1. MGR Film City
Overview of MGR Film City
The MGR Film city is run by the Tamil Nadu government in loving memory of MG Ramachandran, a popular actor and former chief minister of Tamil Nadu who passed away in 1994. The MGR Film city is a relatively recent building.
Situated in Taramani, Chennai, the MGR Film City spans an enormous 70 acres and is a well-liked tourist destination as well as the preferred location for many South Indian film makers. The film city boasts a film school, indoor and outdoor shooting locations, impersonations of villages and cities, a post office, a police station, a jail, a courtroom, and beautifully landscaped Italian, Japanese, and Mughal gardens in addition to being the greatest place to see a glimpse of a well-known Tamil actor. The MGR Knowledge Park, which was just opened, has increased the interest.
2. Marundeeswarar Temple
Overview of Marundeeswarar Temple
The temple god Shiva is represented by the God of Medicines, Marundeeswar or Aushadeeswarar, at the majestic Marundeeswarar Temple in Tiruvanmiyur, near Chennai. Visit this temple if you’re in Chennai or the surrounding areas; it’s a great example of Dravidian architecture.
The temple was enlarged in the eleventh century by the Chola Kingdom and was revered in the seventh and eighth centuries by the Saivite Saints Nayanars, Tirugnana Sambandar, and Appar. Furthermore, true to its name, Marundeeswarar Temple has long been a site of worship, particularly for individuals afflicted with illnesses and other health issues. This place serves prasadam, a concoction of holy ash, water, and milk that is said to heal all ills. To experience the temple’s alleged supernatural power, one must go there.
3. Valluvar Kottam
Overview of Valluvar Kottam
In Chennai, there is a temple shaped like a chariot called Valluvar Kottam, which was constructed in honor of Thiruvalluvar, a well-known classical Tamil poet and saint. To honor Thiruvalluvar’s efforts, Kalaignar M. Karananidhi constructed this elaborately crafted memorial in the 1970s. Renowned for his poetry and philosophy, Thirukkurals are considered to be among the best pieces of Tamil literature, and he is credited with creating them. The magnificent architecture of Valluvar Kottam is renowned for its creative designs and well-executed construction.You can visit Valluvar Kottam in the evening as the sun is just about to set, or you can take in the breathtaking beauty of the place in the morning when the city is just waking up to the day. A few photos should definitely be taken at the Valluvar Kottam because of its amazing design, which is a sight to behold.
Valluvar Kottam is not just a popular tourist destination but also the site of some of the most significant exhibitions and events in the city. This air-conditioned theater frequently hosts handlooms and handicrafts, and it’s a pleasant way to spend a few hours taking in the aesthetic beauty of both the inside and outside. A temple automobile, a beautiful addition to the construction, is anchored to the floor and nicely compliments the monument. One further fascinating aspect of Valluvar Kottam is that there are a few saplings that were planted by Mother Teresa herself, identified by a stone plate bearing the year 1984.
4. Ashtalakshmi Temple
Overview of Ashtalakshmi Temple
On the shore of the stunning Bay of Bengal, in Besant Nagar, is the Ashtalakshmi Temple, which is just a short distance from the Besant beach. This is the home of Ashtalakshmi, the Goddess of Wealth and Knowledge, who bestows blessings on everyone who come to the temple to offer prayers with a pure soul.
The continual sound of ocean waves echoes throughout the temple complex, instantly instilling a sense of tranquility. The temple renovations cost approximately 7 million rupees, and the Jeernotharana Ashtabandana Mahakumbhabhishekam ceremony—a significant Hindu religious event—more than 1.6 million rupees. These figures indicate the place’s grandeur.
5. Elliot’s Beach
Overview of Elliot’s Beach
Located in Besant Nagar, Chennai, Elliot’s Beach is also known as “Besant Nagar Beach” or “Bessie”. Alternatively referred to as Besant Nagar Beach, it is named for Edward Elliot, the former Chief Magistrate, Superintendent of Madras, and Governor of Chennai during the British era. It is the terminus of the Marina Beach shore. Nearby are the Ashtalakshmi Kovil and the Velankanni Church. Among the cleanest beaches in Chennai is the captivating beach. Situated to the south of Marina Beach, this serene and quiet area is perfect for leisurely strolls as it doesn’t have many activities.Additionally, the location is ideal for those who wish to fully immerse themselves in the arms of nature and soak their feet in the swishing seawater.
Elliot’s Beach is well-known both to visitors and residents of the state. It was an exclusive location for White people during the colonial era. Families and local college students like going to the beach. There are lots of delicious restaurants close to the beach. To avoid drowning accidents, there is a police outpost at the beach, and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) are used to control the crowd. Following numerous beach drownings in 2010, the authorities approved the use of two additional ATVs the following year.
Many tourists come to the beach to unwind, sunbathe, and explore the neighboring well-known historical sites. Travelers frequently choose it since it is less congested than the well-known Marina Beach. This beach provides the ideal haven from the bustle of the big city, and in the evenings, one can see lots of kids playing about it.
6. Akkarai Beach
Overview of Akkarai Beach
There are more options than just Marina and Elliot’s beach along the sandy shoreline, which stretches from Ennore in the north all the way south into Uthandi.
When you set aside time for fitness, you have more to look forward to thanks to thoughtfully designed walkways, comfortable seating, sufficient lighting, lush green spaces, and kid-friendly playgrounds that were originally planned for a few beaches.
7. Dakshinachitra Museum
Overview of Dakshinachitra Museum
One of India’s living-history museums is the Dakshinachitra Museum, which is situated in Chennai. It contains priceless examples of South Indian architecture, handicrafts, performing arts, and way of life. The goal of the museum is to raise awareness of the cultures of the South Indian states by enhancing their appeal to visitors. It is an initiative of the non-governmental organization Madras Craft Foundation, which opened to the public on December 14, 1996. There are 1,,000,000 photos and 4,220 artifacts in the historical museum. You will gain a thorough understanding of south Indian tradition by coming here. You will depart with the most exquisite learning gifts.
Constructed in the shape of a hamlet, it displays the customs of South Indian culture. There are eighteen real residences in all, each with an own contextual exhibition. These buildings are bought, dismantled, moved, and then expert craftspeople, known as Stapathis, who are locals to the areas where the houses are purchased, rebuild them. Furthermore, Dakshina Chitra translates to “house of south.” This place is for you, therefore, if you are a history buff and a cultural person who is passionate about your heritage. Discover and educate yourself about South India’s history and way of life by visiting the Dakshinachitra Museum.
8. Madras Crocodile Bank Trust
Overview of Madras Crocodile Bank Trust
The Madras Crocodile Bank Trust was established by renowned herpetologist and wildlife activist Romulus ‘Rom’ Whitaker as a means of preserving the declining crocodile species in the Indian subcontinent. The Croc Bank was first constructed to protect the crocodiles and aid with their reproduction and growth until they were healthy enough to be released back into their native environment, replenishing the natural population. But this practice has ended because of the decreasing amount of wildness. These days, the public can visit them six days a week at the Crocodile Bank, where they are presently housed.
It is important to distinguish the Madras Crocodile Bank from a zoo. Yes, you are more than welcome to view the captive reptiles. But this has a far more intricate system of ex-situ and in-situ conservation than a zoo. Right now, it is home to around 17 croc subspecies and various other reptiles like frogs, lizards, snakes, and turtles as well, some of which have been listed by IUCN as critically endangered. In addition to taking part in the many entertaining activities the park has planned for its visitors, like as the night safari, guided tours, and feeding programs, visitors may see all these sly species in one location. The Croc Bank is an excellent spot to spend a day learning, taking in the unique wildlife, and having fun all at once. You can volunteer for programs, donate money, or adopt an animal from the Madras Crocodile Bank Trust if you love animals and want to change the world.
9. Nettukuppam
Overview of Nettukuppam
Chennai’s northernmost point, Nettukuppam, boasts a beach that hasn’t been compromised by invading tourists yet. For those who want to take in the roaring sea from a close distance in a serene setting, it’s a solitary haven. Here, Ennore’s salty creek empties into the sea, creating a quasi-estuary. Because it is yet undiscovered by the hordes of tourists, it is the perfect area to spend some quiet time.
There aren’t many tourists swarming the beach, nor are there yelling street vendors. During holidays and festivals, it does see an increase in foot traffic, but generally, only small groups of people visit this place. This is the ideal spot to sit out on a summer evening if you want peace and quiet. From a certain vantage point, you can observe the Chennai skyline as well as the significant topographical and historical variations that the city faces. This location marks the conclusion of a lengthy concrete pier that juts out into the ocean. The locals refer to this as the “broken bridge” and claim that years ago, it was constructed to support a dredger at the mouth of the creek. The few patrons that you will encounter here are drawn to this well-known establishment.
When the waves hit the pier and break into white foam beneath your feet, you can relax on the pier and enjoy the cool mist and sea wind while your legs dangle. You will love your stay at Nettukuppam Beach. It’s a great location for photographers as well. Photographers will have plenty of opportunities to take stunning images with the horizon and the deep blue sea in the background. The pier provides a good view of the creek, the Ennore thermal power facility, and numerous other locations along the sea.Here, you can literally see firsthand how Chennai’s contemporary skyscrapers progressively give way to smaller homes and then to nothingness. If you’re lucky, you might be able to see some of the local fishermen at the coast with their catch of the day and purchase some fresh fish at a fair price right from the net.
10. Santhome Church
Overview of Santhome Church
In India’s history, the significance of San Thome Church is unmatched. According to the then-Pope in 1956, the church—which was originally built as a mausoleum in honor of Saint Thomas—has evolved into a basilica. One of Christ’s original disciples’ tombs is housed in San Thome Church, one of just three in the world. The other two are the Santiago de Compostela Cathedral in Galicia, Spain, and St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City.
You will be entering a historical narrative that will transport you back a few centuries when you visit the St. Thomas Church in Mylapore. The last resting place of the saint, who was one of the twelve apostles of Christ and traveled to India in 52 AD to propagate the faith, is beneath the imposing white basilica minor. He is revered as the patron saint of Christianity in India because, through his preaching and wise words, he converted a sizable portion of the native population in Kerala and Tamil Nadu, creating the group that is now known as Syrian Christians.In order to introduce visitors to San Thome Church’s illustrious history, the church’s museum features mementos of the revered saint and his legend.