Sightseeing in Chennai - what to see. Complete travel guide

The city, first of all is the largest industrial center, which attracts hundreds of business people from all over the world. In India Chennai is called the automobile capital of the country. Besides Indian companies here are located branches of such factories as Mitsubishi, Ford, and Hyundai. The largest factory that produces military equipment is also located here.

However, this city provides excellent opportunities for tourism. A large number of attractions make rest here interesting and informative. The unique music of Indian architecture can be seen here quite often. You will find, for example, an interesting building of courthouse with a beautiful dome, which once has been the location of a lighthouse. The Victory memorial is also made in the Indian-style. The history itself lives in St. George Fort, which houses a museum complex of East India Company. The temples of the city are also very interesting. Parthasarathy Temple was built by the representatives of Pallava dynasty approximately seven hundred years ago. The debates concerning the age of beautiful Kapaleeswarar temple don’t stop even these days. Of course, this fact doesn’t minimize the significance and beauty of this church that is also an important landmark of the city. Luz Church built in the twelfth century by the Portuguese is also worth attention. Finally, your visit to Museum of the Government is a great way to explore the ancient history of India.

In the surroundings of the city, there is the Airavatesvara Temple. It is recognized as one of the most majestic architectural monuments of the region. The temple was built in the 12th century upon the order of Emperor Raja Raja Chola. For hundreds of years, it had never been reconstructed. Nowadays, the temple is partially destroyed but this doesn’t belittle its greatness and pristine beauty. The old temple is associated with many interesting legends. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Another fascinating temple is Arunachaleswarar located in the incredibly beautiful natural area at the foot of Mount Arunachal. The old temple constructed in the 16th century is devoted to the god Shiva and is one of the most mystical churches in India. The temple is a large complex of buildings occupying over 10 hectares. Today, it is visited by many pilgrims. According to one of the rites, they need to circle the mountain barefoot to get divinely enlightened.

In the vicinity of Chennai, there is another sacred place, the Chidambaram Temple Town. It is a big complex of churches, the oldest of which were built in the 6th century. This complex is devoted to the god Shiva too. As many years ago, the temple complex is used to perform important Buddhist rites and holidays. It is more interesting to visit the temple in June or December. At this time, the most interesting dance festivals are held.

Besides multiple Buddhist attractions, Chennai is famous for Christian churches too. The vivid example is San Thome Basilica. According to the legends, St. Thomas was the first Christian who set his foot on the Indian land. The temple devoted to him started to be built in 1504. At the end of the 19th century, it was completely reconstructed. Today, the temple is a luxurious architectural monument in the neo-Gothic style. It houses a lot of unique Christian values.

Strolling along historic district of Georgetown may turn into an interesting sightseeing tour. Here, you can see a lot of interesting attractions. You can also admire the ancient 38 m lighthouse and old houses where local craftsmen lived at one time.