Travel Bucket List – India: Tamil Nadu Part 3

Posted on January 17, 2020 by memoriesandsuch

After the major cities in the state, it’s time to head for the hills. Tamil Nadu has some fabulous hill stations where you can go to relax your mind. Fantastic weather coupled with gorgeous views, these hill stations (some of them not so popular and so not very crowded) should be in your bucket list the next time you visit this state.

Ooty
The Queen of the Hills as Ooty or Udhagamandalam is known is the capital of the Nilgiris or ‘Blue Mountain’ district. A land of picturesque picnic spots & lakes, it was a popular summer and weekend getaway for the British during colonial days. It is situated at an altitude of 7,440 feet above sea level. Ooty Lake, Botanical Garden and Rose Garden are among the must include places in your Ooty tour packages.

Ooty was originally a tribal land occupied by the Todas along with other tribes. The Nilgiri territory came into possession of East India Company as part of the ceded lands, held by Tipu Sultan in 1799. In 1818, Wish and Kindersley, Assistant and Second Assistant to Collector of Coimbatore visited this spot and submitted their experience report to the Collector of Coimbatore John Sullivan. John Sullivan later began the construction of his bungalow at Dimbhatti the first European dwelling on the hills. Ooty served as the summer capital of the Madras Presidency and other small kingdoms, much visited by British during the colonial days. Its stunning beauty and splendid green deep valleys inspired the British to name it Queen of Hill Stations. Sullivan later developed the town and encouraged the establishment of tea, chinchona, and teak trees.

The establishment of numerous tea estates made Ooty famous. Lofty mountains, dense forest, sprawling grasslands and miles and miles of tea gardens greet the visitors on most routes.

Once regarded as the summer headquarters of the East India Company (and for a very good reason), Ooty, also known as Udagamandalam, is a hill station in Tamil Nadu which serves as a very popular tourist destination for anyone looking for a picturesque place to relax and unwind. Ooty is nestled amidst the Nilgiri hills at an altitude of 2,240 meters above sea level and enjoys a favourable climate all year round.

The toy train, known as Nilgiri Mountain Railway that runs from Mettupalayam to Ooty is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must be experienced. The train route wends its way through many hair-raising curves and fearful tunnels and chugs along beside deep ravines full of verdant vegetation, gurgling streams and tea gardens. The train route was developed by the British engineers in 1908, covering 42 kilometers length with 108 curves, 16 tunnels and 250 bridges. The Nilgiri Mountain Railways has the steepest track in all of Asia, and it is one of the best train rides you will ever have the chance of experiencing.

Apart from pleasant weather, Ooty Lake, Botanical Garden, Rose Garden, Wenlock Downs, Pine Forest, and Emerald Lake are the popular Ooty sightseeing places. The annual Tea and Tourism Festival (Jan) and Summer Festival (May) attract crowds in huge numbers.

The best time to visit this beautiful hill station is from October to June. In these months, the temperature remains somewhere around 25°C which offers a pleasant weather.

Kodaikanal
Often referred to as the ‘Princess of Hill stations’, Kodai as it is fondly called, is one of the popular places to visit in summer. It is situated at an altitude of about 7,000 feet on the southern tip of upper Palani hills.

The earliest residents of Kodaikanal were the Palaiyar tribal people. Modern Kodaikanal was established by American Christian missionaries and British bureaucrats in 1845, as a refuge from the high temperatures and tropical diseases of the plains. In the 20th century a few elite Indians started relocating to this enchanting hill station and it started becoming popular among nature lovers.

Kodaikanal is not as extensively commercialized like Ooty and it offers a pleasant experience to tourists with relatively less crowd. Apart from the pleasant weather, Kodaikanal has several tourist attractions like Kodai Lake, Bryant Park, Coaker’s Walk, Bear Shola Falls, Silver Cascade, Pillar Rocks, etc. The hills offer beautiful views all around, especially from the Coaker’s Walk.

The best time to visit Kodaikanal is April to June during the summer. Monsoon from September to October also offers a different experience.

Yercaud
Located in the Shevaroy Hills of Tamil Nadu is another popular hill station, Yercaud. With the surrounding areas being dry, Yercaud provides a pleasant break with its greenery and pleasing weather. The greenery is part natural cover and part plantations.

Commonly called ‘Ooty of the Poor’, this region has a history dating back to the time of the British. Located at an altitude of 4970 feet, Yercaud is known for its vast expanses of coffee plantations. Oranges, coffee, pears, etc are grown in abundance here. The hill station is a popular travel destination in Tamil Nadu and offers various attractions ranging from viewpoints to various waterfalls. One of the many highlights is the summer festival that takes place in May. It is dedicated to Lord Servarayan, the supreme god of the ranges and gives visitors a glimpse into the rich heritage of this region.

Yercaud town got its name from the Yercaud Lake located at its centre. In Tamil, Yeri means lake and Kaadu means forest. Stone-age implements have been found from the ancient shrine located near Shevaroy Hills, which is about 5 km from the Yercaud Lake. Sir Thomas Munroe, the erstwhile governor of Madras Presidency in 1842 developed this place. David Cockburn, the Scottish collector of Salem district, between 1820 and 1829, was called the ‘Father of Yercaud’ because he helped in the development of the resources of the Shevaroy and for introducing the cultivation of coffee, pears and apple. The Tea plantation has been introduced in 1840s by Dr.Wallich on the property of G.F.Fischer.

Kalliyur Falls, Lady’s Seat point, Bear Cave, Emerald Cave and Pagoda Point are the highlights of this delightful hill station.

The best time to visit Yercaud is between October to June.

Coonoor
One of the most beautiful and serene hill stations you will come across in the country, Coonoor is the second largest hill station in the wonderful Nilgiri Hills of the Western Ghats. Located around 20 km from Ooty, at an altitude of 1,850 meters, Coonoor is beautiful with the many tea estates and long-winding roads. Old colonial bungalows in the tea estates add to the charm of Coonoor.

Make sure you visit Sim’s Park, Dolphin Nose lookout point, Ketti Valley, Hidden Valley and Lamb’s Rock when you are in Coonoor.

The best time to visit Coonoor is between October to March.

Yelagiri
A quaint little hill station located in Vellore, Yelagiri is spread a little over 30 square kilometres, and at a height of over 1100 metres above sea level. The ideal destination for nature lovers, Yelagiri is a town that is completely off the beaten tourist trail, lending it a quieter and much more peaceful vibe compared to other more famous hill stations nearby. Originally belonging to the Zamindar family of Yelagiri, the hill station began to gain popularity since the colonial rule, when it was used by the British as a summer getaway. Ever since then, it has been one of the hidden gems of South India, replete with rocky hills and natural scenic beauty, making it the perfect place to take a break from the fast-paced city life.

Yelagiri is one of those typical, silent places that seem ordinary on the outside but are more and more startling as you discover it. It has all the features of a great hill station, be it sunset points or lakes and parks. But the beauty of Yelagiri lies in all the more that it has to offer. Being one of the lesser known hill-stations in Tamil Nadu, the place is rarely overcrowded. The surroundings are pristine and the forests are home to some rare species of flora and fauna. The honey that is locally available is considered to be one of the purest and tastiest varieties.

Yelagiri offers its tourists some beautiful places like the Jalagamparai falls, sweeping orchards and rose garden at its various nature parks, Punganur Lake, Swami Malai hills and the Velavan temple among others.

Yelagiri has a moderate climate therefore travelers love to visit the city all through the year. But still, the best season to visit Yelagiri is the months from November to February.

Bellikkal
Bellikkal is one of those places where you can completely relax, without having to worry about a ‘to-do’ list for your vacations and yet experience mountains that will steal your breath away. Instead of having a hundred places to offer, it will take you by its beauty, calmness and serenity.

Bellikkal is a small village in the south of Sigur Plateau in Tamil Nadu. Located at an altitude of 5,500 feet or 1,700 meters, it is only around 15 km from Ooty, yet untouched commercially as yet. This small and elusive hill station is as beautiful as those in the Himalayas, and has yet managed to retain its old world charm.

The monsoon season between July to September is the best time to visit Bellikkal, however Bellikkal’s weather is always great and so this as yet undiscovered hill station can be visited all year round.

Bellikkal Lake, Bison Valley and Kalhatti Falls are the top tourist spots in Bellikkal.

Travel Bucket List – India: Tamil Nadu Part 2

Posted on January 15, 2020 by memoriesandsuch

After Chennai, let’s visit some of the other major cities and towns in the state.

Coimbatore:
Also known as Kovai and Koyamuthur, Coimbatore is the second largest city in Tamil Nadu. It is located on the banks of the Noyyal River and surrounded by the Western Ghats. In addition to being the second largest city in Tamil Nadu after Chennai, it is also the 16th largest urban agglomeration in India. The city is one of the largest exporters of jewellery, wet grinders, poultry and auto components; the “Coimbatore Wet Grinder” and the “Kovai Cora Cotton” are recognised as Geographical Indications by the Government of India.
Coimbatore was part of Kongu Nadu during the Sangam period between c. 1st and the 4th centuries CE and was ruled by the Cheras as it served as the eastern entrance to the Palakkad Gap, the principal trade route between the west coast (Kerala) and Tamil Nadu). Coimbatore was located along the ancient trade route that extended from Muziris to Arikamedu in South India. The medieval Cholas conquered the Kongu Nadu in the 10th century CE. The region was ruled by Vijayanagara Empire in the 15th century followed by the Nayaks who introduced the Palayakkarar system under which Kongu Nadu region was divided into 24 Palayams. In the later part of the 18th century, the Coimbatore region came under the Kingdom of Mysore and following the defeat of Tipu Sultan in the Anglo-Mysore Wars, the British East India Company annexed Coimbatore to the Madras Presidency in 1799. The Coimbatore region played a prominent role in the Second Poligar War (1801) when it was the area of operations of Dheeran Chinnamalai.

So what can you see in Coimbatore? There’s the Marudamalai Murugan Temple, a hilltop temple dedicated to God Murugan and considered as one of the seven houses of Lord Murugan in South India. Another temple, the Perur Pateeswarar Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, was built by Karikala Chola. The temple has statue of Nataraja, Arasambalavanar Shrine and shrine dedicated to Ganesha and is also a popular sightseeing spot in Coimbatore. Another popular place is the Adiyogi Lord Shiva Statue at the Isha Yoga Center, which is the largest bust sculpture in the world, weighing around 500 tonnes and standing at 112 feet tall at the foothills of the Velliangiri Mountains. The Velliangiri Mountains, which are located close to the Tamil Nadu Kerala border are also known as Kailash Mountain of the South India and is part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.

You can also visit the Siruvani Waterfalls which is located 35km from Coimbatore, the Singanallur Lake which is one of the nine large lakes fed by the canals of the Noyal river as well as the Tamil Nadu Agricultural University Botanical Garden of Coimbatore located near Maruthamalai. This garden is spread over 300 hectares and is home to many varieties of plants and birdlife.

An interesting museum in Coimbatore is the Gedee Car Museum, the only classic car museum of its kind located in the city. The museum has a collection of unique cars not to be seen anywhere else in India. The cars are a private collection of G D Naidu Charities, a social trust founded by late Sri. G D Naidu of Coimbatore, who was a renowned inventor, educationalist and philanthropist of his time.

The best time to visit this under-rated city is between July to March.

Tiruchirappalli
Tiruchirappali or Trichy is the fourth largest city in Tamil Nadu and is located on the banks of the Cauvery River. The history of Tiruchirappalli begins in the 3rd century BC, when it was under the rule of the Cholas. It was a stronghold of the early Cholas which later fell to the Pallavas. But the Pallavas never really managed to retain control of this strategic city and lost it to the Pandyas several times. Trichy continued to be in the possession of Cholas until the decline of the empire after which it became a Vijayanagara stronghold. Trichy came under the rule of Nayaks of Madurai after the collapse of Vijayanagara, later to the Marathas of Tanjore, the Nawabs of Carnatic, the French and finally the British. Trichy flourished under Madurai Nayaks and prospered to be the city that it is today. The city played a critical role in the Carnatic Wars (1746-1763) between the British and the French East India companies.
Tiruchirappalli is internationally known for a brand of cheroot known as the Trichinopoly cigar. The city is very popular for its cigars, handloom saris and stone-studded jewelry, Pith models and cheroots. According to the National Urban Sanitation Policy (2010), Tiruchirappalli was one of the ten cleanest cities in India.

The city is an important educational centre in the state and houses nationally recognised institutions. The presence of a large number of energy equipment manufacturing units in and around the city has earned it the title of “Energy Equipment and Fabrication Capital of India”.
Tiruchirappalli is home to numerous historical monuments and temples that attract tourist and pilgrims from all parts of the country throughout the year. Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple is one of the most famous temples in South India, constructed in the Dravidian style of architecture. Built across an area of 156 acres, this temple is dedicated to Ranganatha, a reclining form of Hindu deity, Lord Vishnu. This temple lies on an island formed by the twin Rivers Cauvery and Kollidam. Though the temple existing since 2nd century BC, the archaeological inscriptions are available only from the 10th century CE. During the invasion of Malik Kafur in 1310-1311, the idol of the deity was stolen and taken to Delhi. In a daring exploit, devotees of Srirangam ventured to Delhi and enthralled the emperor with their histrionics. Moved by their talent, the emperor was pleased and returned the statue of the deity of Srirangam. During second invasion in 1323 AD, the deity was taken away before the invading troops reached Srirangam. The deity was kept in the hills of Tirumala Tirupati for 6 decades until their reinstatement in 1371. It is believed that 13,000 devotees laid down their lives in the fierce battle to protect the temple. This temple is the biggest functioning Hindu temple in India. The vimana over the sanctum of the temple is made up of gold and so is protected by an electric fence. The 236-feet Rajagopura (tower) is the tallest temple tower in India. There is also a royal temple tower, which covers a base area of 32500 sq. ft and has a height of 196 ft. It also comprises a hall containing 1000 pillars. Intricate sculptures are the most attractive part of the hall. The Hall was built during the Vijayanagara period (1336-1565). The second enclosure contains the shrine of Ranganayaki, an incarnation of Goddess of Lakshmi.

Another famous and very popular Trichy landmark is the Rockfort Ganpati Temple. The temple derives its name from its unique building style. The temple structure comprises a huge rock, which is believed to be the oldest rock in the world, even older than The Himalayan Mountains. After climbing 344 steps, the devotees reach the main temple area. The temple has two sub parts- the Thayumanaswamy, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva and the Pillayar, which is dedicated to Lord Ganesha. The origins of the temple are traced back to the 7th century. The Shiva temple contains the Lingam form of the Lord.

At the Brahmapureeswarar Temple, the Lord enshrined is in the form of a Swayambu Lingam as he is believed to have changed the destiny of Lord Brahma. Predominantly a Shiva temple, it is local myth that one can change his own fate of he seeks blessings in this temple. Lord Brahma has a separate shrine where he sits in a meditative pose in his signature lotus flower. Goddess Parvathi is also worshipped in the temple.

The Thiruvanaikoil Temple, also known as Jambukeshwarar Temple is one of the holiest places in Tamil Nadu, India. It is one of the Panchabhoota Temples (signifying the 5 elements of nature) and represents the water element (Neer). It is situated on an island surrounded by rivers Cauvery and Coleroon. The temple is also called “Appu Sthalam” and the Shiva Lingam here is called “Appu Lingam”.

Located at a distance of only 15 km from Tiruchirapalli, the Kallanai Dam is built across the flowing River Kaveri. It spans over 1079 feet and is over 66 feet wide! This ancient dam was originally constructed about 2000 years ago, and it is the oldest functional water regulator structure in the entire country. It may not have much else to offer, but the mesmerising view is surely going to be worth taking a detour. The dam also serves as an inspiration for modern-day dams due to the excellent engineering behind it. Also known as Grand Anicut, the enormous dam is famous not only because it is pertinent to the living of thousands of households around it, but also because of its unmatched scenic beauty.

Puliyancholai Waterfalls are situated at the base of Kolli Hills in Tiruchi. The mesmerizing waterfalls are a popular site of tourism and receives a huge influx of visitors. The waterfalls are truly a spot of peace and tranquility and offers solitude like nowhere else. Another majestic falls in the Kolli hills range are the Agaya Gangai Waterfalls which fall from a massive height of 300 feet, The waterfalls can be reached through a trek or by climbing almost a 1000 steps. The waterfalls are best visited during monsoons.

Tiruppur
Tiruppur or Tirupur is the fifth largest urban agglomeration in Tamil Nadu and is located on the banks of Noyyal River. It has been ruled at different times, by the Early Pandyas, Medieval Cholas, Later Cholas, Mysore Kingdom and the British. It is situated at the centre of the South Indian Peninsula and is a major textile and knit wear hub contributing to 90% of total cotton knit wear exports from India.

Make sure you don’t miss the Thirumoorthy Dam & Temple when you visit Tiruppur. Located on the Thirumoorthy hills, the Thirumoorthy Temple, Thirumoorthy Dam and Panchalingam waterfall are Tirupur’s most famous sightseeing locations. The name Thirumoorthy signifies the three Hindu deities namely, Lord Vishnu, Lord Shiva and Lord Brahma. Right outside the temple is a huge rock which is believed to have rolled down during a flood and has a sculpture of a Jain priest carved upside down. At just a short walk of about 1.2 miles (2 km) you will reach the Dam where you can spend some time boating. While you are at it, trek 1.8 miles (3 km) uphill to see the exotic Panchalingam falls.

Maintained by the Architectural Society of India (ASI), the ancient Sugriveswar temple is believed to have been built between the 10th-12th century on the banks of the Noyyal River. Also known as the Sukreeswarar Temple, it is situated at Sarkar Periyapalayam on the outskirts of Tiruppur city. The temple consists of two towers – Vimanam for Lord Shiva and Amman. The Amman temple boasts neatly carved stone architecture from the Pandya dynasty while the Vimanam Shiva temple reflects the architectural style of the Chola Dynasty. This temple is renowned for having two Nandi statues in front of the Shiva Temple, five Lingas outside the temple, one of which is invisible and the main gate opens in the south direction instead of the east.

The Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary also known as the Annamalai Wildlife Sanctuary, is one of India’s unexplored terrains. It is a vast expanse, encompassing different ranges, including grasslands, plateaus, deep valleys, farms, waterfalls, national parks, teak forests and water reservoirs. It also contains several endangered species and has various peaks over 6,500 feet (1981 meters).

Locally known as the Karunaiyaaththaal Temple, Avinasilingeswarar Temple and Avainasiappar Temple, the Avinashi temple is dedicated to the Hindu god, Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Reflecting architecture reminiscent of ancient India this temple was built in the Chola dynasty.

The best time to visit Tiruppur is between September and January.

Tirunelveli
Located on the west bank of the Thamirabarani River, the district of Tirunelveli is where both sides of my grandparents migrated to Mumbai in the early forties.

Also known as Nellai and during British rule as Tinnevelly, Tirunelvi’s downtown is located on the west bank of the Thamirabarani River; its twin Palayankottai is on the east bank. Palayamkottai is called as the Oxford of the south India as it is a hub of many schools, colleges and many important government offices. Tirunelveli is an ancient city, and is more than 2000 years old. The city is believed to be an ancient settlement of great importance. It has been ruled at different times by the Early Pandyas, the Medieval and Later Cholas, the later Pandyas, the Ma’bar , the Vijayanagar Empire, the Madurai Nayaks, Chanda Sahib, the Karnatic kingdom and the British. The Polygar War, involving Palaiyakkarars led by Veerapandiya Kattabomman and forces of the British East India Company, was waged on the city’s outskirts from 1797 to 1801.

When in Tirunelveli, don’t miss the Nellaiappar temples, the origins of which this temple dedicated to the Hindu deity Shiva are found in the ancient texts of the Puranas. The gopuram of Nellaiappar Temple is said to be built by Muluthukanda Rama Pandiyan and the rest of the Nindraseer Nedumaran. The two temples were linked in 1647 AD by Thiru Vadamalaiappa Pillaiyan by building the chain Mandapam. The Dravidian architecture is well exemplified in this temple and the musical pillars are one of the amazing aspects of the design aesthetics of the temple.

Another ancient temple is the Sankaranarayanan koil, another temple dedicated to Lord Shiva which is said to be 900 years old. The main deity here is the Sankaranarayanan which is a combined form of Shiva and Vishnu. The gopuram is a massive dome which is 135 feet high and has 9 tiers. The temple is best visited during the festival of Adi Tapas which is celebrated between the months of July and August.

Located in the temple village of Krishnapuram, the Venkatachalapathy Temple is one of the major temples in the city. The temple site although is considered to be 9000 years old the current structure dates back to being 700 years old. The temple is adorned with a brightly coloured gopuram and is one of the few temples dedicated to Venkatachalapathy, a form of the Hindu deity Lord Vishnu.

The small town of Papanasam is one of the most popular picnic spots in Tirunelveli. Large acres of lush green paddy fields surround the town and the town is a home to 108 types of medicinal herbs that are not found anywhere in the world. The various dams, rivers and waterfalls here are considered to be major tourist attractions and are a home to several species of migratory birds. The Manjolai Hills are a must visit to experience amazing views of the surrounding landscapes.

The Kutralam falls also is also a favourite of the people of Tirunelvi. More details about this in a separate post.

The best time to visit Tirunelveli is between October and February

Travel Bucket List – India: Tamil Nadu Part 1

Posted on January 13, 2020 by memoriesandsuch

When I visited some cities and towns in Tamil Nadu last year during my holiday, I was totally blown away by the art and architecture in this state. This state, which literally means “Land of the Tamils” is my ancestral state. Both sides of my grandparents moved from villages here to what was then known as Bombay to earn a living. I have not visited much of this state, but after this trip, it has become part of my bucket list.

Tamil Nadu lies in the southernmost part of the Indian subcontinent and is bordered by the union territory of Puducherry and the South Indian states of Kerala, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh. It is bounded by the Eastern Ghats on the north, by the Nilgiri Mountains, the Meghamalai Hills, and Kerala on the west, by the Bay of Bengal in the east, by the Gulf of Mannar and the Palk Strait on the southeast, and by the Indian Ocean on the south. The state shares a maritime border with the nation of Sri Lanka.

The region was ruled by several empires, including the three great empires – Chera, Chola and Pandyan empires, which shape the region’s cuisine, culture, and architecture. The British Colonial rule during the modern period led to the emergence of Chennai, then known as Madras, as a world-class city. Modern-day Tamil Nadu was formed in 1956 after the reorganisation of states on linguistic lines. The state is home to a number of historic buildings, multi-religious pilgrimage sites, hill stations and three World Heritage sites.
Tamil Nadu is the tenth largest Indian state by area and the sixth largest by population. The economy of Tamil Nadu is the second-largest state economy in India in gross domestic product and the state has the sixth highest ranking among Indian states in the human development index. It was ranked as one of the top seven developed states in India based on a “Multidimensional Development Index” in a 2013 report published by the Reserve Bank of India. Its official language is Tamil, (which is also my mother tongue) which is one of the longest-surviving classical languages in the world.

Chennai
As with other states, we will start our journey from the capital city of Chennai, which was earlier called Madras and is often called the ‘Cultural Capital of India’. Chennai is the fourth largest metropolis in the country with a population of over 8 million. The present city was founded in 1639, by Sir Francis Day, who arrived with East India Company. The British East India Company established a fort and a trading post at the small fishing village of Chennai. Located on the Coromandel coast of Bay of Bengal, Chennai is as dynamic as it is immersed in tradition, a major city and industrial centre.

The region around Chennai has served as an important administrative, military, and economic centre since the 1st century AD. It has been ruled by various South Indian dynasties, notably the Pallava, the Chola, the Pandya, and Vijaynagara. The area where the present city exists was awarded to British by Damerla Chennapa Nayaka who a general under Vijayanagaras ruled from Chandragiri, near Tirupathi. The name Chennai believed to be derived from the Chennakesava Perumal Temple present in the city.

The city is famous for its beaches, museums, parks, temples and several historical places around the city. The major tourist places in Chennai include Marina Beach, the second largest urban beach in the world, Govt Museum, Parthasarathy Temple, Kapaleeswaraar Temple, San Thome Cathedral, etc. There are several other attractions in the vicinity of Chennai like Elliot Beach, VGP Golden Beach, Mahabalipuram, Pulicat Lake, Muttukadu, etc. Kanchipuram, the famous historical & pilgrimage town is situated close to Chennai. Chennai’s skyline is famous for its towering skyscrapers, but the heart of Chennai has an old-world charm to it that refuses to be overshadowed.

One of the most visited Indian cities by foreign tourists, Chennai houses almost 2467 heritage buildings within the metropolitan area – highest within any city limit in the country. The Mylapore and Triplicane areas are famous for their beautiful, serene temples and delicious cuisine, while North Chennai areas like Sowcarpet are dotted with shops selling everything under the sun, including clothes, bicycles, food and electronic items.
Vestiges of the British rule like the stunning Madras University and Queen Mary’s College, the Ripon Building and the museums are lovely examples of the Indo-Saracenic style of architecture that the metropolitan is known for. The modern metropolis of Chennai – a buzzing city of glorious beaches, monuments standing as a testament to the time, and the people who have preserved age-old traditions – is sure to sneak its way into your hearts.
Some of the places which you must not miss in your trip to Chennai include:

Marina Beach: Marina Beach is a natural urban beach along the Bay of Bengal. The beach is stretched out to a distance of 13 kilometres making it the longest natural urban beach in the country, second largest in the world and also the most crowded beach in India with almost 30,000 visitors a day. With a white sandy shore that looks as though extending to infinity, the landscape of Marina Beach is a mesmerising and serene sight to behold. The beach has a primarily sandy terrain and is dotted with plenty of merry-go-rounds and shops selling souvenirs. Watching the sun crawl upwards into the sky or even disappear into the ocean from the beach, is an awe-striking and enchanting experience.

Elliot’s Beach: Elliot’s Beach aka “Besant Nagar Beach” or “Bessie” is located in Besant Nagar, Chennai. It forms the end-point of the Marina Beach shore and is named after Edward Elliot (who was once the Chief Magistrate, Superintendent of Madras and Governor of Chennai during the British times). It has the Velankanni Church and the Ashtalakshmi Kovil in the vicinity. The mesmerising beach is one of the cleanest beaches in the city of Chennai. Located towards the south of Marina Beach, an incredibly calm and tranquil place, it does not offer much activity hence, is an ideal spot for long walks. Moreover, the beach is perfect for the ones who want to soak their feet in the splashing sea water and lose themselves entirely in the arms of nature. Elliot’s Beach is quite famous among the tourists as well as locals. In the colonial times, it was a place limited to white people. The beach is often visited by travellers for sunbathing, relaxing and visiting the famous ancient monuments nearby. It is usually less crowded than the famous Marina Beach and hence, preferred by the travellers. During the evening hours, one can spot various youngsters roaming around the beach as this beach offers the perfect retreat, away from the city life of metropolitan.

Government Museum: The Government Museum was established in 1851 and is the second oldest museum in the country after the Indian Museum in Kolkata. Situated in Egmore suburb of Chennai, it is built in the Indo-Sarcenic style and houses a rich collection of the works of Raja Ravi Varma.

Dakshinachitra Museum: The Museum, is one of the living-history museums in India. It stores in itself great works of architecture, crafts, performing arts, and lifestyles that belong to South India. The museum has its vision and mission to promote the cultures of South Indian states by making them more engaging and enjoyable for its viewers. The heritage museum is home to 4,220 artefacts and 1,000,000 pictures. Visiting here will give you an in-depth knowledge of south Indian heritage. Developed in the form of a village, it showcases the traditional lifestyle of South Indians. It is a collection of 18 authentic houses, each having its own contextual exhibition. These homes are purchased, broken down, transported and lastly reconstructed by professional artisans or Stapathis who belong to the places from where the houses are bought. Moreover, Dakshina Chitra itself means the ‘house of south’. Do visit the Dakshinachitra Museum to explore and learn about the life and history of South India which is also a very good starting point for your south Indian adventures.

Arignar Anna Zoological Park: Perhaps one of the most popular picnic spots in the city, the Arignar Zoological Park or Vandalur Zoo is an amazing place to discover the flora and fauna of the region. A favourite weekend spot with both children and adults alike, the Arignar Zoo is situated at a distance of 32 kilometres from Chennai city. It is one of the largest zoo of its kind in South East Asia and is sprawled over an area of 1260 acres. In addition to having an extensive collection of endemic and exotic animals, visitors can experience the wild first hand with a trip to safari parks where lions and deer can be easily spotted. Housing as many as 138 different species of organisms, this destination is every nature lover’s paradise. The zoo is also home to a variety of animals such as Himalayan brown bear, lion, tiger, elephant and Indian civit cat.

Fort St. George: The origin of the great white structure of Fort St. George is inextricable from the history of the city of Chennai itself. Popularly called the ‘White Town’, the sole purpose of establishing the massive fort compound was to establish a British stronghold in the Coromandel Coast and the rest of south India. With Fort St. George as a British headquarter, it was easier to develop the many small towns and villages in Tamil Nadu. The now bustling city of Chennai grew up around this fort during this time, under the British-conferred name Madras. The fort itself is the first British garrison settlement in India. It also houses the first British official residential complex, the Clive House which was the home of the Commander-in-chief and the orchestrator of British India, Lord Robert Clive. St Mary’s Church inside the fortress is also the oldest Anglican Church, not only in India but among all the landmasses east of Suez. The grand fort is now protected by the Archaeological Survey of India and the station of Tamil Nadu Government. The administrative branches and legislative assembly are housed in here today. However, the church and a museum are open to the public. The building which houses the museum used to be the location for the Madras Bank since 1795. However, after independence, it is serving as a large collection house of more than 3600 artefacts dating back to the entire period of the British rule – weapons, letters, coins, silverware, ceremonial dresses, medals, some personal items of the residents of the fort and many more.

Santhome Church: The significance of San Thome Church is unparalleled in the history of Christianity in India. The church, which was once constructed as a mausoleum in memory of Saint Thomas, has now grown to be a Basilica, as stated by the then Pope in 1956. San Thome Church is among the only three in the world that house the tombs of one of Christ’s original disciples. The other two are St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City and Santiago de Compostela Cathedral in Galicia, Spain. Beneath the towering white structure of the basilica minor lies the last remains of the saint, who once used to be one of the twelve apostles of Christ and came over to India in 52 AD to spread the religion. He is considered to be the patron saint of Christianity in India, as he converted a large population of locals in Kerala and Tamil Nadu with his wise words and preaching, and formed the community which now calls themselves Syrian Christians.

Kapaleeswarar Temple: A holy shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva, the Kapaleeshwarar temple is located in the heart of Chennai’s traditional district of Mylapore. Originally built by the mighty Pallavas, Portuguese explorers destroyed the temple and it was rebuilt around the 16th century by the Vijayanagar kings. A visit to this temple will be an experience enriched with a glimpse into Tamil religious culture and the lovely architectural combination of the two styles – Dravidian and Vijaynagari, complete with towering Gopurams. There is also a sacred tank on the western side. The temple has quite a few legends about it, which are till date upheld by the authorities in the form of sculptures and inscriptions. In fact, to commemorate the myth of Goddess Parvati worshipping Shiva at this place as a fowl, there is a couple of peahen and peacock kept as a pet inside the temple premises. The regal temple also remembers the Tamil Shaivite saint poets Nayaars and has shrines for each one of them. All the 63 idols of the poets are paid due respect in the Brahmotsav festival that takes place every year somewhere between mid-March to mid-April.

Vadapalani Murugan Temple: A highly frequented places of worship for Hindus in Chennai, the Vadapalani Murugan Temple has its roots fixed in numerous legends and myths, especially about its founder and first priest Annaswamy Naikar. He had a dream about this deed he must do for his good as well as the benefit of the society, and thus he started worshipping Lord Murugan at his home instead of trying to find him elsewhere. This small shrine was later transformed into the colossal premise with multiple deities that you can see today. The temple is known for helping devotees finding solutions to life’s problems. People come here seeking answers to their marital, academic and professional problems. Many devotees claim that worshipping here has assisted them to get over the trouble and find peace in life. It is also believed that worshipping Lord Murugan here is as pious as praying to him at the original Palani temple. If someone is unable to visit the original abode, they can pay their respects here, and Murugan will bless them all the same. Vadapalani Murugan Temple has a rich history and an ornate architecture and is also enriched with people’s faiths from all-over the country. If you visit the temple on any of the days of the special festivals, you will get to see the popularity Murugan has in this place.

Ashtalakshmi Temple: Located a few meters from Elliot’s Beach or Besant Nagar Beach, the Ashtalakshmi Temple where the main deity is Ashtalakshmi or the Goddess of Wealth and Knowledge resides here and blesses everyone who visits the temple to offer their prayers. The continuous sound of the ocean waves echo in the temple complex and instantly inculcate an aura of peace. The Ashtalakshmi Temple complex is built to worship eight avatars of Goddess Lakshmi namely Wealth, Success, Prosperity, Bravery, Courage, Knowledge, Food and Offspring. It was built when Sri Maha Periyaval or the Sage of Kanchi Mutt, Sri Chandrasekara Saraswati Swamigal had wished for it to be constructed. The followers willingly agreed and laid the foundation with utmost devotion. Goddess Lakshmi is known for granting Ashtama Siddhi and Astha Iswaryam which mean eightfold achievements and wealth respectively.

Parthasarathy Temple: The Parthasarathy Temple, located in Triplicane area of the city, is a structure more than 1000 years old, standing in the heart of the bustling city. Dedicated to different avatars of Lord Vishnu within the many shrines of the temple, it attracts thousands of Vaishanvite followers from all across the country. The temple gets its name from the charioteer version of Lord Krishna when he drove the vehicle of Arjuna in the war. Parthasarathy Temple is classified as one of the 108 Divya Desams or holy shrines dedicated to Vishnu, as mentioned in the canonical Tamil literature penned down by the Alvar saints of the 6th-9th century, known as Divya Prabandha. The temple houses five different forms of Vishnu – Narasimha, Rama, Gajendra Varadaraja, Ranganatha and Krishna. In Tamil, they have different names for these. There are numerous additional shrines as well, enclosed within the 8th-century Dravidian architecture.

Marundeeswarar Temple: The magnificent Marundeeswarar Temple, in Tiruvanmiyur, near Chennai has the temple deity Shiva in the form of Marundeeswar or Aushadeeswarar, the God of Medicines. A fine specimen of Dravidian architecture, this temple is a must visit for anyone visiting Chennai. Glorified in the 7th-8th century by Nayanars (Saivite Saints), Tirugnana Sambandar, and Appar, the temple was expanded by the Chola Kingdom in the 11th century. Moreover, given the name, Marundeeswarar Temple has been a place of worship especially for people with diseases and those facing various problems with their health. The prasadam here is a mixture of sacred ash, water, and milk which is believed to cure any ailments. One must visit the temple to encounter the miraculous power it is said to have. Amongst the many legends associated with the temple, one of them explains why Lord Marundeeswarar is known as he is because he is said to have taught the great Sage Agastya about a magical medicine. The temple is also known for its one and a half ft. self-manifested Shivalinga. It also contains the statues of Lord Vinayaka and Lord Muruga. Furthermore, it hosts many festivals such as Shivrathri, Skanda Sashti, and Vinayaka Chaturti. Hence, the temple even has a festive aura all around the year.

Mylapore: The oldest and most culturally enriched neighbourhoods of Chennai and located in the southern end, the heart of the city lies Mylapore. The area precedes the birth of Chennai or Madras, as the British named it, by at least some 1500 years. The city had already seen a lot of eventful history pass by even before the British stepped on this land. Mylapore is also very much traditionalist to its core and boasts of many temples, churches and historical monuments. At the same time, it is also stepping up to match the modern world with shopping malls, tree-lined beautified avenues and other attractions to meet the expectations of the urban tourists. Mylapore has a native name as well. It is called Thirumayilai by the locals, which is taken from a Tamil word meaning “the land of the peacock’s scream”. It is an undeniable ode to a large number of peacocks which once roamed the land of Mylapore before commercialisation took over. The presence of peacocks is evident from the architectural designs of the Kapaleeswarar Temple or the San Thome Church – two ancient sites of the neighbourhood. Mylapore has its mention in several accounts by writers, poets, explorers and folklores that have roots in the ancient time. From European colonising groups to explorers like Marco Polo to Tamil Saivite poets, there are praises of this old city and its splendour everywhere. A visit to the important sites in Mylapore as well as a look around the neighbourhood itself should be on every traveller’s list who is visiting Chennai. In one word, Mylapore can be called the nerve centre of the city.

T Nagar: One of the busiest neighbourhoods in Chennai, T Nagar is also the most crowded one. It serves as a commercial and economic hub, as well as a residential area. T Nagar is essentially a complete commercial crux within Chennai in itself. It does not have many attractions, but you will come across a plethora of retail shops lined up on every main road and arterial streets. The neighbourhood mostly trades in traditional south Indian textiles and gold jewellery shops. Usman Road is famous for its stretch of jewellery shops, while the Pondy Bazaar area deals with a number famous apparel stores selling silk saris and other garments, as well as roadside shops. Other than that, there are a few parks and religious places, which you can pay a visit to if you feel like. There are some parks too for a peaceful afternoon stroll. The T Nagar area grew up in between the years 1923 and 1925. It was constructed by the Madras Presidency Government of the Raja of Panagal as a part of the Madras Town Planning Act, 1920. The main area was named after the then party leader Sir P. Theagarya Chetty, and the streets and localities after different dignitaries. After the Long Tank, which formed the western boundary of the city was drained out in 1923, the Mambalam Zamindari situated to its west relinquished. From its southern part, the neighbourhood was carved out.