There are several places to see and visit in and around Chennai.

The Marina beach, stretched over an area of 13 km, is the second longest beach in Asia. It looks like a festive ground on weekend evenings.

Presently used as the state secretariat, the St. George Forte is another landmark of Chennai. The British East India Company built it in the year 1653. It has a museum that houses a variety of British and French antiques and other commemorations. Inside the fort is the St. Mary's Church, the first English church Chennai.

One of the many old temples of Chennai is the Parthasarthi temple. This temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna. Built in the 8th century BC by the Pallavas, the temple was renovated in the 16th century by the Vijaynagar kings.

Guindy National Park and Snake Park, situated close to each other near the Guindy station, are other places to visit.

Kapaleeswarar Temple, the oldest temple of Chennai, is dedicated to Lord Shiva. This temple is a living testimony of the architectural skills of the Dravidian people of the 13th century. However, non-Hindus are not allowed to enter into the main worshiping place of the temple.

Santhome Cathedral, built during the 14th -15th century, is another place worth visiting.

The Birla Planetarium, Elliot Beach, Valluvar Kottam, National Art and Government Museum, Anna Zoological Park, Kalakshetra and the Theosophical Society are some of the other sites of tourist interest.

Weekend Trips/Excursions

There are several weekend trips and excursion options from the city of Chennai

Once the port city of the Pallavas, Mamallapuram or Mahabalipuram is situated at the outskirts of Chennai and is approximately 61 km from the main city. The artisanship of this place is beyond parallel.

A positive step towards maintaining the ecological balance of nature is the setting up of the crocodile bank. Just 44 km away from the main city, it houses many rare species of Indian and African alligators and crocodiles.

Covelong beach is another place worth visiting in order to experience the history of the state as a whole. The fort, church, mosque and the seashore are quite interesting.

Besides these, Muttukkadu, Thirukkalukundram, Vedathangal bird sanctuary, etc., are other sites to visit around the city.

Events And Festivals

Just like the other Indian places, Chennai also celebrates a number of festivals and plays host to several events. The festivals are mainly based on the agricultural activities and according to the position of the stars and planets. Pongal, celebrated in the month of January, is the most important festival of Chennai. Being a cosmopolitan city, almost all the religious festivals are celebrated here.