Chennai：The Culture Rich Metropolitan City in India

Chennai, once known as Madras is the fourth largest metropolitan city in India that has emerged as a major education and industrial center in the country. The city is famous for its parks, museums, beaches and other historical places that have been preserved to bring in more tourists visiting the city every month. Unlike other cities in India, Chennai is one city that lets you explore below its surface and get involved in their distinctive culture. Try to visit the city by January, where you can witness the people celebrating the much famous local celebration - Pongal.

1. Kapaleeshwarar Temple

The Kapaleeshwarar temple, located at Mylapore very nearby to the Chennai Central Railway Station was built during the 8th century by the Pallavas and dedicated to Lord Shiva. The grand entry tower has rich characteristics of Dravidian architecture. The temple is famous for beautiful sculptures, among which the bronze idol of Nayanmars is a notable one. The temple is accessible, as it is at the central perimeter of Chennai. The early Arubathumoovar festival conducted during the month of March and April is something very special and transform the city with festive moods.

2. Lighthouse Mamallapuram

The Mamallapuram (also known as Mahabalipuram) Lighthouse is a circular masonry tower built using natural stones. The lighthouse is the oldest lighthouses that you can find in other parts of India. Since 1904, the lighthouse has been functioning and maintained by the Archaeological Department of India as a protected monument. Climb through the lighthouse to witness a stunning view around the area. By reaching the top of the lighthouse, you can get drenched in the fresh air with a bird's eye of the town, sea, and trees blending with one another.

3. Fort St. George

Fort Saint George is a citadel built by the British during 1644, located near Tamil Nadu Secretariat. The name of the fort christened Fort St. George, as the construction work completed on the celebration day of England's patron said, St. George on 23 April 1644. The fort is now operating a home for the administrative offices related to the State Government of Tamil Nadu. Located on the Rajaji Salai Road, the Fort St. George is one among the prominent landmark in Chennai that owns the historical reference to the city. The fort is also looked upon by Archaeological Survey of India.

4. Marina Beach

The Marina Beach in Chennai is the longest beach in India along the Bay of Bengal. The beach is also known as the second longest beach located in the world. The predominantly sandy beach extends up to twelve kilometers, starting from Besant Nagar to the Fort St. George. Every other tourist who is on their trip to visit in and around Chennai will never miss spending some time at the Marina beach. Because of these activities, one can engage with the beach, starting from early morning till night. Reach the beach early in the morning and take a walk by the beach and get some fresh air and some Vitamin D to your body. Pony riding and flying kites are other favorite activities around the beach. There are numerous stalls on the beach selling handcrafted showpieces, food items, and ethnic jewelry.

5. ISKCON Temple

The ISKCON temple sprawled around 1.5 acres and the temple has five different level monumental construction. The extra spacious seven thousand feet hall on the first floor is large enough to accommodate devotees during peak season, and the ground floor has an auditorium for conducting spiritual and cultural programs. The basement of the temple has a prasadam hall (distribution of the remnants of the offerings to God), where the devotees are offered a delicious food every other day. The ISKCON is the largest Radha Krishna Temple located in Tamil Nadu, and it has a stunning architecture and best to see during the evening time with colorful illuminations.

6. Sri Parthasarathy Temple

Located near to the Chennai Central Railway Station, the Sri Parthasarathy Temple is one of the oldest temples in Chennai, built for worshipping Lord Krishna. The temple built during the 8th century by the Pallavas. The present structure of the Parthasarathi Temple is a renovated work of the Vijayanagar Kings, during the 16th century. You can find many skillful beautiful carvings adorning the temple. Visit the temple by evening to get a positive spiritual vibe.

7. Madras Crocodile Bank

Located nearby to Mahabalipuram, the Madras Crocodile Banks established in the year 1976 by herpetologist Romulus Whitaker. The place is known as a habitat for different specials of both African and Indian crocodiles and alligators. The crocodiles are kept in open pools by creating natural habitat. You have to pay an entry free, for adult Rs. 35 and children under 10 years of age, Rs. 10.

8. National Art Gallery

Located within the Government Museum Complex, the National Art Gallery, Chennai is known as the oldest art galleries in India. If you are an artist who never gets bored out of watching centuries-old traditional paintings and other artworks, then the National Art Gallery is the place you need to visit in Chennai. You will completely get drenched with the art gallery as it has four different sections that showcase traditional Indian Art Gallery, Tanjore Painting Gallery, Raja Ravi Varma Paintings and other Miniature paintings of the Mughal Era. Entry is against payment of Rs. 15 for adults and Rs. 10 for children below 10.

9. Arignar Anna Zoological Park

The Arignar Anna Zoological Park in Chennai is a well-maintained and biggest zoo in India. The zoological park shelters more than one hundred and seventy types of animals. The park started functioning since 1985. It spread over 510 hectares of land with dry forests and natural fauna which is an ideal place for the animals to roam around. The park is for Jaguars, Tigers, Panther, Lions, Sambar, Elephants, and Giraffes and many other animals. Other than watching the animals and taking pictures, you can enjoy spending time in the large library depicting wildlife.

◎ Closing

Chennai, which was formerly known as Madras is a busy metropolitan city, well connected with different cities of India by land and air. It is a paradise for tourist and a stopover destination for tourist bound to Far Eastern countries. Tourist will have a splendor of time roaming around the city, watching ancient temples, landmark colonial-era buildings, rock carving, parks, and beaches. People are very polite and humble and are one of the best places in the world to enjoy rich vegetarian foods. Metro railway service eases up the accessibility from one point to other, and people do keep a metropolitan life without any language barriers. In the hospitality segment, almost all people can converse with you in English hence you won't be having any communication issues.