Chennai, also known as Madras and is the capital of Tamil Nadu is a fast-growing city that has all the trappings of an ultra-modern city while still retaining the touch of tradition that is so characteristic of India. This is a seaside city situated in the southern part of India which was earlier called Madras and is a perfect place for tourists of different preferences. From architectural marvels of temples to white sand beaches, from black and white buildings of the British era to the modernity of the malls and Multiplexes, Chennai has it all. Before proceeding further let us know about a few of the popular tourist destinations in this powerhouse of a city.
Marina Beach: A Seaside Haven
Among them, visiting Marina Beach, one of the longest urban beaches in the world, when following the route of a tourist trip to Chennai is mandatory. This is one of the longest beaches on the continent with a length stretching to over 13 kilometres and this is an ideal place for people who want to escape the concrete jungle of the city. Go for a walk on the beach, watch the sunrise or sunset or take a food trip along the street markets. It also comprises several places of attraction such as the statue of Mahatma Gandhi and the memorial of the former Chief Minister M.G.Ramachandran.
Kapaleeshwarar Temple: A Spiritual Marvel
For those interested in religious experiences, Kapaleeshwarar Temple is one of the main attractions that should be visited. It has excellent architecture of the Dravidian style and dates back to the 7th century A.D.; it is the temple of Lord Shiv. The delicate artworks, painted gopurams or the tower-like structures at the entrance and the calmness of the place attract the devotees and the architecture lovers.
Government Museum: A Journey Through Time
History lovers will not be disappointed with some places like the Government Museum which is one of the oldest museums in India. Founded in 1851, it contains a great many exhibits, such as bronze sculptures, ancient coins, and materials of archaeology. The said museum complex also encompasses the National Art Gallery and the Children’s Museum thus it is a complete picture of a Philippine culture.
Fort St. George: Colonial Legacy
Visit Fort St. George which holds the history of the first-ever English fortress built in India in 1644. Today it is the official complex of the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly and other secretarial departments. The museum within the complex is the Fort Museum where there are weapons, coins and documents on the period of colonization. St. Mary’s Church which is the first Anglican Church of India is also nestled within the fort.
Luxurious Accommodations: ITC Grand Chola Chennai
At the end of your adventuring tour spend your evening in the luxuriousITC Grand Chola Chennai. This luxurious hotel is built in the Chola style which is a classical South Indian style of designing with all the modern comforts. The ITC Grand Chola Chennai provides lavish food and beverages, a unique” Spa, and professional and friendly staff which makes one’s stay in the city very special.
Mylapore: The Cultural Heart of Chennai
The cultural fascination of the Mylapore area is reminiscent of the age-old feature of the city of Chennai. Go to the Santhome Basilica Church which is built at the place where St.Thomas the Apostle was buried and walk through Vita Street which is less commercialized, where you find old houses and shops that sell everything ranging from silk sarees to brass utensils.
Elliots Beach: A Quieter Alternative
One of the comparatively secluded beaches is Elliots Beach also called Besant Nagar Beach for the fans of a quiet time on the shore. This beach is not as popular as Marina Beach; however, it is ideal for an evening stroll or to watch the sunset. There is also a diverse and varied commercial offering which includes street food as well as restaurants that are fine dining.
Guindy National Park: Urban Wildlife Sanctuary
A visit to Guindy National Park is also beneficial for those who like animals and nature because it is one of the tiniest national parks in India as well as one of the few situated within the city. Varieties of birds, reptiles and mammals such as spotted deer and jackal provide a green lung within a concrete jungle.
DakshinaChitra: Living Museum of South India
DakshinaChitra, which is situated near Chennai, is an open-air museum depicting the culture and architecture of South India. This geographical area comes equipped with structures that are reconstructed traditional houses of different states, crafts, and cultural performances that give a good feel of the region’s cultural background.
Cholamandal Artists’ Village: Art Enthusiast’s Paradise
For art lovers, the Cholamandal Artists’ Village is worth a visit. It was started in the year 1966 and is one of the biggest artists’ colonies of today’s India. The paintings and sculptures exhibited here are the highlights of this procedure, and usually, the artists are in residence and possibly get to buy an original artwork piece.
ValluvarKottam: Tribute to Tamil Literature
ValluvarKottam is an exclusively built structure for the Tamil poet and philosopher Thiruvalluvar. The structure is arch-shaped and imbibes a temple chariot design and within the structure, there is a statue of the poet full size. The walls of the structure contain all 1,330 lines of Thirukkural, and hence the building is an important site for literature lovers.
T. Nagar: Shopper’s Paradise
It would be incomplete to visit Chennai without participating in its active shopping culture. T. Nagar which is the biggest business centre of Chennai is especially well known for silk saris, gold jewellery, and handmade handicrafts. It ranges from the normal street markets to the posh shops, making it a shopping paradise for anyone with a certain standard of affluence.
Dining Experiences: From Street Food to Fine Dining
Like any other city around the world, Chennai has a colourful food culture as diverse as its tourist attractions. Breakfast like a true South Indian and have Idli, dosa and filtered coffee in one of the oldest food joints of Chennai such as Saravana Bhavan or MuruganIdli Shop. For fine dining, you have the restaurants in the ITC Grand Chola Chennai and you get the best of Indian and continental cuisine from the best chefs.
Conclusion
Being one of the oldest cities in India, Chennai is home to a diverse culture, active in socio-economic development today with modern amenities for tourists. From the times of humility-provoking sanctity of ancient temples to the intriguing vivacity of the city bazaars, from pristine shores to five stars living like what ITC Grand Chola Chennai Hotel offers, the city is rich with memories worth cherishing. No matter whether you are interested in history, food, wildlife or just cultural adventure, Chennai will open its doors to you with smiles and immeasurable opportunities for discovery.
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