Tourist Places in Chennai

a Person walking on a beach with waves overlapping on the shore

Chennai, the capital of Tamil Nadu, is famous for its vibrant culture. The city enchants tourists with its rich heritage and captivating coastline. It boasts several historical landmarks, marvellous architecture and delectable cuisine. Whether you wish to bask in modern times or get lost in tales of a bygone era, Chennai has something to offer every kind of traveller. Here is a list of places to ensure your next trip to Chennai turns out to be your dream vacation.

Marina Beach


Take a stroll on the second-longest urban beach in the world, a feather in the cap of Chennai tourism. The beach stretches for miles, and one can find street vendors along the coastline to indulge in some culinary delights. The best time to visit Marina Beach is during sunset, when the weather has cooled down, and you can be mesmerised by the golden waves crashing on the shore.

Beach waves at the shore with the sun setting in the background
People walking on the seashore with dusky sky in the background

Elliot's Beach

 
Elliot's Beach, also known as Besant Nagar Beach, is popular for its clear waters and water sports. This beach is more peaceful and laid-back when compared to Marina Beach, and is best visited if you wish to relax under swaying palm trees or take a refreshing dip in the ocean.

Santhome Cathedral Basilica

 
Also known as St. Thomas Cathedral Basilica, this cathedral serves as the national shrine for Saint Thomas, as it is built on his tomb. This 16th-century structure was built by the Portuguese and was later rebuilt by the British in 1893 and granted the status of a cathedral. Visit this church and bear witness to the magnificent stained glass windows, as the serenity of the church overwhelms you during your visit.

Coloured windows showing the birth of Jesus Christ
a statue of lord Shiva

Kapaleeshwarar Temple

 
This temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is a prominent pilgrimage site in India. The Dravidian architecture is adorned with intricate carvings depicting scenes from Hindu mythology. Kapaleeshwarar Temple was built in the 7th century by the Pallavas. Today, it attracts massive crowds during festivals like Panguni and Arubathimooval.

Parthasarathy Temple


This temple is dedicated to the worship of Vishnu and is unique for housing several avatars of Lord Vishnu under one roof. The prominent avatar worshipped here is Lord Krishna. The temple is famous for its life-sized statues and striking paintings that depict scenes from Hindu mythology.

Intricate carvings on outside of temple in Chennai
Two people looking at paintings at an exhibition

Government Museum


The second oldest museum in the country, after Kolkata, is located in Chennai. Here, you can check out the vivid and beautiful paintings by Raja Ravi Varma and admire the Indo-Saracenic style of architecture—a style created during the British Raj in India, combining Indian materials with Islamic elements.

Arignar Anna Zoological Park 


Covering over 602 hectares, Arignar Anna Zoological Park in Vandalur serves as a vital rescue and rehabilitation center for animals. This zoo is home to more than 3,000 species of animals and plants and has 160 enclosures. Visitors can explore and appreciate the efforts to protect 46 endangered species, making it a significant destination for wildlife conservation and education.

a bird walking on a rocky surface with the background blurred

If you wish to explore other things to see in Chennai, check out Fort St. George, built in 1640, or take a trip to Mahabalipuram, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can visit all of these tourist spots in Chennai with ease from the Hablis Hotel Chennai. The hotel has carved a place for itself in the hospitality industry and offers three categories of rooms designed for your utmost luxury and comfort. The hotel offers services such as packed breakfast for early check-out guests and is located close to the airport, making it accessible for people travelling through both public and private transportation methods, ensuring your trip to all the tourist places in Chennai is easy.