Places to Visit in Chennai | Top Historic Landmarks, Parks & Beaches

With a long stretch of coastline, an ancient fort and a national park in the middle of the city, Chennai is one of India’s most popular cities for tourism. It’s easy to see why, considering places to visit in Chennai include ancient landmarks like Fort St. George and Kapaleeshwarar Temple, as well as modern attractions like the promenade at Marina Beach. Nature lovers will even find hiking spots at Guindy National Park.

Places to Visit in Chennai | 1. Fort St. George

Back in 1644 when Chennai was known as Madras and was under British rule, the English built Fort St. George to protect the city. It was the first fortress built in India and has seen its share of conflict through the centuries. Even today, Fort St. George remains an integral part of Chennai as it houses the working government offices of Tamil Nadu.

Things to see at Fort St. George

• CSI St. Mary’s Church – the oldest Anglican church in India contains tombs of colonial officials and important British figures. The church was completed in 1680.
• The Fort Museum – the building itself is historical, having been built in 1795, and today it also houses coins, weapons, uniforms and thousands of artifacts that tell the diverse and unique history of ancient Madras and modern-day Chennai.

Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (closed Friday)
Entry fees: 100 INR for foreign tourists

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Places to Visit in Chennai | 2. Guindy National Park

Guindy National Park may be the eighth smallest national park in India, but it also is one of the best outdoor activities in Chennai. The protected patch of forest contains all kinds of wildlife, including hyenas, spotted deer and sloth bears. It also is home to dozens of tree and plant species, plus open grasslands where visitors can view black bucks and spotted deer. Visitors can use walking trails to navigate the park and its many attractions.

Can’t-miss activities in Guindy National Park

• Chennai Snake Park Trust – guests can get up close and personal with cobras and a variety of other snakes, as well as lizards, turtles and crocodiles.
• Guindy Children’s Park – this educational playground features rides on elephants, ponies and a mini train, plus playground equipment and live animal exhibits.

Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (closed Tuesday)
Entry fees: 15 INR for adults, 10 INR for children

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Places to Visit in Chennai | 3. Kapaleeswarar Temple

To get a view of a working Hindu temple and some eye-popping architecture, tourists should include a stop at Kapaleeshwarar Temple on their itineraries. The religious site dates to the 7th century and contains several halls and other religious structures. Guests with good timing can catch one of six daily rituals performed on the temple grounds, and taking a camera is a must at this colorful landmark in Chennai.

Hours: 5:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 4 to 9:30 p.m. daily
Entry fees: free

Things to do near Kapaleeshwarar Temple

• St. Thomas Basilica (Santhome Cathedral Basilica)
• Sri Adikesava Perumal Peyalvar Temple
• Shree Shantinath Jain Temple
• Thiruvalluvar Koil Street
• Sri Parthasarathy Temple Chariot
• Shirdi Sai Baba Temple

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Places to Visit in Chennai | 4. Government Museum Chennai

Visitors can get a well-rounded view of the history of Madras (and later Chennai) at Government Museum Chennai. The museum was founded in 1851 and contains extensive state collections of Indian art and sculptures as well as historical memorabilia. Government Museum Chennai is the second oldest museum in India (after Indian Museum in Kolkata) and features five galleries, all uniquely themed and housed in separate buildings. Guests can take their time perusing the dozens of artifacts in any or all the sections, which range from archaeology to botany.

Hours: 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. (closed Friday)
Entry fees: 250 INR for adults and 125 INR for children

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Places to Visit in Chennai | 5. Chennai Beaches

Some people go to Chennai just for the beaches! The city has a crazy long coastline that offers lively crowds, watersports and an assortment of beachfront bars and restaurants. It also has its hidden-away spaces where travelers can find plenty of peace and quiet along with gorgeous sands.

• Marina Beach – considered Chennai’s most popular beach, Marina Beach contains one of the longest promenades in the world, amusement park rides and street food vendors along the shore.
• Edward Elliot’s Beach – known locally as just “Elliot’s Beach,” this Chennai paradise is popular with tourists seeking relaxation and fewer crowds.
• Covelong (Kovalam) Beach – located south of Chennai’s Marina Beach, Covelong Beach is popular with surfers. In fact, the Covelong Point Surf Festival takes place in August each year.
• Thiruvanmiyur Beach – couples seeking romance often head to Thiruvanmiyur Beach for uninterrupted views of the sunset and plenty of privacy.

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Hotels & Accommodations in Chennai

Ideal Beach Resort

Zostel Chennai

Hotel Southern Comfort