Chennai and Nearby Places

Relatively clean, more traditional, ever growing, wider roads, moving traffic and one of the big cities of India. Many tourists from across the world visit Chennai for spirituality, culture and health care. Madarasapattinam (In Tamil - "மதராசபட்டினம்") is the old name and now it is called Chennai.

There are plenty of places to see in and around Chennai. This blog will help you list all such important places and tips to plan. With beautiful photos of these places, I am sure you will love to plan your trip soon with your family. I also have listed few important fairs, festivals and events in Chennai.

This blog also covers major Weekend breaks from Chennai. More than 65+ places covered "In and around Chennai". 

Few important things to consider

Please don't plan your visit around summer i.e. Feb till June, it will be very hot. Other months are fine. Start early in the morning to visit the temples around. At places like Kapaleeswarar temple or Paarthasarathy temple you may not find a parking lot late in morning. But you might get few if you are there before 7AM morning, so plan accordingly. You can choose cabs i.e. Ola, Uber, etc to roam around local Chennai and for shopping and places, if you are not sure about parking spaces.

For divine/spiritual books, Indian Music CDs, Arts and Idols, Handicrafts you can try Giri Trading at Mylapore which is right opposite to Kapaleeswarar Temple.

How to plan, Tips

If you are spiritual and like temples, then you have plenty. I have only listed few important temples and not all here. And if you don't like temples, then you have Shopping places, Beaches, Resorts, Zoo etc. I would recommend minimum of 4 to 5 full days to visit everything listed in this blog.

I have grouped the places in each direction to plan better. For temple visits, plan to start early morning till 12.30 noon. Take a break in noon somewhere and start again by 4PM in evening. I always reach the farthest place  in the list first,  in the direction and start visiting from backwards. You may not have plenty of food options when you are in outskirts of Chennai visiting the temples, so carry your own food.

For the places inside Chennai, I have not given distance as it depends on from where you start. For places around Chennai, I have given the distances.

If you have a binoculars, carry it always with you to see the beautiful sculptures on top of each of the Temple Tower. They are so beautiful and well painted.

Note: For each of the place listed below, the Google Map link is provided, just click it to open the maps.

Food and Tamil Cuisine

Don't forget to try the local traditional food i.e. Idiyappam, Idly-Sambar-Chutney combination, Dosa, Uthappam, Sweet and Kara Pongal, Vadai, Puttu, Vazhai Ilai Meals for Lunch (Plantain leaves lunch), Rasam, Payasam, Kuzhi-Paniyaram, Millet varieties ...etc. At the end try Filter Coffee. Poovan, Karpuravalli Banana are tasty and they are local produce. Don't get stuck with one option, use Google to search for all best options and reviews to decide. When you visit Kapaleeswarar temple, try this Bharathi Mess which is on left side when you stand facing the main east tower.

Don't forget to visit this Wiki to understand more about Tamil cuisine. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tamil_cuisine

Stay options

There are plenty of options ranging from Economic to Luxury hotels. As I always suggest, review sites will help finalizing the one for you and also choose a good place to move around. In case you have a car, look for parking space within the hotel premises.

I have listed below, almost all of the important places to visit in and around Chennai. Read below further for how to plan and tips. You will see the Google Map links for each of the place listed below. Also grouped them according to direction to plan them easily. All these places are generally categorized into the following:

1. Historical Monuments, 2. Temples, 3. Beaches, 4. Shopping, Museums and Art Galleries, 
5. Important events - Music festivals, 6. Recreational options and Beach resorts, 7. Family Getaways, 8. Bird photography

Below are the major grouping of all the places:

A. Places towards ECR / OMR and Pondicherry Road [12 places]

B. Places towards Andhra Pradesh from Chennai [5 places]

C. Places towards Vilupuram or Trichy Road from Chennai [7 places]

D. Places towards Sriperumbudur road from Chennai [5 places]

E. Places Inside Chennai [15 places]

F. Beaches of Chennai [5 beaches]

G. Important Places Around Chennai [10+ places]

H. Places for Recreation and Beach Resorts [5+ places]

I. Important Events at Chennai [3 main events]

J. Bird Photography [Multiple]

A. Places towards ECR / OMR / Pondicherry Road

1. [Temple/Historical] Tiruporur Arulmigu Kandaswamy Temple  Believed to be a 10th Century temple and rebuilt at 17th century by Chidambara swamigal who is a Tamil poet. The main deity is 7 feet tall, The image of Murugan is believed to have been discovered under a palm leaf. There is a palm leaf maintained in the temple, which is believed to have been the original palm leaf. Arunagiri Nathar who is a 16th century saint mentioned about this temple in "Thirupugazh". 
2. [Temple/Historical] Thirukazhukundram Vedagiriswarar Hill Temple and Thiripurasundari Amman Temple on foothills The temple on foot hills resembles Thiruvannamalai Temple and the one on hill is an ancient temple. Saints - Appar, Sundarar, Thirugnana Sambandar and Manicka Vasagar mentioned about this temple in Thevaram and Thiruvasagam. Two eagles visit here to feed on the food offered by temple priests. Close to 600+ steps and there is a Rock cut cave temple as well when you climb down. There is big tank, where a conch will appear naturally once in 12 years. 
3. [Historical Monument] Mamallapuram sea shore temples,Krishna butter ball, Cave Temples, Light house...etc Group of monuments belong to 7th and 8th century CE. There are many rock cut cave temples and beautiful sculptures. 
4. [Temple/Historical] Thirukadal Mallai or Sri Sthala Sayana Perumal Temple - One of 108 Divya Sthalams,  Near Sea shore temple This is very close to the Sea shore temple in Mahabalipuram, very ancient temple for the Lord Vishnu. One of 108 Divya Sthalams. There were seven temples in this area but all six went inside the sea but only this remain now. 
5. [Family Getaway] Crocodile Bank
6. [Family Getaway] Muttukadu Boat house, Kelambakkam
7. [Family Getaway] Adyar Banyan tree and Adyar Theosophical Society 450 year old Banyan tree, one of the largest in world, occupies one acre of land i.e. 40,000 square feet
8. [Temple/Historical] Thiruvanmiyur Marundeeswarar Temple 9th century temple, It is said that Saint Valmiki who wrote Ramayana worshiped Lord Shiva here. Saint Thiru Navukarasar and Arunagirinathar mentioned about this temple. 
9. [Temple] Ashta Lakshmi Temple - Built during 1976, dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi and her eight primary forms i.e. Santhanalakshmi, Vijayalakshmi, Vidyalakshmi, Gajalakshmi, Dhanalakshmi, Aadilakshmi, Dhaanya lakshmi and Dharyalakshmi
10. [Heritage Museum] Dakshina Chitra Heritage museum - http://www.dakshinachitra.net/ Dedicated to South Indian heritage and culture. Must see place. Has 18 heritage houses representing living styles of different states of South India. 
11. [Bird Photography] Pallikkaranai Marshland for Bird watching, photography
12. [Art/Crafts] Cholamandal Artists Village, Artists commune - Sculptors, Painters, Handicrafts  - http://www.cholamandalartistvillage.com/

Majestic Temple Tower of Tiripura Sundari Amman Temple, Thirukazhukundram

Beautiful view of Thirukazhukundram Temple and the Hill

Entrance view of Thirukazhukundram Temple and Hill on the background

Do you see the Kaathigai Deepam in front of you and the view of Tiripura Sundari Amman Temple below?

View of Temple Tank and the Thirukazhukundram Hill Temple 

Looking similar to Thiruvannamalai Temple Towers

Do you see the small road with the tress on both sides? I am sure to try my luck for a Bird photography there !!

Conch Theertha at Thirukazhukundram Temple, Conch appear every 12 years, Last appeared on September 1st 2011, next shall be on September 1st 2023?

Rock cut cave temple for Lord Shiva by Mahendra Varman, during 610 A.D

Information board about the Rock Cut Cave Temple

View of the Rock Cut Cave Temple and the Steps leading down the Hill

Thiruporur Kandaswamy temple Tank

Do you see all those Nayanmars who worshiped this temple and mentioned in their work? 

View of the Temple Tower - Kandaswamy Temple, Thiruporur

Aerial View of Sea shore temple Mahabalipuram Chennai

Nakula Sahadeva Ratha Mahabalipuram

Ranganatha Rock cut cave Mahablipuram

Vamana Rock cut cave Mahabalipuram

Krishna's Butterball Mahabalipuram

Arjuna's Penance Mahabalipuram 

Seashore Temple Mahabalipuram 

Without proper tools this would not be possible? 

Sculptors on the way OMR Road Near Mahabalipuram

Sculptors on the way OMR Road Near Mahabalipuram

Sthala Sayana Perumal Temple Tower Mahabalipuram

Sthala Sayana Perumal Temple Tower Mahabalipuram

View of Muttukadu Boat House

Typical Chettinad House at Dakshina Chitra

Typical Chettinad House at Dakshina Chitra

Places towards Andhra Pradesh from Chennai

1. [Temple/Historical] Thiruthani Murugan Temple [92 Kms from Chennai]. One of the six temples (Arupadai Veedu) for Lord Murugan. This temple has been mentioned in the Sangam period work Tirumurugaatruppadai composed by Nakkeerar. 
2. [Temple/Historical] Kalahasthi Kalahastheeswarar Temple [115 Kms from Chennai]. One of the most famous 5th century temple for Lord Shiva. Here is where the hunter, devotee Kannappa offered his eyes to Lord Shiva. The main gopuram or tower is 120 feet high. Also this is one of the temple for "Pancha-Bhootha sthalam" for Air. Nakeerar, Appar, Sundarar, Thirugnana Sambandar, Manickavasagar mentioned about this temple. 
3. [Bird Photography] Pulicat Salt Lake for watching Flamingoes and few other birds [95Kms from Chennai].
4. [Temple/Historical] Tirupathi Venkateshwara Swamy Temple [135 Kms from Chennai]. One of the World Famous and Richest temple for its wealth. Upto 1 Lakh devotees visit in a day, 30 to 40 million devotees visit in a year. One of the 108 Divya Desams. 
5. [Temple/Historical] Sholinghur Lakshmi Narasimha Temple [108 Kms from Chennai] One of the 108 Divya Desams, situated on a small hill with 1400+ steps, dedicated to Lord Narasimha. Very famous in the region. 

View of Thiruthani Murugan Temple

Thiruthani Murugan Temple Tower

Kalahasti Kalahastheeswarar Temple View

View of the Kalahasti Kalahastheeswarar Temple Tower

Another view of Kalahasthi Temple

Temple of Kannappa who gave his eyes to Lord Shiva

Kalahasthi Temple View from Kannappa Temple

Places towards Vilupuram or Trichy Road

1. [Family Getaway] Vandalur Zoo (or) Arignar Anna Zoological Park Largest zoological park in India. Cycles available on rental inside to go around which is a plus. Visit their official website for live cameras. https://www.aazp.in/
2. [Family Getaway] Birla Planetarium, Kotturpuram
3. [Temple/Historical] Kundrathur - Thiru Uraga Perumal Temple ("Ooraga" or Uraga) [32 Kms from Chennai] Replica of Lord Venkatachalapathy of Tirupathi Tirumala. 
4. [Temple/Historical] Kundrathur - Thiru Kandhazheeswarar Temple [32 Kms from Chennai] Built around 1214 AD, just few meters away from Lord Murugan Temple and Uraga Perumal Temple. 
5. [Temple/Historical] Kundrathur - Murugan Temple  [32 Kms from Chennai] Arunagiri Nathar mentioned about this temple in Thirupugazh. This is the only temple in Tamil Nadu where main deity is facing North
6. [Temple/Historical] Thiruneermalai Kshetram Temple [28 Kms from Chennai] One of the 108 Divya Desams, It has four different shrines 1. Kidandhan - reclining "Ranganatha", 2. Nadandhan - walking "Ulagalanda Perumal", 3. Irundhan - sitting "Lord Narasimha" and 4. Nindran - standing "Neer Vanna perumal"
7. [Temple/Historical] Thirunindravur Ennai Petra Thayar Sametha Bhathavatsala Perumal Temple. [34 Kms from Chennai] 8th century temple, got a mention in Divya Prabandham. One of the 108 Divya Sthalams. Main deity is 10 feet high. Behind this temple, there is a Yeri Katha Ramar Temple (Yeri means Lake and Katha means protected) which is almost 8 feet high

Lion at Vandalur Zoo 

Did you look at the tongue ? 

Chimpanzee at Vandalur Zoo

Kundrathur Thiru Ooraga Perumal Temple

Temple Tower - Kundrathur Thiru Ooraga Perumal Temple

Kandhazheeswarar Temple Kundrathur

Kundrathur Subramanya Swamy Temple

Thiruneermalai Ranganathaswamy Temple

Thiruneermalai Ranganatha Perumal Temple Tower

Thiruneermalai Ranganatha Perumal Temple History

Thiruneermalai Ranganatha Perumal Temple View

Thirunindravur Bhakthavachala Perumal Temple

Thirunindravur Bhakthavachala Perumal Temple Tower

Places towards Sriperumbudur

1. [Temple/Historical] Thiruvalangadu Vadaranyeswarar Temple [70 Kms from Chennai] More than 1000 to 2000 year old temple, during a dance, Lord picked up the ear ring that was dropped on the floor, with his toe of left leg and fixed it back in ear. This is one of the Pancha Sabhai - Rathina Sabhai. 
2. [Temple/Historical] Adikesava Perumal temple, Sriperumpudur [52 Kms from Chennai] Birthplace of Ramanuja, built during 1572. Mysore Maharaja has endowed a gold plated hall in front of Ramanuja
3. [Temple] Vallakottai Murugan Temple - 7 feet high Murugan  [63 Kms from Chennai] Assumed to be 1000 to 2000 years old and Arunagiri Nathar mentioned about this in Thirupugazh. 
4. [Family Getaway] Chokidhani Rajasthani Cultural Village - https://www.chokhidhanichennai.com/ [45 Kms from Chennai]
5. [Family Getaway] Queensland Amusement Park

Thiruvalangadu Vadaranyeswarar Temple Tower Side view

Thiruvalangadu Vadaranyeswarar Temple Tower

Lord Shiva picking the ear ring using the leg during the dance 

Thiruvalangadu Vadaranyeswarar Temple Thiru Veethi Ula during Thiruvadhirai Festival

Thiruvalangadu Vadaranyeswarar Temple Vandarkuzhali Amman Thiru Veethi Ula during Thiruvadhirai Festival

Here is the Video taken during the Thiruvadhirai festival day and during Thiruveedhi Ula:

Places Inside Chennai

1. [Temple/Historical] Sri Paarthasarathy Temple, Thiruvallikeni or Triplicane
2. [Temple/Historical] Kapaleeswarar Temple, Mylapore
3. [Temple/Historical] Vadapalani Murugan Temple
4. [Temple/Historical] Valluvar Kottam
5. [Family Getaway] Semmozhi Poonga
6. [Family Getaway] Guindy Snake Park
7. [Shopping] Parry's corner for shopping
8. [Shopping] Pandi Bazaar for shopping
9. [Photography/Family Getaway] Kasimedu Fishing Harbour and Market
10. [Family Getaway] Government Museum, Egmore - Second oldest museum with largest Roman antiquities and rare works of Raja Ravi Verma
11. [Educational] Connemara Public Library
12. [Educational] Anna Centenary Library, Kotturpuram
13. [Temple/Historical] Vivekananda House on Marina Beach
14. [Shopping] Phoenix mall Velachery
15. [Shopping] Ranganathan street, T.Nagar for shopping
16. [Spiritual / Books] Sri Ramakrishna Math, Mylapore

Thiruvallikeni Parthasarathy Temple Tower Triplicane

Kapaleeswarar Temple Tower Mylapore Chennai

Closer look at Kapaleeswarar Temple Tower Mylapore Chennai

Nataraja on Kapaleeswarar Temple Tower Mylapore Chennai

Right Side view of Kapaleeswarar Temple Tower Mylapore Chennai

Inner Tower of Kapaleeswarar Temple Mylapore Chennai

Inner Ganesha Tower of Kapaleeswarar Temple Mylapore Chennai

Left Side view of Kapaleeswarar Temple Tower Mylapore Chennai

Kapaleeswarar Temple Tower Mylapore Chennai

Kapaleeswarar Temple Tower Mylapore Chennai

Kapaleeswarar Temple Tower Mylapore Chennai

Kapaleeswarar Temple Tower Mylapore Chennai

Vada Pazhani Murugan Temple Tower

Vada Pazhani Murugan Temple Tower

Adhi Moola Perumal Temple Vada Palani

Kumaran Kundram Murugan

Kumaran Kundram Temple Tower Chrompet Chennai

Kumaran Kundram Temple Chrompet Chennai

Thiruvalluvar at Valluvar Kottam Chennai

Majestc Stone Chariot at Valluvar Kottam Chennai

7 feet High Elephants pulling Stone Chariot at Valluvar Kottam

Top portion view of Stone Chariot and Thiruvalluvar at Valluvar Kottam Chennai

Stone Chariot at Valluvar Kottam Chennai

Information Board at Valluvar Kottam

Vivekananda House Marina Beach Chennai

Beaches in Chennai

1. Marina Beach (Second longest beach 6KMs in world and longest in India) - My Blog on "An Early morning Walk and watching sunrise"
2. Elliot's Beach or Besant Nagar Beach
3. Thiruvanmiyur Beach
4. Covelang Beach or Kovalam Beach
5. Mahabalipuram Beach beside Sea shore Temple

Places for Recreation and Beach Resorts

• Taj Fisherman's Cove Resort and Spa - https://taj.tajhotels.com/en-in/taj-fishermans-cove-chennai/
• Radisson Blu - https://www.radissonblu.com/en/hotel-mamallapuram
• Prarthana Beach Drive In Theatre - http://prarthanadriveintheatre.com/
• MGM Dizzee World - http://www.mgmdizzeeworld.com/parkmap.html
• VGP Golden Beach Resorts - https://vgpgoldenbeachresort.com/
• VGP Marine Kingdom - New addition in 2019, Must see.  Visit their site https://www.vgpmarinekingdom.in/ for all details. 

Important Events at Chennai

• Chennai Book Fair - https://bapasi.com/about/?lang=en (2nd Largest Book fair in India)
• Carnatic Music Festival - https://musicacademymadras.in/
• Kalakshetra Events Calendar - http://www.kalakshetra.in/site/details-of-upcoming-festivals-and-events/  

Places for Bird Photography

There are plenty of places, I would recommend visiting this Wiki "Birding at Chennai" 

Important Places Around Chennai

1. [Temple/Historical] Read my Blog on "Vellore, Rathinagiri and Thiruvannamalai" here. [Approx 140 Kms from Chennai]
2. [Temple/Historical] Parvathamalai (click this link for Google map link), Yet to visit. [Approx 190 Kms from Chennai]
3. [Temple/Historical] Read my Blog on "Kanchipuram City of Temples and Silk" [Approx 75 Kms from Chennai]
4. [Temple/Historical] Tirupathi Venkateshwara Swamy Temple [Approx 134 Kms from Chennai]
5. [Temple/Historical] Sri Kalahasti - Kalahastheeswarar Temple (Find the photos above in this blog) [Approx 113 Kms from Chennai]
6. [Temple/Historical] Thiruthani Murugan Temple (Find the photos above in this blog) [Approx 93 Kms from Chennai]
7. [Small Hill Station] Read my Blog on "Yercaud, Salem and nearby places" [Approx 365 Kms from Chennai]
8. [Destination] Trichy or Tiruchirappalli and Nearby Places - Read my blog [Approx 333 Kms from Chennai]
9. [Temples/Historical] Kumbakonam and Nearby Places - Read my blog [Approx 283 Kms from Chennai]
10. Chidambaram and Nearby Places - Approx 218 Kms from Chennai, Click this link to read my exclusive blog

Few Photos from my Blog on - Vellore, Thiruvannamalai and Rathinagiri

Few photos from my Blog on - Kanchipuram

Few photos from my Blog on - Yercaud, Salem and nearby Places

Few photos from my Blog on Trichy 

Few photos from my blog on - Kumbakonam and nearby places

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