What to do and see in Chennai (Madras), Tamil Nadu: The Best Sacred & Religious Sites

February 13, 2022 Giuseppe Pratt

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. Sri Maha Prathyangira Devi

Sholinganallur, Chennai (Madras) India +91 44 2450 1404
Excellent
90%
Good
10%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 10 reviews

Sri Maha Prathyangira Devi

Reviewed By M400000 - India, null

Holy Place with lots of visitors from local and regional areas. A must visit in Chennai. The Temple opens at 8:00am and closes mid-day. Opens again in the evening at 5:00pm till about 8:30pm.

2. Matsya Narayana Temple

Chinmaya Tarangini Rajaji salai, Uthandi, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, Chennai (Madras) 600119 India +91 99401 34875 http://www.facebook.com/ChinmayaTarangini
Excellent
87%
Good
13%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 23 reviews

Matsya Narayana Temple

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.

3. Vengeeswarar Temple

Saidapet Road Vadapalani Chennai, Chennai (Madras) 600026 India +91 44 2483 8362
Excellent
80%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 5 reviews

Vengeeswarar Temple

4. San Thome Church

38 San Thome High Road, Chennai (Madras) 600004 India +91 44 2498 5455 http://thesanthomechurch.com
Excellent
49%
Good
39%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,243 reviews

San Thome Church

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.

5. Ramakrishna Temple

Chennai (Madras) India +91 44 2462 1110 http://www.chennaimath.org
Excellent
62%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 212 reviews

Ramakrishna Temple

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.

6. Kapaleeshwarar Temple

Kapaleesvarar Sannadhi Street Vinayaka Nagar Colony, Chennai (Madras) 600004 India
Excellent
62%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2,536 reviews

Kapaleeshwarar Temple

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..

7. Kamakshi Amman Temple

Mangadu, Chennai (Madras) India http://www.mangadukamakshi.com/
Excellent
56%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 206 reviews

Kamakshi Amman Temple

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.

8. Little Mount Shrine

St. Thomas Mount, Chennai (Madras) 600015 India +91 44 2235 1863 http://www.littlemountchurch.org/
Excellent
61%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
12%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 92 reviews

Little Mount Shrine

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

9. Jagannath Temple, Kanathur

Reddy Kuppam Road, Chennai (Madras) India
Excellent
52%
Good
42%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 102 reviews

Jagannath Temple, Kanathur

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.

10. Kalikambal Temple

Thambu Chetty Street George Town, Chennai (Madras) India
Excellent
65%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 278 reviews

Kalikambal Temple

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

ThingsTodoPost © 2018 - 2024 All rights reserved.