Visit the city of Chennai

The capital city of Tamil Nadu, Chennai, caters to the discerning tourist by providing a plethora of interesting sites coupled with friendly locals to make the visit to the city memorable. One of the largest metropolitan cities in India, it is bordered by the Bay of Bengal in the East.

The city also thrives in industries and is one of the major IT (Information Technology) exporters in India. The Anna International Airport caters to international flights while the Kamraj airport services domestic flights. Madras Central and Egmore Railway stations form major hubs of transportation both within the city and outside.

Buses, cars and autos (a three wheeler vehicle) take you to interesting places in the city. The climate is for the most part dry and humid, so bring sun hats, glasses and sun screen lotions.

Chennai provides something for every kind of traveler. If you are a pious person, then the temples of Kapaleeswarar, Vadapalini Andavar, Shri Devi Asta Lakshmi, Parthasarathy and the Velakani Shrine are must visits.

Almost all the festivals ranging from New Year, Christmas to Ramzan (holy month of Islam) and Deepavali(Festival of Lights) are celebrated here. The annual festival of Pongal (Tamil New Year) is the grandest of them all and spans over a period of two days filled with colors and sweets.

The historical splendor of standing forts and palaces will leave you spell bound. Do visit the St. George Fort, the Anna Square, the National Art Gallery, the Santhome Basilica, the Theosophical Society, the Birla Planetarium, and the Kalakshetra among other attractions.

Some of the notable wildlife sanctuaries distributed across the city include: Anna Zoological Park, Guindy National Park, Deer Park, Marine Beach Aquarium, Snake Park and alternatively the Children’s Park for toddlers. The Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary is located on the outskirts of the city and houses a wide variety of birds.

Chennai has its share of beaches and the most famous of them is the Marina Beach. The 13 km stretch of coastline is frequented by numerous tourists and locals alike. Numerous shops line the pedestrian zone and sell souvenirs made from sea shells and conchs.

The cultural city of Mahabalipuram is a must visit, and is located at the outskirts of Chennai. Renowned for its remarkable craftsmanship, it is easy to find a secluded spot on the never ending coastline to relax and enjoy some sun in peace.

The city is also famous for its handicrafts. You can purchase beautifully handcrafted items like glass toys, Tanjore Picture paintings, sandal wood, Bronze and Brass articles in various shops. Textiles are also famous here and the traditional sarees are a huge hit with visitors.

At the end of the day, when all the sightseeing and shopping tires you out, head out to a cinema hall, club, bar or discotheque to chill out the night.