Capital city of Tamil Nadu state, Chennai lies on the Coromandel Coast. Referred as the “Gateway of South”, Chennai is an ideal city to spend a holiday with your loved ones. From shimmering beaches, theme parks, historical buildings and museums, religious sites, shopping hubs to amazing spread of highways and hi end facilities Chennai has a wide variety of choices for every visitor. Chennai Tourism is ideal for all kinds of travel ranging from long family holidays to quick weekend getaway to school or college tours.
History of Chennai
It was called as Chennapattinam by the local residents. There are many stories behind the name of the city. According to some, the name Chennai was given in the honour of Damarla Chennappa Nayakudu, who was the father of Damarla Venkatapathy Nayak, a Nayak ruler, while as per others, the name has been derived from Chenna Kesava Perumal Temple.
The city was also called as Madrasapattinam during Nayakars reign which later became Madras. According to some, the name Madras was given by Portuguese. ‘Mae de Deus’ which is Portuguese phrase meaning mother of God, lead to this name of the city. Later in 1996, the state government changed the name of the city from Madras to Chennai.
Initially Chennai was a fishing village under the reign of Vijayanagar Kingdom which eventually came under British rule. The city was also under the reign of Pallavas, Cholas and Pandyas. Later during Portuguese rule, the city developed further when in 1522 Sao Tome port was constructed. Later in 1612, Dutch settled near Pulicat, after which East India Company came in. However in 1746, the city came under the control of French and later to British in 1749 through a treaty called Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle.
It was during the British rule that the Fort St. George was built. The same place is now home to many state legislature buildings. The recorded modern history of the city dates back to period when British settled at Fort St. George. While as per Archaeological Survey of India, the city has pre-historic settlements; traces of a megalithic cultural establishment in Pallavaram have been found.
Place to visit in Chennai
While on a Chennai tour, you will many interesting choices for sightseeing. From beaches, lakes, parks to museums, magnificent architectures, art galleries to religious sites, there are many places to see in chennai that are worth exploring. In Chennai with these places to visit you will be pleasantly occupied.
1. Cholamandal Artist’s Village
This village cum museum was constructed in the year 1964 with many amazing collections of arts and craft masterpieces. This place is an attraction to visit in Chennai as the place is maintained by the school students. This place is nothing less than a paradise for the art lovers.
Many artists from around the world visit the place for displaying their work of art and craft along with appreciating the other artist’s work.
- Distance from Chennai: 22.4 Km
- Attractions: Art and Craft masterpieces
2. V.G.P. Golden Beach
This place is not only a beach but is also an amusement park which attracts a large number of tourists to Chennai throughout the year. As expected, there are many adventurous activities and water sports that you can enjoy in the park along with your friends and family members.
The park also has mini Jurassic park surroundings which are specially created for the kids. You can buy handicrafts from the nearby shops.
- Distance from Chennai: 23.4 Km
- Attractions: Jurassic Park, water activities
3. Nettukuppam
This place is the perfect destination which you can visit to spend some quality time being near to nature. You can visit the place with your family members and can create some lifelong memories which you will cherish. The picturesque locations make sure that your pictures are all perfect.
Another attraction that makes people visit the place is the broken bridge which is believed to be broken by the high tides of water.
- Distance from Chennai: 24 Km
- Attractions: Nature’s beauty
4. Muttukadu and Dakshina Chitra
If you are looking for the perfect picnic spot near Chennai where you can spend some quality time with your family members, then this place would make the best option where you can head to. The place is an excellent example of backwaters in Chennai, reflecting nature’s beauty in the best manner.
Besides admiring the beauty, you can also try your hands on a number of water activities.
- Distance from Chennai: 33.8 Km
- Attractions: Picnic destination
5. Covelong Beach
One of the most popular beaches in Chennai, the Covelong beach is located on the Coromandel Coast. The beauty of the beach needs no introduction or definition as it can give you some of the best picturesque and mesmerizing views to remember for a lifetime.
Apart from cherishing nature’s beauty, you can visit the beach for trying the various adventurous water activities. Thus, if you love water sports, then this is where you should visit.
- Distance from Chennai: 38.8 Km
- Attractions: Adventurous water activities
6. Arignar Anna Zoological Park
Looking for the finest zoo in Chennai? Arignar Anna Zoological Park is the perfect place to visit. This zoo is the biggest zoo in the entire South East Asia and has a wide range of animals, birds and other spices in the zoo. The zoo was constructed in Chennai in the year 1855.
There are around 170 spices of animals which can be witnessed in the zoo. You can witness some exotic animals.
- Distance from Chennai: 48.4 Km
- Attractions: Different spices of animals
7. Tiruvallur
This place does complete justice for attracting the tourists and visitors with the beauty of its temples. You can find some of the best temples in this place which is not only rich and beautiful in their architecture but are also blessed to solve the troubles and problems of the devotees.
You can visit the place along with your family for exploring some of the ancient temples of Chennai.
- Distance from Chennai: 49.7 Km
- Attractions: Beautiful Temples
8. Mahabalipuram
Chennai is very rich in its heritage and this place is a perfect example of that. The place is one of the attractive heritage beauties which are visited by the people who want to connect with the deep roots of the city. There are many nearby temples which were built in the 7th century and are still the major attraction for the city. You can learn about many unknown facts about the city from this place.
- Distance from Chennai: 58 Km
- Attractions: Heritage beauty
9. Sadras Beach Resort
This resort is located very near to Mahabalipuram beach and this is one of the most favorite locations of the tourists. The place is well-surrounded by the green trees and the white sand of the beach. Many people love visiting the place to witness many picturesque views along with enjoying the perfect scene of sunset. You can also visit the nearby Old Dutch Fort to experience some class architecture.
- Distance from Chennai: 70 Km
- Attractions: Picturesque locations, relaxing, fort’s architectural beauty
10. Nagalapuram
This is the best place where you can satisfy your adventurous desires. As the place is well-known for trekking, it is one of the most visited places near Chennai by the people who like to explore their adventurous side. The trekking route is another attraction for the people to trek.
You can find many waterfalls and other water reservoirs during your trekking experience. If you are in Chennai, don’t miss visiting this nearby place.
- Distance from Chennai: 70.4 Km
- Attractions: Trekking
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