The city of Chennai is the capital of the Indian state of Tamil
Nadu. It is the fourth largest metropolitan city of India. The city is known
for its cultural heritage and temple architecture. The city despite having a
strong British influence has managed to maintain its ancient cultural glory
and tradition. Chennai is also one of the holiday destinations in the Golden
triangle of the southern India. The length and breadth of the city of
Chennai is enriched with a number of tourist spots that brings millions of
tourists to this land every year.
The city is about 350 years old and boats of its 100% literacy rate.
Chennai is also the centre of film industry of south India.
Attractions in Chennai
The city of Chennai has innumerable tourist attractions that bring tourists
to this land time and again. Some of the noteworthy attractions of Chennai
are:
Parthswamy Temple - Built by the Pallava kings
of south India in the 8th century, Parthswamy Temple is one of the prime
attractions for tourists visiting Chennai. The temple is revered for its
fine architecture. However the temple was renovated by the Vijayanagar Kings
in the 16th century.
Kapaleeshwar Temple - The temple was built during
the 13th century. The temple boasts of a stupendous architectural skills of
the Dravidians. The Kapaleeshwar Temple is situated in the Malaypore area of
Chennai.
Santhome Cathedral - The Santhome Cathedral is an
important pilgrimage centre. The church is said to have been built by the
Persian Christians. The same was transformed in 1606 in to a Cathedral. In
1806, the church was again rebuilt as a basilica. The Cathedral also houses
a museum that has in store a 16th century map of South Asia.
Fort St. George - The Fort. St. George once used to
be a powerful symbol of the British empire in India. The Fort surpasses many
others as far as the picturesque location here is concerned. The fort has a
grey granite structure.
Marina Beach - Marina Beach is one of the most
spectacular beaches of India. The shimmering blue water of the sea here
leaves the tourists from all across the world, spellbound. One can enjoy the
magnificent sunset from this place. The beach is thronged not only by the
tourists but umpteen sellers, who with their stalls pleases the mood of the
tourists. Swimming is one thing, which you can surely indulge in.
National Art Gallery - The National Art Gallery in
Chennai was built in the year 1906. The gallery boasts of a splendid
architecture. It follows the Indo-Saracenic style of architecture. Earlier
it was known as Victoria Memorial Hall and was designed by Henry Irwin.
There is a good collection of old paintings and sculptures including Tanjore
paintings on glass; Rajput and Mughal miniature paintings; Deccan paintings
from 17th century; and handcrafts, metalware, and ivory carvings from 11th
and 12th century.
Other Attractions
Snake Park is situated in the Guidy National Park and has a large
collection of snakes and many other reptiles. The Theosophical Society also
has its headquarters here in Chennai.
Shopping in Chennai
Chennai offers a number of places to the tourists who simply love shopping.
Traditional art & crafts, traditional artwork, antiques and Jewellery
are the major buys of Chennai. Traditional items like Pattamara Mats and the
leaf and palmyra-fibre handicrafts from Tirunellveli, bronze and brass
castings and traditional jewellery from Kumbakonam, metal works from
Tanjavur, stone carvings from Mamallapuram, silks from Kanchipuram are
easily present in the state of Chennai.
