Revel around the Marina Beach, Take a walk through Thalankuppam Pier, Stroll around Elliot’s Beach, Enjoy Nature Photography at Ubbalamadugu Falls, Fun rides in MGM Dizee World, Visit Mahabalipuram, Heritage tour to Royapuram Fishing Harbour, Enjoy Water sports in Muttukadu and many more.
Being a great part of history, you do not have to think about What to do in Chennai. It was a significant place in the British era and gained a lot of attention which in turn left a lot of historical monuments in the city like forts, temples, churches, mosques and more. Besides this, the city is edging the Bay of Bengal so one can expect a lot of serene beaches in the area where you can indulge in different water sports and have a walk.
After visiting distinct places there are a lot of amazing activities in Chennai which can give you amazing experiences like camping on the edge of one of the calm beaches and lighting a bonfire at night. Moreover, you can engage in treks to various waterfalls. And then you can buy some souvenirs from the local market and try some traditional food to make your Chennai Trip memorable.
One of the famous coastlines of Chennai, Marina Beach is best known for its breath taking view and serene surroundings. Nested within the city premises, the placid beauty of the beachfront, the rolling waves and the picturesque surroundings attract almost everyone visiting this kaleidoscopic city! With a coastline of around 13km, Marina Beach has bagged the title of being the second largest beach in the world; well, this makes it a must visit places in Chennai.
Being one of the most popular tourist spots in the city, this place is calling people to discover it in its raw form. Be it the azure waters, soft sands and the openness of the ocean, Marina Beach is sure to keep you enchanted with its alluring charm and appeal. Enjoy your vacation at this spellbinding seashore along with your family and friends; you will surely cherish these moments for a lifetime!
Check out the best beach resorts in Chennai, that makes a perfect place to stay by the shores.
Thalankuppan, a small fishing hamlet located in the northern part of Chennai, is another mind soothing destination that will leave you with a therapeutic experience! A quaint and silent destination near the metropolis, this is the village where the Thalankuppam River meets the sea. An ideal place for the peace and silence lovers, the pier in this region is one of the must to visit locations.
Extremely popular with the South Indian Film Industry, a walk along this pier is one of the best things to do in Chennai. Visit this spot during the morning or evening and you can witness the golden rays of the sun paying hide and seek with the sparkling waves. Take a walk through the Thalankuppam Pier, feel the tranquillity that exists here and curate some of the memorable moments of your holiday.
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Named after Edward Elliot, the then Governor of Madras; Elliot’s Beach is another exciting beach destination in Chennai. Not far from the city premises this stunning beach marks the end of Marina Beach and is located in the Besant Nagar. Also known as the ‘Bessie’ or ‘Besant Nagar Beach’, it is one of the most popular destinations among the locals.
Owing to the Pictorial beauty, calm and tranquil surroundings, easy accessibility and the lesser amount of crowd within this sandy retreat, it is also gaining popularity among the tourists who prefers to avoid the rush and stay away from the crowd. A walk along the long stretches of Eliot’s Beach will not only pamper your sense, but will also take you to the ‘Schmidt Memorial’ that serves as a major landmark to the city.
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Set out the water baby in you and explore this exquisite tourist spot in Chennai with a visit to the Ubbalamadugu Falls. Around 35km from the metropolis, this stunning cascade flows graciously in the forests of Siddulaiah Kona and truly makes for a must to experience site.
In addition to the opulent beauty and appeal of the waterfall, it also serves as a sacred place among the Hindus; devotees visit this cascade during ‘Maha Shivratri’ and offer puja. Visit this falls, witness the magical beauty it creates as the splashing water hits the base; unravel the best of the nature’s bountiful beauty while being a shutterbug and capturing some of the best clicks of your life!
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For those of you that love amusement parks and water sports, MGM Dizee World is the place to be in Chennai. With some of the most entertaining rides and water slides, a fun-filled day in this amusement park is also among the best things to do in Chennai with your kids. It is a destination that keeps the visitors engaged throughout the day.
Water World of this park is something that every visitor of MGM Dizee World looks forward to explore in Chennai. If you are looking for some fun and exciting things on your way to Chennai, you now know where to go!
The modern state of Mahabalipuram; a weekend getaway near Chennai, was established in the year 1827 and has a pre-history from the time of Pallavas. The town is an historical venture which attracts maximum number of tourists flocking Chennai, and keeps them engaged with its ancient architecture. With several temples and monuments in the town, this place gained much popularity among the visitors; it is a hub for the history, culture, architecture and archaeology enthusiasts.
On your visit to this historic town, you can visit many of the ancient temples that has deities like Lord Krishna and other Gods and Goddesses; temple caves dedicated other deities can also be visited within the town. Among the other major attractions in Mahabalipuram, there are enchanting Pancha Rathas, Krishna's Butter Ball, Mahabalipuram Beach and several others. Owing to its opulent beauty and religious importance, the range of temples and other historical monuments in Mahabalipuram has now been declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Being a coastline, Chennai has enough and more destinations for a sea food lover. One of them, Royapuram Fishing Harbour is the place where one can experience the exhilarating and buzzing life of a fish market and nearby harbour. It is one such places in Chennai, where you can have a glimpse of the daily life of the locals and their fishing cultures.
An absolute delight for the fish lovers, it is best visited at dusk when the entire harbour gets lighted up with the majestic sea reflecting them back! A visit to this quaint and bustling fishing village is one of the best things to do in Chennai and get introduced with some of the heritage and cultures of the city.
Adorned with lush greenery and wonderful landscapes, Muttukadu is a small town that is famous for its serene beauty and enchanting back waters. The place is also known for some of the exciting water activities that keeps the adventure junkies enthral during their Chennai tour! Amidst the extremely elegant and historical traditions of this metropolis, here is a chance for you to let yourself loose and dive into the water adventure sports at Muttukadu.
Some of the activities that you can enjoy at this destination are kayaking, boating, canoeing and surfing. The most popular among all the activities that are organized here is windsurfing regatta, which is generally scheduled during the month of February.
Don't miss any of the amazing adventure sports to take in Chennai if you are looking for some thrill.
Dedicated to the divine trinity of Lord Jagannath, Baladeva and Subhadra, Jagannath Temple in Chennai is another attraction for the devotees of these deities. The wonderfully carved temple is astonishingly stunning and engages all its tourists in its intimate splendour. Built according to the Kalinga architecture, the temple is a mirror that reflects great art and architectural designs of ancient times. Granites and white marbles that decorate the temple make the stone carvings look much prettier and splendid.
It also has separate shrines that are dedicated to Lord Shiva, Ganesha and Bimala which can be visited by the tourists. The annual festival of this magnificent temple is something all devotees and tourists look forward to attend as it showcases the Rathayatra; one of the most prominent rituals of the festival.
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Built during the Portuguese rule in Chennai, what was earlier called Madras, San Thome Cathedral is one of the most popular shrines in Tamil Nadu. Built in the neo-gothic style, this church is beautifully decorated with amazing architecture that will leave every traveller spell bound.
Believed to be built on the grave of St Thomas, it was recently declared as a ‘National Shrine’ by the Catholic Bishops Conference of India. A major religious centre for the catholic, it has also become one of the most sought after tourist destinations in Chennai.
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The Government Museum in Chennai boasts of a large repository of curious exhibits defining art, archeology, anthropology, numismatics and diverse other subjects. From a cutting-edge life-size T-rex in animatronics to ancient sculptural specimens, there is a wealth of interesting things to see here. Besides the main building, the museum has a natural history section, a children’s museum, and zoological and botanical galleries.
Those interested in culture can surf through a wide gallery of folk arts, exhibiting puppets, local musical instruments, theatrical costumes, and various other objects. There’s also the Museum Theatre, capable of accommodating up to 600 people which show enlightening historical documentaries in high-quality acoustics.
The centuries old museum was established in the year 1851.It is also one of the most ancient in the world and carries the legacy of housing the vastest collection of Roman antiquities outside Europe. Among the ancient Asian heritages preserved here, the bronze statues found in Southern India, dating back to 1000 BC, are the most well-known.
The museum has something to engage everyone, from art aficionados to children. While you spend time admiring Ravi Verma paintings in the arts section, the younger ones in the party can head to the children’s museum featuring vibrant visual exhibits elucidating Nature, Indian history, innovation in technology, and more.
The children’s museum is presently being renovated with an air-conditioned 3D theatre equipped to play five films a day. It takes around 2-3 hours to cover a full tour of the Government Museum complex and get super-knowledgeable about all things under the sun.
Based in the glorious metropolis of Chennai, Semmozhi Poonga is a lush botanical garden established by a collaboration between the Horticulture and Agricultural Engineering Department of Tamil Nadu. Conceived in 2010, the magnificent Garden is the first botanical Garden of Chennai. The Garden is vast covering an area of about 20 acres and is situated at the Cathedral Road. The Garden is home to temperate and tropical flora and distinct plant species.
It is filled with both native and exotic plants including a variety of bonsai species, shrubs, medicinal herbs and aromatic stems. It is an ideal place to spend one's weekend in if one is a nature lover or botany enthusiast. Semmozhi Poonga is divided into eight sub-gardens showcasing plants of specific varieties such as bonsai, herbal, exotic, tree court and mural walk. The colourful Garden is a feast for all the senses of the mind.
Contrasting natural shades and alluring natural fragrances blend into each other and make a paradise-like scenario. The Garden is also famous for its contrived duck pond and a beautiful golden garden featuring flowers of different shades of gold. Replete with attractions including water and rock garden, fern garden and butterfly garden, the Park is graced with twenty-five thematic gardens. A plethora of rare plant species and natural bounties from all over the country feature in this unique Garden which makes it the perfect site for exploration and education.
Brimming with serenity and calmness, Chembarambakkam Lake is also known as Puliyur Kottam. Its blue freshwater creates a perfect contrast with the distinct species of vegetation. The watchtower standing amidst the lake uplifts the beauty as well as the footfall to the place. People like to come here to cherish the surroundings and spend some time near the lake.
They like to spread a mat and enjoy their home-cooked foods and snacks while drowning in the depth of the beauty that surrounds them. Several binoculars could also be seen peeking into the dense trees in search of rare migratory birds. Also, an ancient Shiva Temple and Kanni Koil are placed near the lake which could be visited by the tourists on their trip to the Chembarambakkam Lake.
Apart from aesthetic beauty, the lake also serves a big purpose. With a storage capacity of 3645 million cubic feet, the lake is responsible for providing fresh drinking water to the citizens of Chennai. One of the four reservoirs of the city, the lake is also India’s second-largest Water Treatment Plant. Further, it also gives birth to the Adyar River which is another gift of the lake to the people relying on it.
A total crowd pleaser, the Queens Land Amusement Park in Chennai is amongst the most favourite tourist attractions in the city. Located on the Chennai-Bangalore Trunk Road, this popular holiday spot, is spread across 70 acres, and was established in early 2003. The park is also quite beautiful, with lush greenery and scenic landscapes all around.
Catering not just to children, but also to teenagers and adults, Queens Land also boasts of a great water park within its premises. Moreover, it has 51 great rides, out of which 33 are for adults and 18 for children. These rides are spread across water as well as on dry land, and are great fun. Some of the exciting rides here include Free Fall Tower, Roller Coaster, Alpen Blitz, Cable Cars, Himalayan water Rides, Boating, as well as the Centrox and the American Wave Pool.
Additionally, the park also has a great swimming pool along with a pirate ship, bumper cars and go karting, which make the park even more enjoyable and fun.The park is worth every penny, since it is a great place to spend a day out with your near and dear ones. Along with the rides, you can also have a great picnic here, while enjoying the enthralling atmosphere of the park.
Famous as the longest beach in India and the second-longest of its kind in the world, Marina Beach is one of the most famous beach holiday destinations in the country. Named so after the Italian word ‘marina’ by the then Governor-General, the beach has been a popular location in Chennai since 1881.
Stretched over 13 kilometres, the glistening sands of the beach are as rejuvenating as they are picturesque. Keeping in mind the popularity of the place, there has been a huge number of significant buildings and monuments build across the promenade since the beginning of the 19th century.
The most famous landmark in the city, Marina Beach is home to several iconic buildings and statues. For instance, it hosts India’s first aquarium which was constructed in 1909. Additionally, walking along the promenade, history lovers could find a great many statues commemorating the lives of some of the most illustrious dignitaries in Indian history.
Whether you wish to take a romantic horse ride by the seashore or enjoy a spellbinding 360° view of the city from the Chennai Lighthouse, Marina Beach is a must-visit in Chennai.
Sprawling over 2.70 KM square of land, Guindy National Park has been ranked the eighth smallest national park of India. Also, it is the only park situated right in the middle of a city. Established in the year 1978, the park got its protective atmosphere to preserve some of the rare and endangered species of wildlife. To fulfil this, the park is completely restricted from any human activities like poaching, hunting, etc.
With well-established boundaries, the park successfully houses more than 350 species of vegetation along with 150 species of birds and 14 species of wild animals. You can also spot more than 60 species of butterflies and spiders as well as numerous amphibians and reptiles. Utmost care has been taken to keep up their natural habitats and several restrictions have been made to support the same.
People like to come here to stroll around the park to witness various species and capture them inside their lenses. It is also a good place to come close to nature and understand its importance in our lives. Children should definitely be brought here in order to get sensitized in relation to wildlife and its preservation
As the park is settled amidst the city, commuting to the park and finding various eateries as well as places to stay near it becomes very convenient. With all these facilities, Guindy National Park will not let you go disappointed.
Standing proudly on the Eastern coast of Chennai is the VGP Universal Kingdom, the largest water park in Chennai. With its plethora of rides, attractions and other amusement options, the Water Park offers a fun and educational entertainment for people across all ages. VGP Universal Kingdom came into existence as early as 1975, way before Amusement Parks became a commonplace notion in India. The late founder of the Park, Shri V G Paneerdas, conceptualized a new form of leisure, entertainment, and brought his vision to fruition with the construction of the VGP Universal Kingdom.
Primarily built as an entertainment sector, the park was later converted into a full-fledged Theme Park in 1997, and is now the largest amusement park in all of India. Sprawling across a vast 45 acres of land, VGP Universal Kingdom boasts of more than 50 amusement rides, a water Park, a Snow Kingdom, a fully equipped private beach, a Petting Zoo and three restaurants to its name.
The rides are segregated by their difficulty levels, and the park provides attractions catering to people of all ages. The amusement park often hosts live shows and events, bringing performers from around the world to present a gala of music, dance, theatre, puppetry and much more. The live shows usually take place during the weekends, public holidays or on special days like New Year’s Eve. VGP Universal Kingdom also has a mascot of its own- Kutti Raja- who, with his retinue of Sepoys, is bent to deliver the best of entertainment and fun to the younger visitors of the park.
Infused with a ton of rides and amusing activities, MGM Dizzee World in Chennai is hands down one of the best theme parks in the country. A pioneer in getting the best rides from around the world to India, the place is equipped with euphorias like hot air Jurong bird show from Singapore, Big Wheel, Sky Glider, Rainbow, Super Trucks, and many more rides, adventurous and water sports.
The entertainment park's vast variety of rides and attractions that are suited for anyone from a kid to a large family, makes the places much more engaging and alluring for visitors. Apart from exciting rides and adventures the place also holds a spacious restaurant serving a variety of dishes of both Indian and International cuisines, make the MGM Dizzee World a complete package. So, if you are looking to get away from the crowded city into a land encapsulated with loads of amusements, well, look no further, MGM Dizzee World in Chennai is the place to be.
Santhome Church is a standing testament to the belief of the Christian followers and is among the three wonders of this world that house the tombs of Christ’s original disciple. The other two are Santiago de Compostela in Spain and St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City.
It was constructed in the memory of Saint Thomas who was an Apostle of Jesus Christ. Santhome Church is the greatest symbol of multi-culture and religious harmony as people from all religions visit this Church to seek solace and eternal peace.This church was built initially as a mausoleum, but it has now transversed into a Basilica owing to it’s gaining popularity and importance. Beneath the towering white embodiment of this basilica lies the body of Saint Thomas who came to India in 52 AD to preach about Christianity.
He was successful in converting a large population of the locals residing in Tamil Nadu and Kerala with his wisdom and powerful preaching. He thereafter formed a community that is now known as Syrian Christians. This church also houses a museum that displays souvenirs of Saint Thomas and gives visitors an insight into the glorious past of this church during the historical times.
Awaken the child inside you by visiting one of the best theme parks in Southern India. Located in Chennai, near the Vandalur Railway Station, the fabulous Kishkinta Theme Park is spread across 120 acres of land, surrounded by scenic landscapes and lush greenery all around. The park also has a varied range of terrains, along with picturesque fountains, waterfalls and other decorations adding to the beauty of it.
Catering not just to children, but also to adults alike, the Kishkinta Theme Park has a magnificent water park within its premises. Moreover, it boasts of exciting rides like the water volcano, elephant splash and much more. Additionally, along with water rides, Kishkinta Theme Park also has dry rides, making it suitable for all kinds of visitors. The presence of other kinds of entertainment such as wave pools, roller coaster and toy trains, and a lot more, make a visit to Kishkinta Theme Park even more enjoyable.
The theme park is designed in a way such that it becomes a great place for a day out with your friends and family. In addition to the many rides, you can also enjoy a great picnic with your near and dear ones. Moreover, from time to time, the park organises many different entertainment shows and other events for visitors. Therefore, it becomes a perfect place for a day’s outing amidst the busy city limits.
Known popularly as a beautiful and alluring spot for picnickers in Vandalur, Arignar Anna Zoological Park happens to be one of the best places for exploring fauna and flora of this region. Calling on to adults and children for weekend getaways, Arignar Zoo gets a heavy influx of visitors each year. Located at an approximate distance of around 32 km from Chennai and spread across an average area of about 1260 acres, it is known as South East Asia’s largest zoo.
Sheltering more than 138 species of creatures, Arignar Anna Zoological Park is a paradise for every nature and animal lover. This park houses umpteen varieties of animals, including mammals, amphibians, reptiles, birds, fishes, and butterflies. In addition, the place also has a small Jurassic Park that adds to overall excitement offered by the destination. Other special aspects of this park include a children’s park, a learning centre, and Elephant joy rides.
Arignar Anna Zoological Park is frequently visited by photo fanatics, wildlife lovers, nature lovers, peace seekers, and experience seekers. The park provides its visitors the opportunities to go on safaris and watch the various animals closely. The park also houses a small library where children as well as adults can get to read and learn more regarding the habitat and living styles of the different animals living in this place. In addition to all these exciting experiences, visitors can also indulge in nature and wildlife photography during their visit to Arignar Anna Zoological Park.
Tamil Nadu, a land of religious diversity and rich culture, is also home to some astonishing temples. Amongst it, there is Kapaleeshwarar Temple, a holy place situated in Mylapore. According to popular folklore, the temple traces its history back to the 7th and 16th century. This place is known for its history, architectural styles, and spirituality. The temple was built to worship Lord Shiva and other deities.
Kapaleeshwarar temple resonates the rich Tamil religious culture. Its premises consist of sculptures of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi. Moreover, the temple is home to shrines of Tamil Shaivite saint poets Nayaars. The structure of these shrines is marked with towering domes or Gopurams. Every structure light up during major festivals.
From March to April, Kapaleeshwarar celebrates the religious sentiments during the Brahmotsavam festival. Devotees flock this temple and attend the grandeur of spirituality and Pooja services.
Kapaleeshwarar temple hosts five types of Pujas, Ko Puja, Vaikarai Puja, Kaala sandhi Puja, Uchi Kaala Puja, and Ardhajama Puja. Visitors often schedule and take part in the Puja services. With the help of local priests, you can indulge in buying temple offerings and completing rituals. Also, if you are fond of artistic wonders, this place is going to win your heart.
Dakshinachitra happens to be one of the most renowned and widely held museums situated in Chennai that makes a mark in the living history of Museums in India. The museum has a varied display of Indian artifacts and works of art and crafts, architecture, lifestyles, and performing arts. The museum has been set up in the year 1996 in order to promote the culture of South India in a global scenario.
The entire project was taken up by one of the NGOs in South India, Madras Craft Foundation. The museum is said to offer amazing and engaging tours to visitors coming from all over the world. It displays more than 4220 different artifacts and about 1,000,000 pictorial representations of various happenings in South India. A passage through the galleries will certainly give anyone a vast exposure and depth knowledge of the legacy of the times gone by of South India.
The museum is crafted in the middle of the city in the form of a village. It has about 18 different houses that offer a unique experience to the visitors showcasing various contextual exhibits. These houses are brought to the village from various areas of South India and were reconstructed in a unique style by professional artisans. If you are interested in gaining knowledge about the past happenings and cultural variations of South India, then there is no better place than Dakshinachitra.
Dedicated to goddess Kalikambal, an avatar of Goddess Parvati, and Lord Kamateswarar, a form of Lord Shiva, Kalikambal Temple in Chennai is a living memoir of the ancient history and heritage of this southern Indian city. Located on Thambu Chetty Street, a renowned financial hub at Georgetown, the temple reflects the major features of Dravidian architecture.
Along with goddess Kalikambal and Lord Kamatswarar, Lord Vishnu is also worshipped here. The temple has the sanctity of the two Pancha Bootha Sthalams which are Tiruvannamalai and Kanchipuram. The temple is a major attraction for tourists with great religious inclinations. Southern superstar Rajinikanth often comes to this temple to offer puja.
The temple is the symbol of faith and devotion for all Chennaikars and people in south India at large. Earlier, the temple was situated inside St George Fort, but during the British rule, the temple was shifted here on Thambu Street. Its architecture, idols and legends known by the priests here provide a great amount of knowledge about the history and the Dravidian heritage of ancient India.
Chennai is one of those tourist places which has something for every sort of tourist. Chennai is a great place for adventure enthusiasts or adrenaline junkies. Chennai has a lot of options for adventure activities in and around the city. Some of the best adventure activities to do in Chennai are listed below:
1. Trekking in the Nagalapuram Hills
2. Camping in Tada Falls
3. Rappelling in Kelambakkam
4. Surfing in Marina Beach
5. Surfing at Covelong Beach
6. ATV Rides on Marina Beach
Chennai’s long coastline offers a scintillating view of the sea and the beaches. The beaches are very comfortable and are best suited for relaxing, away from the generally hot and dry climate prevalent over all of India. So if someone is an admirer of natural beauty and want some time off to relax, Chennai is the best place with its lovely beaches. There are also great facilities for watersports in the beaches of Chennai. From surfing to kayaking, there’s something for everyone. Some of the best beaches for watersports in Chennai are:
1. Marina Beach
2. Elliot’s Beach
3. Covelong Beach
Chennai’s location just beside the beach makes it an exciting place for surfers, novice or experienced, to try out their skills against the fiery waves of the Bay of Bengal. Surfing is taught here by the many surf schools that have been set up with skilled surfers training the students. Proper safety is always maintained by them.
The best surfing site in Chennai is the Marina Beach, where one can notice many surfing activities by both Indian and foreigners alike, along with Muttukadu. Covelong has become the country’s first surfing village and is a surfing haven visited by surfers from all over the world.
Chennai is the gateway to some beautiful trekking spots located very close to it. The tourists looking for a getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city often choose to go to these nearby treks to relax their mind and work their bodies. The treks also give a fantastic ringside view of the beauty of the nature and wildlife of South India. Some of the best places for trekking in and around Chennai are:
1. Nagalapuram Hills located close to Tirupati
2. Tada Falls in Andhra Pradesh
3. Peerumedu Waterfalls, Yelagiri
4. Takalana Falls, Chittoor
5. Dolphin’s Nose Trek, Kodaikanal
Chennai is one of the places which provides an engrossing natural experience which is why it has remained one of the top places for tourists to visit over and over again. So someone with the love of the outdoors has a great time in Chennai. From rugged terrains to the majestic Bay of Bengal, Chennai does offer a lot. No wonder it has many popular camping locations as well. Here are some of the best camping locations in Chennai:
1. Yercaud
2. Tada Falls
3. Nagalapuram
4. Yelagiri
5. Mahabalipuram
6. Pichavaram
7. Hogenakkal
8. Pulicat Lake
9. Alamparai Fort
ATV or All Terrain Vehicle rides are a popular adventure sport all around the globe and Chennai is no exception to that. Chennai’s Marina Beach provides a fine location for ATV Rides. There are many private operators which provide ATV Rides on the beach, and they also have their own tracks. The rides are performed with top quality bikes and safety measures.
There are different charges for ATV Rides. In the tracks it starts from INR 400 and goes to INR 2000, the beach ATV rides start from INR 2000 and go till INR 3000 depending on bike and distance.
Tamil Nadu is home to some of the most diverse animal and plant life in the country and has many national parks and wildlife sanctuaries in it, some of which are a jump away from Chennai. Some of the parks offer wildlife safaris to take the tourists into the interiors of the forest for seeing the animals up close. The best destinations for wildlife safari in and around Chennai are:
1. Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary
2. Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary
3. Arignar Anna Zoological Park
4. Guindy National Park
5. Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary
6. Periyar National Park
7. Rajiv Gandhi National Park
Chennai, albeit a modern city, has not lost touch with its history and divine roots. Chennai was part of massive kingdoms in South India ruled by some of the mightiest kings in the country’s history who worshipped their gods by creating beautiful and mammoth temples of them and those temples are now striking proof of their legacy. Chennai is a holy place for Hindu devotees. Some of the best pilgrimage places in Chennai are:
1. Parthasarathy Temple
2. Kapaleeswarar Temple
3. Ashtalakshmi Temple
4. Kalikambal Temple
5. Ayyappan Temple
6. Thirumalai Thirupathi Devasthanam Temple
7. Mahabalipuram
Fishing is a well-known activity in Chennai, being a coastal city. Many of the people here base their entire livelihood on fishing. Sports fishing is slowly becoming popular in Chennai. The Yacht Club in Chennai Port often hosts many sport fishing competitions that bring sports fishers from all around the world for a shot at glory. The tourists are properly taken care of with state of the art speed boats and complete safety of them. On the other hand, the Marina beach is another option for fishing.
Rappelling is an adventure sport that is a mix of rock climbing and mountaineering. It is the perfect thing to do for an adrenaline junkie who wants an adrenaline rush along with some healthy exercise for the body. In Chennai, there are many adventure resorts like Silver Sands Resort which has rappelling areas.
Some professional trainers take individual classes on rappelling as well. But the best place for this is Kelambakkam, a hill 100 kilometres from the city limits. This place offers a range of climbing options and is a haven for a climbing enthusiast.
If anyone wants to escape the hustle bustle of the city, taking a sail in a private yacht in the ocean is a great way to spend some romantic or family time. There are many inland water bodies that are man-made near the Chennai harbour for sailing.
Chennai has some very old sailing club which teaches sailing to novices and holds races regularly. Private yacht sailing costs INR 30,000 a person.
Paintball is a fun and competitive shooting game in which players eliminate their opponents by hitting them with round dye-filled pellets. It is a really popular and exciting sport that can be played anywhere both indoors and outdoors. Paintballing helps build up team coordination and corporates often send teams to play paintball for the same purpose.
Headshot provides international quality paintball in Chennai, and they are one of the best in the country. Go Bananas is another similar place in Chennai. The cost begins from INR 500 for a round of paintball.
Chennai Port is one of the busiest and most important ports in the country. But not only is it used for transportation of cargo to and from all over the world, it also serves as a starting point for different cruise ships which then start a trip to all around the world. From Chennai Port, a tourist looking for a great cruise experience can ride a luxury cruise to Port Blair, the capital of Andaman and Nicobar or Islands or to Lakshadweep, or Vishakhapatnam. The luxury cruises are very comforting and relaxing giving one a complete peace of mind.
Housing over 200 species of birds, Chennai has been a hotspot for bird watchers forever. It is the only urban city where many rare birds are spotted right in the city. Some of the popular bird watching locations in Chennai are:
1. Guindy National Park
2. Theosophical Society Gardens
3. Siruthavur Lake
4. IIT Madras Campus
5. Pallikaranai Marsh
Chennai, being one of the most important cities in the country has lots of people here from different places and is one of the busiest cities. So naturally, it has a colourful and vibrant nightlife. From pubs to cinemas, Chennai offers a lot to the night-crawler. There are some great nightclubs and pubs like 10 Downing Street, Pasha The Park, Cloud 9, The Flying Elephant, Illusions, Blend where one can dance, eat and have drinks.
Movie theatres like PVR, Cinepolis, Lux, Palazzo stay open until late for you to watch a regional or English movie. One could even take a drive to the beach and lie down there for a view of the tranquil skyline and experience the calming air.
Chennai has gone through three foreign rulers, the Portuguese, the French and the British. All of them have left their mark on the city in the form of architecture and monuments. Chennai is a city with a rich history which is still present in the form of buildings to stand proof of those times. Here are some famous archaeological sites to visit in Chennai:
1. Madras War Cemetery
2. Rippon Building
3. Senate House
4. Vivekananda Illam
5. Kapaleeswarar Temple
6. Chyavan Eshwara Temple
7. Thousand Light Mosque
8. Fort St George
Queensland Amusement Park is a theme park in Chennai which opened in 2003 and has now become one of the largest such parks in the country. One can spend a fun time here with family or friends by enjoying the fascinating rides in the park. Some of the things to do or rides to take in the park are:
1. Free Fall Tower
2. Alpen Bridge
3. Centrox
4. Cable Car
5. Himalayan Water Ride
6. Hanging Coaster
7. Go-Kart
The Madras Crocodile Bank Trust and Centre for Herpetology were created in 1976 by Rom and Zai Whitaker to protect the three endangered species of crocodiles, the mugger, the saltwater crocodile and the gharials. They were immensely successful and soon enough, they began to include turtles and snakes for breeding and protection.
This place is very important as it houses many rare and threatened species of animals. The bank is open from 9 am to 5:30 pm from Tuesday to Sunday. Entry tickets cost INR 50 for adults and INR 30 for children below 10 years. They also have night safari facilities from 7 pm to 8:30 pm at the cost of INR 200 for adults and INR 100 for children.
Chennai is home to the Marina Beach, the second largest beach in the world and being a coastal city, Chennai has immense scope for water sports. Thus, surfing is a very popular water sports activity at the beaches of Chennai.
There are many surfing schools in Marina Beach itself, which teach you the basics of surfing in three to four hours after which you are allowed to surf with the help of a professional trainer on the ocean. Other than surfing, some of the other water sports that can be enjoyed in the beaches are windsurfing, canoeing, and kayaking.