Introduction

Chennai is acclaimed as the zippiest city in entire South India. The city has its own inimitable charm, which sets it apart from rest of the big cities. The vivacity and vitality of rich culture and traditions emanated by the city and its residents is simply awing to observe. It is one such city in Tamil Nadu, which has been sanctified with a great treasure of tourist attractions. Hence, tourism in Chennai counts as primary in moneymaking policies, accounting for a mass value of state revenue. The sightseeing tour around the ancient city of Madras is bound to sweep one off their feet, with hidden treasures from the erstwhile times. Tourism in Chennai is loaded with such wide diversity that one is sure to be amazed at its existence. The tour encompasses handsomely carved temples, quiet beaches, colonial monuments and much more. Exploring Chennai can be wondrous with its magnificence, rightly called the `Gateway to South India`. With its historic landmarks and buildings, cultural and art centers and parks, Chennai`s tourism offers umpteen interesting locations to visitors. One of the most important tourist attractions of Chennai is actually situated in the neighbouring town of Mahabalipuram, with its ancient temples and rock carvings of the 7th century Pallava kingdom. Chennai is counted as the third most visited city in India by foreigners, rated after Delhi and Mumbai.

Government Museum

The Chennai Museum has a sound collection of paintings and sculptures, both traditional and modern. Some of the few priceless artifacts include traditional paintings of Tanjore, Rajput, Mughul, Kangra, Deccani schools and modern paintings in Oil, Tempera, Water Colour, Graphics and Acrylic mediums. Graphics and modern style metal sculptures are also included in the collections.

Amusements parks

Amusements parks in Chennai are source of attractions amongst children, with all the sophisticated technologicalamusement games. Some of them are located in the outskirts of Chennai city. However visiting there within a short time is not a problem at all.

Birla Planetarium

In Chennai, the Birla Planetarium used to cast a spell in the minds of its viewers for its hi-tech presentation and savvy formatting. It is established at Kotturpuram, almost sandwiched within two important locales of Guindy and Adyar.

Children`s Park

The Children`s Park is an integral part of the famous Guindy National Park. It houses numerous amusement techniques for the children and kids like playgrounds, swings, merry go rounds, toy trains. During the weekends, special attractions like the jolly elephant and pony rides (weekends) are organised for school goers There is also a mini zoo, with an ample collection of several deer, birds, peacocks etc. So much so that, in the year 1995, the Central Zoo Authority gave the legal status of medium category zoo. 

Connemara Public Library

Connemara Public Library, located in Chennai, is one of the four National Depository libraries, which accept prints of all books, newspapers and publications, which are available in the whole of Indian subcontinent. 

Crocodile Bank

Crocodile Bank is the best place to visit in Chennai. It is managed by The Madras Crocodile Bank Trust, established in the year 1976. It was a brainchild of Romulus Whitaker and few other people. 

Dakshinachitra

Located in the heart of Chennai city, Dakshinachitra, or "a picture of the south", as it is meant in English, is a hub of living art traditions, conventional performing arts, crafts and architectural works of the country, with due emphasis on South Indian customs and practices. 

Elliot`s Beach

The Elliot`s Beach is built at Besant Nagar, which is just sixty km away from the city of Chennai. The Elliot`s Beach is one of the most popular tourist destinations. 

Forts in Chennai

Chennai, is a journey into timeless India, a kaleidoscope of moods, rich in the treasures of history, from temples and shrines to forts and palaces. There are forts in Chennai like Udaygiri Fort, St fort George, The Fort Museum, etc. 

Gudiyam Caves

Gudiyam caves are abode of wild animals and birds, which have found them ideal to take shelter. It is regarded as `hominid habitation` of the pre- historic times. There are approximately sixteen rock shelters, forming sheds of lush green trees. 

Kalakshetra

Kalakshetra is located in the heartland of Chennai and is the premier institute of Indian classical dance, music and the fine arts. The danseuse Rukmini Devi established it in the year 1936. 

Monuments in Chennai

Chennai is famous for its host of age old monuments. Some of the famous monuments are the Senate House, Kamraaj Memorial House, Pancha Mandapams, Ripon Building, Madras War Cemetery, Valluvar Kottam, Vivekananda Illam, Freemasons Hall, Bharathiyar Illam, St. Thomas Mount, Doveton House, Valluvar Kottam, Genzi etc.

VGP Golden Beach

The VGP Golden Beach is situated almost thirty km from Chennai city, thus becoming one of the renowned amusement parks in Chennai. There is also the stellar presence of famous beach resort and game amusements.

Vedanthangal

Vedanthangal has drawn the admiration of every tourist due to its treasure of wild flora and fauna. In fact, Vedanthangal is one of the most prominent grounds for numerous aquatic birds.

Marina Beach

Marina Beach can perhaps be counted as the most legendary beach in Tamil Nadu. It is located in the city of Chennai and is considered to be one of the largest beaches in India and all over the world. The beach extends over a distance of 12 km and has a substantially large width.

Guindy National Park

Guindy National Park is acclaimed for being the only national park established in the heart of a metropolitan town. The park is rich biodiversities. More than thirty species of trees and plants can be found here.