Best Places to visit with Friends in Chennai
28 Best Places to visit with Friends in Chennai
Valluvar Kottam Thousand Lights Mosque Ashtalakshmi Temple Government Museum Mylapore Sri Parthasarathy Temple Kapaleeswarar Temple Connemara Public Library Royapuram Fishing Harbour Semmozhi Poonga Marundeeswarar Temple St Thomas Mount National Shrine Thousand Lights Mosque MA Chidambaram Stadium MGR Museum Parthasarathyswamy Temple Vadapalani Murugan Temple St Andrew's Church (The Kirk) St Mary's Church Armenian Church MGR Film City Arignar Anna Zoological Park Kolli Hills VGP Golden Beach ISKCON Temple Akkarai Beach Dakshinachitra Museum Santhome Cathedral Basilica Madras War CemeterySelect Stations To Find Route
Valluvar Kottam, Chennai
An architectural marvel erected to commemorate the contributions of a distinguished poet, philosopher and saint Thiruvalluvar. Built under the aegis of architect V.Ganapati Sthapati the monument is designed in the shape of a temple chariot housing the life-size effigy of saint Thiruvalluvar. The monument is built of 3000 blocks of stones and stands baseless. It houses a capacious auditorium and the Kural Manimandapam, where 1330 verses of Thirukkural are inscribed. The figurine of a lion on the main gateway is adorned with splendid designs and the entire chariot is decorated with very famous as Kalamkari designs.
Thousand Lights Mosque, Chennai
The mosque was constructed in the conventional Islamic design with multiple domes and high minarets by the Wallajah family. It is one of the largest mosques in the country and is revered by all Muslim communities alike. The mosque houses the shrine of Imam Hossein, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad, and is therefore of prime significance to the Shia Muslims around the world. Going by a popular narrative it took about 1000 oil lamps to lighten its large assembly hall and this is how the mosque got its name. The walls of the mosque are adorned with the lines from the Holy Quran. The mosque draws pilgrims and tourists from all over the world, especially during Muharram, the first month of the Islamic calendar.
Ashtalakshmi Temple, Chennai
Ashtalakshmi Temple is dedicated to eight avatars of goddess Lakshmi. It is located along the shorelines of Elliot Beach in Besant Nagar. The grandiose shrine measures 65ft in length and 45 ft in breadth. The most remarkable feature of the shrine is that it is constructed in the shape of om. Eight forms of goddess symbolizing wealth, offspring, success, prosperity, courage, bravery, food, and knowledge are present in nine separate sanctums on four floors. The second floor of the temple has the shrine of Goddess Lakshmi and her consort Lord Vishnu.
Government Museum, Chennai
The Government Museum famed as Egmore Museum or the Madras Museum is the second oldest museum in India. It offers a peek into human history, tradition, art, and culture. Its exceptional collection of coins, archeological splendor, the biggest collection of bronze idols, and the largest collection of Roman antiquities outside Europe make it the third-largest museum in the world. The museum is located in Pantheon Complex which also houses a Public library and a National Art gallery. The Government museum owes its roots to a museum that was planned by the Madras Literary Society in 1846. The museum complex has six buildings and nearly fifty galleries dedicated to different branches of studies like anthropology, archeology, zoology, contemporary art, geology, and others.
Still Camera - ₹200/-, Video Camera - ₹500/-
Ticket Will be issued till 4:30PM
Mylapore, Chennai
Mylapore or the land of peacock scream is a neighbourhood suburb located a few kilometers in the south of Chennai. It is regarded as a cultural hub and is widely acclaimed for its sacrosanct sites and cultural venues. It is the birthplace of the famous Tamil philosopher Valluvar. The primary attractions include a Dravidian architectural marvel Arulmigu Kapaleeswarar temple, Adikesava Perumal Temple, Srinivasar temple, Madhava Perumal temple, Ramkrishna mutt, San Thome Basilica, Luz Church and, madras music academy. Malyapore has been home to several Carnatic vocalists and music organizations. Music sabhas are regularly organized to promote and conserve cultural heritage. It hosts several eateries serving South Indian delights. It is easily accessible and remains well connected with other parts of the city.
Sri Parthasarathy Temple, Chennai
Situated at Tiruvallikeni, Tamil Nadu the temple has its roots attached to the 8th century Pallava dynasty. It is an existent testimony to India's glorious past. It gets its name Parthasarthy from Krishna's role as Arjuna's (Parth) charioteer(saarthy) in Mahabharata. The temple is believed to be the resting place for pilgrims visiting Tirupati specifically during solar and lunar eclipses. The temple has gopurams and mandapas adorned with ornate carvings. The shrine houses the figurines of all five avatars of Lord Vishnu Narashima, Rama, Varadaraja, Ranganatha, and Krishna.
Kapaleeswarar Temple, Chennai
Dedicated to Lord Shiva known as Kapaleeswarar and his consort Goddess Parvati is known as Karpagambal (goddess of the wish yielding tree) the temple is a 7th-century exquisite specimen of Dravidian architecture. It is located in Mylapore and according to the legend Shakti worshipped Shiva in the form of a peacock here. The temple has two gopurams one on the eastern and other on the western side and a sacred water tank. The deities in the shrine are seated on vahana or chariots and the pilgrims consider it a privilege to pull or lift them. Religious rituals are performed six times a day and each ritual has four steps of Abhisheka, Alangaram, Nivethanam, Deepa aradanai.
Connemara Public Library, Chennai
Connemara Library Named after the former governor of Madras Lord Connemara the library is a part of the majestic Madras Museum Complex on the Pantheon Road, Egmore. With a humungous collection of over 600,000 books, it has been declared as the National Depository Library by the Central Government of India. It has tall pillars inlaid with intricate designs and impressive interiors that leave one and all mesmerized. The library has a repository of centuries-old publications,including1608 Bible. With the addition of a new three-storied building it now has a textbook section, a periodical hall,a reference room, a video room, an IAS study center, and an entire floor dedicated to books on Indian languages.
Royapuram Fishing Harbour, Chennai
Popularly known as Kasimedu fishing harbor it is one of the most well known aligning grounds located in the north of Chennai Port. The harbor has a capacity of handling over one thousand boats and hundreds of catamarans. It is under the administrative control of Chennai Port Trust and the routine day to day activities are managed by the local fishing community. The local market around the place maintains an inviting display of an exotic variety of seafood and keeps bustling with activity all through the day. It's most remarkable feature is its auction hall where day's catch is sold off for retail selling not just locally but also to the neighboring states.
Semmozhi Poonga, Chennai
Established in 2010 it happens to be the first Botanical garden in Chennai, located on Cathedral Road, Anna Salai junction. It is an ideal place to spend leisure time with friends and family while immersing one's soul in the beauty of nature. It has an exotic collection of several oriental varieties plants especially bonsais imported from China and Thailand, exotic flora, medicinal plants, and aromatic herbs. It houses eight sub garden and twenty-five thematic gardens including water and rock garden, golden garden, mural walk, butterfly garden, fern garden, sunken garden, etc. Other prime attractions at the garden include canteen serving savory refreshments, an artificial duck pond, many water cascades,vertical gardens, and an amphitheater.
Marundeeswarar Temple, Chennai
It is a 1300-year-old temple, located in Thiruvanmiyur, with Lord Shiva as the main deity. It leaves the visitors awestruck by its astounding unique architectural style of architecture showing traces from the Chola and The Pallava dynasties. Going by the legend lord Marundeeshwar imparted knowledge about magical medicines to Sage Agastya and since then it is thronged by people with diseases and health issues. The people have a firm belief that the special prasadam acts as a panacea and helps them regain stable health. It has two five-tiered gateway towers (raja gopuram), a huge tank, mandapa with 36 intricately decorated pillars. The shrine has idols of three avatars of shiva Thyagaraja, Marundeeswarar, and Natraja.
St Thomas Mount National Shrine, Chennai
The St. Thomas Mount National Shrine, located in the southern part of Chennai, is an iconic religious site and an important pilgrimage site for Christians. Perched atop a small hill, this temple holds historical and religious significance as it is believed to be the place where St. Thomas, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus, sought solace and spent time in prayer. This temple is not only a place of spiritual reflection but also a vantage point offering panoramic views of Chennai.
Thousand Lights Mosque, Chennai
The Thousand Lights Mosque located in the heart of Chennai is a prominent and historic place of worship for the Muslim community. It is famous for its architectural beauty, religious significance and the spiritual atmosphere it provides to the visitors. The mosque is an iconic landmark that stands as a testament to the diverse cultural heritage of Chennai.
MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai
MA Chidambaram Stadium, fondly known as "Chepauk Stadium", is a famous cricket stadium located in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. It is one of the most historic and iconic cricket venues in India and is the home ground of the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Chennai Super Kings. This stadium has witnessed many historic cricket moments and has hosted international and domestic cricket matches, making its place in the hearts of cricket lovers.
MGR Museum, Chennai
The MGR Museum, officially known as the MG Ramachandran Memorial in T. Nagar, Chennai, is a museum dedicated to the life and legacy of Marudur Gopalan Ramachandran, fondly known as MGR. The museum serves as a tribute to the iconic actor and former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu. It houses a vast collection of personal items, photographs, films and artefacts related to his remarkable career in the film industry and his influential political journey.
Parthasarathyswamy Temple, Chennai
Parthasarathyswami Temple is an iconic Hindu temple located in Triplicane, a historic neighborhood of Chennai. Dedicated to Lord Krishna in the role of Parthasarathy (charioteer of Arjuna in Mahabharata), this temple is a major religious site and architectural masterpiece. It is not only a place of worship but also a symbol of rich South Indian heritage and spirituality.
Vadapalani Murugan Temple, Chennai
Vadapalani Murugan Temple, located in the Vadapalani neighborhood of Chennai, is a famous Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Murugan, the Hindu god of war. It is one of the most frequently visited temples in Chennai, attracting devotees and tourists alike. The temple is not only a spiritual retreat but also a center of cultural and religious activities. It is particularly famous for its festivals and rituals, making it a vibrant center of worship.
St Andrew's Church (The Kirk), Chennai
St. Andrew's Church, commonly known as "The Kirk", is a historic and prominent church located in the center of Chennai, Tamil Nadu. Established by Scottish Presbyterian missionaries in the 19th century, the church has been a symbol of Christian worship, cultural heritage and architectural grandeur. It is famous for its stunning architecture and its role in the religious life of Chennai.
St Mary's Church, Chennai
St. Mary's Church, located in Fort St. George, Chennai, is one of the oldest Anglican churches in India. It stands as a historical and architectural marvel, serving as a testament to Chennai's colonial past. This church is not only a place of worship but also an important site with deep historical and cultural significance.
Armenian Church, Chennai
Located in the bustling Parry's Corner area of Chennai, the Armenian Church is a historical and architectural gem that stands as a testament to the city's rich cultural heritage. Built by the Armenian community, this church is not only a place of worship but also a symbol of the city's multicultural past. It combines Armenian and Indian architectural influences, making it a unique and captivating site for visitors.
MGR Film City, Chennai
MGR Film City is a massive film studio and entertainment complex that includes various facilities for film and television production as well as attractions for visitors. It is an important center for the Tamil film industry and is named in honor of MG Ramachandran, popularly known as MGR.
Arignar Anna Zoological Park, Chennai
Arignar Anna Zoological Park, commonly known as Vandalur Zoo, is a famous zoological park located in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. It is one of the largest and most diverse zoos in India, offering a wide range of wildlife species and an enjoyable experience for visitors of all ages.
Kolli Hills, Chennai
Kolli Hills is a beautiful mountain range located in the Namakkal district of Tamil Nadu, India, and is not directly connected to Chennai. It is a popular tourist destination known for its natural beauty, breathtaking views and pleasant climate. The hills are approximately 1000 to 1300 meters high and cover an area of more than 280 square km. You will find around 70 hairpin turns, which take tourists to the top of the hill. Furthermore, the hills are actually part of the discontinuous Eastern Ghats.
VGP Golden Beach, Chennai
VGP Golden Beach, also known as VGP Universal Kingdom, is a popular amusement park and beach located on the East Coast Road (ECR) in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. It is a fun destination for families and adventure seekers, offering thrilling rides, water attractions, and a beautiful beach. VGP Golden Beach has several restaurants and snack stalls offering a variety of local and international cuisine. Visitors can try traditional South Indian dishes like dosa and idli or enjoy fast food favorites like pizza and burgers. VGP Golden Beach is a lodge with comfortable rooms and a range of amenities including a swimming pool, spa and fitness centre. Tourists can relax and unwind in the serene environment of the resort.
ISKCON Temple, Chennai
ISKCON Temple, also known as Sri Sri Radha Krishna Temple, is a spiritual and cultural site located in Chennai. This temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna and is a place of devotion, spirituality and cultural enrichment. It is not only a religious place but also an architectural masterpiece that attracts tourists from all walks of life. This temple is a blend of different cultures with modern scientific technology. To attract more people to the ISKCON movement, temple authorities organize lectures and audio-visual programs about Hindu philosophy.
Akkarai Beach, Chennai
Akkarai Beach, located along the East Coast Road (ECR) in Chennai, is a beautiful and serene coastal destination that offers visitors a respite from the hustle and bustle of city life. It is a popular spot for those looking for a peaceful environment, stunning sunsets and the soothing sound of the waves. This beach is located on the East Coast Road (ECR) and is known for its pristine blue waters, golden sand and scenic beauty. It is one of the most popular beaches in the area and attracts tourists and locals alike annually.
Dakshinachitra Museum, Chennai
Dakshinachitra is a living-history museum located on the scenic East Coast Road (ECR) in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. The museum is a unique cultural village that celebrates the rich and diverse heritage of South India. It offers visitors a chance to experience the art, architecture, lifestyle and traditions of the southern states of India.
Santhome Cathedral Basilica, Chennai
Santhome Cathedral Basilica, also known as San Thome Basilica, is an important religious and historical site located in the Mylapore neighborhood of Chennai, Tamil Nadu. It is a Roman Catholic cathedral and basilica dedicated to Saint Thomas, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ, and is believed to be the final resting place of his remains. The Basilica is not only a place of worship but also a popular tourist destination.
Madras War Cemetery, Chennai
The Madras War Cemetery, located at Nandambakkam, Chennai, is a solemn and historic cemetery dedicated in honor of the soldiers who lost their lives during the Second World War. This cemetery is one of the many war cemeteries in India that serve as the final resting place for soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice during the war.
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