India is one of the oldest civilizations in the world with a kaleidoscopic variety and rich cultural heritage. As you travel, India offers a range of vast tourism choices, diverse in land and nature, even these vary as you journey from one state to another. The Indian Peninsula stands apart from the rest of Asia, bordered as it is by mountains and the sea, which gives the country a distinct geographical entity.
Chennai, capital of Tamil Nadu state, southern India, located on the Coromandel Coast of the Bay of Bengal, known as the “Gateway to South India,” Chennai is a major administrative and cultural Centre. Enjoying direct air links from almost every major city from all corners of the globe, Chennai is a grand Chennai Marina Beach – 2nd largest beach in the world
gateway to India’s fascinating destination.
Marina Beach is a natural urban beach in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India, along the Bay of Bengal. The beach runs from near Fort St. George in the north to Foreshore Estate in the south, a distance of 6.0 km, making it the longest natural urban beach in the country. Bathing and swimming at the Marina Beach are legally prohibited because of the dangers, as the undercurrent is very turbulent.
Thousand Lights is a multi-domed mosque in Anna Salai in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, and India, is one of the largest mosques in the country and is a revered place of worship and azadari for Shia Muslims in the city. It is said that 1000 lights needed to be lit in order to illuminate the assembly hall and hence it was named Thousand Lights Mosque.
This church is one of the three known churches in the world built over the tomb of an apostle of Jesus that are still standing today, the other two being St Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City and Santiago de Compostela Cathedral in Galicia, Spain. It is a very important church for worldwide Christians as it is the tomb of St. Thomas the Apostle.
Fort St. George is the first English fortress in India, founded in 1639 at the coastal city of Madras, the modern city of Chennai. The construction of the fort provided the impetus for further settlements and trading activity, in what was originally an uninhabited land. Thus, it is a feasible contention to say that the city evolved around the fortress. The fort currently houses the Tamil Nadu legislative assembly and other official buildings.
Established in 1855, it is the first public zoo in India. It is affiliated with the Central Zoo Authority of India. The park is the largest zoological park in India. As of 2012 the park houses around 1,500 wild species, including 46 endangered species, in its 160 enclosures. The park, with an objective to be a repository of the state’s fauna, is credited with being the second wildlife sanctuary in Tamil Nadu after Mudumalai National Park.
It forms the end-point of the Marina Beach shore, and is named after Edward Elliot, onetime chief magistrate and superintendent of police in colonial Madras. It has the Annai Vailankanni Church and the Ashtalakshmi Kovil located nearby. In the colonial era, it was a fairly exclusive beach limited to white people. There is a police outpost at the beach and the crowd is policed by means of all-terrain vehicles to prevent drowning mishaps.
To experience the true culture of Chennai, you must pay a visit to Mylapore. It is the cultural hub of Chennai. It is a magnificent land of vibrant and rich culture with a history of over fifteen hundred years. While witnessing the years-old history, you can binge eat the most delicious south Indian food. While you are there, you can go to the marvellous temples. Mylapore, a must visit tourist places in Chennai, has many choices for shopping and entertainment, too.
Birla planetarium near Anna University is the most budget-friendly way to spend time with the moon and the stars. Audio-visual astronomy programs, exhibitions on the cycle of stars, solar system, comets, moon, and various celestial objects are some stunning things to do here. It will be a big hit, especially with the children. Some things that require a special mention here are the Science on Wheels, Science Park, and Traffic Park.
At the Royapuram Fishing Harbour, you can find various bidders or fishermen shouting to sell the best deals in this splendid photographic location. Imagine enjoying the spectacular visuals of the Royapuram fishing harbour while shopping in the famous fish markets there.
It is a harmonious blend of Gothic, Portuguese and Christian Pilgrimage influence. These white structures with tall towers complement the beautiful Bay of Bengal behind it perfectly. Also known as the Annai Vailankanni Shrine, this church entirely changes the whole surroundings’ ambience and fills it up with peace.
