Friday, 12 May 2017

CHENNAI

CHENNAI ( MADRAS )


Chennai  is the capital of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Located on the Coromandel Coast off the Bay of Bengal, it is one of the biggest cultural, economic and educational centres in South India. According to the 2011 Indian census, it is the fourth-largest city and fourth-most populous urban agglomeration in India. The city together with the adjoining regions constitute the Chennai Metropolitan Area, which is the 36th-largest urban area by population in the world. Chennai is among the most visited Indian cities by foreign tourists. It was ranked 43rd most visited city in the world for year 2015. The Quality of Living Survey rated Chennai as the safest city in India. Chennai attracts 45 percent of health tourists visiting India, and 30 to 40 percent of domestic health tourists. As such, it is termed "India's health capital". As a growing metropolitan city in a developing country, Chennai confronts substantial pollution and other logistical and socio-economic problem.
Chennai has the third-largest expatriate population in India at 35,000 in 2009, 82,790 in 2011 and estimated at over 100,000 by 2016. Tourism guide publisher Lonely Planet named Chennai as one of the top ten cities in the world to visit in 2015. Chennai is ranked as a beta-level city in the Global Cities Index  and was ranked the best city in India by India Today in the 2014 annual Indian city survey. In 2015 Chennai was named the "hottest" city (worth visiting, and worth living in for long term) by the BBC, citing the mixture of both modern and traditional values. National Geographic ranked Chennai's food as second best in the world; it was the only Indian city to feature in the list.[23] Chennai was also named the ninth-best cosmopolitan city in the world by Lonely Planet.

Chennai Metropolitan Area is one of the largest city economies of India. Chennai is nicknamed "The Detroit of India", with more than one-third of India's automobile industry being based in the city. In January 2015, it was ranked third in terms of per capita GDP.

TOP SIGHT IN CHENNAI THAT EVERY TOURIST MUST VISIT

1.Marina Beach

Marina Beach of Chennai is a popular destination. Marina Beach is one of the longest urban beaches in the world. Stretched along the Coromandel Coast of the Bay of Bengal for about 12 km, Marina Beach is bordered by St. George Fort in the North and Besant Nagar in the South.Marina Beach is a popular picnic spot since the 1880s. Famous for its long stretch of silver sands and blue sea, Marina Beach provides a clear view of sunrise and sunset. The side drive of the beach is fringed by palms and casuarinas which provide shade. The lighthouse, situated at the southern end of the beach, provides panoramic views of the city of Chennai.Marina Beach has become a centre for activities like wind surfing, fishing, sun bathing, kit flying and beach volley ball. But the strong current of water makes Marina Beach unsuitable for swimming.The Marina Beach drive is home to popular landmarks of the city like the Senate House, Ice House, Anna Square, MGR Memorial, etc. Marina Beach also has an Aquarium, artificial water fountain, a swimming pool and a park. The park at Marina Beach is very popular as it has sculptures of many leaders and celebrities like Mahatma Gandhi, B.G. Tilak, Bharathidasan, Tiruvalluvar, Kamaraj, Swami Sivananda, Sir Thomas Munro, the Statue of Labour, Thanthai Periyar, etc.

LocationChennai, India
Total length13 km (8.1 mi)
Length of promenade6 km (3.7 mi)
CoastCoromandel, Bay of Bengal
Maximum width437 m (1,434 ft)
Governing authorityCorporation of Chennai

location: 
https://www.google.co.in/maps/place/Marina+Beach/@13.0437642,80.2663439,14z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x3a52689bb60132bb:0x549cf8edf62b60a!8m2!3d13.0499526!4d80.2824026?hl=en


2. Kapaleeshwarar Temple
Kapaleeshwarar Temple, MylaporeChennai is a temple of Shiva located in MylaporeChennai in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. The form of Shiva's consort Parvati worshipped at this temple is called Karpagambal is from Tamil, ("Goddess of the Wish-Yielding Tree"). The temple was built around the 7th century CE in Dravidian architecture.[1][2] According to the PuranasShakti worshipped Shiva in the form of a peacock, giving the vernacular name Mylai (Mayilāi) to the area that developed around the temple - mayil is Tamil for "peacock".[3] Shiva is worshiped as Kapaleeswarar, and is represented by the lingam. His consort Parvati is depicted as Karpagambal. The presiding deity is revered in the 7th century Tamil Saiva canonical work, the Tevaram, written by Tamil saint poets known as the nayanars and classified as Paadal Petra Sthalam. The temple has numerous shrines, with those of Kapaleeswarar and Karpagambal being the most prominent. The temple complex houses many halls. The temple has six daily rituals at various times from 5:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., and four yearly festivals on its calendar. The Arubathimooval festival celebrated during the Tamil month of Panguni is the most prominent festival in the temple. The present masonry structure was built during the Vijayanagar rulers of the Tuluva Dynasty (1491–1570 CE) The temple is maintained and administered by the Hindu Religious and Endowment Board of the Government of Tamil Nadu.

AddressKapaleesvarar Sannadhi St, Vinayaka Nagar Colony, Mylapore, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600004
Phone044 2464 1670
Architectural styleDravidian architecture



3. San Thome Basilica
San Thome Basilica minor basilica in Santhome, in the city of Chennai (Madras), India. It was built in the 16th century by Portuguese explorers, over the tomb of Saint Thomas, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus. In 1893, it was rebuilt as a church with the status of a cathedral by the British. The British version still stands today. It was designed in Neo-Gothic style, favoured by British architects in the late 19th century. This church is one of the only three known churches in the world built over the tomb of an apostle of Jesus, the other two being St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City and Santiago de Compostela Cathedral in Galicia, Spain.
Address38, Santhome High Rd, Basha Garden, Mylapore, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600004
Opened1523
Height155′
Length210′ 0″
Phone044 2498 5455
Architectural stylesGothic architecture, Gothic Revival architecture




4. Parthasarathy Temple
The Parthasarathy Temple is an 8th-century Hindu Vaishnavite temple dedicated to the god Krishna, located at TriplicaneChennai, India. The temple is glorified in the Divya Prabandha, the early medieval Tamil literature canon of the Alvar saints from the 6th–9th centuries CE and is classified as among the 108 Divya Desams dedicated to Vishnu. The name 'Parthasarathy', in Sanskrit, means the 'charioteer of Arjuna', referring to Krishna's role as a charioteer to Arjuna in the epic Mahabaratha.
It was originally built by the Pallavas in the 8th century by king Narasimhavarman I. The temple has icons of five forms of Vishnu: NarasimhaRamaGajendra VaradarajaRanganatha and Krishna
The temple is one of the oldest structures in Chennai. There are shrines for VedavalliThayar, Ranganatha, Rama, Gajendra Varadaraja, Narasimha, AndalHanuman, Alvars, Ramanuja, Swami Manavala Mamunigal and Vedanthachariar. The temple subscribes to Vaikhanasa agama and follows Thenkalai tradition. There are separate entrances for the Krishna and Narasimha temples. The gopuram (towers) and mandapas (pillars) are decorated with elaborate carvings,[10] a standard feature of South Indian Temple Architecture.
AddressNarayana Krishnaraja Puram, Triplicane, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600005
Architectural styleDravidian architecture
     Location 



5. Edward Elliot's Beach
Elliot's Beach (popularly known as "Besant Nagar Beach" or "Bessie") is located in Besant NagarChennaiIndia. It forms the end-point of the Marina Beach shore, and is named after Edward Elliot, onetime chief magistrate and superintendent of police, Madras. It has the Velankanni Church and the Ashtalakshmi Kovil nearby. In the colonial era, it was a fairly exclusive place limited to white people. As of 2016, there are many restaurants near the beach. There is a police outpost at the beach and the crowd is policed by means of all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) to prevent drowning mishaps. In 2010, there were 11 drowning cases reported off Elliots Beach. In August 2012, the government sanctioned two more all-terrain vehicles for patrolling the beach.



6. Government Museum
The Government Museum or Madras Museum is a museum of human history and culture located in the neighbourhood of Egmore in ChennaiIndia. Started in 1851, it is the second oldest museum in India after the Indian Museum in Kolkata. It is particularly rich in archaeological and numismatic collections. It has the largest collection of Roman antiquities outside Europe. Among them, the colossal Museum Theatre is one of the most impressive. The National Art Gallery is also present in the museum premises. Built in Indo-Saracenic style, it houses rare works of artists like Raja Ravi Varma.
AddressBeside Government Maternity Hospital, Pantheon Road, Egmore, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600008
Phone044 2819 3778
            Location :


7.  Vivekanandar Illam 
Vivekanandar Illam  or Vivekananda House , earlier known as Ice House or Castle Kernan at ChennaiIndia is an important place for the Ramakrishna Movement in South India. It is remembered as the place where Swami Vivekananda stayed for nine days when he visited Chennai (then Madras) in 1897. Vivekananda House now houses a Permanent Exhibition on Indian Culture and Swamiji’s Life, maintained by the Chennai branch of the Ramakrishna Math and is a source of inspiration to thousands of people who visit it every year.
AddressKamaraj Salai(Marina beach road), Neelam Basha Dargapuram, Near Triplicane, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600005
Phone044 2844 6188


8. St. Thomas Mount
St. Thomas Mount (known in Tamil as Parangimalai) is a small hillock located in ChennaiTamil NaduIndia, near the neighbourhood of Guindy and very close to Chennai International Airport. The ancient Syrian Christian community of India trace the origin of their church to St. Thomas the Apostle, believed to have been martyred in St. Thomas Mount. From the 17th century, this part of Chennai was populated predominantly by Anglo-Indians. The St. Thomas Garrison Church is located at the bottom of St Thomas Mount.The St. Thomas Syro Malabar Catholic church is located east of the shrine at North Silver Street , foot holds of the mountain Shrine. The neighbourhood is served by the St. Thomas Mount railway station on the southern line of the Chennai Suburban Railway Network. Integration of the Metro and MRTS with the suburban station in the neighbourhood, is expected to make the suburb the city's largest transit hub after Chennai Central.[1] In the state assembly elections of 1967 and 1971, there was a constituency known as the Saint Thomas Mount.


9. Vadapalani Andavar Temple
Vadapalani Andavar Temple is a Hindu temple that is dedicated to Lord Muruga. It is located in VadapalaniChennai. It was renovated in the 1920s and a Rajagopuram was built during that time. The temple has grown in popularity, which is believed to be in part due to the patronage of cinema stars
AddressBhakthavachalam colony 1st street, Vadapalani, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600026
Phone044 2483 6903
Location :


10.  Marundeeswarar Temple
Marundeeswarar Temple  is a temple dedicated to Hindu deity Shiva, located in ThiruvanmiyurChennai adjacent to the beach of Bay of Bengal. It is one of the 275 Paadal Petra Sthalams, where the three of the most revered Nayanars (Saivite Saints), Appar and Tirugnana Sambandar have glorified the temple with their verses during the 7th-8th century. The temple has been widely expanded by Chola kings during the 11th century.[2] The temple has two seven tiered gateway towers, a huge tank, with the overall temple area covering 1 acre. The Marundeeswarar temple has been a place of curative worship for people with diseases. The latest consecration of the temple after renovation, was performed in May 2008. The temple is administered by the Hindu Religious and Endowment Board of the Government of Tamil Nadu.

AddressLalitha Nagar, Thiruvanmiyur, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600041
Phone044 2441 0477
Architectural styleDravidian architecture



11. Shirdi Sai Baba Temple
Shirdi Sai Baba Temple is a Hindu temple located in the neighbourhood of Mylapore in ChennaiIndia. It is dedicated to the Indian saint Sai Baba of Shirdi. The temple was built in 1952 by one Narasimhaswami, a Salem and Sai Baba devotee, out of money donated by a Chettiar merchant. This is considered the most trusted temple in India. The temple is the headquarters of the All India Sai Samaj. The All India Sai Samaj is an organization founded by Sri Narasimhaswamiji seven decades backs, its main object being propagation of the life and teachings of Sri Sai Baba of Shirdi. Through two decades of tireless preaching, during which he traveled almost the entire Bharat, Sri Swamiji made the name of Sri Sai Baba as familiar as that of Siva, Rama and Krishna. Sri Swamiji authored many books highlighting that Sri Sai Baba’s mission was to bring together two communities opposed to each other – the Hindus and Muslims – within a common fold, that Baba promoted a religion of love with peace and harmony, and that Baba belonged to no particular religion or faith, that he was neither Hindu nor Muslim, with his birth and early life shrouded in mystery. It's wrong
Address56, Alamelumangapuram Road, Mylapore, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600004
Opened1952
Phone087675 53789
Location:


12.  Guindy National Park
Guindy National Park is a 2.70 km2 (1.04 sq mi) Protected area of Tamil Nadu, located in ChennaiSouth India, is the 8th smallest National Park of India and one of the very few national parks situated inside a city. The park is an extension of the grounds surrounding Raj Bhavan, formerly known as the 'Guindy Lodge', the official residence of the Governor of Tamil NaduIndia. It extends deep inside the governor's estate, enclosing beautiful forests, scrub lands, lakes and streams.The park has a role in both ex-situ and in-situ conservation and is home to 400 blackbucks, 2,000 spotted deers, 24 jackals, a wide variety of snakesgeckostortoises and over 130 species of birds, 14 species of mammals, over 60 species of butterflies and spiders each, a wealth of different invertebrates grasshoppersantstermitescrabssnailsslugsscorpionsmitesearthwormsmillipedes, and the like. These are free-ranging fauna and live with the minimal of interference from human beings. The only major management activity is protection as in any other in-situ conservation area. The park attracts more than 700,000 visitors every year.

AddressRangeguindy, Opp IIT Madras, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600025
Area1.045 mi²
Hours: 9 a.m – 6 p.m ( Tuesday holiday )
Phone044 2235 1471


13.  Valluvar Kottam 
Valluvar Kottam  is a popular monument in Chennai, dedicated to the classical Tamil poet, philosopher, and saint, Thiruvalluvar. It is located at the intersection of the Kodambakkam High road and the Village road. The monument now stands at what was once the deepest point of a local lake. Valluvar Kottam was constructed by Kalaignar M.Karunanidhi during 1970s in the memory of Thiruvalluvar, who wrote his famous Thirukkural some 2,000 years ago. All 133 chapters and 1330 verses of the Thirukkural are inscribed on bas-relief in the front-hall's corridors. The construction of Valluvar Kottam is similar to a temple chariot, like a replica of the temple chariot in Thiruvarur. A life-size statue of Thiruvalluvar has been installed in the 39-m-high chariot. The auditorium of Valluvar Kottam can accommodate around 4,000 people. The architect of the memorial is South Indian traditional architect V. Ganapati Sthapati, who is also the architect of the Thiruvalluvar Statue at Kanyakumari.
Address47, Valluvar Kottam High Road, Nungambakkam, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600034
Height128′
Opened1976
Hours: 10.30 A.M – 5.30 P.M
Phone044 2817 2177

14. B. M. Birla Planetarium 
B. M. Birla Planetarium is a large planetarium in Chennai providing a virtual tour of the night sky and holding cosmic shows on a specially perforated hemispherical aluminium inner dome. It is located at Kotturpuram in the Periyar Science and Technology Centre campus which houses eight galleries, namely, Physical Science, Electronics and Communication, Energy, Life Science, Innovation, Transport, International Dolls and Children and Materials Science, with over 500 exhibits. Built in 1988 in the memory of the great industrialist and visionary of India B. M. Birla, it is the most modern planetarium in India. There are two other Birla Planetariums in India, viz., the one in Kolkata known as M. P. Birla Planetarium and the other in HyderabadTiruchirapalli and Coimbatore.
AddressGandhi Mandapam Road, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600025
Hours: 10 A.M TO 5.45 P.M
Phone044 2441 0025

15. Thousand Lights
Thousand Lights Mosque is located on Anna Salai Road in Chennai.  This mosque was built in the year 1820 and exhibits a medieval architectural style. The mosque has multi-domes and two towering minarets. The minarets are at a height of about 64 feet above the ground. This mosque is famous for its architectural splendour.
Timing of Thousand Lights Mosque : Monday – Friday: 5.30 AM – 9.00 PM , Saturday: 5.30 AM – 9.00 PM , Sunday: 5.30 AM – 9.00 PM , Public Holidays: 5.30 AM – 9.00 PM
AddressRoyapettah, Peters Road, Peters Colony, Thousand Lights, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600086
Opened1810
16. VGP Universal Kingdom
VGP Universal Kingdom is an amusement park located in East Coast Road in ChennaiTamil NaduIndia. The park offering small rides during the early days of its history became a full-fledged amusement park in 1997.[1] The park provides several fun and adventure rides for children, youth and adults. VGP 2000 millennium tower, Water cascades, Paneer fort and statueman are some of the main attractions.
AddressEast Coast Road, Injambakkam, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600041
Opened1997
Phone076678 47847
Hours: 10 A.M TO 7.30 P.M


17. Semmozhi Poonga 
Semmozhi Poonga (literally translated to "Classical Language Park") is a botanical garden in Chennai set up by the horticulture department of the Government of Tamil Nadu. The garden was opened on 24 November 2010 by then chief Minister Dr.M. Karunanidhi and is the first botanical garden in the city.[1] The garden is located in the Cathedral Road–Anna Salai junction, opposite the American Consulate, on the erstwhile Drive-in Woodlands Hotel. Encompassing an area of 20 acres (320 grounds),[2] it was built at a cost of ₹ 80 million. More than 500 species of plants are being grown in the area, in addition to the 80 trees that was already in existence during the development of the park, some of them being more than 100 years old. The garden houses some of the popular exotic flora and rare plant species, medicinal and aromatic herbs. Many of the exotic plants are imported from countries like China and Thailand, including a plethora of bonsai varieties of ficus microcarpa and ficus ginseng.
AddressCathedral Road, Teynampet, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600086
Area20 acres
Hours: 10 A.M -7 P.M ( TUESDAY HOLIDAY )
Phone081899 41691


18. Kishkinta
Kishkinta is a theme park located in ChennaiIndia. Kishkinta Theme Park is located near Vandalur Railway station which has a serene atmosphere, 13 km south of Anakaputhur. It was founded by Navodaya Appachan, the owner of Navodaya Studio. This Park is spread across 120 acres of vast area with a scenic landscape, bushes, fountains, decorations and designs. Along with these, the park has various entertainment places of Wave pools, water ridings, roller coasters, toy trains etc. especially for children who visits for picnics. It is named after the fabled simian kingdom in the epic – Ramayana.

Address82, Varadarajapuram, Darkas Ward - II, Near Tambaram, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600044
Hours: 10.30 A.M – 6.30 P.M
Phone044 2251 2001

19. Chennai Central
Chennai Central, erstwhile Madras Central, is the main railway terminus in the city of Chennai, formerly known as Madras. It lies adjacent to the current headquarters of the Southern Railway, as well as the Ripon Building, and is one of the most important railway hubs in South India. The other major railway hub stations in the city are Chennai Egmore and TambaramChennai Beach. Chennai Central connects the city to New Delhi and prominent cities of India such as AhmedabadBangaloreBhopalCoimbatoreHyderabadJaipurKolkataLucknowMumbaiPatnaVaranasiKochiThiruvananthapuramVisakhapatnam and so forth. The 142-year-old building of the railway station, one of the most prominent landmarks of Chennai, was designed by architect George Harding.[6] Along with Chennai Beach, the station is also a main hub for the Chennai Suburban Railway system.

AddressKannappar Thidal, Periyamet, Station Rd, Kannappar Thidal, Periyamet, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600003
Opened1873
Platforms in use17 (12 long distance, 5 suburban)


20. Madhya Kailash
Madhya Kailash also known as Nadukkayilai in Tamil, is a Hindu temple in South Chennai, located at the junction between Sardar Patel RoadAdyar and Rajiv Gandhi Salai. It is located opposite the Central Leather Research Institute and is close to the Indian Institute of Technology, Chennai.

AddressSardar Patel Rd, Sriram Nagar, Taramani, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600113
Phone098406 85859

21.  Spencer Plaza
Spencer Plaza is a shopping mall located on Anna Salai in ChennaiTamil NaduIndia, and is one of the modern landmarks of the city. Originally built during the period of the British Raj and reconstructed in 1985 on the site of the original Spencer's departmental store, it is the oldest shopping mall in India[1] and one of the biggest shopping malls in South Asia when it was built.[2] It is one of the earliest Grade A commercial projects of the city, which were developed in the second half of the 1990s.[3] As of March 2010, it is the 11th largest mall in the country with a gross lettable area of 530,000 sq ft.
AddressS-72, Spencer Plaza 769, Anna Salai, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600002
Floors8
Floor area25 acres
Hours: 10 A.M TO 10 P.M
Phone099401 80951
Architectural styleModern architecture


22. Church of Our Lady of Light
Church of Our Lady of Light is a Roman Catholic shrine in Chennai, India. It is commonly called as Luz Church by the locals, which derives from the Portuguese name Nossa Senhora da Luz. Built in 1516 by the Portuguese, it is one of the oldest Churches in the city and its foundation stone marks as one of the oldest European monuments in India. The history of the church dates back to the 16th-century legend of safe arrival to land by missionaries. The church is located very near to the Santhome Basilica, where Apostle Thomas is believed to be buried. Although at the time the church was built, the locality was a thick forest, now it is part of a bustling metropolitan area. This 16th-century European-architecture building consists of patterns of Gothic arches and Baroque ornamentation. The feast of Our Lady of Light is celebrated on the 15 August every year. On 15 August, 2010, Church of Our Lady of Light was declared Shrine of Our Lady of Light by A. M. Chinnappa, Archbishop of Madras-Mylapore.
Address: No.156, Luz Church Road, Luz, Mylapore, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600004
Phone: 044 2499 2568
23. Puzhal lake
Puzhal aeri, or Puzhal lake, also known as the Red Hills Lake, is located in Red Hills, Thiruvallur district, Tamil Nadu, South India. It is one of the two rain-fed reservoirs from where water is drawn for supply to Chennai City, the other one being the Chembarambakkam Lake and Porur Lake. The full capacity of the lake is 3,300 million ft³ (93 million m³).

24. The Madras Light House
The Madras Light House is a lighthouse facing the Bay of Bengal on the east coast of the Indian Subcontinent. It is a famous landmark on the Marina Beach in Chennai, India. It was built by the East Coast Constructions and Industries in 1976 replacing the old lighthouse in the northern direction. The lighthouse was opened in January 1977. It also houses the meteorological department and was restricted to visitors. On 16 November 2013, it was reopened to visitors. It is one of the few lighthouses in the world and the only one in India with an elevator.[3][4] It is also the only lighthouse in India within the city limits.
Address: Mylapore, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600004
Height: 150′
Range: 170,131′ 0″
Hours:10AM–1PM, 3–6PM ( Monday holiday )
NGA number: 27072

25. MGR memorial
MGR memorial is a memorial structure built on the Marina beach in Chennai, India. It was built in memory of former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, M. G. Ramachandran. Spread over 8.25 acres, the memorial is located adjacent to the Anna Memorial and has the highest footfall on the seafront.[1] The body of former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and MGR's protÊgÊ J. Jayalalithaa is also buried at this site.

26. Ashtalakshmi Kovil 
The Ashtalakshmi Kovil is a Hindu temple, which lies on the shorelines near the Elliot's beach, in Chennai, India. The temple is dedicated to the goddess Lakshmi, and her eight primary forms – the Ashtalakshmi – the giver of all eight forms of wealth, namely, offspring, success, prosperity, wealth, courage, bravery, food, and knowledge. The sanctorums are depicted on a multi-tier complex in such a way that visitors could visit all the shrines without stepping over any of the sanctorums.
Address: Beach Road, Arulmigu Mahalakshmi Temple, Besant Nagar, Near Elliot's Beach, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600090
Phone: 044 2446 6777


27. Fort St George 
Fort St George (or historically, White Town) is the name of the first English (later British) fortress in India, founded in 1644 at the coastal city of Madras, the modern city of Chennai. The construction of the fort provided the impetus for further settlements and trading activity, in what was originally an uninhabited land.Thus, it is a feasible contention to say that the city evolved around the fortress. The fort currently houses the Tamil Nadu legislative assembly and other official buildings. The fort is one of the 163 notified areas (megalithic sites) in the state of Tamil Nadu.


AddressRajaji Salai, Near Legislature and Secretariat, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600009


 28. Arignar Anna Zoological Park
Arignar Anna Zoological Park (abbreviated AAZP), also known as the Vandalur Zoo, is a zoological garden located in Vandalur, a suburb in the southwestern part of Chennai, Tamil Nadu, about 31 kilometres (19 mi) from the city centre and 15 kilometres (9.3 mi) from Chennai Airport. It is India's largest zoo in terms of area covering 1,300 acres. Its previous location was set up in 1855 and was the first public zoo in India. It is affiliated with the Central Zoo Authority of India.[8] Spread over an area of 602 hectares (1,490 acres), including a 92.45-hectare (228.4-acre) rescue and rehabilitation centre, the park is the largest zoological garden in India. The zoo houses 2,553 species of flora and fauna across 1,265 acres (512 ha). As of 2012 the park houses around 1,500 wild species, including 46 endangered species, in its 160 enclosures. As of 2010, there were about 47 species of mammals, 63 species of birds, 31 species of reptiles, 5 species of amphibians, 25 species of fishes, and 10 species of insects in the park. The park, with an objective to be a repository of the state's fauna, is credited with being the second wildlife sanctuary in Tamil Nadu after Mudumalai National Park.

AddressGST Road, Vandalur, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600048
OpenedJuly 24, 1985
Area2.328 mi²
Phone044 2275 1089
Number of animals2,200 (2016)
Number of species170 (2016)


29 Queens land.
The park is located by the Chennai-Bangalore Trunk Road between Sriperumpudhur and Poonamalle. There is parking for cars. Buses are available from Guindy and T. Nagar. All buses going to Sriperumpudhur from Chennai stop at Queensland. The entry fee is 550 INR for an adult and 450 INR for a child. Children shorter than 2 feet (0.61 m) tall are not charged. The park is open from 10 am to 6:30 pm on weekdays and 10:00 am to 7:30 pm on weekends and government holidays. It is closed on Mondays for maintenance, with the exception of holidays. Food and drink are available within the park.

AddressChennai - Banglore Trunk Road, Palanjur, Sembarambakkam, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600123
Area70 acres
Phone044 2681 1124
30. Chembarambakkam lake
Chembarambakkam lake, is a lake located in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India, about 40 km from Chennai. It is one of the two rain-fed reservoirs from where water is drawn for supply to Chennai City, the other one being the Puzhal Lake. The Adyar River originates from this lake. A part of water supply of the metropolis of Chennai is drawn from this lake. Chembarambakkam was known as Puliyur Kottam. It is one of the 24 kottams (villages) that existed even during the later Chola period in Thondai Mandalam which had Kanchipuram as its headquarters.
·         The Full Tank Level is 85.40 ft (26.03 m).
·         The Full Capacity (mcft) of the lake is 3,645 million ft³ (108million m³).
·         The Level of the tank in feet is 75.60 ft (23.04 m).
However, acute sedimentation has eaten more than 40% of its water holding strength. There is an ancient Shiva temple located here.
31. The Armenian Church
The Armenian Church, Chennai, constructed in 1712  and reconstructed in 1772, is one of the oldest churches of the Indian subcontinent. It is famous for its belfry of six. The Church, also called the Armenian Church of Virgin Mary, is located on the Armenian Street, Parrys, George Town, Chennai, South India.
Altar Armenian Church Madras
Michael Stephen was the caretaker of the Church until 2004. as of 2010 the caretaker of the Church was Trevor Alexander.
Address60/116, Armenian Street, Near High Court, Parry's Corner, George Town, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600001
Phone044 2538 6223

32. DakshinaChitra
DakshinaChitra ("a picture of the south") is a living-history museum in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, dedicated to South Indian heritage and culture. It is located 25 kilometres (16 mi) to the south of Chennai. Opened to the public on 14 December 1996, the museum was founded and is being managed by the Madras Craft Foundation (MCF). The MCF was established in 1984. Deborah Thiagarajan, an Indian art historian of American origin, governs the museum.
The museum is built on 10 acres (4.0 ha) of land taken on a 33-year lease from the Government of Tamil Nadu. Developed as a heritage village, DakshinaChitra has an array of displays depicting the life pattern of Indians in the states of South India. The exhibits portray the living beliefs of art, folk performing-arts, craft and architecture of India, in particular of South Indian traditions.
AddressEast Coast Road, Muttukadu, Chengalpattu, Tamil Nadu 603118
Hours10AM–7PM ( Tuesday holiday )
Phone044 2747 2603


33. MGM Dizzee World
MGM Dizzee World is a theme park located in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. It is located in East Coast Road. The park has log flume, Ferris wheel, spider spin, roller coaster, the funny mountain, dashing cars, super trooper, a water world and it also hosts special seasonal shows.
It is owned by MGM Group of Companies.
The park also hosts special features such as snow valley experience introduced during the early 2000s; an artificial snow shower with snow-capped mountain and a snow man.

AddressNo. 1/74, East Coast Road, Muttukadu, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600112
Phone044 2747 2129
 Location:
34. Krishna's Butterball
Krishna's Butterball (also known as Vaan Irai Kal and Krishna's Gigantic Butterball) is a gigantic granite boulder resting on a short incline in the historical town of Mahabalipuram in India. The boulder is approximately 6 meters high and 5 meters wide and weighs around 250 tons It stands on an approximately 1.2-meter (4 ft) base on a slope, and is said to have been at the same place for 1200 years.

Krishna's Butter Ball side view
In 1908, then-governor of the city Arthur Havelock made an attempt to use seven elephants to move the boulder from its position due to safety concerns, but with no success. It is said that Pallava king Narasimhavarman too made a failed attempt to move the boulder. The original name, a tamil word Vaan Irai Kal, according to the Atlas Obscura, translates to "Stone of Sky God According to Hindu mythology, lord Krishna often stole butter from his mother's butter handi; this may have led to the namesake of the boulder.[1] In 1969, a tour-guide is said to credit its present name, Krishna's Butterball, to Indira Gandhi who was on a tour of the city. A part of the boulder has eroded away, making it look like a half-spherical rock. It is said that the South Indian Tamil king Raja Raja Chola was inspired by the balance of this massive stone boulder and it led to the creation of never falling mud dolls called Tanjavur Bommai, which having a half-spherical base tends to come back to its original position every time one tries to make it fall. The boulder is bigger and heavier than the monolithic stones of Ollantaytambo and Machu Picchu of Peru.[6] It is a popular tourist attraction in the city and is listed as a historical monument by the Archeological Survey of India.

AddressE Raja St, Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu 603104


35. Ranganathan Street
Ranganathan Street is a major commercial street in the neighborhood of T. Nagar, located in Chennai, India. The street houses several commercial establishments, primarily those involved in the clothing and jewelry industry.[1] It has often been referred to as the most crowded street in Chennai.


36. Cholamandal Artists' Village
            Historic artist community featuring galleries for contemporary painting & sculpture & a gift shop.
AddressE Coast Rd, Cholamandal Artists Village, Injambakkam, Palavakkam, Tamil Nadu 600115
Open today · 9:30AM–6:30PM
Phone044 2449 0092

37. FORT MUSEUM
Museum in Fort St. George with historical paintings & objects from the time of British imperialism.
AddressFort St George, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600009
Hours
Open today · 10AM–5PM
Phone044 2567 1127


38 The Anjaneya Temple.
 The Anjaneya Temple at Nanganallur, Chennai is a Hindu temple dedicated to the god Hanuman. The principal idol of Hanuman is 32 feet tall and sculpted from a single piece of granite, which the second tallest Hanuman after Panchavatee near Puducherry. The idol was installed in 1989 and consecrated in 1995.
Sri Maruti Bhakta samajan trust, consisting of people with high spiritual beliefs, wished for this temple. with the blessings of Sri Ragavendra Swami and Sri Kanchi Paramacharyar entrenched the 32 foot idol of Sri Anjaneyar in 1989 and consummated the Kumbabishekam in 1995. The distinguished factor of the 32 feet idol is that it was molded out of a single rock.
The main shrine houses Anjaneya inside a Temple Tower 90 feet tall. Anjaneya is facing West, and is at eastern side of the temple and the main entrance is on the West. There is an auxiliary entrance on the southern side used during temple festivals. The main Temple building has path-ways all around the sanctum sanctorum and also a large covered space (Mandapam) for devotees to assemble in front of the Lord for offering worship. On the North-West corner, a full-fledged Sannidhi for Sri Rama has been built and here He has taken abode with Seetha and Lakshmana with Anjaneya in attendance. The Gods are facing East. Rama's role as the protector and ruler is signified here as Rama is seen carrying his bow, hence the name "Kothanda Rama" for the Lord here. On the South-West, a Sannidhi for Lord Krishna with Rukmani and Satyabhama, all facing East has been built. Even though a Sannidhi for Lord Rama is normally built in Anjaneya temple, rarely a Sannidhi for Lord Krishna is built. Here in our Temple, Krishna Sannidhi is built to remind the devotees that among the Gods it was only Anjaneya who was present in both the Indian epics. In Ramayana, as a direct disciple of Rama and in Mahabaratha, in the flag of Arjuna's Chariot as ordained by Lord Krishna to save it from destruction by the opponents. In the North-East part of the Temple, on a small platform, "Vinayaka" is housed facing East and to his left on a yet another platform 'Naga' has been installed. Saint Raghavendra has taken His abode facing Lord Krishna.

Address8th St, Ram Nagar, Nangainallur, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600061
Phone044 2267 0132
           
Location: https://www.google.co.in/maps/place/Viswaroopa+Adhivyadhihara+Bhaktha+Anjaneyar+Temple/@12.9862684,80.1919344,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x3a525df927a9d96f:0x40770e8debee2d1b!8m2!3d12.9862632!4d80.1941231
39. The Kālikāmbal Temple
The Kālikāmbal Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Shri Kāligāmbāl (Kāmākshi) and Lord Kamadeswarar, located in Parry's corner (Old: George Town) locality of the city of Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. The temple is located in Thambu Chetty Street, a prominent financial street running parallel to Rajaji Salai.
Addresskalikambal temple broadway
Phone044 2522 9624


40. Amir Mahal
Amir Mahal is the official residence of the titular Nawab of Arcot and his family. Situated in Royapettah, a suburb in the present Chennai India, it was constructed in Indo-Saracenic style in 1798, the Amir Mahal has been the residence of the family since 1876. The Nawab’s successor, Mohummad Abdul Ali, and his three brothers still live in the palace with their families. It also has a mini cricket ground which is currently being renovated by the government.

AddressBharathi Salai, Royapettah, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600014


41. Nanmangalam Reserve Forest
Nanmangalam Reserve Forest is a protected area located in the southern part of Chennai, about 24 km from the city centre. It is located at Medavakkam on Velachery High Road between Velachery and Tambaram. The reserve forest has an area of 320 hectares. However, the total area of the forest is 2,400 hectares.
The forest is popular among bird watchers and is home to about 85 species of birds. Red-wattled lapwing, crested honey buzzard, grey partridge, coucal, Indian eagle-owl, white-breasted kingfisher, pied kingfisher, southern bush lark and red-whiskered bulbul are commonly seen in the area.
The 320-hectare Nanmangalam Reserved Forest, located about 10 km from Velachery, is a scrubland around an abandoned granite quarry and is home to some of the rare territorial orchids, according to a recent study.
The state forest department has entrusted the work of data collection in this small forest area to Care Earth, a bio-diversity research organisation. Located near Medavakkam, a rapidly developing residential locality, the forest needs immediate fencing to protect it from encroachment and to curtail any non-forestry activity there, the study says.
The neighbourhood of Nanmangalam is one of the 163 notified areas (megalithic sites) in the state of Tamil Nadu.

AddressMedavakkam Main Rd, Nanmangalam Reserved Forest, Medavakkam, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600117

42. Tholkappia Poonga or Adyar Eco Park
Tholkappia Poonga or Adyar Eco Park (also known as Adyar Poonga) is an ecological park set up by the Government of Tamil Nadu in the Adyar estuary area of Chennai, India. According to the government, the project, conceived based on the master plan for the restoration of the vegetation of the freshwater eco-systems of the Coromandel Coast, especially the fragile eco-system of the Adyar estuary and creek, was expected to cost around  1,000 million which will include the beautification of 358 acres (1.45 square kilometres) of land. The park's ecosystem consists of tropical dense evergreen forest, predominantly comprising trees and shrubs that have thick dark green foliage throughout the year, with over 160 woody species, and comprises six vegetative elements such as trees, shrubs, lianas, epiphytes, herbs and tuberous species. The park was opened to public by Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi on 22 January 2011 and named after the renowned Tamil scholar Tholkappiar. About 65 percent of the poonga is covered by water and artefacts and signages.[3] In the first 2 months of its inauguration, nearly 4,000 children from several schools in the city and the nearby Kancheepuram and Tiruvallur districts have visited the park to learn about wetland conservation, eco-restoration and water management.[4] While the first phase of the eco-park covered about 4.16 acres of CRZ-III area, the entire area covered under the second phase falls under this category.

AddressKarpagam Avenue, Mandavelipakkam, Raja Annamalai Puram, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600028
Area358 acres
Hours9AM–4PM ( Tuesday leave )

43. ISKCON Temple Chennai
ISKCON Temple Chennai is a Vaishnava temple dedicated to Lord Krishna. It is located on the East Coast Road at Akkarai, Sholinganallur in southern Chennai. Built on 1.5 acres of land, the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) Chennai is the largest Radha Krishna temple in Tamil Nadu. It was formally inaugurated on 26 April 2012.
AddressHare Krishna Land, Bhakti Vedanta Swami Road, Off ECR, Akkarai,Sholinganallur, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600119
Phone044 2453 0922

44. Chetpet Ecopark

Address814, EVR Rd, Opposite To KMC, New Bupathy Nagar, Kilpauk, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600010
Timing 10AM-7.45 PM ( tuesday leave )
45. Panagal Park
Panagal Park is a park and a locality in T Nagar, Chennai. The park is named after the Raja of Panagal, the Chief Minister of Madras Presidency who created the park. It is an important junction and is the commercial centre of T Nagar.

AddressNageshwara Rao Road, Parthasarathi Puram, T Nagar, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600017
Area8 acres

46. Anna Nagar Tower Park
Anna Nagar Tower Park  officially known as Dr. Visveswaraya Tower Park, is an urban park in the suburb of Anna Nagar, Chennai. It is the tallest park tower in Chennai
AddressX Block, Tower Park, Anna Nagar, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600040
Open today · 8AM–9:30PM


47. Shree Shantinath Shwetambar Jain Temple
AddressGopathi Narayanaswami Chetty Rd, Lakshimi Colony, T Nagar, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600017
Phone044 2815 1779