What to do in Chennai

Activities, attractions and tours

Chennai showing a city
Ganesha Ratha which includes art
Chennai
Chennai
Elliot\'s Beach showing a playground and a sandy beach

Chennai Attractions

A world of beauty and allure can be found in Chennai, India. Formerly known as Madras, this city is also full of exciting places and tourist attractions. A detailed map of the city will point you to all of the best places while you are embarking upon your Chennai excursions.

The versatility of this city is one of its most interesting aspects. The old and modern buildings standing next to one another will give you a full sense of this city’s unique qualities. The picturesque water front gives you optimal views of the Bay of Bengal. Chennai is also known as a main industrial center in the country and is even sometimes referred to as the “Detroit of India” due to its involvement in the automobile industry.

While taking Chennai tours, you can stop by one of the top local museums. The National Art Gallery contains exquisite paintings dating back hundreds of years. Magnificent artifacts recovered from archaeological expeditions can be seen inside the Government Museum.

Chennai is also known for its beautiful temples. The elaborate Kapaleshwar Hindu Temple is definitely a must see attraction. Other temples and sacred spots worth checking out include Kalikambal, Vadapalani Murugan, and Shirdi Sai Baba.

The Arignar Anna Zoological Park is another one of the best tourist attractions in Chennai. Monkeys, lions, and tigers are just a few of the animals you can view at this attraction. The park is also home to a variety of exotic birds and reptiles.

All of the exciting things to do in Chennai will surely keep you entertained throughout your visit. You can enjoy all of the wonderful Chennai activities and still have some money to spare when you book your flight, hotel stay, and car rental through Expedia.com.


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What to do in Chennai


Popular places to visit

Explore areas of Chennai

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T Nagar

4/5(17 area reviews)

Travellers come to T Nagar for its abundant dining options, and you can see top attractions like Pondy Bazaar and Sringeri Saradha Peetam Temple while you're in town.

T Nagar
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Nungambakkam

4.5/5(15 area reviews)

You'll enjoy the cafes and monuments in Nungambakkam. You might want to make time for a stop at Valluvar Kottam or SDAT Tennis Stadium.

Nungambakkam
Chennai featuring religious aspects

Guindy

4/5(24 area reviews)

Unique features of Guindy include the shopping and spas. Make a stop by Guindy Race Course or Phoenix Market City while you're exploring the area.

Guindy
Armenian Church showing a city and street scenes

Central Chennai

4/5(57 area reviews)

The churches and monuments are just a few things visitors like about Central Chennai. Fort St. George and Spencer's Plaza Shopping Mall are worthwhile spots to check out, and you can hop on the metro at Washermanpet Metro Station or Mannadi Metro Station to get around the larger area.

Central Chennai
Kapaleeswarar Temple featuring a temple or place of worship and heritage architecture

Mylapore Tiruvallikk

4/5(13 area reviews)

Unique features of Mylapore Tiruvallikk include the spas and coffee shops. Make a stop by Edward Elliot's Beach or Kapaleeswarar Temple while you're exploring the area.

Mylapore Tiruvallikk
St. Andrew\'s Kirk showing a church or cathedral and heritage elements

Egmore

3.5/5(16 area reviews)

You'll enjoy the monuments and spas in Egmore. You might want to make time for a stop at Mayor Radhakrishnan Stadium or Government Museum.

Egmore

 

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Day trip destinations from Chennai