Top Things to do in Chennai (Madras)
Top Restaurants in Chennai (Madras)
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Top 10 Sights & Landmarks in Chennai (Madras), Tamil Nadu
The diverse population of Chennai (Madras) is reflected in its rich cultural scene. You’ll find serious theatre as well as the glitz and glamour of Kollywood. Chennai is also an important center for the Bharatanatyam, a local form of classical dance. Visit in January, for the festival of Pongal, or in April, when Chennai celebrates its new year.
Restaurants in Chennai (Madras)
1. Matsya Narayana Temple
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 23 reviews
Reviewed By venkataramanu
Recently built open temple, with no Gopuram or ceiling, on the sea shore. The main deity is Matsya Narayana (upper half Human, lower half Fish), over 10 feet granite, an avatar of Lord Vishnu"s Dasavatharam as per the Hindu Mythology. The main deity stands in the centre of a round pond opposite Lakshmi Narayana. There are 108 granite pillars in the temple. There are circular benches to sit and have a peaceful meditation listening to the sound of the sea and the breeze. Remember to walk around the two walking paths, specially created, looking around the sculptures on the path. Other Deities in the temple include Ganesha, Lord Siva and Hanuman. There is also a Surya Rath (Chariot) made of stone immediately to the left of the entrance. A must visit for the modern day youth and the elders. Unique concept by the Chinmaya Mission. Go in the evening to enjoy the Sun set as well. Pleasant memories.
2. San Thome Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,243 reviews
Probably the most magnificent and prominent reminder of Chennai's colonial lineage, the San Thome Church bears a colossal amount of history since A.D. 52, the year when St. Thomas traveled to India, though the Roman Catholic basilica was built in the 16th century by the Portuguese. It was then rebuilt by the British in 1893. The imposing structure reaches a height of 155 feet and emanates peace and architectural splendor with its tall spires over the tomb of the saint. The sea makes a wonderful backdrop to the pristine white structure. The San Thome Church is considered one of the pilgrimages for people around the world.
Reviewed By thewanderer0512 - Bengaluru, India
San Thome Church, also known as St. Thomas Cathedral Basilica and National Shrine of Saint Thomas, is a Roman Catholic minor basilica in Santhome, in the city of Chennai, This church has the status of a minor basilica, originally the old church was built in the 16th century by Portuguese explorers and rebuilt again with the status of cathedral by the British in 1893, Touring to this Madras Santhome Cathedral Basilica church is pretty easy, as you will get auto rickshaws, 'call taxis' and even luxurious cabs. Auto rickshaws are the cheapest ones but bargain carefully before you get into one.
3. Ramakrishna Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 212 reviews
The present temple, dedicated only recently in a joyous three-day ceremony, represents three hundred years of faith and devotion.
Reviewed By baburoy - Bengaluru, India
A lovely place to go to. Calm. Serene. If you want peace and want to meditate this is the place to be. Built similar to the Belur Math, this is a great place. I was fortunate to visit this temple and also visit the Original (Old) temple built by Swami Brahmananda. The body becomes rejuvenated by just sitting for 5 minutes.
4. Kapaleeshwarar Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,536 reviews
This ancient shrine to Shiva is centrally located and among the area’s most popular landmarks.
Reviewed By Ananth727499 - Tiruppur, India
This temple is in the heart of the Mylapore area.. it has a wide temple tank . There are flower shops in the entrance of the temple main entrance. Free shoe stand is also provided for the devotees. When you enter you could have Darshan of Lord vinayaga. Main deity Kalaleeswarar is seen facing west and hence this temple is considered to be " Sarva dosha Nivarana sthalam".. Ambal sannithi is very vibrational and you could find a chillness when you are inside the sannithi .. Do visit this temple..
5. Kamakshi Amman Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 206 reviews
Although this temple was built in the 7th century and rebuilt in the 14th, it's not very historical.
Reviewed By 944madhavia
I have been visiting Mangadu Kamakshi Amman temple since 1979. I go there on a Thursday, when I am in Chennai. Either using a hire car or Ola, it is an easy access and takes around 30 minutes to reach there from Adyar - early in the morning. it is a beautiful temple arranged in a traditional way - but I believe it gets crowded on special days with separate queues. I usually go there when it is quiet and am able to appreciate the inner sanctum sanctorum and the outer areas (to walk around). I am especially enamored by the Brass metal figurine of Amman standing on one leg and conducting penance. She signifies strength, perseverance and determination to me.
6. Mylapore
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 487 reviews
If you are looking to soak in the culture of Chennai, the Mylapore Tank and Mandavali area should be at the top of your list. One of the oldest residential parts of Chennai, the tank is a part of the seventh century Kapaleeshwarar Temple. This is also the place where the famous Tamil poet, Thiruvalluvar, was born. If you are spending a few days in Chennai, you will understand the importance of this state figure from the number of references made in signs, names of shops and statues. The quintessential travel phrase, "overwhelming sights, sounds, smells," fits perfectly in this area. The narrow streets around the temple are buzzing with activities. Flower sellers, archaic shops selling temple offering ingredients and such line the roads leading to the temple. A photographer’s dream, this place is best explored in the morning, the chosen time to pay homage at the temple.
Reviewed By Deadman17 - Mumbai, India
Mylapore is an area with rich history and heritrage of Chennai. This is an area where there are multiple temples, eateries open since many decades and places where traditions even today mean a lot. The rich heritage and traditions do come alive even more during festival times.
7. Little Mount Shrine
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 92 reviews
Reviewed By BangaloreTravellernb
Location was excellent, the ambience was holistic, wish visitors there were more sensitive as this was a holy place rather than a picnic spot Ideal place to let your thoughts flow towards a spiritual wellbeing
8. Jagannath Temple, Kanathur
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 102 reviews
Reviewed By Kaepagavalli - Chennai (Madras), India
This is one of the famous temples of the city which is a replica of the famous puri Jagannath temple .Like puri temple here too all cultural festivals and pujas were conducted in a well organized way.
9. Kalikambal Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 278 reviews
Reviewed By KARTHIKb87 - Chennai (Madras), India
It's famous old temple in Chennai near Madras High court/Chennai beach station. Temple ambal is powerful and will fulfill all our prayers. It's says that kalikambal is another form of Kanchi Kamaatchi. It was said to be built in 1678 by Shivaji, the Maratha warrior and the founder of the Hindawi-Swarajya in the 17th century, Temple is located in Thambi chetty Street a prominent financial street at Georgetown which is walkable at 15 mins distance from high court or Chennai beach suburban station,5 mins from Mannady Metro station. Its must visit temple in chennai
10. Vadapalani Murugan Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 458 reviews
Reviewed By anu_v - Singapore, Singapore
This is one of the most crowded temples I ever seen in India. The temple is often crowded and it is well known for its healing prayers. A lot of people esp hindus come here to pray for their health and well being.
