20

Top 12 must-visit places & must-do things in Chennai

Chennai is my hometown, a beautiful city where I lived a major portion of my life. And I've roamed extensively all over Chennai and all its surrounding places... Here's a suggestion of 12 roads less travelled or unusual places / things to do in Chennai for the explorer or traveler (not tourist) in you...
1. UNESCO World Heritage at Mahabalipuram: Tamil Nadu boasts ownership to 2 UNESCO World Heritage sites - Mahabalipuram complex and 4 major Chola Temples in Thanjavur. Mahabalipuram is very close to Chennai and it takes less than an hour to reach there from the outskirts of Chennai. You could see the place for minimum an entire day or upto a week if you enjoy each and every sculpture! 
2. Bird watching & some back waters: Chennai's green lungs are in quite a few places. There's Pallikaranai Marsh Land, Kelambakkam Back water, Perungudi lake and Pulicat aka Pazhaverkadu which are major spots for bird watching. Infact birds from all over the world come here in winters incl flamingos, pelicans, jacquanas and several hundred more species. These also visit Siruthavur lake. 
3. Trekking anyone? Though Chennai isn't as blessed as Bangalore when it comes to its hills, but there are a few like Pallavaram hills. However the major hills to trek is the Nagalapuram range which includes Nagala, Tada, Nagari etc. One of virgin range of hills, its a haven for trekking and camping (ofcourse, risks involved, it isn't a picnic).
4. Secluded beaches & sea adventures: Chennai boasts owning the world's 2nd largest beach Marina, which is always crowded. Then there are Elliots beach & Thiruvanmiyur beach which are somewhat lesser crowded. However, with the entire stretch of East Coast Road, from Thiruvanmiyur to Mahabalipuram, going along the sea line, its beach everywhere. Stop your vehicle wherever you want to and get going... Check out the Sozhinganallur Beach which was absolutely serene a few years back but pretty much buzzing of late.
5. Pre-historic spots: Not just historic, there are a few pre-historic spots around Chennai as well. Megalithic burials, cysts, and dolmens can be seen at Thiruporur and Siruthavur on the ECR, a bit before Mahabalipuram.
6. Attend a couple of cultural events: Chennai isn't considered the cultural capital of India for nothing. Carnatic music, Bharathanatyam dance mostly, but also tons of folk performances, North Indian classical music, instrumental music, Kuchupudi, Mohiniattam, Kathak, and many many many more performances plus religious celebrations happen throughout the year, but way too many in the months of December and January. The best part, a bulk participation of lively young crowd is present!
7. Visit a few temples: Chennai and temples, are kinda synonymous. Everyone knows Mylapore Kapalishwara Temple and Triplicane Parthasarathy Temple. However, every village around Chennai has its own age old Shiva Temple & Vishnu Temple. Visit Madambakkam Dhenupurishwarar Temple, Mambakkam Sathyapurishwarar Temple, Ponneri Agasthiswarar Temple, Thirumazhisai & Thirunindravur Temples, Magaralishwarar Temple etc. 
8. Eat a South Indian food: Idli or Dosa with 3-4 chutneys & podi for breakfast, proper south Indian Thali meals with rice, sambar, rasam, appalam, avakkai pickle for lunch, all eaten with hands than spoon or fork or knife is a must to complete the experience.
9. Shop at T.Nagar: Chennai experience can be complete only after you try to wear a saree and feel the crowd of Chennai and for both Thyagaraya Nagar is a great option. Try to go on a weekend before a major festival like Diwali to experience the Mad-rush!
10. Experience Green lungs: Greenery is also an integral part of Chennai. Not just the wild trekking trails and water bodies, there are some green spaces in Chennai as well like Adyar Estuary, Kalakshetra, Nanmangalam forest etc.
11. Art Attack: Art also has its own space in Chennai. No. I'm not talking about the galleries, but about the spaces where they explore their skills & passions and network as well - Cholamandal Artists Village and Dakshinachitra.
12. Forts of Chennai: Ofcourse there is the famous Fort St.George and Madras High Court which are some amazing British structures. But there are some lesser known forts, some in ruins, mostly built by Dutch - Pulicat Cemetry, Alamparai Fort and Sadras Fort. 

Bhushavali

An ardent traveler by passion. Being an ex - Art History Teacher, my area of interest especially lies in Nature and Heritage. Visited 85 UNESCO World Heritage sites as of June 2022. I've been listed among the Top 7 Women Travel Bloggers of India, Top 50 in UK. I have been interviewed in a couple of TV Shows, Radio Channels and Events as well. Read more about me and read the testimonials of different brands

20 comments:

  1. Divya NFebruary 24, 2016 at 7:37 PM

    hey you left out Marundeeshwar (& Valmiki temple) temple at Thiruvanmiyur and surf and turf at kovalam

    ReplyDelete
  2. Destination InfinityFebruary 25, 2016 at 10:07 AM

    Thanks for the list. Looks like I have a few more places to visit in Chennai, esp. Temples. Here is my list (for tourist places only) -

    http://www.destinationinfinity.org/2012/05/06/tourist-places-to-seevisit-in-and-around-chennai-tn-excluding-ecr/

    Destination Infinity

    ReplyDelete
  3. Elizabeth O.February 26, 2016 at 5:14 AM

    It's always awesome to see temples, such sacred and beautiful places! Very relaxing! I love that you can go bird watching too, that's a good break from all the walking and the commuting. Thanks for sharing these!

    ReplyDelete
  4. UnknownFebruary 26, 2016 at 8:39 AM

    i've been to mahabalipuram and just loved the whole experience! :D

    ReplyDelete
  5. UnknownFebruary 26, 2016 at 12:42 PM

    I will definitely be keeping these things in mind. Sounds like there's quite a variety of things to do here.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Claire AlgarmeFebruary 26, 2016 at 1:10 PM

    What a wonderful place. I'd like to visit this in the future. :-)

    ReplyDelete
  7. ShubFebruary 26, 2016 at 3:28 PM

    Chennai is one of the most happening metros in India. Wow food and Wow shopping! Great list you have mentioned.

    ReplyDelete
  8. FrancFebruary 26, 2016 at 8:31 PM

    I think I'll go for the temples, beaches and nature. Chennai looks like a really scenic vacation place.

    ReplyDelete
  9. fred erickFebruary 26, 2016 at 8:43 PM

    I think Chennai has the things I am looking for places I want to visit. Thanks for sharing this. I am really planning to go to India soon, I hope i will have a chance to visit Chennai.

    ReplyDelete
  10. AnonymousFebruary 27, 2016 at 7:45 AM

    I didn't know they had the worlds 2nd largest beach marina! I would love to visit one of the secluded beaches.

    ReplyDelete
  11. SuzanneFebruary 27, 2016 at 10:28 AM

    I am fascinated by the beautiful foliage there is to see in Chennai. It is wonderful to learn about those less traveled roads so one can discover these sights on their own.

    ReplyDelete
  12. RajeshFebruary 27, 2016 at 10:41 AM

    Wonderful compilation of must see places in and around Chennai.

    ReplyDelete
  13. George FelixFebruary 27, 2016 at 6:41 PM

    Nice post.
    I have only been to Chennai once. It was 11 years ago. A long time, yes. I remember going to the Marina beach, a very large museum and Vailankanni, at the cathedral of Our Lady of Good Health.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Fred SaidFebruary 27, 2016 at 8:55 PM

    I am not sure I will ever have the chance to visit India, or Chennai in particular. Thank you for this short introduction as to what this city is all about. Interesting to learn that it is a centre for culture.

    ReplyDelete
  15. UnknownFebruary 28, 2016 at 3:51 AM

    Oh your city looks delightful. I love seeing and reading posts like this so if I'm ever visiting I can have an idea of what to do.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Sunshine KellyFebruary 28, 2016 at 10:36 AM

    Thanks will take note of this because I plan to go to Chennai soon. There are lots of temples and spices to buy. I do like Indian food also.

    ReplyDelete
  17. Pooja KawatraFebruary 28, 2016 at 8:21 PM

    I have been to Chennai few times and loved it for its food and beautiful scenic breathtaking places.

    ReplyDelete
  18. UnknownFebruary 29, 2016 at 10:27 PM

    The secluded beaches look amazingly beautiful! Only thing is, I wonder if they are dangerous, as in if people do get lost there!

    ReplyDelete
  19. R Niranjan DasMarch 6, 2016 at 2:58 PM

    Interesting list, Bhusha!

    ReplyDelete
  20. Whitney aka Mrs. MillennialJune 14, 2017 at 3:22 AM

    Wow, some really beautiful places on this list! It seems like Chennai would be a great place to spend some time. Thank you for sharing!

    ReplyDelete

Thanks for visiting...! Why not leave a comment.? And tell your friends..!!!
By commenting you accept to our GDPR Policy.