Unlike some other cities in India, Chennai (previously referred to as Madras) doesn't have world-famous monuments or tourist destinations. It was a cluster of small towns up till the British established it as a trading port, marine base, and administration hub. Instead of quickly leaving an unforgettable impression, Chennai is a city that requires effort and time to learn more about and appreciate it. Chennai is a city that needs you to check out listed below its surface area and check out its unique culture. These locations to go to and things to do in Chennai will assist you to find what makes the city unique. Exist and try in mid-January for the yearly Pongal event too.
22. Check Out Historic Mylapore
Chennai's historic Mylapore area is regularly referred to as the soul of the city. One of the earliest domestic parts of the city generally resided in by Brahmins; it has many cultures. There you'll find Chennai's most impressive temple; the 17th-century Kapaleeshwarar Temple committed to Lord Shiva. Other leading tourist attractions include the neo-Gothic design San Thome Cathedral, which was first established by the Portuguese, and tranquil Ramakrishna Mutt Temple. Story tracks perform a helpful walking tour of Mylapore. The annual Mylapore Festival is kept in early January, right before Pongal.
21. Backtrack Chennai's History
A tradition of the British East India Business, which finished building and building and construction in 1653, Fort Saint George was Madras's cities centre. The monolith is among Britain's first enduring footprints on India. It's now home to the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly and Secretariat. It also includes the grand St Mary's Church-- among the earliest, making it through churches built by the British-- and the Fort Museum. The museum has displays about the fort and Chennai's origin. There are screens of military mementoes, antiques, paintings, and artefacts from the colonial period. It opens daily, except Fridays, from 10 AM till 5 PM. The entryway charge is 5 rupees for Indians and 100 rupees for foreigners. Kids under 15 years of age can go absolutely free.
20. Admire Madras High Court
Located outside Fort Saint George, the huge Madras High Court is amongst the most significant judicial structures worldwide in George Town. Integrated in 1892, it has unique red Indo-Saracenic architecture, with amazing painted ceilings and stained-glass doors. It's possible to stroll through the court and even attend a session.
19. See Ancient Bronze Statues at the Federal Government Museum
Chennai's impressive Government Museum is the very best in the city. Its substantial galleries are spread out throughout three buildings, with the focus being the Bronze Gallery. It has an exceptional collection of bronze statues from the 7th century onward. Lots of come from the considerable Chola duration from the 9th to 11th centuries. There are likewise substantial archaeological and anthropology galleries. The museum is placed in the British-built Pantheon Complex on Pantheon Road. It opens daily from 9.30 AM to 5 PM. The complex includes the National Art Gallery, Contemporary Art Gallery, and Kid's Museum. All can be accessed on the very same entryway ticket. The expenditure is 15 rupees for Indians and 250 rupees for foreigners. There's an extra camera fee of 500 rupees.
18. Meander Through the Bazaars and markets
The overloaded lanes of George Town are occupied by some soaking up street stalls and markets. This location, which used to be referred to as Black Town throughout the colonial period, was settled by locals who worried about trade and serve with the British in Fort Saint George. It was the first settlement of Madras's city, which started its growth in the 1640s. It's loud, disorderly, and an expert photographer's satisfaction! Check out the area on this Georgetown Marketplace Stroll provided by Chennai Magic or Market Trail Stroll provided by Storytrails.
17. Get a Bird's Eye View from Chennai Lighthouse
Chennai's landmark lighthouse stands alongside Marina Beach, neglecting the Bay of Bengal. It was built in 1976 and is the city's 4th lighthouse tower. The first lighthouse was established at Fort Saint George in 1796. It was superseded by 2 subsequent lighthouses set within the Madras High Court complex. Considerably, the lighthouse is the only one in an Indian city, amongst the few on the planet with an elevator. It's powered by a photovoltaic panel and houses the local meteorological department. Take the elevator as much as the lookout point on the ninth floor for panoramic views throughout the beach and city. The lighthouse is discovered on Beach Road and is open from 10 AM to 1 PM and 3 PM to 6 PM every day aside from Mondays.
16. Invest Sundown at Marina Beach
For a real Indian beach experience, head to Marina Beach at sundown and take in the carnival-like atmosphere, with amusement flights and deal with stalls. The beach, which is the longest cosmopolitan beach in India, begins near Fort Saint George and runs south for 13 kilometres (8.1 miles). It's dotted with numerous statues and monoliths and is a popular hangout location for residents. 10s of thousands of individuals visit it every day. This number swells on weekends. Do note that bathing and swimming aren't allowed as there are strong currents.
15. Discover Chennai's Multi-Cultural Neighborhoods
Triplicane borders Marina Beach and is among Chennai's earliest areas. It's an ideal place to find more of the city's multi-cultural heritage. The area is focused around the 8th century Hindu Parthasarathy temple but has been affected by the British and the Nawab of Arcot, who settled there. Nowadays, it's house to a menagerie of monastic orders, Brahmin agraharams, Hindu and Jain temples, mosques, traditional music locations, and a little regional coffeehouse. Chennai Magic's heritage walk through Triplicane supplies insight into its numerous neighbourhoods' faiths, food taboos, and cultural choices.
14. Discover Swami Vivekananda
Committed to revered spiritual teacher Swami Vivekananda, Vivekananda House is maintained by Sri Ramakrishna Math and homes a long-term display on his life and Indian culture. There's a meditation area on the second floor covering where the Swami stayed after returning from the west in February 1897. The special Victorian-style structure is more than 150 years of age and was initially developed to store ice. It was subsequently bought by Biligiri Iyengar, an advocate of the Madras High Court, who called it Castle Kernan. Vivekananda House lies opposite Marina Beach in Triplicane. It's open from 10.00 AM till 12.30 PM and 3.00 PM up till 7.15 PM, every day other than Mondays. Tickets cost 20 rupees for adults and 10 rupees for kids.
13. Grab a Deal at Chennai's Main Shopping District
Sign up with the crowds of offer hunters trying to find discount rate rates on whatever from saris to gold at Chennai's main shopping district, Thyagaraya Nagar (T. Nagar). It is among the most congested places in India! On weekends throughout the festival season (from November up until the end of January), the crowds can swell to an amazing 2 million people! Ranganathan Street is where most of the action occurs. Efficiency places in the neighbourhood (such as Krishna Gana Sabha, Vani Mahal, and Bharath Kalachar) also host great deals of widely known classical artists during the month-long Madras Music Season, from mid-December to mid-January each year.
12. Marvel Over Kasimedu Fishing Harbour and Market
Early birds will discover the fishy fad at Kasimedu Fishing Harbor to be an interesting sight. The harbor comes alive as early as 2 AM when the first catch is produced. Nonetheless, the activity continues throughout the day, with more than 1,500 fishing boats running there. Besides providing regional markets, the fish is exported to neighboring states such as Kerala and Karnataka. The fishing harbour complex likewise integrates an auction hall for a ship and the fish structure backyard. It depends on Royapuram, one of the oldest parts of Chennai, north of the town hall.
11. Roam Through Amongst Asia's Largest Veggie Markets
Koyambedu Wholesale Market Complex is another amazing local destination for early risers. The enormous market complex was inaugurated in 1996 and is topped 295 acres west of the town hall near Anna Nagar. It houses about 1,000 wholesale shops and 2,000 retailers. Although the marketplace operates all the time, the very best time to go to the wholesale veggie location is from 3 AM to 5 AM, when most fruit and vegetable sales occur. When the fresh supply of flowers has gotten here, the wholesale flower section is lively after midday.
10. Sample Chennai's Food
Foodies shouldn't lose out on looking at south Chennai's cultural Adyar area, named after the Adyar River that streams through it. Although it is among the city's costliest locations, it likewise has some renowned eateries that have withstood the test of time. Amongst them is Adyar Ananda Bhavan, which was established more than three years earlier and provides authentic South Indian vegetarian food and sugary foods. Chennai Magic conducts this food walk through Adyar, stopping at local arrangements and stores to learn more about the components and spices that enter southern Indian foods. You'll get to attempt some delicious specials too! Additionally, Storytrails uses this Food Path through Sowcarpet, conveniently near George Town in primary Chennai.
9. Delight in Chennai's Most significant Thali
Ponnusamy Hotel on Jaganathan Road in Nungambakkam is popular for its massive Bahubali Thali (plate) with 50 items! It's too substantial for one person to consume alone, so make sure you bring your friends along. The thali costs 1,499 rupees and has a mix of meat and vegetarian dishes. The dining establishment is open daily from midday to 4 PM and 7 PM to 11 PM It's a great idea to show up early or make a reservation.
8. View Artists at Work at India's Largest Artists' Commune
Cholamandal Artists' Town was developed in 1966 in Injambakkam Town, on the southern borders of Chennai. What's amazing about it is that the artists are self-sufficient and have not gotten any financial aid-- they purchased their land and built everything themselves, including their homes, studios, theaters, workshops, and galleries. The town is renowned for having originated the Madras Movement of Art, which brought modern art to south India. You'll get to see a remarkable collection of sculptures and paintings there, in addition to the artists at work. The entry expense is 30 rupees per grownup and 20 rupees per kid, open from 9.30 AM until 6.30 PM.
7. Experience South India's Arts and Culture
Kalakshetra Structure sprawls over 100 acres of verdant arrive on Kalakshetra Road in Thiruvanmiyur, near the sea in southern Chennai. This renowned cultural academy is devoted to the conservation and mentor of Indian art kinds. It is a fantastic location to go to if you want to experience the arts of South India. It focuses on Bharatanatyam classical dance, Carnatic symphonic music, the visual arts, basic crafts, and material design, history, and viewpoint. There's a craft center and museum on the properties. Kalakshetra is open for visitors from 8.30 AM to 4 PM, Monday to Friday. Self-guided trips (utilizing a complimentary map) expense 100 rupees for Indians and 200 rupees for immigrants. Helped tours, performed by an eminent person fluent in Art and Culture, are also provided for groups of 1-10 individuals for an expense of 4000 rupees. Free night efficiencies are often held at the auditorium.
6. Attend a Symphonic Music and Dance Performance
If you like Carnatic dance and music, the Madras Music Academy is among the earliest recognized music academies in South India. It is at the heart of the scene in Chennai. A year-round program of occasions programs and recitals is kept in its grand auditorium on TT Krishnamachari Road in Gopalapuram near Mylapore. Do not lose out on the yearly Chennai Music Season from mid-December to mid-January, with a wide range of productions (completely complimentary and ticketed) occurring at numerous locations throughout the city.
5. Take a Cooking Lesson
Impress visitors at your next dinner event by finding out how to make delightful south Indian food in a local home where the magic takes place. The house's woman will lead you through an interactive cooking session, talking about using spices and cooking techniques. Afterward, you'll have the capability to enjoy the meal while speaking to the home about life in Chennai. The cooking classes offered by Chennai Magic and Storytrails are both great options.
4. Browse India's Oldest Book store
Higginbothams has been in business on Mount Street (Anna Salai) because 1844 when a British curator stowaway began it. It quickly became the preferred bookstore of the Madras Presidency and grew to be India's largest book shop chain. All types of books and publications were offered there. The store continues to equip the most uncommon editions and recent releases. It has a big location committed to Indian and Tamil. It makes up all classifications, an excellent English language section (consisting of travel books), and a kids' section with remarkable books for any age. The book store is open daily from 9.30 AM to 8 PM Higginbothams also has a Writer's Cafe and book store on Peters Road in Gopalapuram, where you can take a look at and sit. More just recently, a branch of the coffee shop opened on 3rd Main Road in Adyar. The coffee shops use acid-burn survivors and individuals from the Spastic Society of Tamil Nadu. Incomes are made use of to assist victims of domestic violence.
3. Have a "Kollywood" Minute at Broken Bridge
Chennai's isolated bridge to nowhere juts out from the Adyar River's mouth at the rear of the Theosophical Society forest in Adyar. It's opposite the Leela Palace hotel and not far from stylish Besant Nagar and the Kalakshetra Structure. This unusual destination is usually called the Broken Bridge, as it collapsed in 1977 and has continued to deteriorate. Before that, anglers used it to cross the river. The bridge has included a variety of Tamil "Kollywood" films (so-called since the Tamil movie industry is based in Kodambakkam in Chennai) consisting of Vaali and Aayudha Ezhuthu. Dawn over the bridge is particularly striking. However, it's mentioned to be haunted and risky there throughout the night.
2. Sign Up With a Turtle Walk
Did you understand that the coast of Chennai is a breeding ground for the endangered Olive Ridley turtle? From December to April each year, large numbers of turtles come ashore to lay their eggs throughout the nesting season. The hatchlings are delegated their own way into the sea, and a great deal of them pass away. In order to increase their possibilities of survival, volunteers of the Students Sea Turtle Preservation Network (SSTCN) conduct walks to gather their eggs and take them to a hatchery. The strolls take place on Friday and Saturday nights, beginning at 11 PM, from Neelangarai beach to Besant Nagar beach. Members of the public who have an interest in preservation are welcome to participate. It's also possible to see hatchlings being launched in the evenings throughout March and April.
1. Celebrate Madras Week
In 2004, what began as a one-day celebration of the starting of Madras' city has actually advanced into a week of satisfying celebrations. Activities consist of food strolls; heritage strolls, nature walks, picture exhibits and walks, book readings, film screenings, and public talks. Madras Day is on August 22 every year, and Madras Week takes place around this date.
