Chennai is the capital of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. With its historic landmarks and buildings, long sandy beaches, cultural and art centers and parks, Chennai's tourism offers many potentially interesting locations to visitors. A notable tourist attraction in Chennai is in the neighbouring town of Mahabalipuram, with its ancient temples and rock carvings of the 7th century Pallava kingdom, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Marina Beach
Marina Beach is one of Chennai’s most iconic landmarks, a serene stretch along the Bay of Bengal that stands as one of India’s finest beaches. It’s no surprise that the beach draws thousands of visitors daily from around the world. A popular choice for locals to enjoy a pleasant evening, Marina Beach is also one of the largest urban beaches globally.
Spanning 13 kilometers from Fort St. George to the northern part of Besant Nagar, the beach was originally a muddy stretch before the construction of the Madras Port. The British later transformed it into a promenade, naming it the Madras Marina. During the Indian independence movement, the beach became a gathering point for social events and public meetings. Over time, it has evolved into a vibrant spot for leisure and entertainment, attracting over 30,000 visitors daily.
Though swimming and water sports are not recommended due to strong undercurrents, Marina Beach offers stunning views of the sea, sand, and sunrise. A leisurely walk along its shore is a unique experience, and a 50-meter-high lighthouse provides breathtaking views of the city and surrounding areas.
Fort St. George
Fort St. George is a prominent colonial landmark in Chennai, dating back to the British rule in India. Known as White Town, the fort was constructed in the 1640s to safeguard the East India Company's trade interests. This British trading company, notorious for its private army, ruled and exploited India for over a century.
Situated along the Coromandel Coast, Fort St. George’s history is closely intertwined with that of Chennai. It was completed on 23 April 1644, coinciding with St. George’s Day, and was named in his honor.
The fort's establishment spurred the development of a surrounding area, which became George Town, eventually growing into the city of Madras, now known as Chennai.
Throughout both World Wars and much of the 18th and 19th centuries, the fort remained heavily fortified to defend against French forces and local rulers. Its six-meter-high walls withstood multiple attacks, serving as a powerful symbol of British dominance during that era.
Elliot’s Beach
Elliot's Beach, also known as Besant Nagar beach, begins where the Marina ends. The beach is famous for its calm atmosphere and is preferable among morning walkers. The iconic Karl Schmidt memorial, named after the Dutch sailor who lost his life in the process of saving others from drowning, is located at the heart of Elliot's beach.
Mahabalipuram
Mahabalipuram, located around 60 km away from Chennai in Tamil Nadu, is known as the City of Temples. This city has great historical significance for which it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Mahabalipuram was once regarded as the ‘Land of the Seven Pagodas’ by ancient mariners. Furthermore, the economy of the city was quite stable owing to its trade with the Roman Empire, as suggested by the coins excavated from the depths of this city.
Tada Falls
Ubbalamudugu Falls (also called Tada Falls) is a waterfall located near Oneness Temple and Sricity in the Tirupati district of India. It is a crystal clear waterfall falling from a height of 100-odd meters, making it a glorious sight. The falls are located 80 kilometres (50 miles) from Chennai and 35 kilometres (22 miles) from Srikalahasti. The falls are located in a dense forest called the Siddulaiah Kona. The relation to Shiva ensures that the festival of Maha Shivaratri is a common time for people to visit.
St. Thomas Mount
Parangimalai (known in English as St. Thomas Mount) is a small hillock in the Chennai district of Tamil Nadu, India, near the neighbourhood of Guindy and very close to Chennai International Airport. By extension, it is also the name of the neighbourhood surrounding the hillock.
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.
In the state assembly elections of 1967 and 1971, there was a constituency known as the Parangimalai.
Art and Crafts
-
DakshinaChitra is a living history museum run by the Chennai Craft Foundation, depicting the way of life prevalent in five South Indian states collectively called South India with exhibitions and workshops of the arts and crafts and performing artists of South India. There are around 4,220 artefacts on display; 3,200 are art-related, and 70 pertain to contemporary subjects.
-
Kalakshetra, a centre for the revival of Indian art and crafts — especially the dance form of Bharatnatyam — is located in Besant Nagar. Founded in January 1936 by Rukmini Devi Arundale, the institute imparts training in various arts, including music, dance, painting, sculpture, and textile arts.
-
Cultural events are hosted regularly throughout the year, where the public can witness traditional performances.