The top 10 attractions in the Chennai Metro City
Posted on: 28/Feb/2019 3:14:12 PM
Chennai has been traditionally known as the ‘Cultural Capital of India’! The temples, the music season, the celebration of festivals, the weather all combine to make the Chennai Metro City such an adorable place to live! Combined with Information Technology and other technology development, the city has become a complex representation of the very old and the very new! Add o it, the recent interest of the people interest in multi-cuisines and different eating, you add another interesting dimension! The city is a unique attraction point with many interesting places to visit!
1. Marina Beach
This is the second longest beach in the world but it scores as the topmost attraction in the Chennai Metro City! Both sunrise and sunset periods can be really seen in picturesque scenery and mentally stored forever! Besides, the area has some sports activities – fishing, windsurfing, and volleyball.
The one rather glaring negative feature of Marina Beach is the rather atrociously poor maintenance! Still, it stands as an epitome of the soul of the city! People visit the beach with their families to have better spent time! Another unique point is that the beach, the waves and the sight are the same irrespective of the financial status – the filthy rich as well as the extremely poor both derive the same relaxation of mind and a better spent time while visiting the beach.
2. Semmozhi Poonga
Semmozhi Poonga is indeed a visual delight which had mostly seen only the concrete jungles and high-rise buildings. Located exactly right in the centre of the great Chennai Metro City and covering 20 acres to form the park. Semmozhi Poonga was declared open for the public in the year 2010. Excellently maintained, it has over 500 varieties of trees and plants from all over the world. Some of the trees are over 100 years’ old!
The plants include medicinal category as well and aromatic herbs. There is an artificial waterfall which looks real! Children enjoy their visit here immensely with a variety of play structures to keep them engaged! Plenty of seating arrangement is provided in the park.
3. The Huddleston Garden of the Theosophical Society
The main aim for the formation of the Theosophical Society was to create an ambiance of universal brotherhood shunning any distinguishing from one human being to another! Another aspect is to blend all the best of teachings of all religions to elevate the quality of humanity and its power! The World Headquarters of the Theosophical Society is located in the Chennai Metro City. It commands high respect from people belonging to all faiths. The society was established in the year 1883.
The Society, covering an area of 260 acres, is indeed a paradise for bird watchers. A very wide range of migratory birds can be seen here.
The banyan tree, located at the centre of the garden, is one of the star landmarks for the Chennai citizens! It counted as one of the oldest trees in the world over, is said to be more than 450 years’ old and among the largest the world over! The tree, indeed, covers a massive area of 59500 sq ft of the land.
The library here contains a collection of over 2 Lakhs books including palm-leaf manuscripts and also many ancient books of various faiths! The place offers peace – helps one to feel ‘one’ with the nature – and certainly, elevates the soul!
4. Arignar Anna Zoological Park
This is the 1st ever zoo in the country! It was established in the year 1855. Initially, the zoo was located adjacent to the Moore Market (near the Central Railway Station) and later, the zoo was shifted to Vanadalur in 1976. It has a massive 410 hectare area. It accommodates 170 species of wildlife, including tiger, hyena, lion, panther, elephants, etc. It is an enjoyable long distance and learnrning stretch of a long walk! Otherwise, the visitor can take the battery operated vehicle ride as well.
5. Pulicat Lake
Pulicat Lake must be counted as one of the ‘must-visit’ places in the Chennai Metro City! It offers a scenario closer to Mother Nature! It is located on the border of Tamil Nadu. There is a serene atmosphere prevailing and ideal for relaxation! Boat rides here are indeed very popular. You are allowed to do some fishing as well! It is an ideal place for bird-watching as well! Also, Nellipattu Bird sanctuary is close by! Rare birds such as flamingoes, kingfishers, pelicans, ibis, etc., can be seen!
6. Kapaleeswarar temple
This is one of the oldest temples in the city. It is still not established who built this temple. As indicated in the songs of the Saivite Nayanmars, the temple might have been built in the 7th century by the Pallava Kings. The architecture is estimated to be 400 years old. Hence, it is gathered that the Portuguese destroyed the original temple as mentioned in the Saivite Nayanmars songs and the present construction belongs to the 16th century. The temple is a classic of Dravidian style of sculpture and architecture.
7. Breezy beach
There are many beaches in Chennai. The ‘Breezy Beach’ draws attraction due to its unpolluted atmosphere! It is situated in Valmiki Nagar in Chennai. It is yet to be touched by the modern frenzy of commercialization! An ideal place for a breezy walk by the sea, it is popular for water sports. An ideal place for a swim and boat-ride as well!
8. National Art Gallery
National Art Gallery was established in the year 1907. There is a reflection of the Indo-Saracen architecture in this construction. It has 4 sections – Tanjore Painting Gallery, Ravi Varma Painting Gallery, Indian Traditional Art Gallery, and Decorative Art Gallery. It is a hot favourite for the artists. Ancient paintings, dating back up to 11th Century can be seen here. The Rock and Cave Gallery displays the natural caves, trans-slides and touch-screen facilities make it much more informative.
9.Connemara Public Library
Connemara Public Library was established during 1896. Many unique and rare collections are available in this library. The construction is intricately designed with the architecture being a blend of Southern Hindu Deccani, Gothic, Rajput, and Mughal. It houses a periodic Hall, a video room, and a reference room. This is one of the 4 National Depository Libraries in the country. It caters to the need of both professionals and the students. It receives copies of all publications throughout India – Newspapers, periodicals, and books.
10.Little Mount Shrine
Little Mount Shrine has a rich history. The cave where St. Thomas hid himself can be seen here as it has been martyred here. Unfortunately, there has been a great neglect and failure to protect and preserve. The rock bearing the footprints of St. Thomas, one of the neglected reassures, can be seen here. The place offers a good view of the Chennai Metro City and the airport.
