Marina Beach
The 2nd longest beach in the world.
Chennai is a gracious city that has a clear skyline, long sandy beaches, parks, historic landmarks and tourist infrastructural facilities which make it a convenient entry point.
Fort St. George
(Open between 1000 hrs and 1700 hrs. Free Entry. Closed on Saturdays, Sundays & all National Holidays)
It was built in 1640 AD, by the British East India Company under the direct supervision of Francis Day and Andrew Cogon. This bastion achieved its name from St. George, the patron saint of England. St. Mary's Church the oldest Anglican Church in India built in 1680 and the tombstones in its courtyard are the oldest British tombstones in India. This ancient prayer house solemnised the marriages of Robert Clive and Governor Elinu-Yale, who later founded the Yale University in the States. The flag staff at Fort St. George is still the tallest in India. South of the Fort is the War Memorial, a graceful monument built in 1939 in memory of the warriors who sacrificed their lives during the First World War.
The Fort Museum
(Open between 0900 hrs and 1630 hrs. Closed on Fridays. Approx. Entry fee: Indians Rs. 5/- & Foreigners 5 USD)
The Fort Museum is the repository of the exhibits of weapons, uniforms, coins, costumes, medals and some other artifacts dating back to the British period.
Santhome Cathedral
Santhome at the southern end of Marina derives its name from St Thomas, the apostle of Christ who is believed to have come to Madras sometime during 52 AD. He was killed on St Thomas Mount just outside the city in 78 AD. and was interned in Santhome beach where a church was later built. In 1606 the church was rebuilt as a cathedral and in 1896 it was made a basilica. The beautiful stained glass window at the basilica portrays the story of St Thomas and the central hall has 14 wooden plaques depicting scenes from the last days of Christ. In the cathedral is a 3ft. high statue of Virgin Mary which is believed to have been brought from Portugal in 1543.
Kapaleswarar Temple
(Open between 0600 hrs and 1200 hrs & 1600 hrs and 2000 hrs) Located in Mylapore, this temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Fragmentary inscriptions date back to 1250 A.D. The majestic 37metere gopuram is profusely carved depicting Puranic legends. The present structure was renovated by the Vijayanagara Kings in the 16th century. It has some beautiful sculptures among which are the bronze idols of 63 Saivite saints or the Nayanmars. These adorn the outer courtyard within the temple precinct.
The Government Museum
(Open between 0900 hrs and 1700 hrs. Closed on Fridays. Approx. Entry fee – Indians Rs. 15/- (Adults) & Rs. 10/- Children, Foreigners 5 USD).
The Museum is more than 150 years old. The modern building next to the original museum houses the treasured statues of Natraja, Buddha, the Tamil saints and others, in its Bronze Gallery. The highlight of the Bronze Gallery is the “Cosmic Natraja,” that rests on a rotating platform. Within the museum precinct is the circular 100 year’s old Museum Theatre that has influences of Indo - Saracenic architecture. It is an excellent specimen of exposed brick architecture, with brick pilasters (pillars) flanking each entrance. Cornices made of stucco ornamentation adorn these pillars. This is still a popular venue for plays and readings.
The National Art Gallery, located within the campus, has the finest collection of the contemporary art, paintings and sculptures. The Jaipur - Moghul architecture gives the building its “lacy” and distinct look.
Chennai Citi Centre
The Chennai Citi Centre is a shopping mall in Mylapore, Chennai, India. It was opened in 2006. According to Cushman and Wakefield, a global real estate consultancy firm, it is one of the most expensive shopping malls in Chennai.