Best Places to Visit in Chennai Over a Weekend

Chennai holds an immense amount of history, culture and folklore in its different corners. The origin of Tamil Nadu’s capital dates back to 500 BC. Many ancient scriptures talk about Chennai’s existence, and a lot of mythical stories are attached to this place.

Chennai has a lot to offer to the visitors who come here to spend some time during their Tamil Nadu visit. Some amazing places to visit in Chennai include various beaches, intricately carved temples, buzzing markets, artistic churches and cathedrals. You can explore the whole city over a weekend, and if you want to include the neighbouring Pondicherry then you’ll have to plan for a more extended vacation. Here are few of the must not miss places in Chennai –

1. Marina Beach

Probably the favourite evening stroll point among the locals and tourists, Marina Beach is known for crystal clear water and the shore that extends beyond the horizon. Evenings at Marina Beach are full of hustle bustle as many street food joints pop-up around the road. Here you can enjoy authentic seafood and local delicacies. From here, one can also visit an old lighthouse located nearby. There is an aquarium, a swimming pool and a park which are open for visitors till evening.

2. Fort Saint George

Fort Saint George is a prime example of the British influence in the history of Chennai. This location used to be the official centre of every critical activity including issuing of licenses and entry permits. Today, this fort stands converted into a beautiful museum. The lovely carvings on the walls, pretty artwork and the imposing structure will leave you awestruck.

The fort is open from 9 am to 5 pm and is closed on Friday.

Entry fee is INR 5 for Indian citizens and INR 100 for foreigners.

3. Covelong Beach, Must visit place in Chennai

One of the lesser known beaches in Chennai, Covelong has become popular because of its pretty, serene vibes. It’s soothing, and relaxing atmosphere makes it a must visit tourist place near Chennai. Covelong Beach is one of the gems of the Coromandel Coast and just an hour away from the city. Famous for the pretty, mesmerizing sunsets, one can either spend a whole weekend here or choose to include it in their weekend excursion points.

Covelong Beach is also a popular windsurfing destination.

Suggested Read : Looking For A Beach Resort In Pondicherry? Here Are The Best Ones To Choose From!

4. Local markets of Chennai

Markets of Chennai are as old as the history of this city. Being a trade town, Chennai used to see merchants coming here from various countries. These markets would sell flowers, spices, herbs, tea leaves and coffee. Even today, when you walk into these alleys, you’ll see the same hustle bustle like it used to be in the past.

All the markets are located near Parry’s Corner and the best time to go for a walk is early morning when these setups start coming to life.

5. Sri Parthasarathy temple

Carved with beautiful artworks in every corner, Sri Parthasarathy Temple is one of its kinds in Chennai. The imposing structure and colourful decoration make it a spectacular sight to behold. The temple is dedicated to Sri Krishna and hence is a popular point of interest among the tourists.

Best time to visit Sri Parthasarathy Temple is around sunrise or before sunset.

6. San Thome Church

San Thome Church is known for its sparkling white structure owing to the exquisite marble used in the construction. The unique architecture and the design make it very popular among the tourists. You can also join a heritage walk group to get a thorough tour of the place and uncover the history and significance of this church.

Some of the unique features of this church include the beautiful stained glass window panes. The interiors are visually stunning in the morning when the rays of the sun fall on the window, reflecting the beautiful colours. The sitting statue of St Thomas, museum and library are also the recognizable parts of the church.

7. Birla Planetarium

Birla Planetarium is one of its kind establishments where you can visit the glittering world of stars. The planetarium showcases several exhibitions that change periodically. It is one of the fun tourist places in Chennai where children will love to spend their time and learn new things. The planetarium opens between 10 am to 5:45 pm and the entry fee is INR 40 for adults and INR 25 for children.

8. Eliot’s Beach, One of the best places to visit in Chennai

Those who wish to avoid the crowded Marina can always escape to Eliot Beach. Recently renamed as Besant Nagar Beach, this venue is also famous because of a turtle hatchery as the endangered Olive Ridley Turtles come here to lay their eggs between February and April. The clean brown sands and quiet atmosphere is perfect for visitors to spend their evenings without getting interrupted.

When you are here, don’t forget to taste the relishing nariyal pani that many vendors around the place sell.

Recommended Read : These Top 8 Beaches in Pondicherry are Every Beach Lover’s Paradise

9. Kapaleeshwar temple

Kapaleeshwar temple is a fine example of Dravidian architecture. Its gopuram is constructed keeping in mind that every possible piece of decoration is visible. The whole structure is merely colourful and magnificent. With a height of 37 metres, it takes a lot of time to observe the finest details. The main deities of the temple are Shiva and Karpagambal. The temple complex is also famous for a two-month long festival that is organized during April and March.

The temple is open between 5:30 am to 12 pm and 5 pm to 9 pm

Must Read : Beautiful Temples of South India

10. Guindy National Park and Snake Park

Guindy National Park and Snake Park are one of the most fascinating places to visit near Chennai. Famous for its unique collection of wildlife which also includes endangered species of mammals, birds and reptiles, this place offers a nice break from the city’s noise and chaos. GNP is the 8th smallest National Park in India and one of the very few that is located inside a city.

Snake Park is one of the most unique and recognizable features of this park. Various types of snakes are kept in glass enclosures, and you can learn a lot about their nature, habitats and behaviour. Guided tours are also available for children who want to learn more.