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There are several
tourist attractions worth visiting in and around Chennai.
Stretched over an area of 13 km, Marina Beach is the second
longest beach in the world. The St.
 George
Fort, built in 1653, is currently used as the state government's
secretariat. Santhome Cathedral was built around 14th/15th
century and is another colonial structure worth visiting.
Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the Kapaleeshwar Temple is the oldest
temple in Chennai. Another important temple in the city
dedicated to Lord Krishna is Parthsarthy Temple. The National
Art Gallery, initially known as Victoria Memorial Hall, houses a
good collection of old paintings and sculptures. The Snake Park
has a large collection of snakes and many other reptiles. The
Theosophical Society is located in large and tranquil gardens
with several shrines of different faiths and a Serene Garden of
Remembrance. Nearby is the Kalakshetra, which was founded by
Rukmini Devi Arundale for the revival of Indian classical arts
and crafts traditions.
Parthsarthy Temple
The temple was built in the 8th century by the Pallava
kings of South India. It was renovated by the mighty Vijayanagar
kings in the 16th century. The temple, situated in Triplicane,
another beach in Chennai and one of the major harbours during
Pallava time, is famed for the beauty of its gopuram (arched
gateway) and its architecture. The entire locality is fashioned
around the temple.
Kapaleeshwar Temple
 This
temple was constructed in the 13th century and is a living
example of the architectural skills of the Dravidians. Situated
in the Malaypore area of Chennai, the temple is the nucleus of
the local tank market and residential quarters around it. The
main entrance facing east is painted in red, blue and yellow
with Puranic legends sculpted on the sanctum sanctorum.
Santhome Cathedral
Built over the tomb of apostle St. Thomas, the Santhome
Cathedral is an important pilgrimage centre. According to
legends, St. Thomas arrived in India from Palestine in AD 52 and
died after 26 year. The church was built after a millennium,
probably by the Persian Christians, and his remains were moved
inside. The church was refurbished in 1606 and made into a
cathedral. Again, in 1806, it was rebuilt as a basilica. There
is a museum in its premises with a 16th-century map of South
Asia.
Fort St. George
The most powerful symbol of the British Empire in its
early days in India, Fort St. George was the first piece of real
estate for British in India. For many, it is still unclear that
why Sir Day (the founder) choose this place to build this
important fort, leaving many other picturesque locations on the
vast coastline of the Bay of Bengal. The fort has a grey granite
exterior unlike the Mughal forts that has lavish ornamentation
and luxury. It housed barracks for the British army, a parade
ground, and the oldest church of Chennai-the St. Mary's Church.
Marina Beach
 The
beach extends from Fort St. George all the way to Mahabalipuram.
The beach looks spectacular at dusk when the setting sun casts
iridescent glow and peddlers sell everything from ice creams to
roasted peanuts to balloons. You can also read your future from
the fortune tellers and palm readers who lure the visitors by
various means. Don't try to show your swimming skills here as
the sea can get quite rough here.
National Art Gallery
Built in 1906, the gallery is situated in a splendid
Indo-Saracenic edifice. The building was initially known as
Victoria Memorial Hall and was designed by Henry Irwin. The
eminent historian Tillotson described it as one of "the proudest
expressions of the Indo-Sarcenic movement". 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
The Snake Park situated in the Guindy National Park in
the Raj Bhavan Estate has a large collection of snakes and many
other reptiles.
The Theosophical Society was founded by Madam Blavatsky and
Colonel Olcott in New York in 1875 and moved its headquarters to
Chennai in 1882. The society is set in large and tranquil
gardens with several shrines of different faiths and a Serene
Garden of Remembrance.
Kalakshetra, located around 1 km from the Theosophical Society,
was founded by Rukmini Devi Arundale for the revival of Indian
classical arts and crafts traditions. |