Top things to do in Chennai

Evan Kingsley wrote on 9/24/2023. Last updated: 6/20/2024

Best places to visit in Chennai

Chennai, the gateway to southern India, is a treasure trove of impressive historical landmarks, and captivating cultural marvels waiting to be discovered! Hang on to your hats because I'm about to whisk you away on a whirlwind tour of must-see wonders!

Marina Beach

First stop, Marina Beach! This expansive, sun-kissed shore is just perfect for a lighthearted jaunt. Stretching 13 kilometers along the Bay of Bengal, it's under the crown as the world's second-longest urban beach. Prepare for a scrumptious array of street food, an awe-inspiring view of the sunrise, and a chance to mingle with locals enjoying their daily game of cricket or kite flying. So, dust off that beach mat, it's time to soak up some sun!

Kapaleeshwarar Temple

Veering our way towards spirituality, the Kapaleeshwarar Temple resounds with historical and religious significance. Decked in intricate carvings and an architectural style that's so quintessentially Dravidian, this 7th-century masterpiece is an ode to Lord Shiva. With a spellbinding aura of incense, colourful flowers and fervent devotion, it's a haven for seekers and curiosity-filled wanderers alike!

Must see places in Chennai

Intrinsically woven with heritage, culture, and countless tales the streets of Chennai have been humming for millennia. And trust me, you don't want to miss out on these!

Government Museum

Brace for blast from the past at the Government Museum, fondly dubbed "the treasure house of the Tamil arts." Housing rare collections of archaeological and numismatic items, you'll rub elbows with bronzes from the 7th century Pallava Era, ancient scripts on palm leaf manuscripts, Amravati paintings, and much more. It's a riveting march back in time, to say the least!

DakshinaChitra

If cultural immersion is your jam, DakshinaChitra is a must-see. Literally translating to "a picture of the south", it's an intriguing model of various living themes depicting south Indian architecture, crafts, and performing arts. This open-air museum will not just transport you across the four southern states of India but also take you on a journey through the ages. Plus, it's the perfect place to snap some candid shots and tickle the artistic side of you!

So remember, whether you're a seasoned explorer or a newbie tourist, Chennai invites you with a medley of fascinations. Sights, sounds, and sentimental connection to the past, it's a journey you won't forget in a hurry. Now, who's up for an adventure?


Evan Kingsley

Evan Kingsley

Hey, I’m Evan! Even though I’ve been bitten by a piranha, left stranded in the Sahara when my camel ditched me, and even spent a night in a Bhutanese jail over a supposedly stolen fruit (I swear I didn’t take it!), I still love traveling so much I don’t think I’ll ever stop. With over 130 countries under my belt, I’m always on the lookout for the next wild adventure… hopefully with fewer bites, camel betrayals, and misunderstandings over fruit!

Follow on Twitter