Manimangalam, Chennai

Manimangalam is a charming town in the Kanchipuram district of Tamil Nadu, known for its rich historical significance and ancient temples. This quaint town, renowned for its ancient temples and historical inscriptions, offers a picturesque glimpse into the past of Tamil Nadu. The presence of the Rajagopala Perumal Temple and Dharmeswar Temple, each over a millennium old, further accentuates its historical and cultural significance. These temples serve as places of worship and monuments that display the architectural ingenuity of the Medieval Cholas and later Chola periods. Manimangalam's serene ambience and rich tapestry of history and culture make it an appealing locality for those who cherish living in a place that embodies the essence of ancient Tamil Nadu.

What’s Good vs. What Can Be Better?

Physical Infrastructure and Livability Index

Manimangalam impresses with its well-rounded physical infrastructure, which harmoniously blends its historical charm with modern necessities. The locality enjoys a robust infrastructure that caters to the essential needs of its residents, from educational institutions to healthcare facilities, ensuring a comfortable and convenient lifestyle. Positioned conveniently from Tambaram, one of Chennai's bustling suburbs, Manimangalam benefits from enhanced connectivity and accessibility to the city's broader amenities. This strategic location, the town's serene environment, and rich cultural backdrop significantly boost its livability index. Residents have the unique advantage of living in a locality steeped in history yet do not have to compromise on the comforts and conveniences of modern urban living. The presence of ancient temples adds a unique character to the locality, making Manimangalam a distinctive place to reside, where history and modernity coalesce seamlessly.

Social Infrastructure- Restaurants

The following are some of the popular restaurants you can find in Manimangalam, Chennai:

• Durbar Restaurant
• GK Restaurant
• Shri Kanche Bhavan
• Pandas kitchen
• Shri Krishna Bhavan

Banks/ Metro Stations/ Airport/ Bus Terminal/ Railway Stations/ Parks

Banks and ATMs 

• HDFC Bank
• ICICI Bank
• Andhra Bank
• City Union Bank
• Indian Overseas Bank 
• Union Bank Of India
• Canara Bank

Metros and Railway Stations 

• Guduvancheri Railway Station
• Urappakkam Railway Station
• Vandalur Railway Station
• Perungulattur Railway Station
• Urapakkam Railway Station

Bus Terminals

• Pushpagiri Bus Stop
• Pushpagiri Road Junction Bus Stop
• Manimangalam Bus Stop
• Karasangal Erikarai Bus Stop
• Karasangal Erikarai Bus Stop
• Chetpet Bus Stop 

Airport

• Chennai International Airport, Tamil Nadu

Public Parks

• Thiru Vi Ka Park
• Bharathi Park
• Ganesh Nagar Park
• Arignar Anna Park
• Kulam Park

Popular Roads in Manimangalam

Some of the popular roads on Manimangalam are as follows:

Manimangalam Main Road

This main road connects Manimangalam with Tambaram, Mudichur, and other nearby localities. Its stretch has many residential and commercial projects, schools, colleges, hospitals, and temples.

Manimangalam Road 

This parallel road to Manimangalam Main Road runs through the locality. It has many plots, villas, apartments for sale, shops, and markets.

Kolathur Road 

This road connects Manimangalam with Kolathur, a village on the outskirts of Chennai. Along its route, there are some farmhouses, resorts, and green spaces.

Navalur Road 

This road connects Manimangalam with Navalur, another village on the outskirts of Chennai. It has some industrial and educational establishments along its route, such as JK Tyres and Sai Ram Engineering College.

Nearby Localities to Manimangalam

How do People Rate Manimangalam?

The residents of Manimangalam hold their locality in high regard, valuing its tranquil environment, historical significance, and vibrant community life. This unique blend of serene living conditions and rich cultural heritage has garnered positive ratings from the locals, who appreciate the balance between peaceful suburban life and the convenience of urban accessibility. The strategic proximity to Tambaram enhances Manimangalam's appeal by offering easy access to the city's infrastructural benefits without compromising the locality's peaceful ambience. The area's historical landmarks, such as the Rajagopala Perumal and Dharmeswara Temples, contribute to its charm, providing residents with a sense of living amidst living history. The blend of cultural richness, historical significance, and modern living conveniences makes Manimangalam a sought-after locality, appreciated for its quality of life, connectivity, and unique historical context.

How Do I Visit Manimangalam?

Here are some ways to visit Manimangalam by different modes of transport:

By Road

You can take a bus, taxi, or car to Manimangalam from any part of Chennai. The nearest bus stop is Manimangalam Bus Stop, served by bus routes 55K, 55P, 55T, and 55V. The distance from Chennai city central to Manimangalam is about 46 km, and the travel time is around 1 hour and 16 minutes, depending on the traffic.

By Railway 

You can take a train to Vandalur Railway Station, the closest railway station to Manimangalam. The station is on the Chennai Suburban Railway network and is connected to other major stations in the city. From Vandalur Railway Station, you can take a bus, taxi, or auto-rickshaw to Manimangalam, about 11 km away.

By Air 

You can fly to Chennai International Airport, the nearest airport to Manimangalam. The airport is about 26 km away, and you can take a taxi, bus, or metro to reach the locality. The airport has both domestic and international flights, and you can find various airlines and options to suit your needs.

Places to Visit in Manimangalam

Here are some of the popular places to visit in and around Manimangalam:

Manimangalam Lake 

A large lake that provides water supply to the nearby areas. It is also a scenic spot for boating, fishing, and birdwatching. The lake is home to many migratory and resident birds, such as pelicans, storks, herons, and egrets. 

Arignar Anna Zoological Park 

A zoological park that houses more than 1,500 animals of 170 species, including lions, tigers, elephants, giraffes, and crocodiles. It is one of India's largest and oldest zoos and offers various activities such as safari, butterfly park, aquarium, and nocturnal house.

Rajagopala Swamy Temple

A temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu is located in Thandalam. It is recognised as one of the 108 Divya Desams, holy shrines dedicated to Vishnu, with a history that extends back to the 8th century. It is also famous for its annual Brahmotsavam festival. 

Locality Comparison

Compared to neighbouring areas like Pallavaram, Perungudi, and Velachery, Manimangalam stands out for its serene living environment and historical significance. While places like Velachery and Perungudi are more urbanised, teeming with commercial activities and residential projects, Manimangalam offers a peaceful retreat with a rich history. Pallavaram, being closer to the Chennai International Airport, leans towards a more fast-paced urban life. However, Manimangalam's allure lies in its successful preservation of historical integrity alongside the adoption of modern residential amenities. This balance provides a unique living experience that contrasts with the more commercially inclined neighbouring localities, making Manimangalam an ideal choice for those seeking a blend of history, culture, and contemporary living.

Conclusion

Manimangalam is an exemplary locality that provides a lifestyle rich in cultural heritage and modern conveniences. Its proximity to Tambaram enhances its connectivity and accessibility, making it an attractive residential option. The area’s commitment to preserving its historical essence while providing for the contemporary needs of its residents makes it a unique and desirable place to live. With ancient temples that stand testament to its glorious past and a community that values both tradition and progress, Manimangalam represents a harmonious blend of history and modernity. For those seeking a place that offers peace, cultural richness, and connectivity, Manimangalam is an ideal choice.