Formerly known as Madras, Chennai is the capital city of the state of Tamil Nadu in India, specifically on the Coromandel Coast off the Bay of Bengal. The city is considered as the biggest economic and cultural center in southern India. When it comes to tourism, it is one of the most visited cities in the country and the 38th most visited city in the world, attracting about 45% of foreign health tourists and 30-40% of those coming from within the country. This is the reason why it is deemed as the “health capital of India”.
Sightseeing destinations in Chennai
The city serves as the gateway to southern India, where tourists begin their trips to the rest of the region. The best places to visit here are beaches, temples and centers of cultural and historical significance, including UNESCO World Heritage Sites. As the base for the Tamil film industry, which is known as Kollywood, you will find major film studios here, including the oldest surviving studio in the country—AVM Productions. Other places of interest include a zoo and wildlife parks, which primarily comprise the recreation areas of the city.
Top tour activities in Chennai
Here are things to do that you should not miss in this beautiful city:
- Do some shopping - There are many shopping destinations in Chennai, especially the T. Nagar, where you can find traditional Indian dresses, along with fashionable modern wear. This district comprises the Ranganathan Street, Pondy Bazaar and the Usman Road, which has the largest concentration of jewelry stores and textile showrooms in Tamil Nadu.
- Take a walking tour - You can join a heritage walk or a nature walk that is usually organized in the Georgetown area. You can also take a food walk that will introduce you to the local cuisine of Chennai in a fare.
- Drive along the Kamarajar Salai - By going for a ride along this promenade on the sea front, you will see some of the finest examples of Indo-Saracenic art-deco architecture, such as the Vivekanandar Illam, Chepauk Palace, MGR Memorial, Gandhi statue and many other historical structures.
Top tour attractions in Chennai
Make sure that you do not miss the following attractions during your visit to Chennai:
- Marina Beach - Usually, this second-longest beach in the world is the instant choice for people visiting the city. It has a large expanse of silver sand that allows you to have a great walk along the seashore. This is also a perfect setting for sunrises and sunsets. If you are looking for some water activities, you can do some wind surfing, fishing and beach volley ball here.
- Arignar Anna Zoological Park - Established in 1855, this is the first-ever zoo in India, which houses more than 170 species of wildlife, including lions, tigers, hyenas, panthers and elephants.
- The Huddleston Gardens of Theosophical Society - Covering 260 acres of land, these gardens are considered as a birdwatchers’ paradise, where you will find a wide variety of migratory birds. Another notable highlight here is the 450-year-old banyan tree that is located at its center.
Chennai sightseeing tours and Activities
For a truly fun and memorable experience in this popular city, check out all Chennai sightseeing tours and activities here at La Vacanza Travel.