24 tourist spots in Chennai, the city where you can experience authentic Indian culture!

Chennai, with a population of over 4.6 million, is one of the four largest cities in India. It is located along the coast of southeastern India and was called "Madras" until 1996. It has many nicknames such as "Gateway to South India" and "Detroit of South Asia", and is also a major center of industry and finance. If you travel to Chennai from other cities such as Delhi or Kolkata, you may notice that the language spoken by the people and the writing on the signs are somewhat different. The majority of the residents are Tamils ​​of South Indian descent, and Tamil is the main language spoken. Chennai has not been influenced much by neighboring countries, and its original culture, including entertainment and music, remains strong. The city's laid-back atmosphere is also a popular point for tourists. In this article, we will introduce plenty of tourist spots in Chennai that are recommended for tourists who want to experience authentic Indian culture.

1. Kapaleeswarar Temple

Kapaleeswarar Temple, located in the Mylapore district in the south of Chennai, was built by the Tamil Pallava dynasty in the 7th century. It is a nearly 40m-tall stupa, and its colorful decorations are sure to catch your eye. The pyramid-like tower, the Gopuram, is also a must-see, with its detailed carvings and vivid reliefs.

There is also a small shrine under the Tahiti tree in the courtyard, where you can see stone carvings associated with the myth that Goddess Uma prayed to Lord Shiva in the form of a peacock. This legend is also the origin of the place name Mylapore (peacock is called myil in Tamil). There is a large pond in front of the temple, and depending on the season, you can see Hindu devotees bathing in it.

It is one of the most representative views of Chennai, so be sure to visit it at the start of your sightseeing.

2. Parthasarathy Temple

Parthasarathy Temple was also built by the Pallava dynasty in the 8th century, but it enshrines Krishna, a god important to the Vaishnava sect of Hinduism. Temples with Krishna as their main deity are rare in India, and many devotees visit the temple every day.

Like Kapaleeswarar Temple, it also features a sky-high gopuram. However, the coloring of the Parthasarathy Temple's gopuram is subdued, so you may feel a little disappointed if you visit after the colorful Kapaleeswarar Temple.

The temple is especially crowded on weekends and festival days. Non-Hindus can visit the interior, but they must take off their shoes and go barefoot. Photography is also prohibited inside the building.

3. Marina Beach

Marina Beach stretches for about 6km along the coastline of Chennai city. It is the longest beach in India and one of the longest in the world, with its widest point being over 400m. Swimming is prohibited due to the fast and complex tides, but it is still a popular spot visited by tens of thousands of people every day.
There are many food stalls lined up along the beach, so you can get some delicious Chennai food just by strolling around. The beach is crowded, so it's not a relaxing place to go, but the endless sand and the shoreline make for a pleasant view. It faces east, so the sunrise is especially beautiful!

4. Gandhi Statue

There are many bronze statues along Marina Beach, but the statue of Mahatma Gandhi, the "Father of the Nation of India," is particularly impressive and familiar to Filipino people. The statue of Gandhi walking powerfully with a cane is surrounded by a paved plaza with a radius of about 10 meters, which is a popular resting spot for locals and tourists.

Beyond the plaza is a sandy beach, which is also a great photo spot. Gandhi statues can be found all over India, but the one in Chennai is particularly impressive, given the large size of the city.

5. George Town

George Town is an area in the northeast of Chennai where old brick buildings stand side by side. When India was still a British colony, Indian merchants formed George Town to cater to foreigners who arrived at Chennai Port on merchant ships.

Even today, it is a place where various goods are gathered from the port, and it is a bustling place with many street stalls. The combination of old European-style architecture and Indian street stalls creates a mysterious atmosphere that is truly an Indian port town.

In the surrounding area, you can also use local transportation, three-wheeled taxis, and rickshaws, at low prices. It might be nice to take your time sightseeing at your own pace while eating fruit sold at the street stalls. It is recommended as a tourist spot where you can get a glimpse of old-fashioned life in Chennai.

6. Fort St. George

Fort St. George, adjacent to the port of Chennai, was the first fort built in India by the British East India Company. It was named after the day it was completed in 1644, on the day of St. George, the patron saint of England.

The British used this fort as a base to build the city of Madras, which is connected to present-day Chennai. Even today, the headquarters of the Legislative Assembly of Tamil Nadu is located within the old fort, as the foundation of Chennai's development.

Other attractions at the fort site include the Fort Museum, the residence of the Viceroy of India, and St. Mary's Church, one of the oldest churches in India. We recommend this as an important tourist spot to experience the history of Chennai.

7. Chennai Central Station

Chennai's mainland gateway, Central Station, is one of the busiest stations in South India. It opened as Madras Central Station in 1873 during the British Indian Empire and was rebuilt after the war.

Its neo-Gothic design and red walls are impressive, and the central clock tower gives it a British feel. The clock tower chimes every 15 minutes, so you're sure to hear it somewhere during your stay in Chennai.

By the way, you need to be a little careful when actually using the train. If you're heading north or west from Chennai, Central Station is the starting point, but if you're heading south, you'll have to board at Chennai Egmore Station. The two stations are only about 1 km apart, but there is no direct track between them.

8. Chennai High Court

The Chennai High Court, the Madras High Court, is one of the most representative historical buildings in the old city of Georgetown. Built as the Supreme Court in 1817, it is a beautiful building made of red bricks, just like the Central Station, but the top of the tower is Asian-style. It is said that all the bricks were sourced locally.

The grounds around the courthouse are spacious, and it looks like a British university campus. You may not feel like you are in India, as you can see judges and students walking around in actual legal robes. Nevertheless, the design of the building, which is typical of Chennai and features an eclectic style typical of India, is eye-catching.

9. Cathedral of San Thome

The San Thome Cathedral, located near the beach in Chennai, is a church that is said to have been built on the tomb of St. Thomas, one of the 12 apostles of Christ. Although there is no historical evidence, it is said that St. Thomas traveled to India to preach Christianity and was martyred in Chennai. There are only three cathedrals in the world that are said to have been built on the tomb of a disciple of Christ, including the San Thome Cathedral! It is surprising to see a precious Christian cathedral in India.

The church that became the basis for the current cathedral was built in the 10th century, long before the British arrived. It was only after Western countries began to arrive in the 15th and 16th centuries that it became the beautiful white Western-style cathedral it is today.

Chennai was also severely damaged by the tsunami during the 2004 Sumatra earthquake. However, it is said that the area around the San Thome Cathedral suffered almost no damage. People believe that this was a miracle performed by the Apostle Thomas, and it is also the center of the Christian faith in Chennai.

Name: San Thome Cathedral Basilica
Address: 38, San Thome High Road, Chennai 600004
Official/related website URL: http://thesanthomechurch.com/

10. Chennai State Museum

Located in the heart of Chennai city, the State Museum was established in 1851 and is the second oldest museum in India. It is a vast museum consisting of 46 galleries, and its stately Indo-Gothic building is a must-see in itself.

It has a rich collection of archaeological materials and traditional Tamil crafts and is particularly famous for its coin collection and Roman antique collection from outside Europe. The content of the displays is very diverse, so here we will focus on the following three representative sections.

◆Bronze Statue Section

Many religions have been born in India, including Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. In the bronze corner of the archaeology section, you can see sculptures of gods from the history of India divided by religion.
The collection is rich in works from the Chola dynasty, a Tamil kingdom that flourished from the 9th to 13th centuries. In particular, don't miss the "Dancing Shiva Nataraja," "Shiva's wife Parvati," and "Ardhanarishvara," the most powerful god who combines male and female principles! There are also magnificent sculptures of Hindu gods such as Vishnu, Bhadrakali, and Durga.

◆Art Gallery

Chennai State Museum also has an art gallery (National Art Gallery). Here you can see a wide range of art, from handicrafts made of metal, ivory, and sandalwood to Western-style paintings.

In particular, the separate gallery corner for Ravi Varma, an Indian Western painter who was active in the late 19th century, is a major attraction. A number of distinctive paintings are eye-catching, including his own self-portrait, the oil painting "Mother Preparing Vegetables," and "Shakuntala," a woman who appears in the Indian epic poem "Mahabharata."

In addition, you can view a variety of works based on the culture and traditions unique to South India, such as portraits of past Indian governors and paintings depicting scenes from Tamil mythology.

◆Children's Hall

The Children's Museum, where you'll be greeted by life-sized figures of a Tyrannosaurus and a Stegosaurus, is a popular section for families with small children, as its name suggests. Inside the museum, there are wax figures dressed in traditional costumes from India and around the world, as well as prehistoric dioramas.

There's more to see than just looking, and there are plenty of mechanisms to stimulate children's intellectual curiosity, such as a solar-powered fountain and a windmill-powered water-pumping unit. There are no explanations in Filipino, but all the exhibits are visually enjoyable.

11. St. Thomas Mount

While the San Thome Cathedral is said to have been built on the tomb of St. Thomas, St. Thomas Mount is said to be the place where St. Thomas was martyred. Also known as Parangimalai, it is a small hill overlooking Chennai city, with a small church at the top.

Although it is a hill with a great view, the climb is gentle, so it is also recommended for a leisurely stroll. However, there are not many shops in the area, so it is recommended to bring drinks with you. It is located right next to Chennai International Airport, so why not stop by on your way from the airport to the city, or from the city to the airport?

12. Ekambaranathar Temple

Kanchipuram, located about 70km southwest of the center of Chennai, is the ancient capital of the Pallava dynasty that existed between the 3rd and 9th centuries. It is said to be a holy place of Hinduism, with over 200 temples scattered throughout the city.

Among them, Ekambaranathar Temple is the largest, with four gopurams. The largest, the southern gopuram, is about 60m high and has an interior of 11 floors! You will be overwhelmed by its scale and the intricacy of its decoration.

Ekambaranathar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, has monuments of Shiva's symbolic lingam (male genitalia) lined up around the main hall. There are an amazing 136 of them! There is also a mango tree next to the main hall that is said to be 3,500 years old, and although it is a little far from Chennai, it is a tourist spot with many things to see.

13. Varadaraja Perumal Temple

The Varadaraja Perumal Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, is also one of Kanchipuram's most famous tourist attractions. Its white gopuram is beautiful, and devotees can be seen quietly purifying themselves in the bathing pond.

What you should pay attention to in this temple are the 96 stone pillars lining the hall! Each one is carved with intricate detail, and you will be entranced. These carvings are based on scenes from the Hindu epics Mahabharata and Ramayana.

14. Valluvar Kottam

Valluvar Kottam is a monument in honor of Thiruvalluvar, who is considered to be the most important poet in Tamil literature. Thiruvalluvar means Holy Valluvar and is said to have lived in the 5th or 6th century. He is famous for writing Tirukkural, a collection of poems on the three main goals of life: Dharma, Wealth, and Love.

The monument is modeled after a canopied chariot that is said to carry gods in Hinduism and is about 40 meters high. It is a large structure that feels more like an observation deck than a monument, and when you go up to it, you will find a life-sized statue of Thiruvalluvar enshrined in a stone hall. Considering its size, there are few tourists visiting and it is quiet, so it is a good place to stop by when you are tired of the crowds in Chennai city.

15. Elliot's Beach

Elliot's Beach, which stretches from Marina Beach to the south across the mouth of the Adyar River, is officially called Edward Elliot's Beach. During the colonial period, it was only open to white people, and it is adjacent to an area with many green spaces and schools called the New Town, as opposed to Georgetown (the old town).

Swimming here is also prohibited as it is so dangerous that deaths occur every year, but tourists and locals can often be seen playing in the waves at the shore. There are also many food stalls on the beach, and the freshly caught fish that are grilled and eaten on the spot are recommended. Another hidden specialty is the hand-operated merry-go-round. It is basically for children and looks cheap, but don't underestimate it. An Indian man spins it at a pretty fast speed, so it's quite thrilling.

16. Spencer Plaza

If you're going shopping in Chennai, we recommend Spencer Plaza, located on the main street of Anna Salai! This is India's oldest shopping mall, built during the British Indian Empire (1858-1947).

The current building was completed in 1993, and has over 700 stores in sections called "Phase I to III." In addition to daily necessities and branded goods, there are also a variety of souvenirs such as Ceylon tea, ceramics, and accessories. There are currency exchange booths on each floor, making it convenient for tourists. If you get tired of shopping, there are cafes and fast-food restaurants where you can take a break.

17. Semmozhi Poonga

Semmozhi Poonga was established in 2010 as Chennai's first botanical garden. Over 500 species of plants are planted across an area of ​​approximately 20 acres, and together with native trees over 100 years old, it creates a very pleasant green space.

It is also characterized by being divided into various areas with different themes, such as a pond where ducks swim comfortably and the impressive Golden Garden with plants that bear golden flowers. Rare species imported from China, Thailand, and other countries, as well as herbs with unusual fragrances, are cultivated here, making it a popular botanical garden not only for tourists but also as a date spot.

18. Ashtalakshmi Temple

Ashtalakshmi Temple, located at the southern end of Elliot's Beach, is dedicated to Lakshmi, the wife of Vishnu, the supreme god of Hinduism. Lakshmi is said to have eight different forms, and the temple has eight shrines corresponding to these forms.

It is a relatively new building, constructed in 1976, but due to its size and prestige, it is always crowded with worshippers. In the Hindu creation myth, Lakshmi is said to have been born from the sea, which is an important point in relation to the temple's beachside location. If you have time, be sure to walk here when you are exploring Elliot's Beach.

19. Senkou Mosque

Chennai is also home to one of the largest Islamic mosques in India. Built in 1810, the Thousand Lights Mosque is a large mosque that, as its name suggests, requires a thousand lights to illuminate the hall.

It features two impressive, slender white minarets, each about 20 meters high. The walls of the five domes are decorated with motifs from the Quran, the holy book of Islam. Although

this is a Shiite mosque, it is an important place of prayer for all Muslims in Chennai. It is also welcoming to non-Muslims, and tourists are welcome to visit. However, please be mindful not to disturb the mosque during prayer times.

20. Triplicane Big Mosque

The Triplicane Big Mosque, also known as the Wallajah Mosque, is one of the oldest mosques in Chennai. It was built in 1795 by the family of Muhammad Ali Khan, the governor of Karnataka in South India.

A major feature is that it was built entirely of granite, without using any iron or wood! Also noteworthy are the two minarets, a vestige of Mughal architecture. The mosque is of course an Islamic facility, but the Great Mosque is managed by mostly Hindus. It is a spot where you can really feel India's open-mindedness towards religion.

21. Chennai Lighthouse

As you walk south along Marina Beach, you'll notice a small lighthouse with two red and white stripes. This Chennai Lighthouse (formerly the Madras Lighthouse), which was completed in 1977, is a unique lighthouse in the world, with an elevator and solar panels for power.

It has been open to tourists since 2013, and visitors can only visit the observation deck on the 9th floor of the 11-story tower. The view of the sandy beach and the horizon of the Bay of Bengal in front of you is amazing, making it a popular spot not only with tourists but also with locals!

However, it's hard to tell that it's a tourist facility just by walking around, so be sure not to miss it when you're strolling around Marina Beach.

22. St. Andrew's Church

St. Andrew's Church, located right next to Chennai Egmore Station, is one of the oldest churches in Chennai. It was built in 1821 for the Scottish people living in Chennai.

The slender white tower is beautiful, but the dome on the base is what is noteworthy. The circular dome supported by 16 Corinthian columns and with its Greek-style façade, looks more like an opera house than a church.

There is a large, heavy stained glass window above the altar inside the church, giving off a Western-style divinity that makes it hard to believe you are in India. The pipe organ next to the altar was installed in 1883 and is also worth seeing.

23. Luz Church

Locally known as Luz Church, this church is officially called the Church of Our Lady of Light. It is said to have been built in 1516, shortly after the Portuguese arrived in India, and is said to be the oldest European building in India.

Although it is a small church, it has a distinctive appearance typical of the Portuguese expansion period, with Gothic arches and Baroque decorations. The interior, in contrast, has a solemn atmosphere, and the gold-painted ceiling frescoes are a must-see!

24. Church of Christ the King

"Christ the King Church" is a large cathedral located in the center of the Loyola University campus. It was built in 1933 by an Indian architect commissioned by a French clergyman.

It is a beautiful white church with a sophisticated Gothic design, and the tower is about 48 meters high. The interior is also very solemn and gorgeous, with a ribbed vault ceiling and stained glass rose windows! It is a sight to behold, with a European Gothic feel.

Loyola University is right in front of you when you get off at Nungambakkam Station, the second stop from Chennai Egmore Station. The spacious campus is also refreshing with lots of greenery, so be sure to visit it during your stay in Chennai.

Summary

We have introduced you to the tourist attractions of Chennai, the representative city of South India. You can see that it is an important place for Christianity as well as Indian temples. It is also a tourist city with a unique charm where various cultures mix, with buildings from the British colonial era remaining. If you visit southern India, be sure to check out its central city, Chennai.