Home to quaint British-style mansions, the imposing National Art gallery and beaches so perfectly tropical that they have inspired many a bollywood song, Chennai, the state capital of Tamil Nadu has something to offer every traveller.  The city of Chennai is no doubt a place adapted for the modern-day humans as it has been running on economic principles of supply and demand right from colonial times. With a huge growth in economic activities, the city has been able to spawn some marvelous business hubs and shopping malls. There are many other places to visit in Chennai, such as, the eponymous Chennai Museum spread over a pavilion, a gallery and a planetarium, which is not much known for its exhibits but is one of the most beautiful museums in India. Chennai has become the most important economic and educational center of South India thanks to its importance in business. There are many best places to visit in Chennai, at least once in your life. 

You've certainly visited Chennai at least once for work, or you will visit in the future, so here are some must visit places in Chennai that you should travel soon. 

Here is our list of top 10 places to visit in Chennai:

1. Marina Beach

Do you want to take a walk on the longest beaches in India during the morning or evening? Want to enjoy the sun, but tired of the weather in Chennai? Marina beach is a must-see tourist attraction in Chennai. If you have time, the Marina beach is a place worthy of your visit during morning or evening. Whenever I ask someone about the beaches of Chennai, the first thing they suggest is to go to Marina beach. Located close to downtown, it is one of the most visited beaches of Chennai. What makes this place special are its beautiful surroundings and nice weather. It’s also very close to major shopping areas like T Nagar and Adyar. It is easily accessible and a must-visit beach as it is must visit places in Chennai. This place comes with a set of advantages which is why it is one of the best tourist attractions in Chennai for sightseeing in Chennai. 

2. Semmozhi Poonga 

Semmozhi Poonga  was established in the year 2008 by planning of Mr.Palaniappan Rajendran, a young forestry professional who was then heading the Department of Forests and Wildlife, Government of Tamil Nadu. Semmozhi Poonga is part of a complex which comprises a library, a children’s play area, a theater and a science museum which is why it is one of the best tourist places in Chennai. The entrance to the garden is a huge gate that leads into a well-maintained lawn where old people sit in groups talking about the grand-children and the grand-parents reminiscing about their magic moments with them. This is the best places in Chennai to visit for sightseeing. 

3.The Huddleston Gardens of Theosopical society

Just beneath the surface of its beauty, there are some really interesting things to not miss while visiting the garden. The Garden is covered with various trees, plants, flowers and shrubs. Some of these are local varieties while others are exotic to this place. While visiting the garden, you can’t miss some of its exotic trees, plants, flowers and shrubs. Some are local varieties while others are brought in from other States. The grassy garden is a great place to visit with your family. There is also a playground for kids, a skate park which you never want to miss, and plenty of space for sunbathing. Even at night, you can make use of the lights for some fun activities. This and other tourist attractions in Chennai should be visited with your folks. 

4. Arignar Anna Zoological Park

The Arignar Anna Zoological Park is a public zoo in Vandalur, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, established in 1855. It is said to be one of the largest zoos in South East Asia which is why it is one of the best tourist places in Chennai. Founded over two centuries ago, the Park is India's first zoo. It is spread over an area of about 250 acres (1 km2) and is home to a wide variety of animals from across the world. The park is a bird watcher's paradise that attracts a large number of migratory birds during the months of October to February every year. Being a part of the Chennai Biosphere Reserve, this zoological park is a great place to study and appreciate nature in its full glory. This zoological park makes it as the popular places to visit in Chennai once in a lifetime. 

5. Pulicat Lake

If you are looking for best places for sightseeing in Chennai, visit this lake. A railway line has been constructed, thus providing train service from Chennai and Chengalpet areas. The railway station is located in the city of Pulicat which connects to local trains and broad gauge networks with major cities of India. Pulicat is very well connected by road. National Highway 47 passes through Pulicat and is about 5 km from the center of Pulicat city. Until the early 1990s, visitors to Pulicat, like those to Mahabalipuram, had to make do with an ancient bus service. Pulicat was served by a fleet of antiquated buses, run by TSRTC for the most part and on some routes by the Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (TNSTC) as the famous things in Chennai for travelling. These buses plied between Kanchipuram and Pondicherry via Pulicat and made frequent stops at various villages on the way. Don't forget to go for boating in the best tourist places in Chennai. 

6. Kapeleshwar Temple

Being part of the famed seven hills of Mylapore, this temple is adorned with various exquisite art forms and symbolic sculptures. The temple has a garden-like structure built in the south Indian style and there is also an abundance of Brahma and Narayana idols present around the shrine. The temple is also known as Dakshina Kailasam as the temple resembles Mt. Kailash of Tibet. Among the Shaivaite temples of Tamil Nadu, this temple has been listed as amongst the five holy places of worship by them. This temple is one of the best places in Chennai to visit. 

7. Breezy Beach

Breezy Beach is one of the beaches in Chennai that spreads over an area of 9.5 acres, making it the city’s second largest beach and the best place for sightseeing in Chennai . This beach is located at Thiruvanmiyur near Adyar, and is easily accessible by road, rail and also sea transport due to its proximity with the Chennai harbour. One of the most popular picnic spots for locals as well as tourists, the beach at Thiruvannamalai is a safe and clean place, where people of all ages can relax and enjoy. This beach offers a perfect getaway which makes it as a peaceful tourist attractions in Chennai. 

8. The National Art Gallery

The National Art Gallery in Chennai is claimed to be one of the most famous things in Chennai and tourists never miss out on this historic spot. It is the house of paintings that are dated back in the 18th and 17th century. Spend some time off to take a closer look at the paintings as the popular places in Chennai. The museum has boards and signs that give you detailed information about the various items on display. You would not need any external guidance. Details about the various paintings are all given in detail. And you could even participate in the guided tours of the museum. This gallery is the best places to visit in Chennai. If you are planning to spend your day here, we recommend you to wear a comfortable pair of flip flops. Selecting the best shoes for back pain will help you to find out the right flip flop for your all day comfort. 

9. Connemara Public Library

If you are looking for the best tourist places in Chennai, this library should be in your list. Built in 1896, the Connemara Public Library represents the blending of various architectural styles. A large circular structure with a dome which is 92 feet high, it was originally meant to be the complex’s 'garden court' but later became its library. The building’s river frontage is also noteworthy for its carvings and sculptures, particularly the ones that show images of British royalty and one of the best places to visit in Chennai. 

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10. Little Mount Shrine

For a period of a hundred and fifty years, Christians from far and near used to flock to these parts to worship Christ which is why it is one of the popular places in Chennai. In those days there was no visible sign of any pilgrimage center save only the house where our Lord stayed for a few days. In the very olden days even that was not there, as tradition goes is the must visit places in Chennai. As the patronage of the kings waned with the approach of the British the great Body of Christians in India received powerful protection from them. This shrine should be in your list of top 10 places to visit in Chennai. 

When you are in Chennai, ensure to carry something very comfortable but fashionable. Solethreads flip flops are a perfect blend of style and comfort. If you have any other suggestions on the best places to visit in Chennai, please mention in the comment section below. We will be happy to accommodate them.