Chennai — Gateway to South India

Chennai, on the Bay of Bengal in eastern India, is the capital of the state of Tamil Nadu. The city is home to Fort St. George, built in 1644 and now a museum showcasing the city’s roots as a British military garrison and East India Company trading outpost, when it was called Madras. Religious sites include Kapaleeshwarar Temple, adorned with carved and painted gods, and St. Mary’s, a 17th-century Anglican church.

Beaches:

Marina Beach:
Things to do at Marina Beach: Anna Park, Tomb of M.G. Ramachandran, Statue Of Labour. Ideal For: Family, Groups, Couples.
Location: Tamil Nadu.
How to reach Marina Beach: The best way to reach will be to take the MRTS train, then a train to the lighthouse, and cover the remaining distance walking.

Golden Beach:
Things To Do V.G.P. Golden Beach: VGP 2000 millennium Tower, Paneer fort and the Statue Man and beach walks.
Ideal For: All- Couple, Group, Solo, Family.
Location: Injambakkam, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600115, India.
How To Reach V.G.P. Golden Beach: Poompuhar is well connected to Chennai and other cities by road, and hence you can easily approach it by road.

Elliot’s Beach:
Things To Do At Elliot’s Beach: Ashtalakshmi Temple, Velankanni Church, beach walk.
Ideal For: All — Couple, Group, Solo, Family.
Location: Besant Nagar.
How To Reach Elliot’s Beach: Elliot’s Beach has great network and transportation options from Chennai.

Covelong Beach:
Things To Do At Covelong Beach: Swimming, WindSurfing, Shore Temple, Pancha Rathas.
Ideal For: All — Couple, Group, Solo, Family.
Location: Mahabalipuram.
How To Reach Covelong Beach: The best way to reach Covelong from Chennai is by road, a journey of around 45 minutes by car.

Vodarevu Beach:
Things To Do At Vodarevu Beach: Swimming, boating, The Sip and Dip Cottages, Jolley Home Resort, Ramapuram Beach Resort.
Ideal For: All- Couple, Group, Solo, Family.
Location: Chirala, Andhra Pradesh.
How To Reach Vodarevu Beach: Distance from Vetapalem railway to Vodarevu beach is 15 km, you can hire a cab or auto.

Museums:

DAKSHINACHITRA MUSEUM:
SPECIALITY: Student Volunteers, Programs, Workshops, Dakshinachitra Art, Crafts Bazaar, Seminar, Craft Shop, Exhibitions, Reception Center/Orientation Film, Conservation Lab, Museum, Teachers Workshop, Activity Hall, Lectures/Seminars, Ceramic Center, New Media Program, Open Air Theatre, Events, Activities, Library/Archives & Guest House.
Timings: Tue — Fri 10:00 am — 6:00 pm. Sat & Sun 10:00 am — 6:00 pm. Mon Closed.
Location: East Coast Road, Muttukadu, Chennai, TN 603112.

GOVERNMENT MUSEUM:
SPECIALITY: Academic and Cultural, Displays, Gallery Plan, Paintings of Thanjavur, Exhibitions, Folk Religions, Zoology, Educational and Learning Programs, Physical Anthropology, Other Antique Traditional Paintings, Museum, Musical Instruments, School Visits, Group Visits, Art Workshops, Indian Miniature Artworks, Collections & Artifacts.
Timings: Mon — Thu, Sat & Sun 9:30 am — 5:00 pm. Fri Closed.
Location: Pantheon Road, Egmore, Beside Government Maternity Hospital, Chennai, TN 600008.

VIVEKANANDA HOUSE:
SPECIALITY: Book Store, Exhibition, Indian Culture, 3D Movie, National Youth Day Celebrations, Museum, House, Landmark, Meditation and Yoga, Architectural Heritage, Historic Place, Cultural Centre, Shop & Navaratri.
Timings: Tue — Sun 10:00 am — 12:30 pm. 3:00 pm — 7:30 pm. Mon Closed.
Location: Marina Beach Road, Neelam Basha Dargapuram, Kamarajar salai, Triplicane, Chennai, TN 600005.

Historical Places:

Connemara Public Library: A later extension to the building of Government Museum- another of the historical places in Chennai, this library located at Egmore, Chennai is one of the four National Depositories of India. You can find a huge collection of rare books and ancient texts and records at this library, also including decades-old periodicals, a video room for watching documentary films, a Braille Library, and an IAS study center.
Location: Museum Compound, Pantheon Road, Egmore.
Timing: — 9 AM to 7:30 PM from Monday to Saturday. 9:30 AM to 6 PM on Sunday.

Vivekananda House:
SPECIALITY: Book Store, Exhibition, Indian Culture, 3D Movie, National Youth Day Celebrations, Museum, House, Landmark, Meditation and Yoga, Architectural Heritage, Historic Place, Cultural Centre, Shop & Navaratri.
Timings: Tue — Sun 10:00 am — 12:30 pm. 3:00 pm — 7:30 pm. Mon Closed.
Location: Marina Beach Road, Neelam Basha Dargapuram, Kamarajar salai, Triplicane, Chennai, TN 600005.

Madras War Cemetery:
Madras War Cemetery is located in Nandambakkam, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. It was created to receive Second World War graves from civil and cantonment cemeteries in the south and east of India where their permanent maintenance could not be assured.
Address: Mount Poonamalle High Road, Nandambakkam, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600032.
Hours: Open ⋅ Closes 5:30PM.

Ripon Building:
The Ripon Building is the seat of the Greater Chennai Corporation in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. It is an example of neoclassical architecture, a combination of Ionic and Corinthian styles. The Ripon Building is an all-white structure and is located near the Puratchi Thalaivar Dr. M.G. Ramachandran Central Railway Station.
Address: 53, Raja Muthiah Rd, Kannappar Thidal, Periyamet, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600003.
Hours: Closed ⋅ Opens 10AM Mon.

Madras High court:
The Madras High Court is the second oldest High Courts of India after the Calcutta High Court in Kolkata. It is located in Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
Address: High Ct Rd, Parry’s Corner, George Town, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600108.
Chief justice: Amreshwar Pratap Sahi.
Hours: Closed ⋅ Opens 10AM Mon.

Nearby Places:

Mahabalipuram — Awe-Striking Ruins:
Places to Stay: InterContinental Chennai Mahabalipuram Hotel, WelcomHotel Kences Palm Beach, Mamalla Beach Resort, Village Retreat, Oceanside Hotel Mahabalipuram.
Distance from Chennai: 55 km.
Best time to visit: December to March.
Ideal weekend duration: It is ideal for a one day trip from Chennai.
Places to Visit: Visit the Shore Temple named after the seven pagodas, Krishna’s Butterball is a giant natural rock perched on a hillside, seemingly in defiance of all laws of physics, The Sculpture museum famous for sculptures and paintings in the city.
Things to do: Mahabalipuram has plenty of cycling routes in India including the neighbouring villages that offer activities like rice and masala grinding as well as kolam or rangoli drawings. One can even indulge in rejuvenating spa treatments and water sports too.

Pulicat — A Vibrant Location:
Distance from Chennai: 55 km.
Best time to visit: October to march.
Ideal weekend duration: This too ideal for a one day trip from Chennai.
Places to visit: Beach, the Dutch cemetery, Fort, church, the bird sanctuary, two neighbouring villages of Vedurupattu and Nelapattu. Between December and January, the Tourism Board organizes the Flamingo festival when thousands of the bird species align on the swampy regions of the Pulicat Lake.
Things to do: Several beach activities and watersports are other forms of entertainment in Pulicat.

Kanchipuram — Witness The Holiness:
Places to Stay: Regency Kanchipuram by GRT Hotels, Vasanth Villa, Hotel Adhi Residency, Hotel SSK Grand Kanchipuram, Hotel Abirami lodge.
Distance from Chennai: 72 km.
Best time to visit: September to March.
Ideal weekend duration: 1 day trip from Chennai.
Places to visit: Ekambareswarar, Kamakshi Amman, Devarajaswami and Kailasanathar Vedanthangla Bird Sanctuary, other must-visit sight is KanchiKudil.
Things to do: Bird watching and sightseeing are forms of entertainment for tourists who visit the temple city.

Arignar Anna Zoological Park — Encounter The Majestic Wildlife:
Places to Stay: Kalyan Hometel, Atlanta Park, Royal Grand, FabHotel Golden Swan Tambaram.
Distance from Chennai: 37 km.
Best time to visit: January to February and November to December.
Ideal weekend duration: 1 day trip from Chennai.
Attractions: Elephant joy rides, children’s park and an education centre, reptile house and different species of organisms.
Things to do: Learn about the ways of the jungle on a safari ride. Different safari ride offered are lion safari, gaur safari, elephant safari and deer safari.

Vedanthangal:
Distance from Chennai: 89 km.
Best time to visit: November to February.
Ideal weekend duration: 1–2 days.
Attractions: Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary, Karikili Bird Sanctuary.

Theme Parks:

Queens Land:
Specality:
Cable Car, Mini Avio, Free Fall Tower, Thumbhole, Octopus, Go Kart, Roller Coaster, Alpen Blitz, Kids Taxi, Enterprise, Space Journey, Tora Tora, Mini Wheel, Mini Jet, Adult Bumper Car, American Wave Pool, Twisters, Frog Side, Swimming Pool, Himalayan Water Ride, Orchestra, Disco Fly, Queens Express Train, 3 Lane Side, Centrox & Crazy Horses.
Price: Entry Fees Adults — ₹550. Kids — ₹450.
Timings: Tue — Fri 10:00 am — 6:00 pm. Sat & Sun 9:30 am — 7:00 pm. Mon Closed.
Location: Chennai — Banglore Trunk Road, Palanjur, Sembarambakkam, Chennai, TN 600123.

MGM Dizzee World:
Specality: Revolution, Sky Glider, Balloon Race, Carousal, Game Arcade, Dodgem Car, Reindeer Coaster, Rainbow, Creeper Bug, Caribbean Swing, Roll O Roll, Super Trucks, Swimming Pool, Rock O Plane, Kamikaze Ranger, Twister, Big Wheel, Disco Saucer, Nilagiri Express, Rolling Thunder, Star Wheel, Water Coaster, Tomb Rider & Wave Swinger.
Price: Ride Fess Adult — ₹ 699. Child — ₹549.
Timings: Mon — Fri 10:30 am — 6:00 pm. Sat & Sun 10:30 am — 6:30 pm.
Location: No 1/74, East Coast Road, Muttukadu, Chennai, TN 603112.

VGP Universal Kingdom:
Specality: Top Gun, Mini Chair-O-Plane, Float Slide, Lazy River, Tiny Tots Express, Mermaid Ship, Enterprise, Super Trooper, Ferris Wheel, Typhoon Tunnel, Aqua Trail, Crazy Cruise, Aqua Racer, Slide Complex, Rain Dance, London Bull, Flying Carpet, Roller Coaster, Topgun, Circus Train, Balloon Racer, Baby Train, Carousel, Twister, Break Dance & Crazy Plane.
Entry Fees Adult — ₹600. Child — ₹500.
Timings: Mon — Fri 11:00 am — 7:30 pm. Sat & Sun 10:30 am — 8:00 pm.
Location: State Highway 49, Injambakkam, Chennai, TN 600041.

Honeymoon Places:

Puducherry:
Things to do in Puducherry: Wander off to explore the age old churches, museums, and French colonies, go for bicycle tour together, enjoy thrilling scuba diving with your partner, and relish a relaxing boat ride at Ousteri Lake. Sun bathing at Serenity Beach and trying sumptuous French cuisine always fascinate newly married couples.
Best time to visit Puducherry: October to February (pre winter and winter season).
How to reach Puducherry: Regular buses ply from Chennai to Pondicherry via NH 45.
Where to stay in Puducherry: Le Pondy, Bonjour Bonheur Ocean Spray, and The Dune Eco Beach Hotel.

Mahabalipuram:
Things to do in Mahabalipuram: Photography with Krishna’ butterball, surfing, swimming, and visiting the temples. Moreover, the drive from Chennai through the lovely East Coast Road with your beloved is itself ultra romantic.
Best time to visit Mahabalipuram: October to February.
How to reach Mahabalipuram: Drive through East Coast Road to Mahabalipuram from Chennai. One can also travel in a local train from Chennai to Chengalpattu, which is 30 kilometers from Mahabalipuram.
Where to stay in Mahabalipuram: Grande Bay Resort and Spa, Radisson BLU Resort Temple Bay, and Ideal Beach Resort.

Kanchipuram:
Things to do in Kanchipuram: Take a walk around the temples like Ekambareswarar, Kamakshi Amman, and Kailasanathar. Visit Kanchi Kudil– a 90 year old ancestral house showcasing the typical old-style architecture. Spend a day in Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary for some wonderful moments together. New husbands can buy some stunningly silk sarees for their darlings from the local shops.
Best time to visit Kanchipuram: October to March. Summer months are extremely humid in Kanchipuram.
How to reach Kanchipuram: Buses ply frequently from Chennai to Kanchipuram. However, the city has its own railhead too.
Where to stay in Kanchipuram: Green Coconut Resort, and Regency Kanchipuram by GRT Hotels.

Covelong Beach:
Things To Do At Covelong Beach: Swimming, WindSurfing, Shore Temple, Pancha Rathas.
Ideal For: All — Couple, Group, Solo, Family.
Location: Mahabalipuram.
How To Reach Covelong Beach: The best way to reach Covelong from Chennai is by road, a journey of around 45 minutes by car.

Tirupati:
Things to do in Tirupati: Take holy dip together in Kapila and Tumbhuru Teertham, explore rock garden and Silathoranam. Enjoy a thrilling day exploring Sri Venkateswara National Park, Deer Park, and Chandragiri Palace and Fort. Walking to Talakona Waterfalls to spend some peaceful moments there is also an incredible option.
Best time to visit Tirupati: November to February pleasant for exploring.
How to reach Tirupati: Either take a bus or a train from Chennai to reach Tirupati.
Where to stay in Tirupati: Fortune Select Grand Ridge, Marasa Sarovar Premiere, and Fortune Kences.

Types of Businesses:
Imports and exports
Automobiles
Electronics

Pilgrimage Places:

Kapaleeswarar Temple:
Opening Hours: 5:30 AM to 12:00 PM and 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM, Closed on Monday.
Address: 12, North Mada Street, Mylapore, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600004, India.
Built In: 7th century CE.
Built By: Pallavas.

Marundheeswarar Temple:
Opening Hours: 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
Address: 8, W Tank St, Lalitha Nagar, Thiruvanmiyur, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600041.
Built In: 7th century.
Built By: Chola Dynasty.

Ekambareswarar Temple
Opening Hours: 6:00 AM to 1:30 PM and 4:30 PM to 8:00 PM.
Address: Ekambaranathar Sannathi St, Periya, Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu 631502.
Built In: NA.
Built By: Chola Kings.

Parthasarathy Temple:
Opening Hours: 5:50 AM to 12:30 PM and 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM .
Address: Narayana Krishnaraja Puram, Triplicane, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600005.
Built In: 8th century.
Built By: Pallavas.

Sri Vadapalani Andavar Temple:
Opening Hours: 6:00 AM to 12:00 AM and from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM.
Location: Arulmigu Vadapalani Andavar Temple, Palani Andavar koil street, Vadapalani, Chennai — 600026.
Built In: Late 19th century.
Buily By: Annaswami Nayakar.

Waterfalls:

Bear Shola Falls:
Distance From Chennai: 512 Kms .
Commonly Visited From: Kodaikanal Central Bus Station.
Travelling Time From Kodaikanal Central Bus Station: 2–3 Hours.
Best Time To Visit: July to October.

Tada Falls:
Distance From Chennai: 94 Kms.
Commonly Visited From: Varadaiahpalem Village.
Traveling Time From: 55 Minutes.
Best Time To Visit: October — January.

Kaigal Falls:
Distance From Chennai: 223 Kms.
Commonly Visited From: Kaigal Village.
Traveling Time From: 2 Minutes.
Best Time To Visit: September — December.

Talakona Waterfalls:
Distance From Chennai: 192 Kms.
Commonly Visited From: Nerabailu Village.
Traveling Time From: 18 Minutes.
Best Time To Visit: October To January.

Hogenakkal:
Distance From Chennai: 342.3 Kms.
Commonly Visited From: Dharmapuri.
Traveling Time From Dharmapuri: 1 Hour 13 Minutes.
Best Time To Visit: August To October.

Multisports:

Basketball
Badminton
Cricket
Football
Kabaddi
Table tennis
Volleyball

National Parks and Sanctuaries:

Annamalai/Indira Gandhi Wildlife sanctuary:
How To Get There: The best gateway for the Sanctuary is Topslip (70 Kms from Coimbatore). Other gateways are Amaravathi (90 Kms from Coimbatore), Sethumadai (5 Kms before Top Slip) and Valparai (92 Kms from Coimbatore). There are plenty of trains and flights to Coimbatore from Chennai after which all the gates to the park are a short drive away.
Where To Stay: The park has a large tourist complex at Top Slip that houses many cottages, rooms, and dormitories for visitors. Visitors can get around the park by trekking and a safari van. Cotsvilla Resort at Top slip is available to guests at 3000 rupees per night or you could choose to stay at Coimbatore (Hotel Apple Park, Hotel prince Gardens or the Gokulam Park).

Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary:
How To Get There: Located 96 Kms from Coimbatore, Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Palakkad district of Kerala. Anappadi is the entry point to Sanctuary (all bookings have to be made here). The headquarters of the Sanctuary is Thunakadavu (8 Kms from Anappadi & 9 Kms from Parambikulam Dam).
Where To Stay: There are enough hotels available in the Palakkad district to ensure that you do not need to travel far to reach the National Park. Gopalpuram International, Nakshatra Regency and Nila Residency provide all facilities to guests with various budgets.

Arignar Anna Zoological Park:
How To Get There: The closest railway station is Chennai which is 38kms away (we weren’t joking about the proximity). There are many state run buses that you can take from Chennai to the Zoological Park.
Where To Stay: Timing of the park is from 9AM-8PM, so make it a day trip from Vandalur. The region has many hotels one of the best of which is Kalyan Hometel, Vandalur which offers a comfortable stay.

Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary:
How To Get There: The Nearest railway station to reach Madumalai is Udagamadalam station in the Nilgiri Mountain Railway service, which is nearly 64 km away. Taxi services are available from Ooty to Mudumalai to directly reach at the sanctuary. The distance, from Chennai to Ooty is about 545kms by road. It’s a long ride but the wildlife sanctuary is worth a visit.
Where To Stay: You could stay at Masinagudi, that’s closer to the park. A viable stay option would be the Jungle Hut Resort. Or you could choose to stay a little further away at Gudalur which has more options for stay at the Sree kripas Farmstay or the Sasthapuri Hotels. Hint- The drive from Gudalur to Mudumalai is absolutely beautiful

Guindy National Park:
How To Get There: The park is situated

opposite IIT Madras, perhaps once you’re in the city, taking your own conveyance till the park would be the best idea.
Where To Stay: Finding a place to stay near the park is an added convenience. Hotels like The Checkers Hotel, The Royal Regency, Zone by the Park, Orange Inn Guindy and Le Royal Meridien are all hotels which cater to traveller with different budgets. All are equipped with the best facilities and even free WiFi.