Whether travelling with family or all by yourself: spiritually inclined or a history buff, nature lover or a photography enthusiast – every kind of traveler to Chennai has something of interest here.
MARINA BEACH
India’s largest beach which extends from St George fort to Besant Nagar. Here, the experience of watching the sun rise and set is at its captivating best, and breathtaking. Enclosures with palm trees compel you to take a slow and relaxed walk. The horseback ride along the shores will lift up your spirits further. After visiting the beach, you will feel the waves and winds of rejuvenation take hold of your every sense.
COVELONG BEACH
Located at a distance of 40 km from Chennai, on the coast of Coromandel, Covelong Beach is well – known for its beach activities and the serene beauty of its surroundings. It is thronged mostly by water sport enthusiasts for activities such as wind surfing and swimming. Close by are ancient monuments and crocodile farm making Covelong Beach a popular destination for a day.
THOUSAND LIGHTS MOSQUE
Chennai’s architectural magnificence is depicted by this glamorous mosque. A total of 1000 oil lamps light up the hall of the mosque, which is how it got its name. The mosque is a famous pilgrimage place for the Shias of India, especially from South India.
PULICAT LAKE & BIRD SANCTUARY
Formed by the backwaters of the Bay of Bengal, Pulicat is the second largest lagoon in India that has brackish water. And the bird sanctuary stands on the piece of land in the middle of this lake. The spectacular sights of thousands of pink Flamingoes flocked together can be viewed only at this place to visit near Chennai.
MAHABALIPURAM
Distance: 52Km
Location: Eastern coast, South of Chennai.
Famed for its ancient mountains, Mahabalipuram is surely a place to visit. The iconic shore temple, among the oldest temples of south India, is carved out of a large block of granite. A few miles away from this place is Arjuna’s penance. Among the world’s biggest Bas reliefs, it depicts the story of the descent of the river Ganges from heaven to earth.
MUTTUKADU
Distance 31Km
Location : Eastern Coast, South of Chennai.
A backwater area of the Bay of Bengal, Muttukadu is one of the touristic places near Chennai to indulge in water sports. The boat house in Muttukadu is where all the action is. Apart from this, get a glimpse of various species of birds at backwaters during migratory season.
DAKSHINA CHITRA
This is one of the places to visit in Chennai with kids. Literally translating to ‘a picture of the south’, DaksinaChitra is a small village that has been recreated using replica of traditional South Indian houses dating back to 19th century. The visitors get a peek into the lifestyle and customs of different communities of South India and artifacts made by the local artisans.
Image courtesy
Flickr.com
