Culture of Chennai. Places to visit - old town, temples, theaters, museums and palaces
Chennai is rich in architectural and historical attractions; this beautiful city with a long history is ready to offer its guests a rich program of excursions. The undisputed symbol of the city is the house-museum of Swami Vivekananda, the famous Indian philosopher and social activist. He has visited Chennai in 1897 and lived in a beautiful house next to Marina Beach. The beautiful building, which is one of the outstanding architectural monuments of the city, was renamed in honor of the philosopher in 1962. Then, the museum dedicated to the life and works of Swami Vivekananda was opened there.
In addition to exploring historic monuments of the city, guests can devote their time to entertainment; everyone could choose a suitable place to stay in Chennai. The large-scale Escape … Open
1. Going shopping to the market or a private shop, be sure to bargain. Typically, the real price of goods is 2-3 times lower than what the seller calls first. You definitely need to have a … Open
The most visited place is Kapaleeshwar Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The facade of the temple, as well as its interior is decorated with an incredible number of unique sculptures. Fragments of ancient frescoes dating back to the mid13th century have also preserved here. The most outstanding architectural monument of the Middle Ages is San Thom Cathedral. It was founded in 1504. In 1543, the statue of the Virgin Mary was brought here from Portugal; it still remains the main religious artifact of the church.
In the section below, you can get one of our excursion, activities or city discovery tours over Chennai and surroundings. Our website offers 10-30% lower ticket prices, when compared to the offline purchase on the spot.
City tours, excursions and tickets in Chennai and surroundings
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What to visit during two-day excursion in Chennai
Fort Museum
Where: Fort St. George, 600009, Chennai; Telephone: +91 (0) 44 25671127/ 25670854;
Where: Fort St. George, 600009, Chennai; Telephone: +91 (0) 44 25671127/ 25670854;
Santhome Cathedral
Where: Santhome High Road, Mylapore, 600004, Chennai; Telephone: +91 (0) 44 24985455;
Where: Santhome High Road, Mylapore, 600004, Chennai; Telephone: +91 (0) 44 24985455;
Government Museum & National Art Gallery
Where: 486 Pantheon Road, Egmore, 600008, Chennai; Telephone: + 91 (0) 44 28193238;
Where: 486 Pantheon Road, Egmore, 600008, Chennai; Telephone: + 91 (0) 44 28193238;
Kapaleeswarar Temple (Kapaleeshwara)
Where: Kutchery Road, Mylapore, 600004, Chennai;
Where: Kutchery Road, Mylapore, 600004, Chennai;
Marina Beach
Where: Marina Beach, Chennai, Chennai;
Where: Marina Beach, Chennai, Chennai;
St. Thomas Mount
Where: St. Thomas Mount, Kanchipuram, 600016, Chennai;
Where: St. Thomas Mount, Kanchipuram, 600016, Chennai;
Fort St. George
Where: Fort St. George, 600009, Chennai;
Where: Fort St. George, 600009, Chennai;
Reference information
Art galleries in Chennai and around
♥ Art museum 'The National Art Gallery (Chennai)' Chennai, 1.5 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ Art museum 'Government Museum' Chennai, 1.7 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ Art museum 'Chennai' Chennai, 3.7 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ Art museum 'The National Art Gallery (Chennai)' Chennai, 1.5 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ Art museum 'Government Museum' Chennai, 1.7 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ Art museum 'Chennai' Chennai, 3.7 km from the center. On the map Photo
Cathedrals and basilicas near Chennai
♥ St. Thomas Mount National Shrine, Chennai, 8.3 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ Cathedral of St. Joseph, Chingleput, 49.8 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ St. Thomas Mount National Shrine, Chennai, 8.3 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ Cathedral of St. Joseph, Chingleput, 49.8 km from the center. On the map Photo
Iconic cultural sights of India
The Heritage Transport Museum in Tauru is the first museum of its kind in India, which was opened in 2013. It gives you the opportunity to observe the evolution of Indian transport: bicycles, motorcycles, vintage cars, modern sports cars, transport into past centuries, carriages, old buses, trains, carts, trucks — for all of Indian’s history, they are known to move on wheels. Bhopal is proud of its Museum of Tribal Culture, where you can look at the authentic tribal housing and instruments of labor, as well as learn how people from the seven main tribes that inhabited the state lived, what they believed in, what they did, and how they had fun. There is a library and a children’s gallery too. … Open
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Diriyah is one of the first mega projects in Saudi Arabia. Hotels and other infrastructure will start opening next year, and all works are expected to end in 2026. The first 18 restaurants in Bujairi Terrace will start operating already in early 2022. Read this
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Photogallery of cultural heritage of Chennai
Landmarks of culture on Chennai map: art-galleries, monuments, palaces, etc
Culture guide to Chennai. Which fascinating sights to visit once you are in Chennai: temples, churches, museums, theaters and castles. Recommendations (with addresses, phone numbers and links) on the places 'must visit' in Chennai. Plan your own city excursion by using this page info!