Chennai is not only India's fourth-largest city but also the world's 36th largest metropolitan area. It is also a must-see attraction in Tamil Nadu. The city's rich heritage and tradition are the reasons for its designation as India's cultural capital. Chennai was founded by the British in the seventeenth century.
However, the city has a rich historical past, as evidenced by some of the city's most famous structures, which have stood the test of time to show that the city is much older than its recorded years. If you're planning a trip to Chennai, make sure you don't miss out on the following ten must-see attractions.
1. Marina Beach
Marina Beach is, of course, the first choice for anyone visiting Chennai. This is the world's second-longest beach. A great walk along the seashore is made possible by the large expanse of silver sand.
In this idyllic setting, the sunrise and sunset views are breathtaking. Marina Beach offers a variety of sports including fishing, windsurfing, and beach volleyball.
2. Semmozhi Poonga
Semmozhi Poonga provides a welcome respite from the sweltering sun, as well as a visual treat for eyes tired of man-made structures. The 20-acre park, which is located in the city's center, offers scenic landscapes and lush gardens. The well-kept gardens contain over 500 different trees and plants from around the world.
This is in addition to the trees that were already present in the area prior to the park's creation. Plant species include medicinal plants and aromatic herbs. The artificial waterfall in the park appears to be real. Children will enjoy the park because there are numerous play structures to keep them entertained.
3. The Huddleston Gardens Of Theosophical Society
The goal of establishing a Theosophical society is to create a universal brotherhood in which there are no distinctions between people. The essence of society is to combine the best of all religions' teachings in order to improve humanity's quality and power.
The Theosophical Society's global headquarters are located in Chennai. It is located in Adyar, a suburb of Chennai, and commands respect from people of all faiths. With its 260 acres, Huddleston Gardens is a birdwatcher's paradise. A diverse range of migratory birds can be found here.
4. Arignar Anna Zoological Park
India's first zoo was the Arignar Anna Zoological Park. In 1855, the zoo first opened its doors. Before being relocated to Vandalur in 1976, the zoo was originally located in the Moor market. Over 170 species of wildlife are housed in the 510-hectare zoo.
Tigers, hyenas, lions, panthers, elephants, and other animals can be found here. You could walk the entire length of the park if you were so inclined. If not, you can take a ride in a battery-operated vehicle.
5. Pulicat Lake
Pulicat Lake is a must-see attraction for anyone visiting Chennai. Chennai is not green, and there are few places in the city that allow you to get closer to nature. As a result, getting away to Pulicat Lake becomes even more important. The atmosphere is tranquil, and you can unwind here for the day.
Here, boat rides are very popular. You are permitted to engage in fishing while on the boat. This is an excellent location for bird watching. The Nellapattu Bird Sanctuary near Pulicat Lake is home to flamingos, kingfishers, pelicans, ibis, and other rare bird species.
6. Kapaleeswarar Temple
One of the city's oldest temples is Kapaleeswarar Temple. It is unclear who constructed the temple. Kapaleeswarar Temple is thought to have been built by Pallava Kings in the 7th century, according to Nayanmars' songs. The buildings are not as old as they appear to be, which is around 400 years old.
As a result, it is thought that the Portuguese destroyed the original temple mentioned in Myanmar songs and that the current structure dates from the 16th century. The temple is a prime example of the Dravidian sculptural and architectural style.
7. Breezy Beach
While Marina Beach is the city's longest, Breezy Beach is popular for its unpolluted atmosphere. It is located in Chennai's Valmiki Nagar. This small beach is unspoiled by commercialization and thus tranquil.
This is a lovely spot for a relaxing stroll, and the sunsets are spectacular. Because the sea is clean, water sports are popular. Swimming is a popular pastime in this region.
8. National Art Gallery
In 1907, the National Art Gallery was founded. The red sandstone structure, which has four sections: Tanjore Painting Gallery, Ravi Varma Painting Gallery, Indian Traditional Art Gallery, and Decorative Art Gallery, shows the influence of Indo-Saracenic architecture.
This location would appeal to artists because it houses some of the oldest paintings and handicrafts dating back to the 11th century. The Rock and Cave Art Gallery here provides interesting moments with its natural cave setting and amenities like interactive Son-et-Lumiere, Tran slides, and touch screens in the caves to keep the session interesting.
The people of Chennai are known for their friendliness. The people of Chennai live in perfect harmony, disregarding forced differences in religion, race, and color. While the city's most serious flaw is a lack of effort to preserve historic sites and keep the city clean, awareness appears to be growing.
Individuals and organizations are making genuine efforts to save endangered species, with the Chennai Turtle Walk being one such example. There may be more attractions to mention in Chennai, which is world-class if consistent and genuine efforts are made.