Mahabalipuram 60 kms from Chennai along the shoreline, this is a sculptural extravaganza of rock cut temples of the Pallava times.
Marina beach &Elliots Beach
Marina is the second longest beach in the world with a stretch of 4.5 kms (2.5 miles). It is lined with statues of leaders and prominent figures of the Tamil culture. Kamarajar Salai is steeped in old British architecture. Ideal for a cool walk in the evenings
Elliot's Beach is located in Besant Nagar and is a popular hangout of the younger generation. It has a few shrines and numerous fast food joints.
Dakshinachitra ‘Picture of the South’ is a heritage centre on the East Coast Road. It is a place where traditional arts and architecture thrive. Recommended for those who wish to savour a typical village atmosphere. Exhibitions, workshops and performing artists add to the allure.
Vedanthaangal is one of the largest and oldest bird sanctuaries in the country. Among the 100 different species seen here are Herons, Pelicans, Spoonbills, open-billed Storks, Swans, White Ibis and Darters. The ideal time would be early morning or late afternoon. The season is November and February every year when most of the birds visit. A must for the bird lover.
Thirukkazhukundram the Shiva temple located on a hill top, is famous for the couple of white kites, believed to be traveling saints, that visit it to be fed by the priests every afternoon. Below the hill temple is the larger Shiva temple with a tank that is said to have healing powers. Thirukkzhukundram is 70 kms from Chennai.
Crocodile Bank on East Coast road offers the opportunity to get up close with Alligators and Crocodiles. This is a captive-breeding center where different species of Indian and African Alligators and Crocodiles can be viewed in open pits. A snake venom extraction center conducts venom-extraction demonstrations in the same campus.
ArignarAnna Zoological Park More than 30 kms from Chennai, the park is situated on 1,265 acres. It is the largest in South Asia and one of the finest in the country. Large enclosures skirted by moats, allow free movement of the animals in a near-natural environment. Amongst the biggest draws at the park are the Lion safari, the nocturnal animal’s enclosure, the reptile enclosures and the Aviary.
Government. Museum Located on Pantheon Road, Egmore, this is home to one of the finest bronze collections in the world. This renowned museum exhibits a variety of arms, rare coins, vintage stamps, antiques, and musical instruments. Within the complex lie an Art Gallery, Department of Natural History, a Museum Theatre and the Connemara Public Library.
St.Thomas Mount Built in1523 by the Portugese, a small relic-filled Church stands at the summit of the 300 foot high St. Thomas Mount. This is the site where Saint Thomas is believed to be killed. Among the relics is the 'bleeding Cross' believed to have been made by the saint himself. Above the altar is a painting of the Madonna considered as being the work of St. Luke. A flight of 160 steps leads up to the summit of the Mount.
Santhome Basilica At the southern tip of the Marina beach is the towering basilica built on the spot where St. Thomas was buried. This is the church of the Archbishop of Chennai - pastoral head of the Catholic community in the region. Besides the beauty of its rising spire, this Gothic styled church has a brilliant stained glass depiction of St. Thomas' encounter with the resurrected Christ. Some relics and a fragment of bone of the saint remain in the crypt below the altar.
Pondicherry On the eastern side of the Indian peninsula, lies Pondicherry, a seaside resort. Old French architecture, churches and museums, tree-lined boulevards along the seashore would remind you of a bygone era. The Laidback Township, pristine beach and the palm trees swaying in breeze bring a slice of serenity. The Auroville Ashram, the French War Memorial, the Aayi Mandapam, a 19th Century Lighthouse, Romain Rolland Library, the Museum are the main tourist attractions in Pondicherry.
Kancheepuram The Golden City of Kanchipuram is one of the seven sacred places of India and is important for both Shaivites and Vaishnavites. Ithas magnificent temples of unique architectural beauty bearing eloquent testimony to its glorious Dravidian heritage. Adi Sankara established his episcopal seat (Kamakotipeetam) here. Kanchipuram,is also the world renowned "Silken Paradise” for the gorgeous hand-woven silk sarees of myriad rich colours, noted for their shine, finish and matchless beauty.
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