Chennai, one of India's most populous cities, is located in the southern region and is the capital of Tamil Nadu state. Since Chennai is located along the Coromandel Coast of the Bay of Bengal, the weather is hot and humid most of the year.
The commonly spoken language in Chennai is Tamil; however, English and Hindi are also widely spoken.
Chennai's economy is multifaceted, ranging from automobile and software services to textiles and clothing. The city also boasts a thriving tourist industry.
Formerly known as Madras, the city has a rich history and a vibrant culture. It has many temples and churches, a testament to the bygone British colonial era. Before the British arrived, the Dutch and the French ruled the city.
Chennai offers a thriving city life. With various beaches, malls, shopping areas, and restaurants, the city has a lot to offer.
Here is an interesting fact for avid literary fans: Chennai houses Asia's largest library, home to more than 1.2 million books (more on this later).
If you plan to visit Chennai in the summer, there are various ways to get there. Airlines, such as Cathay Pacific, offer direct flights to Chennai. Such long flights often have one stop in between.
In addition, you can take a local flight from anywhere in India to Chennai. The flights take no more than a few hours.
If you are in the mood for adventure and exploration, you can also take a train to Chennai. Traveling via train takes longer, of course, but it allows you to discover the landscape and view the countryside.
The local trains offer convenience and economy for traveling within the city. Chennai is a must-visit place for a trip to Southern India. Here are seven places that you should visit in Chennai during the summer.
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7 Places To Visit in Chennai
Whether you are spending a few days in the city or are just transiting through it, the following sites are a must! Mylapore is Chennai's oldest neighborhood; some say it is about 1,500 years old. Within Mylapore, you will find many temples and historical monuments.
1. Kapaleeswarar Temple
The oldest temple is the Kapaleeswarar Temple, about a thousand years old. It's an iconic landmark that leaves all visitors in awe. The temple is a religious site, but it also hosts cultural events.
2. Velleeswarar Temple
If you visit the Kapaleeswarar Temple, do not miss the nearby Velleeswarar Temple. The temples are around 300 years old and include important deities such as Lord Ganesha and Lord Muruga.
3. Gurubaran Tanjore Art Museum
The museum showcases Tanjore paintings. These paintings are notable for various reasons. One reason is that it uses rich colors and often a gold foil. These paintings depict different scenes as well as deities.
Moreover, it uses glass beads and precious stones. These paintings are made on silk fabric and are local to the region. You can even purchase some of the art pieces.
4. Santhome Church
The Portuguese built the Santhome Church in the 16th century. It is also known as St. Thomas Cathedral Basilica. It is believed to have been made over the shrine of St. Thomas, one of Jesus's apostles, who was buried in Mylapore in 72 AD.
When you enter the church, the most striking feature is the contrast between the white interior and the wooden pews. The official website provides more information regarding the history and significance of the Santhome Church.
Apart from these historical sites, Mylapore offers a rich cultural experience. In addition to the local restaurants, where tourists can try the local cuisine, you can roam around the streets for an immersive experience.
It will take you a good part of the day to visit the various sites in Mylapore.
5. Marina Beach
Spanning over 13 km, Marina Beach is India's largest beach. Since the climate in Chennai is humid throughout the day, the best time to go to the beach is at dusk or early in the day.
You can also avoid the rush during these hours. During this time, you can enjoy the cool breeze coming from the sea. While most people go to the beach to take a dip, swimming is not advised on Marina Beach.
Apart from swimming, there are several activities you can enjoy. Horseback riding is a popular activity. You can also enjoy local snacks from vendors along the beach.
6. Fort St. George
The British constructed the fort in the 1640s to curb the spread of Dutch and French influence in the city. The fort was primarily a trading post. Some say that it was the first British building constructed in India. The St. Mary's Church is inside the fort.
Also, there is Wellesley House (named after one of the Governors General of India). The fort is used as a government building; it recently opened to the public.
7. Anna Centenary Library
An eight-story modern building, Anna Centenary Library, is not where you would find most tourists. The library contains books from various categories and even offers books for the visually impaired.
Moreover, it has a giant children's collection, which is bound to attract children. The library has no entry fee, so tourists can visit it for free.
Chennai offers tourists a unique experience. Remnants of the British colonial era are visible in the city's architecture and the local population.
But what is more striking is the city's historical landscape, which predates modern civilization. To say that the city offers the perfect mix of culture and history is not wrong.
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This story is brought to you in partnership with Cathay Pacific.
