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Culture of Chennai. Places to visit - old town, temples, theaters, museums and palaces

The Second Chennai Photowalk 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.
Your active city break in Chennai. Attractions, recreation and entertainment - best places to spend your day and night here
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
Another important historical object is Fort St. George. It is the first fortification in India built by the British colonialists. Construction of the fort took place in the mid-17th century. Its last large-scale reconstruction took place in 1749; since then the majestic fort is kept in the same condition.
Not far from the fort there is St. Mary's Church that is the oldest church in India. It was built in the second half of the 17th century; over the years many ceremonies have been held there with the participation of high-rank officials. Those who are fond of excursions are recommended to visit the Government Museum, which is considered one of the most important and interesting in India. Its collection is simply amazing; museum visitors will have an opportunity to see unique geological, anthropological, numismatic and zoological exhibits and enjoy a luxurious collection of sculptures. Copyright www.orangesmile.com
Advices to travellers: what you should know while being in Chennai
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 National Art Gallery will continue an insight to cultural traditions of locals. In addition to fine paintings, its walls house an interesting collection of handicrafts and antique jewelry in bronze; their age is more than a thousand years. There are some amazingly beautiful temples in Chennai; the rest would be incomplete without seeing them.
Saint Thomas Mount 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

Chennai - guide chapters 1 2 3 4 5 6

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

What to visit during two-day excursion in Chennai

Fort Museum
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;
Government Museum & National Art Gallery
Where: 486 Pantheon Road, Egmore, 600008, Chennai; Telephone: + 91 (0) 44 28193238;
Kapaleeswarar Temple (Kapaleeshwara)
Where: Kutchery Road, Mylapore, 600004, Chennai;
Marina Beach
Where: Marina Beach, Chennai, Chennai;
St. Thomas Mount
Where: St. Thomas Mount, Kanchipuram, 600016, Chennai;
Fort St. George
Where: Fort St. George, 600009, Chennai;
Reference information
Map of all palaces
Public palaces near Chennai
♥   Palace 'Laxmipuram Palace' , 7.5 km from the center. On the map   Photo
Map of all art museums
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
Map of all churches
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

Excursions over cultural sights of neighbours of Chennai

Bangalore
Holidays in Bangalore simply cannot be imagined without attending various excursions and visiting numerous local attractions and places of interest. Tipu Sultan's Fort built in the end of the 18th century is known as the most important place of interest in the city. For ... Open »
Colombo
Among the Hindu attractions, it is worth noting the temple complex Kathiresan Kovil. It consists of two temples whose facades feature a stunning design. They are almost completely covered with miniature fine sculptures, which together form a unique artistic canvas. ... Open »
Goa
One of the most beautiful places in Goa is Gokarna. This small town is of only one street aligned with very cute wooden houses, typical representatives of the local architecture. The old town attracts travelers with its religious attractions; there are some important ... Open »
Bombay
The tourist exploration tour should necessarily run through the Mani Bhavan palace. In the first part of the 20th century the palace was owned by Mahatma Gandhi, a famous politician, freedom fighter and nationalist. The palace has still preserved the atmosphere of the ... Open »
Male Atoll
Then, go to the National Museum, its exposition covers a part of the Palace’s halls and peculiarly presents local folk handicrafts, period costumes, Sultan’s and his family’s personal belongings. It’s the best way to explore culture and history of the ... Open »
Ahmedabad
The construction looks impressive – the inner part of the stepwell has beautiful arches and columns. The level of water was different in different years, and so the stepwell has passages for people at different heights. Although Dada Hari Ni Vav lost its importance ... Open »
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