

Chennai is one the inevitable cities in India that comes with mind-blowing places and makes pleasure relentlessly for us all the time. To give more spirituality to all people and also have plenty of places to visit for fun, entertainment, adventures, and physical and mental activities in every aspect. Here we see some fabulous places to explore and manifest yourself throughout the year.
All-time favourite Chennai tourist places list

  1. Marina Beach
    Marina Beach is an undeniable place to visit in Chennai. This beautiful beach was located on the ‘ Bay of Bengal ‘. Marina Beach seems a pretty and iconic place open to the public. It was a 13Km long and 1000 ft wide. People can also walk on the bustling beach for a long also can get a horse ride over there for a limited distance. Then just 5 km far from the Beach Station. This is the best place for weekends for people who often come and feel the fresh air and getting relax and take a comfortable place to sit and watch the world go by and celebrate having fun with friends and families is always memorable.
    Things to do: Take a leisurely walk, Watch the Sunrise or sunset, Visit monuments, Visit the Marina Aquarium, Visit the Anna memorial
    Specialities of Marina Beach:
    Enjoying Beach Activities
    – People can also enjoy games like Cricket, volleyball, fly kites and frisbee with friends and families. Kids can builts a sand house on the beach.
    Local Street Food– Marina Beach is always famous for street food lovers who make delicious at all times. Taste some delicious foods like crispy Sundal, Murukku, and Bhajji then don’t miss out on the Ice cream in the marina. And enjoy some sea Foods like Fish fry, squid fry, prawn fry, and crab fry.
    Take a Pony Ride– Children must try this pony ride can give different ideas in their minds along with the Beachside ride makes a special memory for people of all ages.
    Take a Boat Ride– This might be a good option for people who exciting about an adventure boat ride in the blue sea is a thrilling one. People can opt for either a motorized boat or a non-motorized boat.
    Spots Nearby Marina Beach
  2. Santhome Basilica
  3. Chennai Lighthouse
  4. Vivekananda House
  5. Chennai Rail Museum
  6. Kalakshetra Foundation
    Landmark: MGR Memorial, Anna Memorial.
  7. Government Museum
    The Government museum is located 1.4 Km near the Egmore Railway station. This Madras museum is a history of humans and culture. It is specifically rich in archaeological and numismatic collections. This museum holds collections of incredible ancient statues, bronze statues and marvellous art. The museum complex has six buildings and 46 galleries. The objects displayed in the museum cover a variety of artefacts and objects covering diversified fields such as Archeology, Numismatics, Zoology, Natural history, Sculptures, palm-leaf manuscripts, and Amaravati paintings.
    Things to do: National Art Gallery, Connemara Public Library
    Specialities of Government Museum:
    Bronze Gallery
    – The Bronze Gallery of the museum includes a collection of ancient bronze sculptures, including complicated 7th-century Chola bronze in the museum. These ancient sculptures represent the artistic and cultural heritage of the region.
    Amaravati Gallery– This Gallery represents the Buddhist site of Amaravati in Andhra Pradesh. Inside plenties of collections of Buddhist sculptures, stupa models, and architectural fragments.
    Egyptian Gallery-The most unique highlight inside the Government Museum is the Egyptian Gallery, which can show a collection of mummies, sarcophagi, statues, and artefacts from ancient Egypt. This collection is rare in India.
    Numismatics Gallery-The Numismatics Gallery is one of the largest collections of coins from different periods, including ancient-period, mid-period, and modern coins from India and other parts of the world.
    Anthropology Section– The Anthropology Section focuses on the cultural diversity of Tamil Nadu and other regions. It displays artefacts, traditional crafts, costumes, and tools related to tribes and communities.
  8. Natural History Section– This section showcases a variety of specimens from the natural world, including preserved animals, fossils, minerals, and botanical samples. It gives an intellectual experience for visitors interested in Natural sciences.
    National Art Gallery-Inside the museum complex, the National Art Gallery houses an attractive collection of paintings, sculptures, and artworks from different periods, including works by Indian masters and European artists.
    Geological Section-The Geological Section displays a classification of rocks, minerals, fossils, and geological specimens.
    Entry Ticket
    Rupees Category Nationality
    15 Adults Indians
    10 Children Indians
    5 School Children Indians
    Rupees Category Nationality
    250 Adults Foreigners
    125 Children Foreigners
    75 School Children Foreigners
    200rs for Still Camera
    500rs for Video Camera
    Spots Nearby Government Museum
  9. Fort St. Georg
  10. Fort Museum
  11. Thousand Lights Mosque
  12. Ripon Building
    Timings: 9.30 AM to 5.00 PM
    Closed: Friday
    Landmark: Government Museum Complex, Egmore
  13. Valluvar Kottam

Valluvar Kottam is one of the best monuments in Chennai city, devoted to the Tamil poet Valluvar. It is one of the city’s biggest Tamil cultural centres and locates 2.5 Km away from the Nungambakkam Railway Station.

The monument consists of a beautiful arch, and an auditorium(Kural Manimandapa) can accommodate more than 4000 people at a time and also considered the largest hall in Asia, with four gigantic wheels that seem like an elegant chariot.

This chariot has built with 3000 blocks of granite stone. A life-size statue of Valluvar is to be installed at the top of the chariot. The bottom portion of the chariot describes sculptures portraying all 133 chapters of the Kural text. The top of the monument has a terraced garden and pools.

Things to do: Explore the Monument, Visit the Auditorium, Enjoy the Park, Capture the View, Visit the Thiruvalluvar Statue

Specialities of Valluvar Kottam

Architectural Design– The monument’s architectural design attracted ancient and modern people. The chariot structure at Valluvar Kottam represents a uniquely modern and traditional architecture, indicating the rich cultural legacy of Tamil Nadu.
Cultural Significance– Valluvar Kottam holds immense cultural significance for the Tamil community. It serves as a symbol of Tamil pride, language, and literature. The monument attracts devotees, scholars, and enthusiasts interested in Tamil culture and the teachings of Thiruvalluvar.
Cultural Events and Festivals– Valluvar Kottam is a frequent venue for cultural events, including Tamil language conferences, music concerts, and dance performances. The monument’s auditorium hosts various artistic and literary gatherings and promotes the preservation of Tamil culture.
Iconic Landmark– Valluvar Kottam is an iconic landmark in Chennai, because of its architectural beauty. It has become an emblem of the city and a must-visit attraction for locals and tourists.

Spots Nearby Valluvar kottam

  1. Birla Planetarium
  2. Semmozhi Poonga Botanical Garden
  3. Express Avenue Mall
  4. Music Academy

Timings: 8.30 AM to 5.30 PM (Available on all days)
Landmark: Valluvar Kottam

  1. Arignar Anna Zoological Park

Arignar Anna Zoological Park is generally known as Vandalur Zoo, located 7 Km away from Tambaram. It is the first public zoo in India. It has the biggest history and has been instrumental in conservation and education for some time.

For people who want to walk into nature, this is the best place to spend an entire day with a lot of fun and excitement. This park has covered a vast area in the forest to attract kids especially. The zoo is home to a large number of animal species, including mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians. It houses over 1,500 animals representing more than 200 species, including endangered species like the white tiger and lions.

Things to do: Explore the Animal Exhibits, Attend Animal Feeding Sessions, Boating, and Picnic Areas

Specialities of Vandalur Zoo

Nocturnal Animal House– The zoo has a specialized Nocturnal Animal House, that is active during the night. Visitors can observe fascinating nocturnal creatures like owls, bats, and hedgehogs.
Serpent House– Snake House at Vandalur Zoo offers to explore the interesting world of reptiles, learn about their diversity and conservation, and gain a deeper understanding of these creatures.
Aquarium– Visiting the aquarium in Vandalur Zoo offers an opportunity to explore the mesmerizing underwater world, learn about different fish species, and gain awareness about the importance of preserving marine ecosystems
Lion Safari– Anna Zoological Park features a unique Lion and Tiger Safari, allowing visitors to observe these majestic big animals from a secure safari vehicle. It provides an up-close encounter with the king of the jungle and the mighty tiger.
Butterfly park– The zoo has a dedicated Butterfly House, where visitors can see various species of butterflies in their natural habitat. It is an attractive experience to see these colourful creatures fluttering around amidst beautiful plants and flowers.

Spots Nearby Vandaloor Zoo

  1. Rajiv Gandhi Memorial
  2. DakshinaChitra
  3. Pallikaranai Marsh
    Timings: 9.30 AM to 5.00 PM
    Closed: Tuesday
    Landmark: Vandalur
  4. Guindy National Park

Guindy National Park is one of the smallest national Parks in India with city limits. It is based 4 Km away from Guindy Railway station. The first thing that might be striking about Guindy Park is Dinoceras Statue which looks gorgeous at the entrance gate.

The park is home to classifications of flora and fauna. Some species of animals protected here include Blackbuck, Jackal, Spotted Deer, Snake, Ostrich, and Tortoise. The Blackbuck population is around 400, and 200 Spotted Deer can see over there.

Then more than 130 species of local and migratory birds have been found in the park. Then include Crow Pheasant, Shrike, Tailor Bird, Garganey, Pariah Kate, Pond Heron, and Medium Egret. Apart from the fauna, the park is rich in flora as well. Thorn Forest, Dry Evergreen Scrub, and Grasslands are a part of this park. So, people can spend a day in immense nature and escape from the bustling life will be a visual treat for everyone.

Things to do: Nature Walks, Wildlife Spotting, Visiting the Children’s Park, Relaxing and Picnic, Photography

Specialities of National Park
Urban National Park
– Guindy National Park is one of the smallest national parks in India, placed within a bustling metropolitan city. It covers an area of approximately 2.82 square kilometres.
Protected Area– The park is protected by the Tamil Nadu Forest Department and is managed as a reserve for flora, fauna, and wildlife conservation. It serves as an important green lung for the city.
Cultural Heritage– Guindy National Park is also home to a special cultural place. Inside the park, you can find the historic Raj Bhavan, the official residence of the Governor of Tamil Nadu, and Guindy Snake Park, which educates visitors about reptiles and their conservation.
Butterfly Garden– Guindy National Park is known for its rich butterfly diversity. The park’s floral diversity supports a variety of butterfly species, including brightly coloured and unique specimens. Visitors can witness the beautiful fluttering of butterflies and appreciate their ecological importance.

Entry Ticket
Rupees Category Nationality
20 Adults Indians
5 Children Indians
2 School Children( Age Between 2 to 12 ) Indians

10rs for Still Camera
75rs for Video Camera
Spots Nearby National Park

  1. Guindy Snake Park
  2. Guindy Racecourses
  3. Anna University
  4. Elliot’s Beach (Besant Nagar Beach)
  5. Theosophical Society
    Timings: 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM (National Park & Snake Park)
    9:00 AM to 6:00 PM ( Children’s Park) (Available on all days)
    Landmark: Opp IIT Madras, Guindy National Park
  6. Madras Crocodile Bank

Madras Reptile Bank placed 40 Km away from the south city of Chennai. The Madras Reptile Bank Trust and Centre for Herpetology conservation of reptiles grew in this preservation includes turtles, lizards and snakes one of the best tourist places for people of all ages and also gives knowledge and information and park will be covered with coastal dune forest with a wide range of rich fauna so can giving pleasure for natural enthusiasts.

Things to do: Animal Research and Publication, Reptile Conservation, Snake Conservation and Venom Extraction, Mobile Exhibition, and Educational Programmes.

Specialities of Crocodile Bank

Crocodile Conservation– The Madras Crocodile Bank is dedicated to conserving and breeding crocodiles and other reptiles. It plays a vital role in safeguarding endangered crocodile species, such as the Indian crocodile (also known as the mugger), saltwater crocodile, and gharial.
Breeding and Release Programs– The Crocodile Bank actively participates in captive breeding programs for endangered crocodile species. Through these programs, they aim to increase the population of endangered species and subsequently release them into the wild to strengthen their numbers.
Research and Herpetology– The Crocodile Bank is a significant hub for herpetological research. It conducts scientific studies and collaborates with researchers to enhance the understanding of reptile biology, behaviour, and conservation strategies.
Photography and Filming– The Crocodile Bank permits photography and filming, providing enthusiasts with opportunities to capture stunning images and footage of reptiles in their natural habitats.

Spots Nearby Crocodile Bank

  1. Tiger Cave
  2. Mahabalipuram

Timings:9:00 AM to 5:30 PM (Night Safari will be available from
7:00 PM to 8:30 PM)
Closed: Monday
Landmark: Mamallapuram, Chennai

  1. Neelankarai Beach

Neelankarai Beach is an unseen attractive beach located in Neelankarai in South Chennai and is a popular spot for locals and tourists to relax and enjoy the coastal atmosphere. The best part of the Beach is the enormous number of turtles found on the shores.

People can visit it to watch the turtles or walk along the lengthy sea shore seems delightful. This Beach is a preferred location for vacations, charming and allure of Neelankarai Beach, makes it a favoured destination for those seeking a serene and scenic coastal experience in Chennai then Clear Sand and scenic view of Sunrise on Neelankarai Beach make it an ultimate destination.

Specialities of Neelankarai Beach

Peaceful atmosphere– Neelankarai Beach is relatively less crowded compared to some of the more popular beaches in Chennai. This makes it a perfect destination for those seeking a peaceful and tranquil experience by the sea.
Scenic Beaty– The beach offers graceful views with its soft golden sand, gentle waves, and swaying palm trees. The natural beauty of Neelankarai Beach is a major attraction for visitors and provides relaxation and photography.
Secluded location– Neelankarai Beach is located in a relatively quieter area compared to other beaches in Chennai. This adds to its charm and makes it an ideal spot for those seeking privacy and solitude away from bustling city life.
Beachside Resorts and Villas– Neelankarai Beach is known for its luxurious beachside resorts and villas. These accommodations offer direct access to the beach and provide a perfect spot for comfort and tranquillity for visitors who wish to stay near the shore.
Seafood delicacies– Neelankarai is near fishing communities, and as a result, it is known for its fresh and delicious seafood. Visitors can taste a variety of seafood dishes in the nearby restaurants and roadside shops.

Spots Nearby Neelankarai Beach

  1. Tirupati temple
  2. Dutch fort
  3. Perungudi Lake
  4. Cholamandal artist’s village
  5. Thiruvanmiyur beach.
  6. VGP Marine Kingdom.

How To Reach

By Rail: Taramani Rail Way Station and Perungudi Rail Way Station are the nearest railway station to Neelankarai.
By Bus: Neelankarai Bus Station, Palavakkam Bus Station, and Vettuvankanni Bus Station are the nearby Local Bus Stops to Neelankarai.
Places to Stay: Thuraipakkam and Thiruvanmiyur is the best choice for picking up your accommodation as nearby Neelankarai Beach.

  1. Parthasarathy Temple

Sri Parthasarathy Temple is in Triplicane and 4 Km away from Chennai Central. It is one of the 108 Divya Desam temples in India Temple had built by King Pallava Period. Also, be believed that this temple was a resting place for all people travelling from Tirupati during auspicious times. This temple would be a spiritual treat for all the people.

Events at Parthasarathy Temple
The Floral Festival has held during the month of mid-February till mid-March. Brahmotsavams, Sri Varadaraja Uthsavam, Sri Nammalvar Uthsavam, Krishna Jayanti, Navarathri, Diwali, Karthigai Dipam, and Rama Navami are celebrating. The Spiritual crowd celebrates Vaikunta Ekadesi held between December to Jan.

Spots Nearby Parthasarathy Temple

  1. Kapaleeswarar Temple
  2. Marina Beach
  3. San Thome Basilica
  4. MGR Memorial
  5. Shirdi Sai Baba Temple.

Timings: 5.30 AM to noon(120PM) & 4 PM to 9 PM (Available on all days)
Landmark: Narayana Krishnaraja Puram, Triplicane

  1. Queensland Theme Park

This Queensland theme park should be the best for one day trip for people of all ages comes with excitement, fun-filled thrill adventures and other activities and also offers a wide range of fun packaged attractions in the locality of Chennai is attractive.
Queensland is an action-packed world of rides, slides other exciting activities that can include fifty-one rides. There are thirty-three rides available for adults and eighteen rides for children. Water rides are open from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Wide range of thrilling rides, including roller coasters, water rides, and other adrenaline-pumping attractions. The park offers a mix of traditional and modern rides to cater to different preferences.

Things to do: Enjoy thrilling rides, Relax in the water park, Attend live shows, Celebrate special occasions

Specialities of Queensland Theme Park

Exciting rides– The park features a variety of thrilling rides that cater to visitors of all ages. From high-speed roller coasters to water rides and family-friendly attractions, there’s special for everyone. Some notable rides include the Giant Wheel, Top Spin, Himalayan Water Ride, and Crazy Horse.
Kid-friendly attractions– The theme park has dedicated areas and rides for kids, young children, and adults ensuring they have a memorable and enjoyable experience. There are specially designed rides, playgrounds, and interactive zones suitable for kids.
Live entertainment– Queens Land often features live entertainment shows, including dance performances, music concerts, and magic shows. These shows add to the overall fun and excitement of the park, providing additional entertainment options.

Spots Nearby Amusement Park

  1. Choki Dhani
  2. EVP World
  3. Dash N Splash Water Park

Timings:10.00 AM to 6.30 PM
Closed: Monday (While it is open on all days in May)
Landmark: Sembarambakkam

  1. Muttukadu Boat House

Muttukadu Boat House has located just 6 Km away from Kelampakkam. One of the silent and offbeat things to do in Chennai is that Muttukadu Lake can be the best option for a one-day Picnic en route to the Mahabalipuram. It is Popular for boat riding on its premises, also a famous boating spot in Chennai.

A trip to the lake can be highly refreshing. Bests place for photo opportunities. Other water activities include windsurfing, rowing, speedboat riding and water skiing. Visitors can enjoy boating in the lake on traditional rowboats, motorboats, or pedal boats. The lake also offers opportunities for activities like jet skiing, windsurfing, and kayaking. It is an important site for biodiversity and supports a variety of aquatic plants and animals.

Best Time to Visit:

The best time to visit Muttukadu for water sports is from November to March climate remains pleasant.

Things to do: Boating, Water Sports, Birdwatching, Picnicking, Photography.

Specialities of Muttukadu Boat House

Ideal for family outings– The serene and scenic surroundings of Muttukadu Lake make it a perfect destination for family outings and picnics. The calm waters, pleasant breeze, and greenery provide a peaceful setting for relaxation and quality time with loved ones, friends and families.
Backwater cruise– Visitors can also enjoy backwater cruises on houseboats or motorboats. These cruises allow you to explore the tranquil waters of the lake and enjoy the scenic beauty of the surrounding landscape.
Street food stalls– Small street food stalls offering a variety of snacks and local treats. These may include items like Indian street food, South Indian dosas, vada pav and other quick bites.

Spots Nearby Muttukadu Boat House

  1. Iskcon Temple
  2. Mermaid Restaurant
  3. Kovalam Beach

Timings:9.00 AM to 5.00 PM
Landmark: Muttukadu Lake Boat House

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