Chennai, originally Madras, is the capital city of Tamil Nadu, an Indian state. It is a thriving city noted for its rich cultural heritage, historical landmarks, lovely beaches, and delectable cuisine. If you’re considering a trip to Chennai, here are some Places to visit in Chennai with complete Travel Guide and Things to do in Chennai (Madras):
Also Read Best Places To Visit In Tamil Nadu
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Famous Places To Visit In Chennai
1. Marina Beach, Chennai
Marina Beach, or simply the Marina, is a natural urban beach on the Bay of Bengal in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. The beach stretches for 6.0 kilometers from near Fort St. George in the north to Foreshore Estate in the south, making it the world’s second longest urban beach after Cox’s Bazar Beach.
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About Marina Beach :
 Best Time To Visit | November to February |
 Entry Fees | No Entry Fees |
 Location | Triplicane, Chennai, Tamil Nadu |
 Timing | Everyday Open From 5:00 am to 11:00 p.m |
2. Valluvar Kottam, Chennai
The Valluvar Kottam in Chennai is one such historical monument dedicated to Thiruvalluvar, a well-known intellectual poet, philosopher, and saint who wrote his well-known Thirukkural more than 2,000 years ago. Thirukkural’s 133 chapters include 1330 poems in total.
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About Valluvar Kottam :
| Best Time To Visit | October, November, December, January, February |
| Entry Fees | No Entry Fees |
| Location | Tirumurthy Nagar, Nungambakkam, Chennai, Tamil Nadu |
| Timing | Monday To Sunday : 8:30 am – 5:30 pm |
3. Thousand Lights Mosque, Chennai
Thousand Lights is a multi-domed mosque located in Anna Salai in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. It is one of the country’s largest mosques and a treasured place of prayer and azadari for Shia Muslims in the city.
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About Thousand Lights Mosque :
| Best Time To Visit | November to February |
| Entry Fees | No Entry Fees |
| Location | Triplicane, Chennai, Tamil Nadu |
| Timing | Everyday Open From 5:00 am to 11:00 p.m |
4. Shri Ashtalakshmi Temple, Chennai
The Ashtalakshmi Temple is located in Besant Nagar, Chennai. The iconic temple is just a few meters from the Besant Nagar beach. From here, you have a fantastic view of the Bay of Bengal. Ashtalakshmi is the Goddess of riches and knowledge.
The Ashtalakshmi temple was created to honour the Supreme Goddess Lakshmi’s eight avatars, which include money, success, prosperity, wisdom, courage, bravery, food, and progeny. The Goddess Ashtalakshmi bestows her blessings on those who pray with a pure heart.
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About Shri Ashtalakshmi Temple :
| Best Time To Visit | November to February |
| Entry Fees | No Entry Fees |
| Location | Beach Rd, Kalakshetra Colony, Besant Nagar, Chennai |
Timing For Shri Ashtalakshmi Temple :
- Everyday Temple Opening Time:
06:30 - Morning Darshan Timings :
06:30 to 12:00 - Temple Break Timings :
12:00 to 16:00 - Evening Darshan Timings :
16:00 to 21:00 - Temple Closing Time :
21:00
5. Guindy National Park, Chennai
Guindy National Park is a protected area in Tamil Nadu, India, located near Chennai. It is the eighth smallest national park in India and one of just a few national parks located within a metropolis. The first reserve forest of 505 hectares was created in 1910. It encompasses a large portion of the Governor’s estate, including gorgeous forests, scrub regions, lakes, and rivers.
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About Guindy National Park, Chennai
| Best Time To Visit | November to February |
| Location | Beach Rd, Kalakshetra Colony, Besant Nagar, Chennai |
Entry Fee for Guindy National Park :
- 20 Rs per person for Adults
- 5 Rs per person for Children (Above 10 yrs of age)
- 2 Rs per person for School Children (Between 5 to 12 years of age)
- 10 Rs for Still Camera
- 75 Rs for Video Camera
Timing for Guindy National Park :
- 9:00 am – 5:30 pm (National Park & Snake Park)
- 9:00 am – 6:00 pm (Children’s Park)
6. MGR Film City, Chennai
The MGR Film City is an integrated film studio complex in Taramani, Chennai. It was established in 1994 mainly to attract filmmakers and tourists and originally named after former chief minister of Tamil Nadu MG Ramachandran JJ Film City by the AIADMK government.
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About MGR Film City :
| Best Time To Visit | During All year |
| Entry Fees | Entry fee is Rs. 25/-. |
| Location | Kazhikundram, Tharamani, Chennai |
| Timing | Open from 08 am to 08 pm . |
7. Madras War Cemetery, Chennai
The Madras War Cemetery is located in Nandambakkam, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. It was established to receive Second World War corpses from civic and cantonment cemeteries in India’s south and east where permanent maintenance could not be guaranteed.
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About Madras War Cemetery :
| Best Time To Visit | During All Year |
| Entry Fees | No Entry Fees |
| Location | Mount Poonamalle High Road, Nandambakkam, Chennai |
| Timing | Everyday Open 8:00 am to 6:00 pm (Closed on Sundays and Public Holidays) |
8. National Art Gallery, Chennai
The National Art Gallery, located in Egmore, Chennai, is one of India’s oldest art galleries. It is part of the Government Museum Complex, which also includes the Government Museum and the Connemara Public Library on Pantheon Road in Egmore.
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About National Art Gallery :
| Best Time To Visit | November to February |
| Entry Fees | Rs 15 for adults and Rs 10 for the kids. |
| Location | Government museum, Pantheon Rd, Egmore, Chennai |
Timing at National Art Gallery
- Monday To Sunday : 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Friday : Closed / Holiday
9. Arulmigu Vadapalani Murugan Temple, Chennai :
The Vadapalani Andavar Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Muruga. It is located in Vadapalani, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. It was rebuilt in the 1920s, and a Rajagopuram was added during the time. The temple’s popularity has soared, owing in part to the sponsorship of movie stars.
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About Arulmigu Vadapalani Murugan Temple :
| Best Time To Visit | During All Year |
| Entry Fees | No Entry Fees |
| Location | Palani Andavar Koil St, Vadapalani, Chennai |
Timing of Arulmigu Vadapalani Murugan Temple
Opens everyday Monday To Sunday :
5:30 am – 12:00 pm
4:00 pm – 9:00 pm
10. VGP Golden Beach, Chennai :
VGP Golden Beach, one of the cleanest and most beautiful beaches in Chennai, is one of the area’s most popular attractions for families and friends. This beach is part of the VGP Universal Kingdom, a well-known entertainment park located on the East Coast Road. This captivating beach is an appealing portion of the Bay of Bengal, with its smooth and silver sand located on Marina, the world’s second longest beach. The crashing waves on the beach and the swaying wind are like music to the ears, adding to the allure and beauty of this location. The location is also recognized as safe for bathing and swimming in fresh water.
Click here to get location of VGP Golden Beach
About VGP Golden Beach :
| Best Time To Visit | October and February. |
| Entry Fees | No Entry Fees |
| Location | East Coast Road, Injambakkam, Chennai |
| Timing | Opens Everyday for 24 hours |
Trip Plan For Best Places To Visit In Chennai:
Chennai, the capital of Tamil Nadu, is a vibrant and culturally rich city with a mix of historical landmarks, beautiful beaches, and delicious South Indian cuisine. To make the most of your trip to Chennai, here’s a suggested itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival and City Exploration
- Arrive in Chennai and check-in to your accommodation.
- Start your exploration at Marina Beach, one of the longest urban beaches in the world. Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the shore and witness the picturesque sunset.
- Visit the Fort St. George, the first British fortress in India, which now houses the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly and a museum showcasing colonial-era artifacts.
- Explore George Town, a bustling neighborhood known for its vibrant markets, traditional bazaars, and street food. Don’t miss the famous Parrys Corner for shopping.
Day 2: Temples and Culture
- Begin your day with a visit to Kapaleeshwarar Temple, an ancient Dravidian-style temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Admire the intricate architecture and take part in the rituals.
- Next, visit the Government Museum, one of India’s oldest museums, which boasts a wide array of art, archaeological, and numismatic collections.
- Head to Dakshina Chitra, an open-air museum that showcases the art, craft, and architecture of South India’s various states. It offers a glimpse into the region’s diverse cultural heritage.
Day 3: Mahabalipuram Excursion
- Take a day trip to Mahabalipuram, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located about 60 km from Chennai.
- Explore the ancient rock-cut temples and sculptures, including the Shore Temple, Arjuna’s Penance, and the Pancha Rathas (Five Rathas).
- Spend some relaxing time at the picturesque Mahabalipuram Beach before returning to Chennai.
Day 4: Leisure and Shopping
- Reserve the last day for some leisure time or shopping. Head to Express Avenue or Phoenix Marketcity for a modern shopping experience.
- Visit the Kalakshetra Foundation to witness traditional Indian dance and music performances.
- Sample Chennai’s famous South Indian cuisine at local restaurants, trying dishes like dosa, idli, vada, and filter coffee.
Optional: If you’re a cricket enthusiast, try to catch a live cricket match at the iconic M. A. Chidambaram Stadium (Chepauk Stadium).
Enjoy your trip!
