The Travel Destination of Chennai is dotted with places worth seeing in and around it. Make your holidays at Chennai more enjoyable by seeing these travel destinations in Chennai.
Kalakshetra:
Rukmini Devi Arundale founded a world-renowned centre of excellence for dance, music, arts and crafts, in 1936. Housed on over 100 acres at Thiruvanmiyur, it has produced many fine exponents of the Bharatnatyam dance tradition. Following the ancient Gurukula system of education, students from across the globe are taught nuances of traditional dance, music and art amidst the fresh air, large trees and the chirping of birds.
Theosophical Society:
Founded by Madame H.P. Blavatsky and Col. H.S. Olcott in 1875 .It is located on a vast expanse of over 250 acres on the banks of the Adyar estuary amidst the natural surroundings. It provides a peaceful retreat from the city. The Adyar Banyan tree with its roots spreading over 40,000 sq.ft and its library, a research centre in eastern civilization, philosophy and religion, are worth seeing. There is a church, mosque, Buddhist shrine and Hindu temple on the grounds.
Lalit Kala Akademi:
Located on Greams Road you can see Paintings, artifacts from artists and artisans from every nook and corner of India here. Equal importance is also placed on literature, especially the vernacular ones.
Tamilnadu Ovia Nunkalai Kuzhu:
A state-level cultural organization set-up by the State Government at Pantheon Road, Egmore for promoting visual and graphic arts in the state through well-structured programmes.
Birla Planetarium:
Part of the Periyar Science and Technology Centre at Kotturpuram, this is a voyage of discovery for the young and the old. This air-conditioned modern planetarium with a seating capacity of 236 brings to life celestial phenomena replete with special effects. It also conducts courses in astronomy and night-sky observations for public on every second Saturday.
Valluvar Kottam:
The memorial to the poet-saint Tiruvalluvar is shaped like a temple chariot and is the replica of the temple chariot in Thiruvarur. A life-size statue of the saint has been installed in the 33m tall chariot. The 133 chapters of his famous work Thirukkural have been depicted in bas-relief in the front hall corridors of the chariot. The auditorium at Valluvar Kottam is said to be the largest in Asia and can accommodate about 4000 people. It stands as a modern memorial to the great poet who represents the glorious culture of the Tamils.
Fort St. George:
Today, the seat of the State Legislative Assembly, it was once a British bastion. Built in 1640, the fort stills retains its large walls, massive wrought iron gates and deep moats. The Fort Museum, St. Mary's church, Town Hall, the tallest flagstaff et al lie within this fort.
Film City:
A favorite fixture with film producers of the South, it is also a popular tourist spot. The restaurant in this complex, Taramani Talkies, will appeal those who are looking for an offbeat decor. AVM studios are the only one routinely open to the public.
High Court:
A magnificent example of Indo-Saracenic architecture. In 1841, a granite Doric column of 49m was erected to function as the second light house. Besides the High Court, the Small Causes Court and the City Civil Court function here.
Ripon Building:
The attractive white structure, close to Chennai Central, is 252 ft. long and 126 ft wide. It has a 132 ft tall tower and a mighty clock 8 ft in diameter. Currently, it is the headquarters of Chennai Corporation.
Government Museum:
This Museum is worth visiting. The main building has a fine archaeological section representing all the major South Indian periods including Chola, Vijaynagara, Hoysala and Chalukya.The bronze gallery has a superb collection of Chola Art. You will find the most impressive bronze statue of Lord. Ardhanarishwra.You can also visit the National Art Gallery located in the same compound. The fascinating array of 10th -18th century Mughal, Rajasthani and Deccan artworks are displayed here.