places to visit in chennai for youngsters

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Home • Kid • Play And Activities

30 Famous Places To Visit In Chennai With Your Kids

The coastal city packs several surprises and awe-inspiring picturesque locations to explore.

Harshita is a graduate in commerce and holds a PG Diploma in Patent and Copyrights Law from NALSAR University. She has also pursued CA and has more than three years of internship experience in auditing. Her love for travelling has taken her to various parts of the world, and writing the travelogues was what brought out her love for content writing. Read full bio of Harshita Makvana

Deepa Rachel Thomas holds a master’s degree in English from the English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad. She has done a certification course in Child Development and worked as a mentor for young children at an NGO that focuses on helping children develop their language and soft skills. Read full bio of Deepa Thomas

Image: MomJunction Design Team

The largest library in South Asia, second longest beach in the world, the birthplace of South Indian cinema, Detroit of India, cultural capital of India – ring a bell?

You got it right! We are talking about the city of Chennai in Tamil Nadu, which stands among the top 50 largest urban centers in the world.

Chennai, also known as the “Gateway to South India,” is a city full of exciting places to visit for kids. From forts to zoos to art galleries and shopping centers, there’s something for every child to enjoy.

Nicknamed The Gateway to South India, Chennai plays the self-appointed keeper of the South Indian traditions and culture . The city has numerous temples, malls, amusement parks, museums, beaches, parks and historical monuments that make up the must-to-visit tourist attractions in Chennai.

MomJunction gives you a list of places to visit in Chennai with your children.

Beaches In Chennai

Image: Shutterstock

The warm and friendly city of Chennai lies along the Coromandel coast, which makes it privy to some of the prettiest beaches in the region. A trip to one or more of these beaches is one such prior things to do in Chennai on your vacation.

1. Marina Beach

The Marina is perhaps the most visited beaches in Chennai. The world’s first natural urban beach, Marina promenade stretches to 6.5km or 4 miles . The total length of the beach is 13km, which makes it the second largest natural urban beach in the world. Approximately 30,000 people visit the beach every day.

Where: From Fort St. George to Foreshore Estate, Chennai

Attractions: An aquarium near the beach, walk along the beach, horseback riding, and water sports.

Hours: Recommended time of visit – 6am to 7pm

Entry fee: Nil

Amenities: Car parking, food stalls

Things to consider: The undercurrents of the Marina beach are pretty strong, so take extra care with kids. Do not leave them unattended in the water.

Prakalya Prakash, a blogger, shares his experience of staying in Chennai for three days for business reasons. He says, “I stayed in Nungampakkam which is very close to the iconic ‘Valluvar Kotam’. It is a historical monument honoring Thiruvalluvar, a Tamil poet who wrote Thirukural, a work of 1330 verses divided into 130 chapters. Mr. M. Karunanidhi constructed it in the 1970s. The place is known for its magnificent chariot which is 40m in height.I also made time to visit the ICF (Indian coach factory) museum set up by Indian Railways. Couple of other places I visited were — Besant nagar beach, Marina beach and the lighthouse. I would say the Besant nagar beach is a must visit if you are planning for Chennai ( i ).”

2. VGP Golden Beach

A private beach managed by the VGP Universal Kingdom amusement park, the VGP Golden Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Chennai. The beach has been one of the most preferred locations for movie shooting. It is a safe place to go swimming under the watchful eye of the guides. It is also one of the cleanest beaches in Chennai.

Where: Injambakkam, Chennai

Attractions: The private stretch of the marina is beautiful and clean. Rides in the Aqua Kingdom, Panneer fort, and statue man (see if you can move him), VGP 2000 millennium tower are other tourist attractions.

Hours: 11am to 7:30pm

Entry fee: Rs.350 for adults and Rs. 300 for kids for the VGP Universal Kingdom, Rs. 475 for adults and Rs. 375 for children for the Universal Kingdom and the Aqua Kingdom

Amenities: Car parking, food stalls, restrooms

Things to consider: If you are looking for an economical and comfortable way to spend the entire day at the beach, the VGP Golden Beach is it.

3. Covelong Beach

Covelong is a serene fishing village and another best place to visit in Chennai. The beach stretches along the Bay of Bengal, towards Mahabalipuram . The blue and white sea waters and the white, shiny sand make for a picturesque view on a bright, sunny day.

Where: 40km from Chennai

How to reach: Private vehicles, taxis, and buses

Attractions: Adventure sports, walk along the beach, ruins of a Dutch fort and fishing

Amenities: Parking, restaurants with restrooms

Things to consider: It is a quiet beach ideal for relaxing. You might want to consider visiting it only if you have time to spare.

4. Breezy Beach

An isolated beach in the vicinity of Chennai, Breezy Beach is a great spot for a quick swim or a quiet picnic with the family. If you do not want to spend too much time here, just be there at sunset to have a breathtaking view.

Where: Valmiki Nagar, Chennai

Attractions: Sunset point, boat rides are sometimes offered by local fishermen

Amenities: Parking on the roadside

Things to consider: While Breezy beach is one of the best beaches in the city, it may not be the most exciting beach to take your kids to in Chennai.

5. Elliot’s Beach

Elliot Beach is another quiet beach that people in Chennai visit to get away from the noisy city. The beach is beautiful and has several food stalls around, with ample parking space. If you visit the beach early in the morning, you can spot flamingos and pond herons.

Where: Besant Nagar, Chennai

Attractions: The beach is quiet and makes an ideal spot for a relaxing evening.

Amenities: Parking, food stalls

Things to consider: If your plan is to spend some time at the beach, Elliot’s Beach is a better and less-crowded alternative to the Marina beach.

Museums In Chennai

Does history intrigue you? Do you want to learn about the history of Chennai or Tamil Nadu? Then make sure you include one or more of these best places to visit in Chennai with family.

6. Government Museum

The second oldest museum in the country, the Government Museum or the Madras Museum has more than 40 galleries dedicated to archeology, numismatics, geology, botany, art, anthropology, and zoology. The museum complex, which is an architectural marvel in itself, opened in 1854 and has the largest collection of Roman antiques outside of Europe .

Where: Egmore, Chennai

Attractions: Children’s Museum and Dolls gallery are favorites among kids. The Roman antiques gallery, contemporary arts gallery that showcases art history of Tamil Nadu and Tanjore painting gallery are a must see.

Days open: All days except Fridays and National Holidays

Hours: 9:30am to 5pm

Entry fee: For Indians – Rs.15 per adult and Rs.10 per child, Rs. 5 for bonafide students, Foreign nationals – $5 per adult, $2.5 per child and $1.5 for bonafide students

Amenities: Parking and guide services

Things to consider: The museum is huge – it can take you over half-a-day to visit all the galleries.

7. Dakshinachitra

Image: IStock

For a thorough understanding of the culture and traditions of southern India, a visit to Dakshinachitra is a must. The living museum of performance arts, crafts and culture showcases the lifestyles of people in the four southern states of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu.

Where: Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu

Attractions: Vernacular architecture – regional houses from the four states recreated for visitors; folk performances, glass blowing demo

Days open: All days, except Tuesdays and Diwali

Hours: 10am to 6pm

Entry fee: For Indians Rs. 100 per adult, Rs. 30 per child, Rs. 50 for students, Foreign nationals Rs. 250 for adults, Rs. 70 for students

Amenities: Parking, restaurant.

Things to consider: Dakshinachitra also organizes workshops for kids and adults. Check their calendar online to know more.

8. Railway Museum

Image: Chennai Rail Museum

Trains excite kids, which makes the Chennai Railway Museum one of the places you should visit with children. From running models to miniature rail networks and souvenirs, the museum features a variety of exhibits that appeal to kids. The museum also has a children’s park and vintage engine models on display.

Where: Villivakkam, Chennai

Attractions: Joyrides, AV shows, Fowler ploughing engine, and scaled models of several trains from India, before and after Independence.

Days open: All days, except Mondays

Entry fee: Rs. 10 per person

Amenities: Car Parking

Things to consider: Try and make it to one of the AV presentations that the museum has every hour.

9. National Art Gallery

The National Art Gallery is one of the museums in the Government Museum, Chennai. The gallery has a wide collection of arts and crafts, especially paintings from the 14th and 15th centuries. Children would love the rock and cave art showcased in this gallery. The museum also displays paintings of renowned painter Raja Ravi Varma.

Attractions: Thanjavur paintings, Ravi Varma paintings, Bronze sculptures, rock and cave art and ancient manuscripts

Days open: All days, except Friday

Hours: 10am to 5pm

Things to consider: This is purely for art and craft lovers. It could be an inspiration to aspiring artists.

10. Vivekananda House

Swami Vivekananda is a source of immense inspiration to the young. Visit the Vivekananda House, a landmark in Chennai, where Swami Vivekananda stayed for nine days after his return from the US . The house is now a museum that showcases the rich Indian culture and the life of Swami Vivekananda when he stayed there.

Where: Triplicane, Chennai

Attractions: Experience Vivekananda initiative, an excellent way to understand the man and what he stood for.

Days open: All days except Mondays

Hours: 10am to 12:15pm and 3pm to 7pm

Entry fee: Rs.10 per adult, Rs. 5 per child

Amenities: Limited parking

Things to consider: The museum is opposite Marina beach. You can club your visits to the beach and the museum to save time.

Historical Places In Chennai

The city’s rich history is evident from the many historical monuments it houses. Here are some of the Chennai’s tourist attractions you should visit with kids.

11. Fort St. George

St. George Fort is the first English fortress that was built in India, in 1644. The fort is an architectural marvel and currently houses the Tamil Nadu legislative assembly. The fort also has a museum that showcases medallions, coins, paintings and letters belonging to the East India Company personnel who lived here.

Where: Rajaji Salai, Chennai

Attractions: St. Mary’s Church, the oldest Anglican Church in India, and the St. George Museum

Hours: 9am to 5pm

Entry fee: Rs. 5 per person for Indian citizens and $2 for foreign nationals (entry free for children up to 15 years of age)

Amenities: Parking, restrooms, food stalls/canteens

Things to consider: The visit to the fort can be an educational trip for your kids. It can be an exciting experience but not a place to have fun or folly (the Tamil Nadu Assembly is in the same building!)

12. Alamparai Fort

The Alamparai Fort was built in the 17th century by the Mughal Empire, and is another good place to visit near Chennai. The French later seized the fort and then the British empire, when it was partly demolished. At present, you can only see the ruins of the fort with the beautiful backwaters of the Bay of Bengal on one side.

Where: 100km from Chennai

Attractions: Picturesque backwaters and the ruins, which have made it a favorite spot for filmmakers, bird-watching, photography, and boating.

Days open: All days

Hours: Recommended time of visit – 9am to 5pm

Amenities: Parking on roadside

Things to consider: The Alamparai Fort is in a secluded area that makes it less ideal for families and kids. Go there during daytime for a good view of the backwaters.

13. Tranquebar

Tranquebar, now known as Tharangambadi, is home to Dansborg, a 400-year-old fort built by the Danish invaders. An erstwhile port city for the rulers Cholas and Pandyas, the small port town is now a tourist hub with resorts and other facilities. In addition to the fort, there is a 300-year-old church and a museum that the kids may be interested in.

Where: 270km from Chennai

How to reach: Buses, private vehicles, and taxis

Attractions: The Dansborg Fort, the Town Gate, Zion Church and the Ziegenbalg Museum Complex

Hours: Overnight stay is necessary to cover all the sights in the region

Amenities: Accommodation, restaurants

Things to consider: It takes nearly eight hours to reach Tranquebar from Chennai. Unless you have that kind of time, this place should not be on the itinerary.

14. Valluvar Kottam

A favorite monument in Chennai, Valluvar Kottam is a memorial to a famous Tamil poet, philosopher and saint Thiruvallur. The monument is a 39-meter high chariot that houses a statue of the saint. It is a tribute to the poet’s work called Thirukkal, which has 133 chapters with ten verses each. There is also an auditorium that often hosts classical programs.

Where: Nungambakkam, Chennai

Attractions: The monument stands on a lake and was built without a pillar for a base. The magnificently carved stone chariot appeals to kids and adults alike.

Hours: 8:30am to 5:30pm

Amenities: Parking, restrooms, food stalls

Things to consider: While the kids may be fascinated by the size of the stone chariot, they may not comprehend the importance of the monument or the poet’s works.

15. Kolli hills

Kolli Hills, also known as Kolli Malai, is a small mountain range situated in central Tamil Nadu, spanning across the Namakkal district and Tiruchirapalli District of India. The range derives its name, Kolli Malai, from the goddess Etukkai Amman (also referred to as Kollipavai), who is believed to guard the hills with her divine protection. The Kolli hills are prominently mentioned in various classical Tamil literary works, and the area was ruled by Valvil Ori, who is considered to be one of the seven great philanthropists of ancient Tamil Nadu in around 200 CE.

Where:  330 km from Chennai

How to reach: Trains (Salem is the nearest railway station), private vehicles and buses.

Attractions: Agaya Gangai waterfall, Arappaleeswarar temple, Masila falls, Namma Aruvi falls, Botanical garden

Days open:  All days

Hours: 6 am to 6 pm. Overnight stay at the resorts can give a better experience.

Amenities: Shops, resorts

Things to consider: You have to climb a total of 1302 steps up and down to see Agaya Gangai waterfall. So, the journey might be a little difficult and tiring as the steps are steep.

Malls And Entertainment Places In Chennai

There is no dearth of malls or amusement parks in this metropolitan city. Here are our picks for malls and amusement or entertainment places to see in Chennai.

16. Forum Vijaya Mall

A mall is a perfect place to unwind after a long day of sightseeing or traveling. Forum Vijaya Mall is huge and has a spacious food court that serves different cuisines to tickle your taste buds. The mall also has a play area for kids with mini slides, basketball, and cars. The play area and the food court are divided by a glass wall, allowing parents to watch over their children while they eat.

Where: Vadapalani, Chennai

Attractions: Play Zone has video games, mini rides for kids, crane and puzzle games and other redemption games. The mall also has a toy train ride for younger kids.

Hours: 10am to 10pm

Amenities: Parking, restrooms and restaurants

Things to consider: Kids will have a gala time playing in the Fun Zone, but there are only so many games you can play there.

17. Spencer Plaza

Image: flickr.com creativecommons.org

A modern mall that was built back in the days of the British Raj, Spencer Plaza is India’s oldest shopping mall and a landmark in Chennai. The old-fashioned mall is home to many brand stores, private banks and organizations, and restaurants. The mall also has over 15 Sri Lankan brand stores where you can get the finest Ceylon tea, spices, clothing, and footwear.

Where: Anna Salai, Chennai

Attractions: Good food for less, one place where you can bargain and get good stuff at lower prices.

Amenities: Parking, restrooms, restaurants

Things to consider: Spencer Plaza is the oldest mall in the country and was made purely for business. There may not be a lot of things that appeal to kids here.

18. Express Avenue Mall

The Express Avenue Mall is one your kids will love as it has the largest gaming arcade in South India. The mall has a play area called Fun City, which has more than the usual rides you find in a mall. Express Avenue also has a 5D movie theater that older kids may enjoy. Other than that, the restaurants are great, and there is so much to buy that you can shop till you drop.

Where: Roypettah, Chennai

Attractions: Fun City

Hours: 10:30am to 9:30pm

Amenities: Parking, restaurants and restrooms

Things to consider: If you have a day to spare between sightseeing and traveling around, use it to visit the Express Avenue. Your kids will love it.

19. Queens Land

Image: creativecommons.org

Queens Land is an amusement park in Chennai that has over 50 rides. In addition to the joy rides, the amusement park has all the amenities that make it an excellent place for a fun family time. Of the 50 rides, 18 are for kids, and that means your day at the park will have no wasted time!

Where: Chembarambakkam, 13.3 km from Chennai

Attractions: Cable Cars, Himalayan Water Ride, Wave Pool, Bumper Cars, Orchestra, Go Karting, Frog Slide and Thumbrole.

Hours: 9:30am to 6pm

Entry fee: Rs. 550 for adults, Rs. 450 for children

Things to consider: The amusement park is huge and spread over an area of 70 acres. You may not be able to complete all the rides in one day. So choose wisely.

20. MGM Dizzee World

MGM is a household name in Chennai. The Dizzee World is one of the largest amusement parks in Chennai and offers more than 35 fabulous joy rides for kids and adults. The park also has an amphitheater, and an exclusive children’s zone called Marryworld. The park also offers hot air balloon rides for the entire family!

Where: Muttukadu, Chennai

Attractions: Hot air balloon rides, boating, MGM express, wave pool, splash pool and a simulator ride called Imagine.

Hours: Weekdays – 10:30am to 6:30pm Weekends and public olidays – 10:30am to 7:30pm

Entry fee: Rs. 599 per adult, Rs. 499 per child (includes all rides and water park access)

Amenities: Parking, food court, restrooms, first aid

Things to consider: Avoid the adult rides for kids – they may be highly exhilarating for you, but scary for kids.

21. VGP Universal Kingdom

Once popular as VGP Gardens, the VGP Universal Kingdom is an amusement park along the Marina Beach. The proximity to the beach and a convenient location makes it an ideal hangout spot for locals and tourists alike. The park has a wide choice of joy rides for children, teens, adults and families. If you are lucky, you could spot a movie star or two in shooting a scene at the park.

Where: Injambakam, Chennai

Attractions: Statue Man, Dashing Car, Roller Coast, Water Chute, Jungle Car, and the Doll Kingdom. If you’re bored with the rides, you can go to the beach!

Hours: From 11am to 7.30pm on weekdays and till 8pm on weekends

Entry fee: Rs. 350 per adult and Rs.300 per child for the amusement park, Rs. 475 per adult and Rs. 375 per child for the amusement park and water park

Amenities: Parking, restaurant, restrooms, locker facility

Things to consider: Plan a visit to the VGP beach and the amusement park on the same day.

Lakes And Parks In Chennai

Lakes or parks – do they fascinate you? Look on for those beautiful visiting places in Chennai, which is a home to some rare birds and animals found in their natural habitats around the city or in the enclosed parks.

22. Arignar Anna Zoological Park

Chennai has a lot of firsts, including the first public zoo – the Arignar Anna Zoological Park or the Vandalur Zoo. The park is home to over 2000 species of plants and animals. It is also the largest zoo in India and has close to 50 species of mammals, 63 bird species, 31 reptile species, and a variety of fishes, amphibians and insects.

Where: Vandalur, Kanchipuram, 38.8km from Chennai

How to reach: Buses, private cars and taxis. Trains until Vandalur railway station

Attractions: Deer safari, Shark Aquarium, Nocturnal animal house, water birds habitat, lion safari, and serpentaria.

Days open: All days except Tuesdays

Entry fee: Rs. 30 per adult and Rs. 10 per child. Additional cost for safari vehicles

Amenities: Parking, food stalls, restrooms, and vehicle to tour the zoo

Things to consider: Touring the entire zoo will take at least four hours.

23. Semmozhi Poonga

Image: commons.wikimedia.org creativecommons.org

A relatively recent addition to Chennai’s list of parks, the Semmozhi Poonga is a botanical garden with over 300 species of plants. The park was developed around 80 trees that were in the area for years. Some of these trees are over 100 years old. Introduce your kids to a variety of plants including the cacti, bamboo and ficus varieties from China.

Where: Teynampet, Chennai

Attractions: The pond with ducks, the poonga at night, with colorful lights and the old trees that found a home in the garden.

Hours: 10am to 7pm

Entry fee: Rs. 5 per person

Amenities: Parking and restrooms; eatables or plastic bags are not allowed

Things to consider: This is a botanical garden, and may not be of appeal to all kids.

24. Pulicat Lake And Bird Sanctuary

The Pulicat Lake is the second largest saltwater lake in India. A significant portion of the lake lies in the state of Andhra Pradesh, with only 3% of it in Tamil Nadu. There is a bird sanctuary in the lake that attracts migratory birds like pelicans, painted stork, flamingos, and other birds every year.

Where: 93.3km from Chennai

Attractions: The scenic view of the lake combined with the variety of birds you can find there.

Hours: Recommended time of visit – 6am to 5pm. Best time to visit: November to February to see the migratory birds

Amenities: Parking

Things to consider: The Pulicat lake is under the threat of drying up completely in the next 100 years, due to pollution and silt. A trip to the lake can educate your kids about such ecological issues.

25. Muttukadu Lake

A picturesque lake in the city, Muttukadu Lake is known for its floating boat house. The facility is made of bamboo and is run by the Tamil Nadu tourism department and offers boating to explore the lake. You can also try speed boat rides and high-speed aqua scooter rides in the backwaters.

Attractions: Row boating, pedal boating and speed water biking, the TTDC sometimes conducts boat races here.

Entry fee: Nil; Visitors need to buy tickets for boat and scooter rides

Amenities: Parking, restaurant and restrooms

Things to consider: This is a great place for boating for families.

26. Odiyur Lake

The Odiyur Lake is enroute Mahabalipuram. The Mudaliarkuppam Boat House, established on the banks of the lake, is known for water-based activities like row boating, speed boating, kayaking and more. The facility is managed by the Tamil Nadu tourism department and has over 50 varieties of boats that you can try.

Where: 90km from Chennai

Attractions: Kayaking is a great option for adventurers. There are row boats, pedal boats and speed scooters for kids and families. Also, look for pretty pink flamingos, little grebe and different varieties of kingfishers.

Hours: 9am to 6pm

Entry fee: Nil; Tickets

Amenities: Parking, restaurants

Things to consider: The Mudaliarkuppam Boat House is farther than some of the other boat houses near Chennai. Carry binoculars to spot birds.

27. Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary

If bird watching and identifying is your favorite pastime, the Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary is a place you’ll love. Developed around the Vedanthangal lake, the sanctuary is home to grebes, egrets, cormorants, pintails, pond herons and sandpipers. The sanctuary also hosts migratory birds like the Australian gray pelicans, the glossy ibises and snake birds from Sri Lanka, painted storks from Siberia, spoonbills from Burma, open-billed storks from Bangladesh and the spot-billed ducks.

Where: 75km from Chennai

How to reach: Buses, private vehicles and taxis; train till Chengalpattu (24.4km from the sanctuary)

Attractions: Excellent place for bird watching – an estimated 5,000 birds fly into the sanctuary throughout the year.

Hours: Recommended time to visit – during day, early morning and before dusk

Entry fee: Rs. 5

Amenities: Parking on roadside, guides

Things to consider: You can also spot mammals like the wild boar, jackal and jungle cat here. This place is for wildlife enthusiasts and bird watchers.

Other Kid-Friendly Places In Chennai

In addition to the ones mentioned above, these are a few other best places to visit in Chennai that will interest your kids.

28. Birla Planetarium

One of the few planetariums built by the Birla Foundation, the Birla Planetarium in Chennai is a great place to spend time with kids. It has eight galleries that are dedicated to physical science, innovation, transportation and energy among others. The planetarium also has two science shows frequently repeated during the day – one in English and the other in Tamil.

Where: Kotturpuram, Chennai

Attractions: The planetarium shows, rocket model in the science park

Days open: All days, except Republic Day, Independence Day and Gandhi Jayanthi

Hours: 10am to 5:45pm

Entry fee: Rs. 45 for adults and Rs.25 for children for complete planetarium package

Amenities: Parking, restrooms

Things to consider: If your kids have already been to a planetarium, they might not find this visit exciting.

29. The Theosophical Society

The Theosophical Society in Chennai is an interesting place for kids . Consider a visit to the society as an educational tour. You can visit the many temples within the premises, the old banyan tree, and the library filled with knowledge by world teachers like Jiddu Krishnamurti.

Where: Adyar, Chennai

Attractions: The sprawling Huddleston gardens on the premises and the Great Banyan Tree that occupies 40,000sft and is 450 years old.

Days open: All days except Sundays and public holidays

Hours: 8:30am to 4pm

Amenities: Parking and restrooms

Things to consider: If you are taking your kids there, you might want to know about the society beforehand.

30. Tada Falls

Tada Falls is a weekend getaway for many Chennai residents. The place is ideal for a small trek or hike with the kids, and the waterfall is a beautiful sight. The path to the falls is well developed and easy for kids to walk. You can even take a dip in the final pool if you feel like.

Where: 95km from Chennai

How to reach: Local trains, private vehicles and buses

Attractions: The waterfall and the small hike can be fun for kids and adults. You can even camp there if you have the gear.

Hours: Recommended time of visit – during the day

Amenities: Parking near the falls, no restrooms or food stalls

Things to consider: The trek may be tiring for younger kids.

A Brief History Of Chennai

The city was first formed as a Portuguese colony in the 1500s. The Dutch later ruled it, followed by the British and the French invaders, before Independent India made it the capital of Tamil Nadu state in 1956. It is believed that the name Chennai was derived from the name Damarla Chennappa Nayakudu, a Telugu king. Some say it is derived from the name of Lord Chenna Kesava Perumal. The city was later called Madraspattinam, which was a fishing village near the first English Fort.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is famous in Chennai to eat?

Chennai is a metro city that has people from all over the country. While you can find several dishes from around the world to eat in Chennai, this popular city is famous for its traditional foods. Idli, Dosa, Sambhar, Vada, Uttapam, Paniyaram, Appam, and Puttu are some delicious foods one can relish when visiting Chennai.

2. Which sweet is famous in Chennai?

Payasam is the traditional Tamil dish famous in Chennai. It’s usually made with rice, milk, sugar, coconut, and sometimes dry fruit. However, this sweet can also be made with other ingredients like vermicelli and broken wheat. Some other sweets one can devour while staying in Chennai are Mysore pak and Kozhukkatta.

3. What are some popular shopping destinations in Chennai for traditional and modern items?

In Chennai, several shopping destinations cater to both traditional and modern items. Places like T. Nagar, Pondy Bazaar, and Mylapore are known for their traditional products, such as textiles, jewelry, and handicrafts. On the other hand, Phoenix MarketCity and Express Avenue are popular malls offering a diverse range of national and international brands for modern shopping.

These were some of the most loved places to visit in Chennai. To see most of these sites, you’ll have to stay for at least 15 days. However, if you only have a short stay, you might not be able to see all of these attractions. You can also consider visiting Chennai’s best attractions, such as beaches, animal sanctuaries, and amusement parks. Plan a trip to Chennai with your children and family; you will always cherish your time spent in the port city. Do not be surprised if it turns out to be one of your favorite destinations in India to visit.

Key Pointers

• Chennai is known as the cultural capital of India because of its deeply entrenched traditions.
• Chennai is famous for its beaches, museums, eateries, malls, and lakes.
• Kid-friendly places like Theosophical Society and Birla Planetarium teach children new things in a fun way.

Image: Stable Diffusion/MomJunction Design Team

Explore the best tourist places to visit in Chennai, India! From ancient temples to modern malls, there’s something for everyone. Come join us on this journey!

Personal Experience: Source

MomJunction articles include first-hand experiences to provide you with better insights through real-life narratives. Here are the sources of personal accounts referenced in this article.

The 50 best things to do with kids in Chennai (Madras)

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1 Marina Beach

2 Arignar Anna Zoological Park

3 Government Museum Chennai

4 mgm dizzee world, 5 edward elliot's beach, 6 the madras crocodile bank trust and centre for herpetology, 7 vivekananda house, 8 b.m. birla planetarium, 9 vgp universal kingdom, 10 semmozhi poonga, 11 thousand lights shia mosque, 12 national art gallery chennai, 13 express avenue, 14 fort st.george museum, 15 covelong private beach, 16 guindy national park, 17 chennai rail museum, 18 akkarai beach, 19 new avadi road railway museum, 20 vgp golden beach resort, 21 nexus vijaya mall, 22 guindy national park, 23 madras high court, 24 fun city, 25 pebble beach, 26 elliots beach, 27 kapaleeshwarar temple, 28 snow kingdom (chennai), 29 chennai snake park, 30 anna centenary library, 31 queensland amusement park, 32 spencer plaza, 33 muttukadu boat house, 34 kishkinta amusement park, 35 thiruvalluvar nagar beach, 36 victory war memorial, 37 greater chennai corporation office, 38 periyar science and technology centre, 39 adyar eco-park, 40 besant nagar beach, 41 island grounds, 42 mystery rooms chennai - official escape rooms, 43 kartwheel - kids play & party zone, 44 funky monkeys play center phoenix marketcity chennai, 45 toy'z day out, 46 monkey monk, 47 utopia world, 48 pleeease mom, 49 qbowling, 50 ispark holistic happiness studio, popular road trips from chennai (madras), what's the weather like in chennai (madras).

It depends on when you visit! We've compiled data from NASA on what the weather is like in Chennai (Madras) for each month of the year: see the links below for more information.

• Weather in Chennai (Madras) in January
• Weather in Chennai (Madras) in February
• Weather in Chennai (Madras) in March
• Weather in Chennai (Madras) in April
• Weather in Chennai (Madras) in May
• Weather in Chennai (Madras) in June
• Weather in Chennai (Madras) in July
• Weather in Chennai (Madras) in August
• Weather in Chennai (Madras) in September
• Weather in Chennai (Madras) in October
• Weather in Chennai (Madras) in November
• Weather in Chennai (Madras) in December

All road trips from Chennai (Madras)

• Chennai (Madras) to Bengaluru drive
• Chennai (Madras) to Mumbai drive
• Chennai (Madras) to Pondicherry drive
• Chennai (Madras) to Hyderabad drive
• Chennai (Madras) to New Delhi drive
• Chennai (Madras) to Mysuru (Mysore) drive
• Chennai (Madras) to Kochi (Cochin) drive
• Chennai (Madras) to Jaipur drive
• Chennai (Madras) to Munnar drive
• Chennai (Madras) to Ooty (Udhagamandalam) drive
• Chennai (Madras) to Tirupati drive
• Chennai (Madras) to Agra drive
• Chennai (Madras) to Kodaikanal drive
• Chennai (Madras) to Pune drive
• Chennai (Madras) to Kolkata (Calcutta) drive
• Chennai (Madras) to Kathmandu drive
• Chennai (Madras) to Udaipur drive
• Chennai (Madras) to Madurai drive
• Chennai (Madras) to Thekkady drive
• Chennai (Madras) to Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum) drive
• Chennai (Madras) to Hampi drive
• Chennai (Madras) to Panjim drive
• Chennai (Madras) to Visakhapatnam drive
• Chennai (Madras) to Kalpetta drive
• Chennai (Madras) to Rameswaram drive
• Chennai (Madras) to Ahmedabad drive
• Chennai (Madras) to Yercaud drive
• Chennai (Madras) to Varanasi drive
• Chennai (Madras) to Kanyakumari drive

Explore nearby places

• Chennai (Madras)
• Thirumazhisai
• Sriperumbudur
• Hanumanthapuram
• Mahabalipuram
• Chengalpattu
• Thirukalukundram
• Kanchipuram
• Samayapuram
• Thiruputkuzhi
• Uttiramerur
• Brahmadesam
• Melmaruvathur
• Acharapakkam
• Srikalahasti

All related maps of Chennai (Madras)

• Map of Chennai (Madras)
• Map of Manali
• Map of Poompuhar
• Map of Thirumazhisai
• Map of Tambaram
• Map of Muttukadu
• Map of Covelong
• Map of Kovalam
• Map of Pulicat
• Map of Sriperumbudur
• Map of Tiruvallur
• Map of Hanumanthapuram
• Map of Mahabalipuram
• Map of Chengalpattu
• Map of Thirukalukundram
• Map of Arakkonam
• Map of Kanchipuram
• Map of Samayapuram
• Map of Thiruthani
• Map of Thiruputkuzhi
• Map of Uttiramerur
• Map of Brahmadesam
• Map of Melmaruvathur
• Map of Acharapakkam
• Map of Sholinghur
• Map of Cheyyar
• Map of Srikalahasti
• Map of Renigunta
• Map of Ranipet
• Map of Tirupati
• Map of Tindivanam

Chennai (Madras) throughout the year

• Chennai (Madras) in January
• Chennai (Madras) in February
• Chennai (Madras) in March
• Chennai (Madras) in April
• Chennai (Madras) in May
• Chennai (Madras) in June
• Chennai (Madras) in July
• Chennai (Madras) in August
• Chennai (Madras) in September
• Chennai (Madras) in October
• Chennai (Madras) in November
• Chennai (Madras) in December

Looking for day-by-day itineraries in Chennai (Madras)?

Get inspired for your trip to Chennai (Madras) with our curated itineraries that are jam-packed with popular attractions everyday! Check them out here:

• 1-Day Chennai (Madras) Itinerary
• 2-Day Chennai (Madras) Itinerary
• 3-Day Chennai (Madras) Itinerary
• 4-Day Chennai (Madras) Itinerary
• 5-Day Chennai (Madras) Itinerary

Best kid-friendly attractions in nearby cities

• The best things to do with kids in Mumbai
• The best things to do with kids in Hyderabad
• The best things to do with kids in Mysuru (Mysore)
• The best things to do with kids in Pondicherry
• The best things to do with kids in Kodaikanal

Best attractions in nearby cities

• Top things to do and attractions in Mumbai
• Top things to do and attractions in Bengaluru
• Top things to do and attractions in Kochi (Cochin)
• Top things to do and attractions in Mysuru (Mysore)
• Top things to do and attractions in Ooty (Udhagamandalam)
• Top things to do and attractions in Thanjavur
• Top things to do and attractions in Kanchipuram
• Top things to do and attractions in Salem
• Top things to do and attractions in Kumbakonam
• Top things to do and attractions in Yercaud
• Top things to do and attractions in Vellore
• Top things to do and attractions in Tiruvannamalai
• Top things to do and attractions in Yelagiri

Best restaurants in nearby cities

• Where to eat: the best restaurants in Mumbai
• Where to eat: the best restaurants in Bengaluru
• Where to eat: the best restaurants in Kochi (Cochin)
• Where to eat: the best restaurants in Mysuru (Mysore)
• Where to eat: the best restaurants in Ooty (Udhagamandalam)
• Where to eat: the best restaurants in Thanjavur
• Where to eat: the best restaurants in Tiruchirappalli
• Where to eat: the best restaurants in Kanchipuram
• Where to eat: the best restaurants in Salem
• Where to eat: the best restaurants in Kumbakonam
• Where to eat: the best restaurants in Vellore
• Where to eat: the best restaurants in Tiruvannamalai
• Where to eat: the best restaurants in Yelagiri
• Where to eat: the best restaurants in Thiruvannamalai
• Where to eat: the best restaurants in Dharmapuri

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• See time and distance between all your places

Best Fun Places To Visit In Chennai With Kids 2023

When someone mentions the word “Chennai,” what comes to mind? Aren’t there lovely beaches, gorgeous temples, a commercial hub, and exciting activities? Chennai definitely offers a lot to explore!

Well, Chennai is really all about it, and with so many entertaining things to do here in Chennai, you wouldn’t expect anything less. Chennai, the capital of Tamil Nadu, is now one of the most famous tourist attractions in the country’s southern reaches. It welcomes a huge number of visitors, either as holidaymakers or as employees of its large workforce.

Many factors contribute to Chennai’s prominence. Art, architecture, dance, music, and theater are some of the fascinating things about it.

12 Best Indoor and Outdoor Places To Visit In Chennai With Kids 

You’ve come to the correct place if you’re new to Chennai and looking for best things to do with kids in Chennai. Traveling with kids is frequently challenging, yet Chennai is completely child-friendly. When traveling with children, it is recommended to visit Chennai between June and February to avoid the sunny summer months.

I’ll tell you about some of the most spectacular things you can (and should) do with your kids in the city in this article. So, here we go, everyone.

The Government Museum of Chennai – Best place to visit in Chennai with baby

Gingee fort- best outdoor place to visit in chennai with kids, dakshinachitra- the best place to visit in chennai in 1 day, railway museum- unique place to visit in chennai, pulicat lake and bird sanctuary – best place to visit in chennai with kids, yercaud- perfect for kids day out in chennai, muttukadu lake – best places for kids in channai, vgp golden beach – top 10 chennai tourist places, elliot’s beach – best things to do with toddlers in chennai, cocoplaynut – best indoor play area in chennai, express avenue mall – best thing to do with toddlers in chennai, forum vijaya mall – best places to visit in chennai with baby, spencer plaza – perfect for kids’ day out in chennai, mgm dizzee world – best outdoor place to visit in chennai, kartwheel- kids play & party zone – top place to visit in chennai with kids and toddlers, birla planetarium- best outdoor place to visit in chennai, vgp universal kingdom – unique places to visit with kids in chennai, semmozhi poonga – best things to do with kids in chennai, a brief history of chennai and fun facts about chennai, list of amazing places for children in chennai, list of museums and historical places in chennai, beaches and lakes in chennai, malls and entertainment places in chennai, best play areas in chennai, which beach in chennai is famous among children, which is the coolest place in chennai.

Do you and your child like learning about history? If you want to learn about the history of Chennai or Tamil Nadu, make a point of visiting the Madras Museum. So many galleries of artifacts maintained and presented in this Museum would pique your child’s interest.

The Government Museum, often known as the Madras Museum, is the country’s second-oldest museum. The museum, which first opened in 1854, houses the world’s greatest collection of Roman antiquities outside of Europe. It comprises about 40 galleries dedicated to archaeology, numismatics, geology, botany, art, anthropology, and zoology, among other subjects.

The doll gallery is the most popular among the children who visit this location. They say that traveling teaches you something. So there you have it!

What is the fee for visiting the Government Museum

For Indians – Rs.15 per adult and Rs.10 per child, Rs. 5 for bonafide students

Foreign nationals – $5 per adult, $2.5 per child and $1.5 for bonafide students

Advisory: The museum is big; touring all of the galleries likely takes more than half a day.

Gingee Fort is in Tamil Nadu’s Villupuram District, some 160 kilometres from Chennai, the state capital, and close to the Union Territory of Puducherry.

This is yet another fantastic place in and near Chennai for families with children. The Gingee Fort is a well-known historical site with a big space to fascinate you and your youngster. While exploring the depths of this fort, you may also enjoy a perfect picnic.

The ruins of the Gingee fort, with their stunning beauty, create a tranquil backdrop that makes it a worthwhile stop. As a result, a day excursion to the fort is unavoidable. You’ll undoubtedly return with some incredible photographs and a deep understanding of history.

What is the fee for visiting the Gingee Fort

Indian citizens- INR 15

Foreign citizens- INR 100

A trip to Dakshinachitra is recommended to grasp southern Indian culture and traditions.

This is one of the most fascinating sites for children in Chennai, with great exhibits of art and craft.

This living museum of performance arts, crafts, and culture helps children comprehend the culture of Chennai, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu.

Workshops for children and adults are also held by Dakshinachitra. To learn more, visit their website. Private vehicles, taxis, and buses can all be used to get to the museum.

Vernacular architecture – regional dwellings from the four states replicated for visitors; folk performances; and a glass blowing demonstration are among the museum’s key attractions.

What is the fee for visiting the Dakshinachitra

For Indians:- Rs. 100 per adult, Rs. 30 per child, Rs. 50 for students, 

Foreign nationals Rs. 250 for adults, Rs. 70 for students

Because of this unique Railway Museum, Chennai has become one of the most popular summer holiday destinations for children. This museum has everything intriguing for kids, from miniature train models to different elements of the tracks and even spectacular demonstrations of the system. The main attractions are Joyrides, AV shows, the flower plowing engine, and scaled models of many trains from India before and after Independence. A historic engine replica is also on show at the museum. To add to the allure, there is a children’s park outside the museum that will keep them completely amused.

What is the fee for visiting the Railway Museum

Rs 10 per person

The Pulicat Lake, India’s second largest saltwater lake, is a haven for migrating birds such as flamingos, pelicans, and painted storks. The magnificent view of the lake, mixed with the variety of birds, is the major attraction.

Due to pollution and silt, the Pulicat lake is on the verge of drying up completely in the next 100 years. A trip to the lake can teach your children about environmental issues. Between November and February is the best time to come and the suggested hours are 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. This location also has a fantastic packing facility.

What is the fee for visiting the Pulicat Lake

Free for all

Yercaud is a popular picnic and camping spot in the Chennai area. Without a doubt, this hill station is stunning and has absolutely superb natural beauty! Also, your children will enjoy camping and trekking in this safer and greener habitat. The most appealing feature of Yercaud is its large, natural lake, which is known as the Emerald Lake. This lake is a visual feast, surrounded by beautiful cloud-peaked hills and a well-kept garden on its banks. In Yercaud, there are also some spectacular waterfalls where you and your child will undoubtedly enjoy playing in the pouring and streaming water.

What is the fee for visiting the Yercaud

The bamboo floating boathouse on Muttukadu Lake is one of the kids’ famous attractions. At the lake, you may also try out different boating activities with your family. Water activities, pedal boating, row boating, speed water bicycling, and boat races are the primary attractions for children. Although entry is free, speed boat rides and high-speed aqua scooter rides in the backwaters are not.Here you will find parking, restrooms, and a restaurant.

What is the fee for visiting the Muttukadu Lake

If you and your children enjoy beaches and are seeking for an affordable and pleasant way to spend an entire day at the beach in Chennai, VGP Golden Beach is a good option. The VGP Golden Beach, a private beach managed by the VGP Universal Kingdom entertainment park, is one of Chennai’s most stunning beaches. Other tourist attractions include the Aqua Kingdom, Panneer Fort, and the Statue Man, as well as the VGP 2000 Millennium Tower. Under the supervision of the guides, swimming is a safe activity. It is also one of Chennai’s cleanest beaches. Take a look at our travel tips to keep your toddler engrossed during travel.

What is the entry fee for visiting the VGP Golden Beach

Rs.350 for adults and Rs. 300 for kids for the VGP Universal Kingdom.

Rs. 475 for adults and Rs. 375 for children for the Universal Kingdom and the Aqua Kingdom

Elliot Beach is another peaceful beach popular in Chennai. The beach is lovely, and there are various food stalls nearby, as well as plenty of parking. Flamingos and pond herons can be seen on the beach early in the morning. You can reach the beach easily by public transport. Ensure you have car seat for your kids because car seat is a safer option for kids  during road trips.

What is the entry fee for visiting Elliot’s beach?

In Chennai, Cocoplaynut is a real-time children’s play area. It is one of Chennai’s best indoor play spaces, well-designed to provide utmost safety to children without jeopardizing the fun factor. Cocoplaynut’s indoor play zone includes a Toddler Play section. It is well-designed just for curious and adorable toddlers. To ensure the safety of children, all of the equipment in the toddler play area meets the strictest safety standards. There’s also a party hall, a mother’s room, and a large cafeteria here in an indoor space. Outdoor play areas are also designed with a large arena of entertainment components for the enjoyment of children. Cocoplaynut is the ideal blend of learning, growing, and exploring to round out your child’s life in a variety of different ways. A fun-filled day in Cocoplaynut is one of the best things to do in Chennai with kids. Grab these fun-filled holiday craft activities to add more fun to your holidays.

Your children will like the Express Avenue Mall, which houses South India’s largest gaming arcade. The mall contains a play area named Fun City, which offers more than typical mall rides. Older children may appreciate the 5D movie theater on Express Avenue. A play zone is suitable for kids from 4 to 12 years. Aside from that, the restaurants are excellent with several food and beverage options, and there is so much to buy that you may shop till your heart’s content.

Overall, it is a fun spot for the kids to hang out. If you have a day off between touring and traveling, take advantage of it by visiting the Express Avenue. It’ll be a hit with your kiddos.

What is the fee for visiting the Express Avenue Mall

If you are looking for the best Maternity Hospitals in Chennai, tap here .

After a long day of touring or travelling, a mall is the ideal location to relax. The Forum Vijaya Mall is enormous, with a large food court serving a variety of cuisines to tempt your taste buds. A children’s play area with mini slides, basketball, and automobiles is also available in the mall. A glass wall separates the play area from the food court, allowing parents to keep an eye on their children as they eat.

What is the entry fee for visiting the Forum Vijaya Mall

Spencer Plaza is India’s oldest commercial mall and a landmark in Chennai, having been constructed under the British Raj. Many famous boutiques, private banks and organizations, and restaurants may be found in the old-fashioned mall. In addition to Ceylon tea, spices, apparel, and footwear, the mall contains around 15 Sri Lankan brand stores.

What is the entry fee for visiting the Spencer Plaza

MGM Dizzee World is one of India’s oldest and largest amusement parks. During summer vacation, from mid-April to the end of May, and winter break, from mid-December to the end of January, it is open until 7:30 p.m. There is something for everyone at the park. There are intense thrill rides, but there are also beautiful and enjoyable ones. The kids’ rides include the Batman Jet, Caterpillar, Jurassic Train, Mini Slambam, Rough Rider, and Scooty Ride. Shoe House, Stone House, and Mushroom House are all fun and safe locations for the kids. There’s also an aqua park with a variety of fun rides and games, such as artificial ocean waves, that you can enjoy with your friends and family. The park sells large packages directly at the gate, so you don’t have to buy individual tickets for each ride. You will be able to ride all of the rides in the park with this one-time payment. We’ve rounded up hassle free travel tips to keep your toddler happy and engrossed during travel. Have a look at the post.

MGM Dizzee World is about 35 kilometers from Chennai’s central business district. It is located on the well-traveled East Coast Road. As a result, you can get there by utilizing public transportation. However, if you want to travel by car or cab, you can do so as well. Traveling by Fast Track cabs will save you 20% on the entrance fee. Read here about why a car seat is a better option for kids during road trips. and if you’re looking for the best car seat options in India, <<< tap here.

Overall, this amusement park is an excellent choice for a fun day out with your family and children.

What is the fee for visiting the MGM Dizzee World

Adults: INR 699 & Children: INR 549

In Chennai, Kartwheel was the first to provide a playspace and a pleasant entertainment play zone for children. A relaxing environment for youngsters accommodated with remarkable and well-planned activities for children aged 1 to 7. Here, you’ll find a big indoor play area with a 3,000-ball ball pool, a bouncy castle, a rock climbing wall panel, a jumbo rope slide, and an air-conditioned room to beat the heat. The other major characteristics of this kids’ play zone are the kitchen toy and shopping market with carts and the clean and comfortable bathrooms with small potty and wash basins for young kids. It is the greatest venue to provide you and your children with a once-in-a-lifetime experience. If you are looking for the best travel food tips for your kids during travel, take a look at this post.

What is the entry fee for visiting the Kartwheel

Rs.200/- Per Child for 2 Hours

The Birla Planetarium in Chennai, one of the few planetariums created by the Birla Foundation, is a terrific spot to spend time with youngsters. It comprises eight galleries dedicated to topics such as physical science, innovation, transportation, and energy. The planetarium also provides two science shows, one in English and the other in Tamil, that are frequently repeated throughout the day. Overall, it is a nice place to visit with young learners. 

What is the fee for visiting the Birla Planetarium

Entry fee: Rs. 45 for adults and Rs.25 for children for a complete planetarium package

The VGP Universal Kingdom, formerly known as VGP Gardens, is an amusement park located on Marina Beach. It’s a popular hangout spot for locals and tourists alike due to its proximity to the beach and handy location. The park offers a variety of thrill rides for kids, teens, adults, and families. If you’re lucky, you might get a glimpse of a Hollywood star or two filming a scene in the park. You can visit the VGP beach and the amusement park on the same day if you prepare beforehand.

What is the entry fee for visiting the VGP Universal Kingdom

Rs. 350 per adult and Rs.300 per child for the amusement park

Rs. 475 per adult and Rs. 375 per child for the amusement park and water park

Semmozhi Poonga or Semmoli Poonga is a Botanical garden quite popular amongst nature lovers.

What is the fees for visiting the Semmozhi Poonga

 Rs. 5 per person

Chennai, India’s fourth-largest city, has a long and illustrious history. Chennai was originally known as Madraspatnam, a fishing community. The East India Company afterward built Fort St. George, India’s first major English settlement. As a result, Chennai was the first British settlement on Indian soil. Chennai is the first city in India to have a comprehensive Wi-Fi network.

Madras was appointed the capital city of Madras State following independence, and Madras State was renamed Tamil Nadu in 1969.

Marina Beach, the world’s second-largest beach, is located in Chennai. The ‘Gateway to South India’ is another name for it.

Bharatnatyam, India’s oldest classical dance form, was born in Chennai. Every year, Chennai hosts the Madras Music Season, which is one of the world’s most important cultural events.

Chennai residents are enthusiastic about movies, which is why it is one of the very few places in India where movie tickets are low. This is because of a rule that prohibits multiplexes and cinema halls from costing more than Rs. 160 each ticket. 

Children love parks, rides, boating, and seeing animals they have only read about in their books or watched on TV. Chennai has some amazing places for children to whet their appetite for fun n frolic. below listed are some amusement parks, lakes, beaches, etc.

• Railway Museum at Villivakkam, Chennai
• Marina Beach for picnic and water sports
• VGP Universal Kingdom amusement park
• Pulicat Lake and Bird Sanctuary
• Muttukadu Lake for boating
• Queens Land Amusement park
• Children Museum
• MGM Dizzee World- Amusement park
• Birla Planetarium
• Guindy National Park
• The Madras Crocodile Bank Trust and Centre for Herpetology (Reptile zoo)

Chennai is one of the most popular cities in India and holds a prominent place in Indian history. It is also among the most visited Indian cities by foreign visitors. Chennai was ranked the 36th-most visited city in the world for the year 2019. Below are some of the historical places that you must visit if history interests you.

• Chennai Rail Museum
• Cholamandal Artists village
• Government Museum
• Live Art Museum
• Fort Museum
• Mahabalipuram
• Vivekanand House

Chennai boasts of having one of the largest urban beaches- The Marina beach which is 14 km long. The other popular beach is Elliot’s beach. There is also Covelong beach, popular as one of the most beautiful beaches in the city.

• Marina Beach
• Elliot’s Beach
• Covelong Beach
• Breezy Beach
• Pebble Beach
• Kasimedhu Beach
• Santhome Beach
• VGP Golden Beach
• Neelankarai Beach
• Nettukuppam Beach
• Palavakkam Beach
• Mahabalipuram Beach

Malls are turning into comfortable shopping hubs in any city. Chennai has many good malls. Below listed are some of the best malls in Chennai

• Express Avenue- Biggest Mall in Chennai
• Phoenix Marketcity Mall- Best Mall in Chennai
• The Marina Mall
• Forum Vijaya Mall
• Bergamo Luxury Mall
• Chennai City Centre Mall

Kids long to let their energies out, they need safe play areas and entertainment centres, especially indoor ones in the hot weather. Chennai has some really good play areas and entertainment centres. We have listed some of these below-

• Kartwheel soft play area
• Fun City ( there are 4 centres in Chennai)

What is famous in Chennai for kids?

There are many wonderful and fascinating places to take your children. The city houses several kid-friendly museums, parks, and lakes.   Marina Beach, Chennai Government Museum, and Dakshinachitra, the Railway Museum, MGM Dizzee World, VGP Universal Kingdom, Arignar Anna Zoological Park, and Yercaud are the best places for kids in and near Chennai 

The Marina is one of Chennai’s most popular beaches for kids. Marina promenade is the world’s first natural urban beach. The beach stretches for 13 kilometers, making it the world’s second-longest natural urban beach. Every day, about 30,000 people visit the beach. Entry is free for everyone. The best time to visit is between 6 a.m. and 7 p.m. You may find excellent parking and a variety of delectable food vendors here.

Nagalapuram is a hill station in the Chittur district of Andhra Pradesh, around 90 kilometers south of Chennai. There are five falls in all, however some say there are seven. It is known as the “Queen of WaterFalls” and is one of Chennai’s coldest areas.

If you’re looking for best travel toys and games for kids to engross them on long road trips, have a look at our Best Toys For Kids section.

These are most visited places to visit in Chennai and if you have any suggestion to add kid-friendly place in the list, share below in the comment box. For any business queries drop us an email at [email protected].

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10 Drivable Sites In & Around Chennai Promising Fun & Frolic for Kids

People often find it difficult to travel with kids! It is often overwhelming to pinpoint a place that they shall enjoy. Nothing, almost nothing impresses them easily and even if it does, they aren’t glued to it for long. Result – they are again after you, whining that they are bored, to take them somewhere more interesting — and gradually you are out of the energy yourself. And sometimes the location that’s entirely kid friendly has nothing interesting for you. Well, you get bored to the core while they have an amazing time! So, wouldn’t it be great if you could find a place that’s both entertaining and interesting and has something great for all of you?

Let us suggest a very fascinating location! Actually, you can guess it quite easily. It’s called the gateway of the South and holds the largest library of South Asia. Still couldn’t name it?! Let us tell you more inspiring things about this place. It also prides in having the second largest beach of the world and is the birthplace of South Indian Cinema. Well, we also call it the cultural capital of the country. Yes! Now you guessed it right! It’s Chennai – one of the culturally rich cities of India that exudes a right blend of tradition and contemporary. And this is that perfect location where you can take your kids along too. Why? Not only the city is full of interest, but there are also some enticing locations around it which your kids definitely would love. And you would too! Win-win, right?

Top things to keep in mind when travelling in and around Chennai.

• Best time to plan a trip to and around Chennai — When you are with children, it’s best to plan a road trip to Chennai from June to February and avoid the extreme summer in this region.
• Things to do in Chennai — Whether or not you are travelling with kids, you can always enjoy the beach time in Chennai along with exclusive sightseeing and visiting some iconic heritage monuments and temples.

Best attractions for kids in and around Chennai

• Marina Beach
• The Government Museum of Chennai
• Dakshinachitra
• Railway Museum
• MGM Dizzee World
• VGP Universal Kingdom
• Arignar Anna Zoological Park
• Gingee Fort
• Monkey Monk

Your road trips around Chennai are certainly going to be fruitful if you are visiting these locations of the city and around it. List it now. You never know when the restless kids would start hurrying to visit them all!

1. Marina Beach

One of the most spectacular and top attractions of Chennai is the Marina Beach. The top-notch beauty of this beach is incredible, but your kid would especially love the exciting activities here like horse riding, water sports, and sand play. Pro tip — If your kids get hungry after so much play, the roadside stalls of this beach serve a variety of snacks.

• Time — 6:00 am – 7:00 pm
• Entry fees — Free

2. The Government Museum of Chennai

Do take your kids in a self-drive car rental to the oldest Government Museum of the city. Your child would be intrigued by so many galleries of exhibits preserved and displayed in this Museum. And the doll gallery is the most favourite amongst the children visiting this place. They say, travelling imparts lessons. Well, now you know!

• Time — 9:30 am — 5:00 pm
• Entry fees — 15 INR for adults and 5 INR for children.

3. Dakshinachitra

Now Dakshinachitra is one of the very interesting places around Chennai for kids. The incredible examples of art and craft samples in this Museum make it very much interesting for the kids and they tend to get a better understanding of the culture of Chennai too.

• Time — 10:00 – 6:00 pm
• Entry fees — 100 INR for adults and 50 INR for children.

4. Railway Museum

Chennai becomes one of the most favourite summer vacations destinations of the kids because they just love to visit and explore its distinct Railway Museum. From miniature train models to different parts of the rails and even exciting demonstrations of the system, this museum holds everything interesting for children. To add to the charm, there’s also a children’s park outside this museum which keeps them entertained thoroughly.

• Time — 10:00 am — 6:00 pm
• Entry fees — INR 10

5. MGM Dizzee World

Looking for the best entertainment and fun places in Chennai? Then you should definitely take them to the MGM Dizzee World. It’s a fantastic theme park full of amazing rides and activities to keep them busy. They’ll surely love to spend an entire day in this park indulging in a fabulous experience throughout the day in the wave swinger, water coaster, bug wheel, Caribbean swing, etc.

• Time — 10:30 am — 06:30 pm
• Entry fees — 699 INR for adults and 549 INR for children.

6. VGP Universal Kingdom

Topping the list of amusement parks and waterparks of Chennai is the VGP Universal Kingdom. You’ll get everything exciting in this park in Chennai — from the adventure rides to the happening beach and even a water and snow park — to keep your kids glued to the place. There are also some stalls and canteens to make them happy when they’re hungry apart from the live games and events that are held so frequently in this park.

• Time — 11:00 am — 7:00 pm
• Entry fees — 450 INR onwards

7. Arignar Anna Zoological Park

Your road trips from Chennai with kids will turn into a true treasure of happy memories for them when you take them to the Arignar Anna Zoological Park. It’s hardly a 33 kilometres drive from the city, but you’ll surely love the rare species of animals in this zoo. There are more than 150 animals residing here — like the golden jackal, white-backed vulture, grey wolf, etc.

• Time — 9:00 am — 5:00 pm
• Entry fees — 35 INR for children and 70 INR for adults.

One of the most popular picnic and camping sites around Chennai is Yercaud. This hill station is stunning and has excellent natural beauty, no doubt! But your children will find it interesting to camp over here and trek in this safer and greener location. There are also some fabulous waterfalls in Yercaud where you and your child are surely going to have some fun playing in the gushing and running water.

• Time — All day

9. Gingee Fort

Here is another astounding location in the list of kids’ friendly destinations in and around Chennai. The Gingee Fort is a prominent historical place with a very large expanse of area to intrigue you and your child. You can also enjoy an ideal picnic in this fort while exploring the depths of this fort.

• Time — 9:00 am — 5:30 pm
• Entry fees — 30 INR

10. Monkey Monk

This is one of the most fantastic and exciting places to take your kids along. This is not your regular amusement park. You will find lots of thrilling and challenging activities for your child which will surely encourage them to do better in sports and even provide them the excitement they’re looking for.

• Time — 10:00 am — 7:00 pm
• Entry fees — 450 INR for children and 550 INR for adults.

We are sure now you and your child both will be totally entertained and busy during your stay in Chennai. But do remember that when you have children and family with you, it’s better to only opt for a safe and hygienic car on rent in Chennai from a reputable company like Revv. And if you are on a search for some more such fascinating places, do also check the Wild Tribe Ranch for exciting activities for children, Forum Vijaya Mall for lots of fun rides, Pulicat Lake so that they enjoy exclusive bird watching experience, and Alamparai Fort to enjoy the wonderful weather and panoramic view of Chennai.

• ← Appease Your Appetite for Adventure via Road Trips to Thrilling Places
• Ride from Ahmedabad to Get Transported to Nature’s Wonderland: Saputara →

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The official blog of Revv Self Drive Car Rental, was started in November of 2019 with the aim to make leisure travel easy & accessible. The blog covers places to visit in India, new trends in the car rental industry & most importantly how to make your travel/roadtrip easy & memorable.

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1 Day in Chennai | Best Places to visit in Chennai in One Day

Places to Visit in Chennai

Chennai City Tour Packages

Chennai Local Sightseeing Tours

1 Day Chennai Tour Packages

The cultural capital of South India, Chennai is a bustling Indian city that provides a home to some of the oldest pilgrimage sites, British colonial architecture, sandy beaches, and newly developed markets. It’s a kind of place that is rich in history, culture, and tradition, drawing the attention of thousands of visitors every month.

As you explore its streets, you’ll be amazed to see a fantastic combination of mouthwatering cuisine with a plethora of tourist attractions that keep you on your toes every time you step out of your hotel/resort in Chennai. So, whether you’re here for a business or leisure trip, you can surely find things that will let you have the best time of your life.

Here we have compiled a list of places to visit in Chennai in one day to enjoy your trip to the fullest.

• Chennai Places to visit in 1 Day: Sri Parthasarathy Temple, Government Museum, Marina Beach, Vivekanand House, Guindy National Park, MGR Film City

1. Sri Parthasarathy Temple

The most famous temple in Chennai, Sri Parthasarathy Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It is believed to have been built in the 8th century by the Pallava dynasty and has since undergone numerous renovations and additions.

The main deity of Sri Parthasarathy Temple is Lord Krishna, who is worshipped here in five different forms - Parthasarathy (the charioteer of Arjuna in Mahabharata), Ranganatha, Narasimha, Rama, and Varadaraja. While the main sanctum houses the idol of Parthasarathy, other deities are located in separate shrines within the temple complex.

One of the unique features of the temple is its architectural style, which is a blend of various influences, including Dravidian, Pallava, Chola, and Vijayanagara. The temple's gopuram (tower) is one of the tallest in the city and is adorned with intricate carvings and sculptures. Here you will also observe the mandapams (halls) designed with beautiful pillars and ceiling paintings, which are no less than a treat to watch.

2. Government Museum

Visit the Government Museum to see a vast collection of artifacts that showcase the rich cultural heritage of Tamil Nadu and other parts of India. It’s the 2nd oldest museum in the country that is divided into various sections named archaeology, zoology, geology, botany, and numismatics.

Step back into the ancient times with an archaeological section as it houses rare artifacts such as stone sculptures, inscriptions, and pottery from the Indus Valley Civilization, the Chola Dynasty, and other periods in Indian history.

On one side, the zoology section features a massive skeleton of a blue whale with other specimens like mammals, birds, and reptiles, the botany section on the other side has a large collection of plant specimens including medicinal plants. In addition to all this, the geology section showcases rocks, minerals, and fossils from various regions of India and the numismatics section houses an impressive collection of ancient coins and currency.

Apart from the permanent exhibits, the museum also hosts educational programs for children and adults. There is also a library that houses a vast collection of books, manuscripts, and rare documents related to the rich history and cultural heritage of the country.

3. Marina Beach

Heaven for beach lovers, Marina Beach is a natural urban beach that invites people of all age groups to spend some relaxing time alongside its beautiful shoreline. It’s a stretch of about 13 km that is flocked by almost 30000 visitors every day, making it a topmost tourist destination to explore in Chennai in one day.

Stroll around with your loved ones to soak in its serenity. Relax on the loungers or under the parasols to take a break from a tiresome daily routine. Enjoy the mesmerizing sunrise or sunset for an unforgettable experience.

Try your hand at various water sports like swimming, jet skiing, snorkeling, etc., to feel an adrenaline rush in your body. Or simply bring in your picnic baskets to create some unforgettable memories with your family.

There are also numerous restaurants, cafes, and local food vendors that serve a wide range of dishes to cater to everyone’s taste. Depending on your mood, you can order whatever you like. Make sure to apply enough sunscreen to protect yourself from getting tanned while exploring its surroundings. Also, it is recommended to wear comfortable shoes whenever you plan to head to Marina Beach, one of the top places to visit in Chennai .

4. Vivekanand House

The next destination you cannot miss including on your itinerary list of 1 Day places to visit in Chennai is the Vivekananda House. Also referred to as the Ice House, the Vivekananda House is a famous shrine for the followers of Swami Vivekananda who was a renowned Indian spiritual leader.

Built-in the year 1877, it was earlier used to store the ice brought in from the United States. However, later, in 1900, when Swami Vivekananda stayed there for almost a time period of 6 weeks, the house was converted into a museum in 1963 to honor his visit.

As you go inside its premises, you’ll notice that the Vivekananda House is a 2-story building that presents a fine blend of Indian and Western styles, reflecting Swami Vivekananda's philosophy of combining the best of both worlds. There is a meditation hall to attain inner peace of mind, a veranda, a courtyard, a kitchen, and a garden where he used to play with children.

Other than that, this museum also hosts various spiritual and educational programs including yoga and meditation classes, talks on Indian philosophy, and spiritual retreats for all those who’re looking to surround themselves with positivity from the inside out. In short, we can say that this house is an excellent place to sneak peek into the life and teachings of Swami Vivekananda.

5. Guindy National Park

Ideal for wildlife enthusiasts, the Guindy National Park provides a home to a diverse range of rare and endangered species of fauna in an area that stretches to about 2.7 km of land. It is a must-visit attraction on your Chennai tour that welcomes people to interact with 14 species of wild animals, 150 species of birds, and 60 plus species of spiders and butterflies under one roof.

Here you can also spot numerous reptiles and amphibians along with more than 350 species of vegetation which is a treat to watch. It would be worth noting that the authorities at the Guindy National Park strive hard to keep up with their natural habitats and offer an environment that enables them to breathe freely without worrying about anything.

Take a walk inside the park to capture the various species through your camera lens. Head to Snake Park to see King Cobra, Viper, Python, and Sea Snakes with Turtles too. A Children’s Park covering an area of 22 acres is also there for families seeking to enjoy a fun-filled day out with their little ones. The Children’s Park has several types of slides and swings for toddlers with a café where you can munch on your favorite snack while on the go.

6. MGR Film City

Don’t miss visiting the MGR Film City if you’re exploring this city with our all-inclusive Chennai tour packages . Named after MG Ramachandran – the ex-CM of Tamil Nadu, the MGR Film City is an excellent destination for people seeking to enjoy a perfect weekend getaway retreat with an unlimited dose of fun, happiness, and entertainment.

It is a beautiful film studio complex that leaves you spellbound with its majestic waterfalls, vibrant marketplace, and lush forests. Here you can also find various indoor and outdoor shooting locations along with landscaped gardens constructed in Japanese, Italian, and Mughal styles.

The replicas of villages and urban areas with a prison, police station, temple, church, post office, etc., are also there within the area for your utmost enjoyment. If lucky, you might also spot a Tamil actor shooting for his upcoming film at the MGR Film City. Please note that the entry fee to visit the MGR Film City is INR 25 per person and it can be explored at any time throughout the day between 8:00 AM and 8:00 PM.

You cannot leave Chennai without purchasing silk sarees for your loved ones back home. After all, it’s a city that has the best silk sarees in the world.

The T. Nagar is a bustling shopping area that receives a huge influx of people every day interested in exploring an exclusive collection of sarees and gold jewelry. Some of the shops here offer great discounts on some of the items. Make sure to avail of them to save your hard-earned money. Once done with saree shopping, you can hog on authentic South Indian food at the roadside stalls at T. Nagar to satisfy your cravings for South Indian cuisine.

Chennai has many other shopping markets for shopaholics looking to buy other items than the Silk Sarees at reasonable rates. For instance, you can head to Pondy Bazaar for Clothes and Footwear, Sowcarpet for Suits and Lehengas, Ritchie Street for Electronic Goods, and Panagal Park for jewelry.

The above-mentioned list is enough to keep you occupied all day long during your 1 Day visit to Chennai. If time permits, extend your getaway to 2 days, 3-days, or a complete week to explore more about its history, culture, and diverse heritage. Some of the places that deserve your attention are San Thome Cathedral Basilica, Valluvar Kottam, Kapaleeshwarar Temple, Thousand Lights Mosque, Elliot’s Beach, Royapuram Fishing Harbour, Marundeeswarar Temple , Ashtalakshmi Temple, and Connemara Public Library.

Need any help with your itinerary planning for the next trip? Get in touch with our professionals. We at Chennai Tourism, a division of Holidays DNA , present a diverse range of Chennai tour packages to cater to everyone’s needs. Depending on your holiday budget, duration, and other requirements, our team can help you customize the package of your choice. For your ease, we have also curated a list of top car rental companies in Chennai from where you can book a cab to commute within the city in your utmost comfort. What else? Please fill out the Contact Us form to know more about our offerings!

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Places to Visit in Chennai

Formerly known as Madras is the capital city of Tamil Nadu and is located on the Coromandel coast of Bay of Bengal. It is a rightly called the 'Gateway of South India' and is the prime cultural, economic and educational hub of the southern part of the country. It became the core of British East India's trading activity in the pre-independence era. Chennai and its suburbs are the living testimonies to distinct components of the Dravidian civilization.The city has a lot to offer to the visitors with its magnificent temples, scintillating beaches, UNESCO heritage sites, and prominent centers of cultural and historical significance. It remains well connected to the rest of the parts of the county and can be reached using air, rail and road.

Covering attraction's type of Chennai : Art Galleries & Museum, Beaches, Govt. Museum & Memorials, Mosques, Palace & Landmarks, Park & Garden, Temple, etc.

Top Tourist Places in Chennai

Marina beach, chennai.

Marina Beach is acclaimed as one of the longest natural urban beaches in the world. It extends over a distance of 12 km along the Coromandel Coast of the Bay of Bengal between St. George Fort in the North and Beasant Nagar in the South and is easily accessible by different modes of transport. The immaculate charm, blithesome ambiance, and diverse ecosystems make it a popular hangout for all. Dotted by several kiosks of eatables, ethnic handicrafts, souvenirs it is a hot spot of public activity especially during early mornings and evenings. The aquarium and the Icehouse are the prime attractions offered by the place. Kite flying, pony riding, and beach cricket are common sports at the beach.

Valluvar Kottam, Chennai

An architectural marvel erected to commemorate the contributions of a distinguished poet, philosopher and saint Thiruvalluvar. Built under the aegis of architect V.Ganapati Sthapati the monument is designed in the shape of a temple chariot housing the life-size effigy of saint Thiruvalluvar. The monument is built of 3000 blocks of stones and stands baseless. It houses a capacious auditorium and the Kural Manimandapam, where 1330 verses of Thirukkural are inscribed. The figurine of a lion on the main gateway is adorned with splendid designs and the entire chariot is decorated with very famous as Kalamkari designs.

Thousand Lights Mosque, Chennai

The mosque was constructed in the conventional Islamic design with multiple domes and high minarets by the Wallajah family. It is one of the largest mosques in the country and is revered by all Muslim communities alike. The mosque houses the shrine of Imam Hossein, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad, and is therefore of prime significance to the Shia Muslims around the world. Going by a popular narrative it took about 1000 oil lamps to lighten its large assembly hall and this is how the mosque got its name. The walls of the mosque are adorned with the lines from the Holy Quran. The mosque draws pilgrims and tourists from all over the world, especially during Muharram, the first month of the Islamic calendar.

Elliot's Beach, Chennai

Elliot's beach popularly also known as Bessie is set towards the southern endpoint of Marina beach shore. The beach has been named after Edward Elliot, former Chief Magistrate and Superintendent of police. The dramatically sandy beach lures locals and tourists alike. It does not bustle with a lot of activity and leaves visitors mesmerized by its calmness and tranquility. It is an ideal spot for "me hours" and long solitary walks. Witnessing sunsets and sunrise here is a visual treat. Ashtalakshmi Temple dedicated to eight forms of Goddess Lakshmi and Velankanni Church erected in honor of Lady of Health are the key attractions of this pristine beach.

Dakshinachitra Museum, Chennai

Dakshinachitra, literally means a picture of the South. It is one of the living-history museums in India set up with a mission of promoting and exhibiting the south Indian culture. Set up as a traditional village it has an array of 18 authentic dwellings that provide the viewers a glimpse of lifestyle, architecture , performing arts, and craft of South India in the most engaging manner. The museum was conceptualized by an NGO, Madras Craft Foundation and was inaugurated on 14th Dec 1996. The premises house a research unit, playground, community area, and souvenir kiosks. In the house, artisans display their wares and regular workshops are organized to promote the vernacular style of art.

Ashtalakshmi Temple, Chennai

Ashtalakshmi Temple is dedicated to eight avatars of goddess Lakshmi. It is located along the shorelines of Elliot Beach in Besant Nagar. The grandiose shrine measures 65ft in length and 45 ft in breadth. The most remarkable feature of the shrine is that it is constructed in the shape of om. Eight forms of goddess symbolizing wealth, offspring, success, prosperity, courage, bravery, food, and knowledge are present in nine separate sanctums on four floors. The second floor of the temple has the shrine of Goddess Lakshmi and her consort Lord Vishnu.

Government Museum, Chennai

The Government Museum famed as Egmore Museum or the Madras Museum is the second oldest museum in India. It offers a peek into human history, tradition, art, and culture. Its exceptional collection of coins, archeological splendor, the biggest collection of bronze idols, and the largest collection of Roman antiquities outside Europe make it the third-largest museum in the world. The museum is located in Pantheon Complex which also houses a Public library and a National Art gallery. The Government museum owes its roots to a museum that was planned by the Madras Literary Society in 1846. The museum complex has six buildings and nearly fifty galleries dedicated to different branches of studies like anthropology, archeology, zoology, contemporary art, geology, and others.

Mylapore, Chennai

Mylapore or the land of peacock scream is a neighbourhood suburb located a few kilometers in the south of Chennai. It is regarded as a cultural hub and is widely acclaimed for its sacrosanct sites and cultural venues. It is the birthplace of the famous Tamil philosopher Valluvar. The primary attractions include a Dravidian architectural marvel Arulmigu Kapaleeswarar temple, Adikesava Perumal Temple, Srinivasar temple, Madhava Perumal temple, Ramkrishna mutt, San Thome Basilica, Luz Church and, madras music academy. Malyapore has been home to several Carnatic vocalists and music organizations. Music sabhas are regularly organized to promote and conserve cultural heritage. It hosts several eateries serving South Indian delights. It is easily accessible and remains well connected with other parts of the city.

Guindy National Park, Chennai

This destination tops the itinerary list of most of the visitors. The park was formerly called "Guindy Lodge " and was the official residence of the governor of Tamil Nadu. It is one of the very few parks located inside the city. Owing to its small area, it is ranked as the eighth smallest National park in India. The park with its rich biodiversity is an abode to around 350 species of plants, over 14 species of mammals, and over 150 species of birds. Its prime attractions include a snake park with king cobras, pythons, and vipers, children's park which has a mini railway, several swings, playground, elephant and pony rides which and memorials to great modern Indian leaders.

Sri Parthasarathy Temple, Chennai

Situated at Tiruvallikeni, Tamil Nadu the temple has its roots attached to the 8th century Pallava dynasty. It is an existent testimony to India's glorious past. It gets its name Parthasarthy from Krishna's role as Arjuna's (Parth) charioteer(saarthy) in Mahabharata. The temple is believed to be the resting place for pilgrims visiting Tirupati specifically during solar and lunar eclipses. The temple has gopurams and mandapas adorned with ornate carvings. The shrine houses the figurines of all five avatars of Lord Vishnu Narashima, Rama, Varadaraja, Ranganatha, and Krishna.

Kapaleeswarar Temple, Chennai

Dedicated to Lord Shiva known as Kapaleeswarar and his consort Goddess Parvati is known as Karpagambal (goddess of the wish yielding tree) the temple is a 7th-century exquisite specimen of Dravidian architecture. It is located in Mylapore and according to the legend Shakti worshipped Shiva in the form of a peacock here. The temple has two gopurams one on the eastern and other on the western side and a sacred water tank. The deities in the shrine are seated on vahana or chariots and the pilgrims consider it a privilege to pull or lift them. Religious rituals are performed six times a day and each ritual has four steps of Abhisheka, Alangaram, Nivethanam, Deepa aradanai.

Connemara Public Library, Chennai

Connemara Library Named after the former governor of Madras Lord Connemara the library is a part of the majestic Madras Museum Complex on the Pantheon Road, Egmore. With a humungous collection of over 600,000 books, it has been declared as the National Depository Library by the Central Government of India. It has tall pillars inlaid with intricate designs and impressive interiors that leave one and all mesmerized. The library has a repository of centuries-old publications,including1608 Bible. With the addition of a new three-storied building it now has a textbook section, a periodical hall,a reference room, a video room, an IAS study center, and an entire floor dedicated to books on Indian languages.

Royapuram Fishing Harbour, Chennai

Popularly known as Kasimedu fishing harbor it is one of the most well known aligning grounds located in the north of Chennai Port. The harbor has a capacity of handling over one thousand boats and hundreds of catamarans. It is under the administrative control of Chennai Port Trust and the routine day to day activities are managed by the local fishing community. The local market around the place maintains an inviting display of an exotic variety of seafood and keeps bustling with activity all through the day. It's most remarkable feature is its auction hall where day's catch is sold off for retail selling not just locally but also to the neighboring states.

Semmozhi Poonga, Chennai

Established in 2010 it happens to be the first Botanical garden in Chennai, located on Cathedral Road, Anna Salai junction. It is an ideal place to spend leisure time with friends and family while immersing one's soul in the beauty of nature. It has an exotic collection of several oriental varieties plants especially bonsais imported from China and Thailand, exotic flora, medicinal plants, and aromatic herbs. It houses eight sub garden and twenty-five thematic gardens including water and rock garden, golden garden, mural walk, butterfly garden, fern garden, sunken garden, etc. Other prime attractions at the garden include canteen serving savory refreshments, an artificial duck pond, many water cascades,vertical gardens, and an amphitheater.

Marundeeswarar Temple, Chennai

It is a 1300-year-old temple, located in Thiruvanmiyur, with Lord Shiva as the main deity. It leaves the visitors awestruck by its astounding unique architectural style of architecture showing traces from the Chola and The Pallava dynasties. Going by the legend lord Marundeeshwar imparted knowledge about magical medicines to Sage Agastya and since then it is thronged by people with diseases and health issues. The people have a firm belief that the special prasadam acts as a panacea and helps them regain stable health. It has two five-tiered gateway towers (raja gopuram), a huge tank, mandapa with 36 intricately decorated pillars. The shrine has idols of three avatars of shiva Thyagaraja, Marundeeswarar, and Natraja.

Chennai City FAQs:

𝒬 . What is Chennai famous for?

𝒜 . Chennai, the capital city of Tamil Nadu, attracts many visitors either as tourists or as part of its large workforce.We know that Chennai is popular for IIT and for being an IT and industrial hub.

𝒬 . What is the best time to visit Chennai city?

𝒜 . November to February months constitute the winter season in Chennai. It is considered as the best time to visit the city. The temperature during these months hovers between 20 and 25 Degree Celsius.

𝒬 . Chennai is the city of which Indian state?

𝒜 . Tamil Nadu

𝒬 . Does Chennai city have an airport?

𝒜 . Chennai International Airport is an international airport serving the city of Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India, and its metropolitan area. It is located in Tirusulam, 21 km from the city centre.

𝒬 . What are the names of railway stations of Chennai city?

𝒜 . Name of railway station(s) in Chennai city: Chennai Fort railway station, Nungambakkam railway station, Guindy railway station, Chennai Central railway station, Villivakkam railway station, Kasturba Nagar railway station

𝒬 . What are the top malls or shopping places of Chennai?

𝒜 . Malls and Shopping places in Chennai city: Phoenix Marketcity, Spencer Plaza, Forum Vijaya Mall, Chennai Citi Centre, Ampa Skywalk Mall, VR Chennai Mall, Fountain Plaza, Express Avenue Mall, Abirami Mega Mall, Gold Souk Grande Mall, Forum Vijaya Mall,

𝒬 . What are the famous religious places in Chennai?

𝒜 . Famous Religious places in Chennai city: The Ornate Kapaleeshwarar Temple, The Ancient Parthasarathy Temple, The Sacred Temple of Thyagaraja, The Rich Ashtalakshmi Temple, The Famous Vadapalani Andavar Temple, The Penitent Mangadu Kamakshi Amman Temple, The Royal(ish) Kalikambal Temple, The Standalone Shirdi Sai Baba Temple

𝒬 . What are the places for fun and activities in Chennai?

𝒜 . Fun and Activity places in Chennai city: Sunkissed at Marina Beach, Vandalur Zoo, Nightlife of Chennai, VGP Universal Kingdom, Fun City , Muttukadu Beach, Margazhi Music Festival, East Coast Road, Guindy National Park

𝒬 . List out the inter-state bus terminal and major bus stands of Chennai city.

𝒜 . Following are the names of major bus terminals of the Chennai city: Chennai Mofussil Bus Terminus, TNSTC Bus Terminus, SETC Bus Terminus, MTC Bus Terminus, Kilambakkam bus terminus, Madhavaram Inter-city Bus Terminus

𝒬 . Does Chennai city have any metro rail facility?

𝒜 . Yes, Chennai city has metro rail facility to commute locally. Search Chennai Metro routes .

More best attractions in Chennai

Park, restaurant, shopping mall in the city.

▣ Meat and Eat Restaurant ▣ Hotel Pushpa ▣ May Day Park ▣ Spencer Plaza ▣ Hotel Ananda ▣ Cit Nagar Corporation Park ▣ Hotel Saravana Bhavan ▣ Grand Galada Centre Mall

Fun Places in Chennai

Top hotel collections.

ECR Resorts

5 Star Hotels

Here is the list of 16 Fun Places in Chennai

1. breezy beach, chennai.

Breezy Beach lays in the remote and serene neighbourhood of Valmiki Nagar in Chennai. Being smaller and less polluted, it is the perfect getaway for anyone looking for a peaceful evening. This beach is not as popular and known as the Elliots beach, and is hence more quiet and peaceful. Evenings are very pleasant and breezy here, and in the recent years, lots of tourists have been attracted towards this beach for its beauty. Those looking for an amiable, refreshing and breezy place to chill out and have fun, the Breezy beach of Chennai is the place to be.

2. Marina Beach, Chennai

Situated in the city of Chennai in Tamil Nadu, Marina Beach is a natural urban beach along the Bay of Bengal. The beach is stretched out to a distance of 13 kilometres making it the longest natural urban beach in the country, second largest in the world and also the most crowded beach in India with almost 30,000 visitors a day.

3. Arignar Anna Zoological Park, Chennai

Perhaps one of the most popular picnic spots in Vandalur, Kanchipuram District, the Arignar Zoological Park is an amazing place to discover the flora and fauna of the region. A favourite weekend spot with both children and adults alike, the Arignar Zoo is situated at a distance of 32 kilometres from  Chennai city. It is the largest zoo of its kind in South East Asia and is sprawled over an area of 1260 acres. In addition to having an extensive collection of endemic and exotic animals, visitors can experience the wild first hand with a trip to safari parks where lions and deer can be easily spotted.

4. Elliot's Beach, Chennai

Elliot's Beach aka "Besant Nagar Beach" or "Bessie" is located in Besant Nagar, Chennai. It forms the end-point of the Marina Beach shore and is named after Edward Elliot (who was once the Chief Magistrate, Superintendent of Madras and Governor of Chennai during the British times). It has the Velankanni Church and the Ashtalakshmi Kovil in the vicinity. The mesmerising beach is one of the cleanest beaches in the city of Chennai.

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MGM Dizzee World is one of the largest and oldest amusement parks in India. It boasts of having had given its visitors some unique experiences, many of which were first-timers. It brought Jurong's Bird Show from Singapore to India way back in 1999. It also had a hot air balloon ride in 1998, and even though it sounds unbelievable, there were arrangements for picking up and dropping visitors on a helicopter back in 2000 - probably the first time in the history of entertainment park business.

6. Kishkinta Theme Park, Chennai

Situated in Tambaram in Chennai, Kishkinta is one of the most popular amusement theme parks in the city. With a range of rides and slides designed both for kids and adults, the spot is ideal for spending time with friends, family and loved ones.

7. Queens Land, Chennai

Located in Poonamallee in Chennai, Queens Land Amusement Park is spread over an area of 70 acres. Boasting of 51 adrenaline pumping rides both water and regular, the park also has a play area, a green space and an enormous food court.

8. VGP Universal Kingdom, Chennai

Situated on the East Coast Road in Chennai, VGP Universal Kingdom is a fun-filled amusement theme park in the city. Besides the water park, the main highlights of the park are water cascades, Paneer forts, statueman, Millennium Tower etc.

9. Monkey Monk, Chennai

Monkey Monk is the most ideal park in Chennai for outdoor activities like rappelling, burma bridge, zip lining, tyre jump, valley crossing, ladder crossing etc. The spacious centre is perfect for a day out with both friends and family; and is especially popular among the adventure junkees.

10. Wild Tribe Ranch, Chennai

Situated in Nemmeli near Chennai, Wild Tribe Ranch is a fun outdoor adventure cum amusement park. Offering a plethora of activities and fun games including flying fox, paintball, water activities etc, the park is a haven for adventure enthusiasts and sports junkees.

11. Little Folks, Chennai

Especially designed for kids, Little Folks is a children's amusement park situated around 45 kms from Chennai on the Mahabalipuram road. With a plethora of rides and slides, the highlights of the park is the toy train ride, slide into pool, cartoon show, rainbow fountain, paddle pool etc.

12. Guindy National Park, Chennai

Guindy National Park in Chennai is the dominant factor in contributing to the lush green cover of the city. Known to be the 8th smallest national park in the country, the land is blessed with dense forest area, scrub lands, lakes and streams etc. Boasting of pretty flowers and a rich wildlife, the park receives a large tourist influx throughout the year.

13. Tholkappia Poonga, Chennai

Also known as Adyar Poonga or Adyar Eco Park, Tholkappia Poonga is an ecological park established by an initiative of the Tamil Nadu government. Situated in the Adyar estuary of Chennai, the park boast of 160 species of trees and is visited by tourists and localites alike.

14. Semmozhi Poonga, Chennai

Opened in November 2010, Semmozhi Poonga is the first botanical park of Chennai. Boasting of over 500 species of plants, the collection includes herbs and medicinal plants as well. The entire park has been divided into 8 zones with an individual theme. The park is one of the most popular tourist spot of the city owing to its charm, beauty and bounteous nature.

15. Jeeva Park, Chennai

Located on the GN Jetty Road, Jeeva Park is a popular green park in Chennai. Especially popular among the joggers and kids, the park is also visited by groups of friends and family for an afternoon picnic or to spend some quality time amidst nature and lush greenery.

16. Madras Crocodile Bank Trust, Chennai

The Madras Crocodile Bank Trust is the brainchild of revered herpetologist and wildlife activist Romulus 'Rom' Whitaker - an initiative to keep the fading species of crocs in subcontinent safe. Initially, the Croc Bank was built to keep the crocodiles safe and help them breed and multiply until they were fit enough to be returned to their natural habitat, and thus replenish the nature's stock. However, due to lessening wilderness, this practice has been stopped. They are now given home in the Crocodile Bank itself and are open for the public six days of the week.

What was your outing in Chennai like? Let us know in the comment section below.

This post was published by Harshitha

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• 23 Things To Do In Chennai To Explore The Southern Pearl Of India In 2024

21 Feb 2024

What comes to mind when you hear the word ‘Chennai’? Pristine beaches, beautiful temples and fun activities, right? Well, Chennai is all about it and with so many great things to do in Chennai , you can have a marvellous experience. Chennai, formerly known as Madras is the capital city of Tamil Nadu. Quite famous for its religious sites, beaches, and being an IT hub, Chennai is welcoming and a destination that you must visit at least once in your life. It does not matter if you are here for a weekend or a week, just don’t forget to check out some of the amazing things to do in Chennai city and try them out. Chennai is a very developed city and being a coastal city, you will have a lot of fun while you are here.

23 Best Things To Do In Chennai In 2024

If you were wondering about what are the fun things to do in Chennai then you we will tell you all about it. From shopping to lazing around on the beaches, there is no dearth of things to do in Chennai. So, check them out and see what all activities will you be indulging in on your vacation. 

• Elliot’s Beach : Witness A Beautiful Sunrise
• Mahabalipuram : Marvel At The Sculptures
• Mylapore Musings Kapaleeshwar Temple : Take A Look
• Muttukadu : Try Water Activities
• Trekking : Hike Around Chennai For Adventure
• Queens Land : For The Fun Rides
• IIT-Madras : Take A Nature Walk
• Pondy Bazaar : Go On A Shopping Spree
• Birla Planetarium : Visit The Modern Planetarium Of India
• National Art Gallery : Be Awestruck By The Art
• Ubbalamadugu Falls : For Some Nature Photography
• Pulicat Lake : Admire The View Of Birds Flying In Sync
• Barracuda Bay : Opt For Fishing With Friends
• Chennai Cuisine : Treat Your Taste Buds
• Scuba Diving : Gear Up For Some Thrilling Adventure
• Lion Safari : Head To Arignar Anna Zoological Park
• Cultural Tour : Explore The Dakshinachitra Museum
• Parasailing : Get The Panoramic View Of Chennai
• Fun Day : Go To MGM Dizzee World
• Beach Hopping : For All Beach Bums
• Camping : Get Down To Earth
• Rock Climbing : Try Out This Activity
• Paintball : Have Fun With Your Gang

1. Elliot’s Beach: Witness A Beautiful Sunrise

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Experience a bliss while catching the sunrise at Elliot’s Beach, one of the best things to do in Chennai with friends, family, or solo. Having a stroll in the morning over here is the best way to pass time. It is located in one of the most famous places in Chennai , Beasant Nagar. This beach has a great walking path with a lot of local food joints and it is also close to the shores. There are temples, churches, and monuments in this beach road which makes it the best place for any kind of person to hangout. There is one certain Karl Schmidt memorial that you have to visit. This has also seen in a lot of movies and it is situated on Elliot’s Beach. So, if wondering ‘what to do in Chennai?’, just escape to this haven.

Ideal for: Early sunrise stroll. You can come along with your family or friends or just alone to enjoy the tranquility. Activity cost/Ticket fee: free Timings: open all-day Location: Beasant Nagar, Chennai

Must Read:  23 New Year Parties In Chennai

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2. Mahabalipuram: Marvel At The Sculptures

One of the best things to do in Chennai for youngsters, you can rent two-wheelers and start early morning to Mahabalipuram. You have to drive on the East Coast Road and the experience of the drive itself makes it so thrilling that you will have the best time in the day. You can get crazy with your group of friends and you will still love it! You can explore the architectural wonders of the Shore Temple, Arjuna’s Penance, Pancha Rathas, or Krishna’s Butterball. You will enjoy the whole town because of its built. This place is a declared UNESCO site for the stone-carved wonders. You can enjoy the amazing Seashell Museum too!

Ideal for: Friends who like to seek outdoor activities as fun. You can visit with your family too. Activity cost/Ticket fee: free Entry timing and closing timings: 6 AM- 6 PM Location: Mahabalipuram

3. Mylapore Musings Kapaleeshwar Temple: Take A Look

Visiting Kapaleeshwar temple is one of the top things to do in Chennai. The Kapaleeshwar Temple was built way back in the 7th century and if you are a history buff, then you have to visit this temple. This famous temple in Chennai depicts the proper Dravidian architecture and it boasts of the different gopurams and the series. The whole temple is a dedication to Lord Shiva who is in the form of a peacock or Mayil. Thus, the town got its name from this temple- Mayilapura or the Town of Peacocks. You will find maamis in the temple who are dressed in their bright sarees, maamas chanting shlokas. The whole atmosphere is very vibrant and you will fall in love with it. This town Mylapore is considered equal to Kailasa.

Ideal for: Historic sites. Activity cost/Ticket fee: Free unless you want a special darshan Timings: 5 AM- 12:30 PM & 4 PM-8PM Location: Kapaleesvarar, Kesava Perumal Sannathi St, Vinayaka Nagar Colony, Mylapore, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600004

Suggested Read: 4 Best Water Parks In Chennai

4. Muttukadu: Try Water Activities

Muttukadu Boat House is a water sports facility located on the East Coast Road. Enjoy an adrenaline-filled experience as there are plenty of thrilling activities to do in Chennai. This is the backwater area of the mighty Bay of Bengal and is around 35 km away from the city center. There are around 15 row boats, 27-speed boats and pedal boats too. This boating spot is quite famous and more than 4000 people come here every weekend. So, if looking for top things to do in Chennai with friends, come and visit Muttukadu Boat House.

Ideal for: Friends and family relatives. You will love it here if you plan a Saturday or Sunday with your cousins. Activity cost/Ticket fee: Varies, you can find the information online. But, they take INR 130 for 30 minutes of row boating. Timings: 9 AM-6 PM Location: East Coast Road, Muttukadu, Tamil Nadu 603103

5. Trekking: Hike Around Chennai For Adventure

Looking for some adventurous things to do in Chennai with friends ? Try out the treks in Chennai! Chennai is a coastal city that has a lot to offer like scenic drives, sightseeing, adventure sports, etc. It also has quite a few trekking options too. There are different grades of treks that you can do in and around Chennai. The complete trek is based on the length of the trip and the place of choice. No mountain is not conquerable so get your boots on and go for that trekking expedition near Chennai .

Ideal for: Adventure seekers Activity cost/Ticket fee: Variable Timings: It usually begins early in the morning around 6 AM. Location: East Coast Road, Chennai. Stay options: Camping at the site of trek

Suggested Read: Most Haunted Places In Chennai

6. Queensland: For The Fun Rides

If you are into amusement parks, consider taking some fun rides in Queensland, one of the best things to do in Chennai for all ages. Spread over 70 acres, this theme park is huge. It offers a total of 51 rides which include both the water rides as well as the land rides. You can do some crazy and thrilling stuff here and enjoy all the rides you can get. Freefall down a height of 150 feet, crash into cars and splash through water on twisters and slides are some of the major attractions. It’s a splendid place for group outings. So, if looking for exciting fun weekend activities in Chennai, visit Queensland.

Ideal for: Fun, you can plan a day with families or friends, etc Activity cost/Ticket fee: INR 550 for adults, INR 450 for kids and no charge for children below 2 ft. Timings: 9:30 AM – 6 PM. It is closed on Mondays Location: Chennai-Bengaluru Highway, Palanjur, Sembarambakkam, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600123

7. IIT-Madras: Take A Nature Walk

Do you like to take nature walks back to your place? Do you find it relaxing when you hear the birds chirping early in the morning? It’s therapeutic, right? One of the best things to do in Chennai city is to take the early morning nature walk at IIT Madras. The campus is actually a part of the Guindy National Park, and the vegetation here is tropical dry evergreen. There is a special deer park too where several spotted deer have been introduced into the campus in the park. There are more than hundreds of varieties of birds and other aerial insects. If you are a bird watcher, then this place is heaven for you.

Ideal for: Calm activity, or a hangout date. Activity cost/Ticket fee: free Timings: Open 24/7 Location: IIT Madras, Chennai

Suggested Read: Picnic Spots In And Around Chennai

8. Pondy Bazaar: Go On A Shopping Spree

Image Credit: Ravi Chandar for Wikimedia Commons

If you are looking for some exciting things to do in Chennai, go on a shopping spree in Pondy Bazaar. You can purchase anything from here be it jimikki, kammal or the comfortable slippers. Pondy Bazaar, a tourist shopping spot for all ages, offers a wholesome shopping experience. Here, don’t forget to taste that strongly brewed cup of coffee at Geetha Café. It is an absolute delight to be there! You can also shop at night and it is often viewed as one of the fun things to do in Chennai at night. So, if you are unable to decide what things to do around Chennai, this is your ideal place.

Ideal for: A fun day out. Activity cost/Ticket fee: No activity cost. Timings: 10 AM- 8 PM (though the market starts at 8 AM, things don’t really start to kick off until 10 AM) Location: Parthasarathi Puram, T. Nagar, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600017

9. Birla Planetarium: Visit The Modern Planetarium Of India

One of the best things to do in Chennai for youngsters is visiting Birla Planetarium which is the most modern planetarium in India. The planetarium is home to a fully computerized projector that portrays astronomical objects on a hemispherical dome. The Planetarium presents audiovisual programs on various themes in astronomy. Adjoining the planetarium is the Periyar Science and Technology Museum, which is of interest to students and other science enthusiasts.

Ideal for: A place to go with friends and family Activity cost/Ticket fee: INR 45 for adults and INR 25 for children. You can view the Science Center, Planetarium, 3D Science Movie and Science Park. Timings: 10 AM- 5:45 PM Location: Gandhi Mandapam Road, Duraisamy Nagar, Kotturpuram, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600025

Suggested Read: Beach Resorts In Chennai

10. National Art Gallery: Be Awestruck By The Art

The National Art Gallery was built of sandstone in the year 1907 by T. Namberumal Chetty, earlier it was called as Victoria Memorial Hall as it was built during the Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee in a particular Indo Saracenic style. Portraits of many British officers like Lord William Bentinck are also there in the Gallery and visiting the place is often accounted as one of the best things to do in Chennai.

Ideal for: People who love art. Visit with friends or family. Activity cost/Ticket fee: INR 15 for adults and INR 10 for children. Timings: 9 AM- 5 PM , Closed on national holidays and Fridays only Location: Inside Government Museum Complex

11. Ubbalamadugu Falls: For Some Nature Photography

One of the offbeat things to do in Chennai is opting for nature photography at the famous Ubbalamadugu Falls. If you are a water baby then this the best place to let the inner kid out. The water from the falls channelizes its path through huge canyons which is a sight to see. If you are traveling with your kids then you must head to this place to admire the natural beauty as it is one of the best things to do in Chennai with kids.

Ideal for: Family, friends, kids, nature lovers Activity cost/Ticket fee: NA Timings: 8 AM- 4 PM Location: Andhra Pradesh 517541

Suggested Read: Wildlife Sanctuaries Near Chennai

12. Pulicat Lake: Admire The View Of Birds Flying In Sync

Image Credit: McKay Savage for Wikimedia Commons

Listed among the top things to do in Chennai is bird watching at the Pulicat Lake. The place is mostly crammed with birds, especially during the migratory season. If you are a nature lover, then there cannot be a better place to witness some of the most beautiful natural vistas in Chennai than Pulicat Lake. You will also find several photographers strolling around here early in the morning or in the evening to get that perfect shot and capture the natural beauty.

Ideal for: Nature lovers, animal lovers Activity cost/Ticket fee: Free Timings: Anytime Location: Coromandel Coast, Andrha Pradesh

13. Barracuda Bay: Opt For Fishing With Friends

Image Credit: Pixabay

Now if you are traveling with your friends and want to indulge in one of the cool things to do in Chennai then you must head to the popular Barracuda Bay which gives a chance to interact with nature again. This place is famous among the adventure junkies due to a variety of activities to do here like fishing. You can visit the Barracuda Bay Sport Fishing Club where you can learn three types of fishing including popping, jigging, and trolling.

Ideal for: Adventure enthusiasts Activity cost/Ticket fee: Free Timings: Anytime Location: Chennai, India

Suggested Read:  Churches In Chennai

14. Chennai Cuisine: Treat Your Taste Buds

Image Credit: Pratheepps for Wikimedia Commons

A trip to any place remains incomplete without trying its local dishes. So, if you are planning for a Chennai tour any time soon then make sure that you try out the main dishes from their cuisine. Some of the not-to-be-missed dishes are Dosa, Idli Sambhar, Vada, Chili Parotha, Paniyaram, Uttapam, Idiyappam, Biryani, and many more. If you are looking for some sweet options then head out to taste different types of kulfi. They are available in different flavors like saffron, pista, rose, cardamom, mango, and more.

Ideal for: Foodies Activity cost/Ticket fee: NA Timings: Anytime Location: Anywhere in Chennai

15. Scuba Diving: Gear Up For Some Thrilling Adventure

Rising temperatures definitely calls out for a dip into the cold waters of Chennai. If you are looking for some thrilling water activities then head to the Covelong Beach which is an ideal location for scuba diving in Chennai . With shipwrecks to explore underwater and beautiful sceneries, it serves as the best place for this activity. Later, you can rest on the beach and admire the clear waters against a beautiful sunset to end your day on a good note. There is doubt in the fact that it is one of the most amazing things to do in Chennai for couples.

Ideal for: Adventure souls Activity cost/Ticket fee: INR 6,000 per person (approx.) Timings: NA Location: Covelong Beach, Chennai

Suggested Read: 18 Road Trips From Chennai

16. Lion Safari: Head To Arignar Anna Zoological Park

Image Credit: Thiyagarajan Dayalan for Wikimedia Commons

If your heart lies in the wilderness and if you love to explore the flora and fauna of a place then the perfect place for you is the Arignar Anna Zoological Park. It is one of the most famous picnic spots in Vandalur and is perfect for families with children. Covering an area of 1,260 acres in total, this is one-of-its-kind zoo which houses 138 species of exotic and endemic animals. A safari in this zoo will let you get a glimpse of lions, elephants, Indian civet cat, and tigers. Apart from safari, you can also enjoy elephant rides and let your kids explore the children’s park.

Ideal for: Friends, family, nature lovers Activity cost/Ticket fee: INR 50 (Adults), INR 20 (Children below 12 years) Timings: 9 am – 5 pm (Closed on Tuesdays) Location: Grand Southern Trunk Rd, Vandalur, Tamil Nadu 600048

17. Cultural Tour: Explore The Dakshinachitra Museum

Image Credit: Rrjanbiah for Wikimedia Commons

One of the cultural places to visit in Chennai is Dakshinachitra Museum which lets you delve into the history and culture of this place. It displays a great deal of works that represent the lifestyle of South India. It houses more than 4,000 artefacts and 10,00,000 pictures that depict the local culture. The museum is developed in the form of a village with 18 authentic houses that exhibit how people used to live. So, if you are a culture vulture then you must head to Dakshinachitra Museum.

Ideal for: History Buffs Activity cost/Ticket fee: INR 110 (Adults), INR 50 (Students from 13-18 hours) Timings: 10 am – 6 pm (Mon-Fri), 10 am – 7 pm (Sat-Sun), Closed on Tuesday Location: SH 49, Muthukadu, Tamil Nadu 603118

18. Parasailing: Get The Panoramic View Of Chennai

Image Credit: Ben Kerckx for Pixabay

Chennai is not just a place of temples and beaches. If you dig deeper then you can find some amazing activities to indulge in like parasailing. During this activity, you are tied with a parachute which is connected with a motor speed boat. As the boat moves forward with speed, the parachute blows into the sky taking you with it. You soar high in the sky and get to witness the turquoise blue ocean. It is a perfect activity to do in Chennai with your friends.

Ideal for: Adventure souls Activity cost/Ticket fee: INR 2,000 per person (approx.) Timings: NA Location: Covelong Beach, Chennai

19. Fun Day: Go To MGM Dizzee World

Image Credit: Sankar Pandian for Wikimedia Commons

Looking for a place where you can have fun with your gang or family? Well, Chennai has got just the right place for you and it is none other than MGM Dizzee World. It is one of the oldest and the largest amusement parks in India which is why it is teeming with people all the time. There are several thrill rides that cater to the adventurous souls of people. Earlier, it also had a hot air balloon ride which was the major attraction in the early days. With several thrill rides to explore, this is one of the best places to explore in Chennai with kids.

Ideal for: Friends, Family, Couples Activity cost/Ticket fee: INR 549 (Children), INR 699 (Adults) Timings: 10:30 am – 6:30 pm (Mon-Fri), 10:30 am – 7:30 (Sat-Sun) Location: 1/74, SH 49, Muthukadu, Tamil Nadu 600112

Suggested Read: Cruise To Andaman

20. Beach Hopping: For All Beach Bums

Image Credit: Nikhil B for Wikimedia Commons

Chennai is dotted with several beaches which is why beach hopping is one of the top things to do in Chennai for couples. One can opt for water activities on Covelong Beach, then head to Eliot’s Beach and Marina Beach for a beautiful view. If anyone is looking for a less-crowded beach then there are Pebble Beach, Kasimedu Beach, Neelankarai Beach, and Santhome Beach. The list does not end here as there are more beaches to explore like Breezy Beach, Akkarai Beach, Nettukuppam Beach, VGP Golden Beach, and Thiruvanmiyur Beach. One can relax, explore, indulge in activities, laze around, and enjoy sunsets at these beaches.

Ideal for: Beach bums, couples, family, friends Activity cost/Ticket fee: NA Timings: NA Location: All over Chennai

21. Camping: Get Down To Earth

Image Credit: Chulmin for Wikimedia Commons

There are several spots in and around Chennai that are best suited for camping and exploring the nature places. So, if you are in search of places where you, along with your gang, can pitch a tent amidst natural surroundings then you will not be disappointed with these places. There are places like Tada Falls, Pulicat Lake, Chembarambakkam Lake, Mamandur, Nagalapuram, Peermade Waterfalls, and more. With foliage and waterfalls nearby, these places are best for pitching your tent.

Ideal for: Friends, nature lovers Activity cost/Ticket fee: INR 2,000 per person (approx.) Timings: Anytime Location: Several places in and around Chennai

Suggested Read: Chennai In December

22. Rock Climbing: Try Out This Activity

One of the most adventurous things to do in Chennai in one day is rock climbing. Climbing is said to be an ideal alternative for regular gyms as it really tests your strength and perfects the core. The best part about this activity is that you don’t have to do it under the scorching sun. Instead, you can do it at Fit Rock Arena where you will be provided with the same facilities but indoors. So, if you are looking for some strength-related activities then the best option is to opt for indoor rock climbing.

Ideal for: Adventurous people Activity cost/Ticket fee: INR 700 for 2-hour session (approx.) Timings: NA Location: 73, Venkatakrishna Rd, Perumal Koil Thottam, Ramakrishna Nagar, Raja Annamalai Puram, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600028

23. Paintball: Have Fun With Your Gang

Image Credit: John Miller for Wikimedia Commons

One of the coolest things to do in Chennai is to opt for a paintball session with your friends. If you and your gang love to play combat games in reality then this is the best option. Get ready with your combat suit and your weapon to paint the opposite gang. So, if you are planning to explore Chennai with your friends then you can include this activity in your itinerary.

Ideal for: Friends Activity cost/Ticket fee: INR 400 per person (approx.) Timings: 10 am – 8:30 pm (Mon-Thurs), 10 am – 9 pm (Fri), 9 am – 9 pm (Sat-Sun) Location: 168/3D, Pattipulam, East Coast Road, 2kms from Dolphin city, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 603104

Further Read: Hotels In Chennai

Thus, if you have even 2 days in Chennai, then don’t miss these things to do in Chennai. It is always better to learn a little local language but it is manageable as most people do understand and speak English. The food here is awesome and any random tiffin center in the morning should serve you delicious breakfast, so don’t forget to try that out as well and plan your trip to Chennai .

For our editorial codes of conduct and copyright disclaimer, please click here .

Frequently Asked Questions About Things To Do In Chennai

What are the top attractions to visit in Chennai (Madras)?

The top attractions to visit in Chennai are Marina Beach, Government Museum Chennai, San Thome Cathedral Basilica, Fort St. George Museum and Guindy National Park.

Where can I spend a day in Chennai?

There are ten popular places you can explore in a day on your trip to Chennai. These are: 1. Sri Parthasarathi Temple 2. Valluvar Kottam 3. Government Museum 4. San Thome Cathedral Basilica 5. Kapaleeshwarar Temple 6. Semmozhi Poonga 7. Marina Beach 8. T. Nagar 9. Vivekananda House 10. MGR Film City

What are the most popular things to do in Chennai with kids?

The top sights in Chennai that can be enjoyed along with kids include B.M. Birla Planetarium, Arignar Anna Zoological Park, Chennai Snake Park Trust, VGP Universal Kingdom, Dakshina Chitra Museum, Marina Beach etc.

What are the popular things to do in Chennai?

You can go around Elliot’s Beach or take a walk at Marina Beach in the morning. You can even go to Anna Centenary Library or Sabha hopping during the music season.

What is Chennai known for?

Chennai is famous for a lot of things but it is especially famous for its temples including Kapaleeshwarar, Vadapalani Murugan Temple, Parthasarathy Temple, Asthalakshmi Temple, Thiruneermala Vishnu Temple, etc.

How can one spend 2 days in Chennai?

Travellers can visit the Government Museum, Marina Beach, Sri Parthasarathy Temple, Elliot Beach, MGR Memorial, San Thome Basilica, Birla Planetarium to spend 2 days in Chennai.

Which is the richest area in Chennai?

Boat Club, Poes Garden, East- Coast Road, Nungambakkam, Velachery, Adyar, Gopalapuram and OMR are among the posh areas of Chennai.

What is Chennai famous food?

Pongal is the most famous food in Chennai. There are other must-try items, such as Dosa, Chicken 65, Samosas, etc.

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2 Days Chennai Itinerary: A Perfect Plan for Sightseeing

Budget Hotels > Travel Blog > Destinations > Chennai > 2 Days Chennai Itinerary: A Perfect Plan for Sightseeing

Located on the Coromandel Coast of India, Chennai is aptly called the Cultural Capital of South India. The city showcases its rich heritage through an amazing array of temples, churches, historical buildings, monuments, and museums. Equally fascinating are its golden sandy beaches and lip-smacking cuisine that includes fluffy idlis , aromatic filter coffee, tasty pongal , and melt-in-the-mouth masala dosas . There is no dearth of towering skyscrapers, amusement parks, shopping malls, and other modern attractions as well in Chennai, which paint the city in a very different light.

However, if you have just 48 hours to explore all these attractions, planning your sightseeing schedule could be an overwhelming task. Need some help? Here’s a comprehensive itinerary to experience the best of Chennai’s attractions in 2 days.

6.00 am – 8.15 am: Watch the sunrise at Marina Beach followed by a quintessential South Indian breakfast at Triplicane

Marina Beach | 2 Days Itinerary Chennai

How about starting your first day with an early morning visit to the famous Marina Beach, one of the most popular beaches in Chennai ? Stroll down the sandy shore and explore some of the man-made attractions dotting this longest natural urban beach in India.

• Watch a glorious sunrise
• Visit the lighthouse and enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the city
• Take a look at some of the statues and monuments like the Labour Statue, Kannagi Statue, Bharathiar Statue, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Statue, Mahatma Gandhi Statue, G U Pope Statue, etc.
• Visit the resting places of Tamil Nadu’s former chief ministers – M.G. Ramachandran, Anna Durai, K. Karunanidhi, and J. Jayalalitha

Now it’s time to head towards Triplicane, a busy commercial hub located near the beach, and relish a typical South Indian breakfast at a restaurant there.

• By road: 5 minutes’ drive

Where to eat

• Sangeetha Veg Restaurant
• Ananda Bhavan
• Vishwanathan Chettinadu Restaurant
• Bharathi Mess

After a satiating breakfast, proceed to explore some of the religious attractions in the city, located at a short distance from Triplicane.

• By walk: 8 to 10 minutes

8.30 am – 11.30 am: Visit Sri Parthasarathy and other iconic religious attractions

Sri Parthasarathy Temple | 2 Days Itinerary Chennai

Chennai is home to many magnificent places of worship that are known as much for their religious and historical significance as for their architectural beauty. Spend a couple of hours exploring some of these religious structures. Your first stop should be Sri Parthasarathy Temple, one of the oldest temples of Chennai known for its history and architecture. It is located in Triplicane, so you can even walk your way to the temple.

• Timings: 00 am to 12.00 pm and 4.00 pm to 9.00 pm; every day
• Entry fee: Free

Once you have explored the temple and its premises, head off to visit two other key religious attractions in the city, namely:

• Santhome Cathedral Basilica ( 10 minutes’ drive from Sri Parthasarathy Temple)
• Thousand Lights Mosque ( 15 to 20 minutes’ drive from Santhome Cathedral Basilica)

Santhome Church, also known as St. Thomas Cathedral Basilica, is among the must-visit churches in Chennai and features a white façade, naturally lit interiors, and Neo-Gothic architectural style. The Thousand Lights Mosque, a multi-domed mosque that showcases elements of medieval architectural style, is no less stunning.

Now that you have seen the spiritual side of the city, how about exploring its history and culture a bit? Your next stop is the Government Museum, the second oldest museum in India.

• By road: 10 to 12minutes’ drive (from Thousand Lights Mosque)

12.00 pm – 2.00 pm: Take a tour of the Government Museum followed by lunch

Government Museum | 2 Days Itinerary Chennai

The Government Museum in Chennai offers fine insight into Tamil Nadu’s culture, art, and natural heritage. Constructed in the Indo-Saracenic style, the museum houses rich collections of archaeological artifacts, coins, bronze idols, Roman antiquities, and rare paintings by Asian and European artists, among other things.

• Timings : 9.30 am to 5.00 pm; closed on Fridays and National Holidays
• Entry fee : ₹ 15 for Indian adults; ₹10 for Indian kids; ₹ 250 for foreign adults; ₹ 125 for foreign kids
• Camera charges: ₹ 200 for photography; ₹ 500 for videography

The tour through the museum will leave you famished for sure. Take a break and treat yourself to a filling lunch at a nearby restaurant.

• Palmshore Restaurant
• Annalakshmi Restaurant

After lunch, make your way to Fort St. George, another structure steeped in the city’s rich colonial history.

• By road: 20 minutes’ drive
• Accommodation: Budget hotels near chennai airport | Budget Hotels near egmore railway station

2.30 pm – 4.00 pm: Soak in the history of Fort St. George

Fort St. George | 2 Days Itinerary Chennai

The magnificent Fort St. George once served as the headquarters for the British rulers on the Coromandel Coast. Currently, the fort houses the legislative assembly of Tamil Nadu and also has a church and museum within its compound.

• Timings : 9.00 am to 5.00 pm; closed on Fridays
• Entry Fee : ₹ 5 for Indians; ₹ 100 for foreigners

What to see

• Mary’s Church
• The Flag Staff

Had enough of history and historical structures? Move towards Burma Bazaar, one of the popular shopping places in Chennai .

• By road: 10 minutes’ drive

4.15 pm onwards: Head to Burma Bazaar for some budget shopping followed by an early dinner

Burma Bazaar | 2 Days Itinerary Chennai

One of the old market areas of Chennai, Burma Bazaar is a place where you can shop for a variety of items at pocket-friendly prices. Gadgets, perfumes, apparels or stationery items, you can find them all here. Make sure to use your bargaining skills and shop all you want!

• Timings : 11.00 am to 10.00 pm; every day

Burma Bazar is speckled with several restaurants as well. End your day with an early dinner at one of these restaurants and retire to your room.

• Al Bismi Hotel
• Hotel Zum Zum
• Chennai Woodlands
• Al Arz Restaurant
• Hotel National
• Kalyana Bhavan Hotel
• Top Form Restaurant

10.00 am – 3.30 pm: Explore the cultural and culinary delights of Mylapore

Mylapore | 2 Days Itinerary Chennai

After a relaxed breakfast at the hotel, start your second day of sightseeing with a visit to Mylapore – the cultural hub of the city. Speckled with temples, tree-lined avenues, traditional eateries, and a host of shopping spots, the neighborhood will keep you engaged for hours.

• Kapaleeshwarar Temple
• Adi Kesava Perumal Temple
• Sri Vedantha Desikar Devasthanam
• Madhava Perumal Temple
• Ramakrishna Math
• Old houses on Mada Street

Don’t forget to take out some time from your sightseeing and enjoy an authentic South

Indian lunch at one of the eateries dotting the area.

• Nithya Amritam
• Mylai Karpagambal Mess
• Rayar’s Mess

After exploring the cultural and culinary delights of Mylapore, it’s time to visit one of the top religious and architectural splendors of Chennai – the Marundeeswarar Temple.

• By road: 30 minutes’ drive

4.00 pm – 5.00 pm: Witness the architectural beauty of Marundeeswarar Temple

Marundeeswarar Temple | 2 Days Itinerary Chennai

It is believed that Marundeeswarar Temple, where Lord Shiva is worshipped as the God of Medicines, relieves people of their health issues. The current structure of the temple was built by Chola kings in the 9 th century and later expanded by the rulers of the Vijayanagar Empire. Adorned with two huge seven-tiered gateway towers, the spellbinding temple exhibits the Dravidian style of architecture.

• Timings : 5.00 am to 12.00 pm and 4.00 pm to 9.00 pm; every day

Once you are done exploring the temple, head towards Elliot Beach for some relaxed moments.

• By road: 15 minutes’ drive

5.15 pm – 6.30 pm: Watch the sunset at Elliot Beach

Elliot Beach | 2 Days Itinerary Chennai

Elliot Beach aka Besant Nagar Beach is one of the cleanest beaches in Chennai. Bathed in tranquility, it is a great place to relax and watch the sun bid adieu to the day. Do not miss out on exploring some of the structures adorning the beach. Also, spend a few moments to pamper your taste buds with a quick bite or two from the beach stalls.

• Relax on the sandy shores
• Go for a long walk
• Explore the Velankanni Church
• Visit Ashtalakshmi Temple
• Stroll down to the Karl Schmidt Memorial
• Eat some delicious grubs at one of the beach stalls

Now get ready for some retail therapy at one of the most happening shopping hubs of Chennai. Yes, the one and only T. Nagar!

7.00 pm onwards: Shop till you drop at T. Nagar followed by dinner

T. Nagar | 2 Days Itinerary Chennai

Famous as a shopaholic’s paradise, Thyagaraya Nagar aka T. Nagar is the largest shopping hub in the city where you can shop for everything from clothes and jewelry to knick-knacks and accessories. Add to that the pocket-friendly prices and you have the perfect excuse to shop till you drop!

• Timings : 10.00 am to 9.00 pm; every day

With all that shopping and walking around, it is natural that you feel hungry. But worry not! T. Nagar has several eateries to cater to the foodie in you. Once you are done shopping, go for a relaxed dinner at one of these restaurants to end your Chennai trip on a ‘delicious’ note.

• Coal Barbecues
• AB’s – Absolute Barbecues
• Barbeque Nation
• 3B’s – Buddies, Bar & Barbecue
• Hotel Junior Kuppanna
• Courtallam Border Rahmath Kadai
• Dindigul Thalappakatti

Had a good time? Finally, call it a day and depending on your schedule, head towards your hotel or the airport.

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17 Hippest Places to Visit in Chennai with Friends

by middha on July 24, 2018

Chennai has a lot to offer tourists – from shopping to adventure and food to history, you will be spoilt for choice when you visit. It’s a great mix of things to do and it gets even better when you’re travelling with friends. If you and your gang are visiting this vibrant city, then make sure you head out to experience all Chennai has to offer. And if you’re confused about where to go, our extensive list has just the right mix of fun and relaxation for you and your friends.

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Confortable rooms, clean bathrooms, friendly staff, free breakfast, places to visit in chennai with friends: shopping, 1. phoenix marketcity.

If you’re looking for the best mall experience in Chennai then you and your friends should make sure to check out Phoenix Marketcity. Here you can shop till you drop as they have a number of high end trendy stores such as Only, Diesel, Ed Hardy and Aldo. There is also a large food court where you can dig into fast food favourites such as Burger King and Dominoes, as well as a lot of dessert options.

• Location: Indira Gandhi Nagar, Velachery
• Timings: 11 am to 10 pm

Also Read : Malls in Chennai

2. Burma Bazaar

This bazaar is a great way to spend an evening out with friends in Chennai. Here you will find a mix of things to do, including checking out the many street stalls that sell everything from apparel to trinkets. There are also a number of reasonably- priced stores where you can pick up mobiles and accessories, books and even jewellery.

• Location: Burma Bazaar
• Timing: 9 am to 10pm

Also check Service Apartments near Phoenix Market City Chennai

Places to visit in Chennai with friends: Entertainment

1. open air theatre (oat).

This is a great place to hang out with your friends once the sun sets. This open air theatre is located inside the IIT Madras Campus and is very popular among the youth in Chennai.

On the weekend, the theatre screens movies and, occasionally, even hosts live music shows and performances. Catching a movie here makes for a fun time out.

• Location: Hostel Avenue, Indian Institute Of Technology
• Timing: The last show is at 9 pm

2. Prarthana Beach Drive-in Theatre

The beach makes everything better – including movies. Watching a movie under the stars is one of the most fun things you can do, and lucky for you, Chennai has a options including the Prarthana Beach Drive-in Theatre. This theatre is located right on the beach and screens all the latest movies. And you can grab a bite here at the restaurant that serves up local delights. If your group includes kids, don’t forget to visit the play park close by.

• Location: East Coast Road
• Timing: Last show is at 10.15 pm

Please Read : Historical Places in Chennai

3. Ispahani Center

Located in Nungambakkam High Road, this mall is on the smaller side and while it may not have too many shopping options, it has some good gaming zones and reasonably-priced food on offer. In this mall you will find one of the biggest gaming cafes called Arknemesis Gaming. Do make sure to check for events because they organise cosplay events too. An eatery worth checking out here is the Dhaba Estd 1986 Delhi.

• Location: Nungambakkam
• Timings: 10 am to 11 pm

Also check the couple friendly hotels in chennai

4. Grand Square

This mall offers a good mix of shopping, dining and entertainment. Their gaming zone is quite large and is the perfect place to visit with a large group of friends as they have snooker, bowling and a VR world where you are sure to have fun. Some of the fast food eating options here include McDonald’s and Noodle Doodle. If you’re looking for a fun day out that doesn’t burn a hole in your pocket, do drop by Grand Square.

• Location: Velachery Tambaram Main Road, Velachery
• Timings: 10 am to 10 pm

Also check 3 Star Hotels near Panagal Park Chennai

Places to visit in Chennai with friends: Outdoors and Activities

1. marina bay.

Chennai offers tourists a beautiful coastline where they can enjoy solitude right within the city. One of the best places to enjoy this coastline is along Marina Bay. Here you and your friends can have a picnic as you enjoy the rolling waves and breeze. You should also bring your cycles here and ride all the way up to the lighthouse for a stunning view. The best time to visit is just before sunset as the weather is pleasant.

• Location : Marina Beach,
• Timings : All day

Also Check : Beaches in Chennai

2. Elliot’s Beach

This is a popular hangout spot in Chennai and offers a great view and even better weather. This beautiful beach is named after Edward Elliot, the then Governor of Madras. Tourists and locals throng here by the hundreds on weekends, so if you and your pals want to really relax, try visiting during the week. You can have a picnic here and even take a walk along the stretch that leads up to Schmidt Memorial, one of Chennai’s famous landmarks.

• Location: Elliot’s Beach
• Timings: All day

Also check 3 Star Hotels near Gopathi Narayanaswami Chetty Road Chennai

3. Queens Land

Queens Land is a hot spot for fun in Chennai! We recommend you go in a large group here because it’s really a case of the more the merrier. Here you can find over 50 rides, which also include water rides. This amusement park is located a short distance away from the city centre and is very accessible. Some of our favourite rides to try here include the dashing cars, water slides, mirror rooms and lots more. As expected, it gets very crowded on weekends.

• Location: Palanjur, Sembarambakkam
• Timings: 9.30 am to 6 pm (open till 7 pm on Saturday)

Places to visit in Chennai with friends: Cultural and Educational

1. fort st george.

Earlier, this area was historically known as White Town and it was built by the East India Company back in 1644. A visit here will transport you back in time as you can check out the architecture that is reflective of what Madras was like during the Colonial era. Currently, the fort houses Tamil Nadu legislative assembly and here you will find a number of exhibits that showcase items from the colonial period.

• Location: Rajaji Salai road, Near Legislature and Secretaria
• Timing: 9 am to 5 pm (Friday closed)

Also check Guest House near Australian Consulate General Chennai

2. Birla Planetarium

The Birla Planetarium is a superbly fun place for you and your friends to check out. This space opened up in 1988 and since they have seen people flocking from all over the country thanks to their exciting programs. Here they have a number of fun (and educational) activities where you can learn about the stars, earth, comets, moon and other elements of the universe. There is also a 360-degree sky theatre, which offers a fantastic audio and visual show.

• Location: Duraisamy Nagar, Kotturpuram
• Timings: 10 am to 5.45 pm

3. Visit the Government Museum

A visit to this beautiful museum is a must when you’re visiting Chennai. If you and your pals enjoy history then you will be spoilt for choice as here you will find over 50 galleries that showcase everything from artefacts from diverse fields including archaeology, numismatics, zoology, natural history, sculptures, palm-leaf manuscripts and Amravati paintings.

• Location: Pantheon Road, Egmore
• Timing: 9.30 am to 5 pm (Friday closed)

Also check Hotels near Government Museum Chennai

4. Soak in culture at Kalakshetra

If you love diving into culture, Chennai has a lot of places where you can get a feel of the beat of the city. One of the best places to catch events and musical performances is Kalakshetra. Most of the popular Tamil film faces have performed at this well-established venue. One of their most popular shows includes the live Kathak and Indian classical music concerts.

• Location: Kalakshetra Road
• Timing: Last show is at 9 pm

Please Read : Weekend Getaways from Chennai

Places to visit in Chennai with friends: Food

If you and your pals are looking for a futuristic night out, then do plan a trip to Robot – which is, well, all about robots! From the moment you step in, you will be greeted by robots. They will also take your order and offer table service. With neon lighting and other hi-tech touches through the restaurant, it makes for a fun night out with friends. It is a very popular hangout spot, so we recommend you book a table a day or two in advance. Do try their Thai fare.

• Location: Kamaraj Nagar, Semmancheri
• Timings: 12 pm to 3 pm, 7 pm to 11 pm

Also Read : Places to Eat in Chennai

2. Ratna Café

If you and your friends are visiting Chennai, then you cannot miss out on the good food they have to offer and the best time to dig in is at breakfast. Chennai has a number of South Indian eating joints and some of the ones worth checking out include Ratna Café and Saravana Bhavan. Here you can dig into fluffy ghee podi idlis, crispy thin dosas and hot pongal. Don’t forget to wash it down with filter coffee.

• Location: Triplicane
• Timings: 6 am to 11 pm

Also check Service Apartments near St Thomas Mount Metro Station Chennai

3. Animal Kingdom

This restaurant is very popular with tourists and locals alike, thanks to their impressive menu and even more interesting décor. Here you will find a jungle theme décor that is complete with greenery and fake wildlife. Yes, we know it may seem childish, but going here with a group of your besties promises to offer a lot of fun. Located in the South of Chennai, Animal Kingdom is famous for their continental menu.

• Location: Gandhi Nagar, Adyar
• Timings: 12 pm to 11.30 pm

Also check Service Apartments near Kamaraj Memorial Hall Chennai

4. US 101 Be A Sport

This is the most popular sports bar in Chennai and it is always packed, especially during the big matches. This is the perfect place to watch a match (IPL seems to draw in the biggest crowds) as it is covered with sports posters, trophies and other memorabilia. There is a large screen in the main viewing area, which can be seen by the whole place. Service is friendly and the food is good – which makes this a perfect hangout spot for you and your gang. Location: T Nagar, Chennai Timings: 12 pm to 11:30 pm Chennai is one of the country’s most fun places to head to for a small break. And if you plan on going there with a group of your friends, you’re bound to have an even better time as the city offers a host of activities. Let us know about your experiences in the comments below.

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17 Fun Things to Do and Best Places to Visit In Nungambakkam, Chennai

Stories that inspire

Nungambakkam, a prominent neighbourhood in Chennai, is known for its bustling streets, cultural diversity and the pulse of urban life. Situated in the heart of Chennai, Nungambakkam is a lively, thriving, ever-evolving microcosm of Chennai city. From historic places to present-day gaming arcades and charming cafes to unique places, Nungambakkam is a gateway to a world of excitement and exploration. 

In this blog, we embark on a journey to uncover the beauty and charm of Nungambakkam. We’ll delve into its rich history, the best places to visit, thrilling games to play, and cosiest cafes to unwind, making your time in Nungambakkam an unforgettable adventure.

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Brief History of Nungambakkam

During the colonial period, the British East India Company expanded its presence in Nungambakkam. It was during this time that several colonial-era buildings, some of which still stand today, were constructed. In the 19th century, Nungambakkam emerged as an educational hub with the establishment of prestigious institutions like Wesley School, Queen Mary's College and Loyola College. 

After India’s independence, it became a favoured location for government offices, foreign consulates, and diplomatic missions. Today, Nungambakkam stands as a reflection of Chennai's dynamic growth and heritage. It beautifully mixes historical roots with the contemporary modernity of cafes, shopping malls and bustling streets.

Upar Hotels Nungambakkam stands out as the best budget hotel near the US consulate in Chennai , offering a comfortable and affordable stay in the heart of the city. 

Places To Visit in Nungambakkam 

1. express avenue mall .

Express Avenue Mall is a vibrant shopping and entertainment destination in Chennai city. The mall has a wide range of retail outlets from clothing, footwear and accessories to cutting-edge electronics and gadgets. Whether you're on a shopping spree or a simple stroll in the mall, you'll have a packed day of entertainment with diverse dining options. EA shopping mall is the best place in Nungambakkam for a fun evening.  

Address: Patullos Rd, Express Estate, Thousand Lights, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600002.

Timings: 10 am to 10 pm.

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2. Writer’s Cafe

The Writer's Café is the best place to visit in Nungambakkam for bookworms and foodies. It's a place where you can read a novel while enjoying a sip of your favourite drink. Their food menu spans a variety of snacks, sandwiches, and desserts. Enjoy mouthwatering desserts like rich espressos, velvety lattes, and speciality brews. With bookshelves, vintage decor, and comfortable seating, the writer's café is the perfect place for solitude and me-time.

Address: Peter's Rd, Gopalapuram, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600086.

3. Escape Cinemas

Nestled in the heart of the city, Escape Cinemas takes the concept of movie-watching to new heights with cutting-edge technology including Dolby Atoms for immersive sound systems, and laser light technology for crystal-clear images. Take your friends and family to escape cinemas and experience the thrill of watching a great movie.

Address: PVR INOX Limited, L Express Avenue, Express Estate, Royapettah, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600014.

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4. Semmozhi Poonga

Semmozhi Poonga, a popular place to visit in Nungambakkam, is a beautiful botanical garden park with a diverse collection of indigenous and exotic plant species. The park is a haven for nature lovers and those seeking a peaceful escape from the city's hustle. With lush greenery paths and serene atmosphere, it is a tranquil place to go for a leisure walk, a family outing or reading a book in peace.

Address: Cathedral Rd, opposite American Consulate, Ellaiamman Colony, Teynampet, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600086.

Timings: 10 am to 7.30 pm.

5. AGS Cinemas 

Another great option to experience immersion in cinemas is watching a movie at AGS Cinemas near Nungambakkam chennai. Located in various prime locations, AGS cinemas offer unparalleled comfort, advanced visual effects and immersive sound systems to transport you into the heart of the movie. Enjoy a blockbuster movie date with your friends and family by visiting this place in Nungambakkam. 

Address: No. 24, 1, Gopathi Narayanaswami Chetty Rd, opp to Bharathidasan Hospital, Parthasarathi Puram, T. Nagar, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600017.

Explore our blog to discover the top 11 tourist attractions in Chennai for a fun-filled adventure!

6. The Faraway Tree Art Gallery

The Faraway Tree Art Gallery is an enchanting place to visit in Nungambakkam that offers a diverse collection of creative works. Witness a captivating mix of paintings, sculptures, and photographs that will kindle your imaginative senses. This gallery is a must-visit destination in the list of Nungambakkam places to visit, to spend quality time admiring the great works of artisans.

Address: Rutland Gate 6th St, Srirampuram, Thousand Lights West, Nungambakkam, Chennai, Poombukar Nagar, Tamil Nadu 600006.

Timings: 10.30 am to 7.30 pm.

7. Crisp Cafe 

This charming café is a delightful haven for food lovers, offering a mouthwatering menu in a warm and pleasing ambience. Crisp Cafe in Nungambakkam allows you to enjoy the art of artisanal cuisine. From delectable pastries and aromatic coffee to hearty sandwiches and gourmet entrees, every food here is a delectable savoury to your taste buds. 

Address: Kothari PetroChemicals, 1, Kothari Road, opp. Sterling Club, Nungambakkam, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600034.

Plan your perfect picnic adventure at these 7 famous spots in Chennai . Discover the ideal locations for a memorable outdoor outing!

8. Sathyam Cinemas 

If you’re on a budget movie date, you can choose Sathyam Cinemas located near Nungambakkam which offers a comfortable movie-watching experience within your budget. Sathyam cinemas feature crystal-clear visuals with booming surround sounds in an aesthetic ambience for an enjoyable movie experience with your loved ones.

Address: Thiruvika Rd, Peters Colony, Royapettah, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600014.

Discover the rich cultural heritage with our guide to the 8 must-visit historical places in Chennai .

9. St.Theresa's Church

Established to serve the catholic community in the Nungambakkam area, st. Theresa's church is a prominent religious institution with historical significance and stunning architecture. It's not just a place of worship but also a living testament to the architectural legacy of Chennai. Have a peaceful and reflective space in the realm of St. Theresa's church in Chennai. 

Address: Nungambakkam High Rd, Tirumurthy Nagar, Nungambakkam, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600034.

Timings: 7.30 am to 6.30 pm

Things to do in Nungambakkam

Nungambakkam offers a variety of fun activities and many entertainment experiences. Let’s take a look at them below!

10. Gamiestry

Gameistry Entertainment is the city's first and largest gaming venture to play board games in Nungambakkam, with more than 800 board games of various genres. It offers an extensive collection of tabletop and board games, in an international ambience for a memorable gaming experience. Take a break from the digital world and spend some fun time with your friends and family offline.

Address: 2nd Floor SCM Jamaldeen Chambers, Red Cross Rd, Egmore, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600008.

Timings: 11 am to 10 pm.

Explore the top 7 famous places and embark on an unforgettable one-day tour in Chennai!

11. Soap Football 

Soap football, also known as soap soccer, is an exciting and fun place in Nungambakkam to experience the thrill of football with a hilarious twist. In this game, two teams compete against each other and try to score goals on a soapy surface. You will have the best time with your friends, bumping into each other, tumbling and rolling as they play this funny sport. Whether you're looking for a fun weekend or a team outing soap football is the best place for ultimate joy. 

Address: Building, No.144, 6th Floor, Sathak Centre, Nungambakkam High Rd, Nungambakkam, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600034.

Timings: 10 am to 12 am.

12. Freeing India 

Freeing India Escape Rooms is an escape room in Nungambakkam and an entertaining hub with themed rooms. The escape rooms feature live, interactive, challenging puzzles to solve and find a way to escape within 60 minutes. They have realistic escape rooms like "Live to Tell", "Mirror of Love" and "Lost Chamber" which will provide mind-bending entertainment and fun.

Address: Ispahani Centre, Nungambakkam High Rd, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600034.

Timings: 11 am to 9 pm.

13. VR Galaxy 

VR Galaxy is a virtual reality gaming centre where people can play VR games in Nungambakkam. They offer a wide variety of VR games ranging from action-packed shooters to adventure-full games. Equipped with high-quality VR headsets, handheld controllers and motion-tracking devices, this place will immerse you in the world of virtual reality. Try today!

Address: No 123, Basement, Ispahani Centre, Nungambakkam High Rd, Nungambakkam, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600034.

Timings: 10 am to 9 pm.

14. Airborne

Airborne is an indoor trampoline park and a fun place in Nungambakkam, designed with interconnected trampolines. These parks have gained popularity as a fun and active entertainment option combining exercise, social interaction and thrills. Airborne is a popular destination for a fun weekend with family and friends.

Address: Khader Nawaz Khan Rd, Thousand Lights West, Thousand Lights, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 60000.

Feeling tired after a day of fun? Experience rejuvenation and a comfortable stay at Upar Hotels in Nungambakkam. 

15. Mystery Rooms

Mystery Room is another escape room in Nungambakkam, to engage in interactive and puzzle-solving gaming experiences as a team. You and your friends will be "locked" in a themed room to decipher clues, solve puzzles, and do a series of tasks to escape the room within a set time limit. The mystery room is the best option for a thrilling and exciting evening. 

Address: 24, 2nd Flr, College Rd, above Kora), BBCL Magnum, Nungambakkam, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600006.

Timings: 11 am to 11 pm.

16. G - Sector Laser Tag

G-Sector Laser is Chennai's first laser tag arena providing an exciting and interactive gaming experience. Laser tag is a fun and engaging game in Nungambakkam, that uses infrared-emitting devices (laser guns) to tag opponents in a darkened or themed arena. Laser tag will be the best fun place in Nungambakkam for a cherished memory with your friends.  

Check out our blog for the best travel tips to avoid last-minute rushes on your holiday trip.

Address: Kakani Tower, 15, Khader Nawaz Khan Rd, Thousand Lights West, Thousand Lights, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600006.

Timings: 10 am to 10 pm. 

17. Arknemesis Gaming 

Arknemesis Gaming is India's largest gaming cafe, with over 60 finest gaming PCs, four PS4 Pros, and three snooker tables. The cafe's unique, futuristic ambience, from stylish decor to immersive lighting, sets the stage for an unparalleled gaming atmosphere for gamers. It also hosts events and tournaments for gamers and enthusiasts alike. 

Address: S W Boag Rd, T Nagar, T. Nagar, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600017.

Timings: 10.30 to 6.30 pm.

There you have it, folks – from movie theatres to cosy cafes and the best places to visit in Nungambakkam. Add this mind-blowing neighbourhood to your bucket list for a day filled with exploration and delight. 

Upar Hotels in Nungambakkam is located in a prime location offering an unparalleled and memorable staying experience in the vibrant locality. Our captivating properties include T Nagar , Nungambakkam , Kodambakkam , Ashok Nagar and Uthandi ECR in Chennai. Upar Hotels has properties in other cities too! In bustling Indiranagar in Bangalore and in the city of angels, Sukhumvit Bangkok, Thailand . Book your stay at one of the best budget hotels in India for an unforgettable vacation, where luxury meets affordability. 

Read our other blogs to stay updated about everything from hotels and places to famous restaurants and things to do in your favourite cities.

8 Places in Chennai Every Student Must Visit

• Travel & Tourism
• 3 minutes read

Chennai is one of the fast-growing cities in India. It is well known for its much-orientated culture, tradition and of course “Lungi Dance”. Jokes a part of Chennai is a place where you could literally see everything coming to the life. The Marina Beach, people and not to forget the scorching heat during summers makes a perfect vacation combo. Chennai was also a place where the British started their first trade, they made it a trading capital because of the outstanding port it has and also it suited them perfectly to ease in the culture of India. The state emphasizes the business much. Hence, you could find the Top MBA Colleges in Chennai focusing on entrepreneurship. What better place to start off with? Isn’t it?

That’s the reason it is the second oldest corporation in the world after London, which was started in 1687. We keep hailing Bangalore as the IT hub of India but we keep forgetting that it is Chennai which has Asia’s largest IT Park called State Industries Promotion Corporation of Tamil Nadu Ltd (SIPCOT) IT Park established in 1971. There are a lot of aspects that differentiate Chennai from any other city in India. Another facet of Chennai is its education system. It has a vast number of educational institutions. Some of them were set up in the British period and some were during the urbanization era.

Not only business institutions, Chennai also has some good engineering colleges too. For example, the Vellore Institute of Technology is hailed by many and in fact, this year’s VITEEE 2018 entrance test is being enrolled by the students in large numbers. Enough of the academic discussions, let’s come back and discuss the different places which not a lot of us consider while sightseeing in Chennai.

1. Madras Crocodile Bank

Madras Crocodile Bank, widely referred to as “Croc-Bank”. This 10-acre park educates people about wildlife and the environment. Not only it consists of varied Crocodile species it also has pythons and other species of birds. It is the biggest sanctuary for crocodiles in India.

2. Arignar Anna Zoological Park

About 32 kilometers from Chennai, this Flora and Fauna Park is a great way to get a break from the busy world and to enjoy nature. It has 138 different species and is well maintained. The reptile house in the zoo which has snakes like python, viper, and king cobra is a must-visit.

3. The Anna Centenary Library

The Anna centenary library is one of the biggest libraries in Asia, situated on 8-acre land. With a subscription to “Magzter” which is the largest digital newsstand with almost 10,000 magazines. It also provides Wi-Fi for users and has been instrumental in providing education to underprivileged kids.

4. Vivekananda House

It is associated with Shi Ramakrishna Math since 1897. It is said that Swami Vivekananda stayed here for Nine days after he delivered a revolutionary speech in Chicago. Now this place displays the Indian Culture and the life of Swami Vivekananda in the name Museum.

5. Chennai Rail Museum

It is also known as the “Indian Regional Rail Museum”. It was started by then railway minister Shri. Nitish Kumar. It was started to mark the evolution of the Indian Railways in terms of technology, infrastructure, and reach. Situated in an area that traverses 6.25 acres this government structure is worth visiting.

6. St. Thomas Cathedral Basilica, Chennai

Built by a Portuguese explorer in the 16th century, St. Thomas Cathedral Basilica, Chennai is a Roman Catholic church. It is said that it was built over the tomb of Saint Thomas who was one of the twelve apostles of Jesus.

7. Edward Elliot’s Beach

Edward Elliot’s is the endpoint of the Marina Beach Shore. It is situated in Besant Nagar. It is infamous for the fact that in the colonial era only whites were allowed by the British here.

8. Sri Ramakrishna Math, Chennai

The disciples of Ramakrishna, a saint from Bengal in the 19th century started this math in the year 1897. One of his famous disciples was Swami Vivekananda. This place is used for meditation, classes, and meetings for the students now.

These are the places which are easily ousted by the tourists yet these places hold a high rank when it comes to maintaining the importance of National Heritage and Indian Culture.

• Updated on: October 20, 2023

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Global IT outage: Computer havoc caused by CrowdStrike outage could take days to fix — as it happened

A massive IT outage caused by issues with CrowdStrike software has caused havoc with computer systems around the world.

Airport check-in systems across the globe have been disrupted, while banks, supermarkets and media companies are among the other businesses reporting the "blue screen of death" and network outages.

Download the ABC News app  and  subscribe to our range of news alerts  for further updates.

Here's how Friday's news unfolded:

• 12:38 PM 12:38 PM Fri 19 Jul 2024 at 12:38pm CrowdStrike CEO admits it could take 'some time' for some customers' systems to 'recover'
• 12:23 PM 12:23 PM Fri 19 Jul 2024 at 12:23pm CrowdStrike CEO apologises 'to anyone affected' by outage
• 11:50 AM 11:50 AM Fri 19 Jul 2024 at 11:50am Microsoft acknowledges continuing impacts on apps and services despite CrowdStrike 'fix'

Live updates

Here's what we know.

By Joseph Dunstan

• Reports of the outage in Australia began flooding in about 3pm AEST
• Outages hit banks and payment systems, forcing some supermarkets and petrol stations to close
• Airport check-in systems have been disrupted and businesses have reported the "blue screen of death" and IT outages
• The Australian government says the outages are not the result of a cybersecurity incident but has been caused by a CrowdStrike update  
• CrowdStrike's CEO says a defect in a recent update for Windows hosts has been identified and a fix has been deployed but some systems could be down for 'some time'  
• Microsoft says apps and services are still experiencing residual impacts
• The prime minister says there has been no impact to critical infrastructure in Australia, such as triple-0 services and core emergency services
• Outages continue to impact health services and air travel around the world

Thanks for reading

By Daniel Nancarrow

That is all for our blog on the major outage that has impacted systems worldwide today.

We will continue to cover the ongoing impact of the CrowdStrike defect on the ABC News website .

Thousands of flights cancelled and delayed across the US as outages continue

By Brad Ryan

In the US, airlines are working to restore systems and resume flights.

More than 1,000 flights had been cancelled and 2,000 delayed by 8:30am Friday morning (US eastern time), according to the FlightAware tracking website.

Still plenty of blue screens at Chicago's O'Hare Airport.

CrowdStrike CEO admits it could take 'some time' for some customers' systems to 'recover'

Kurtz told Today that the impact of the outage could be felt for 'some time' due to the systems of some of the company's customers still experiencing issues.

"Many of the customers are rebooting the system, and its coming up and it'll be operational because we fixed it on our end," Mr Kurtz said.   "And some of the systems that aren't recovering we're working with them.   So it could be some time for some systems that just automatically won’t recover."

CrowdStrike boss says the issue was related to a 'bug' in the company's update

Kurtz told Today a "bug" in the CrowdStrike update caused the issue with the Microsoft operating system.

"This system was sent an update and that update had a software bug in it and it caused an issue with the Microsoft operating system," he said. "We identified this very quickly and remediated the issue, and as systems come back online, as they're rebooted, they're coming up and they're working and now we are working with each and every customer to make sure we can bring them back online. "But that was the extent of the issue in terms of a bug that was related to our update."

CrowdStrike CEO apologises 'to anyone affected' by outage

CrowdStrike CEO George Kurtz has appeared on US television network NBC, telling viewers the company was sorry for the impact of the defect on people around the world.

"I want to start with saying we're deeply sorry for the impact that we've caused to customers, to travellers, to anyone affected by this including our company," he told NBC's Today show.

Outage impacts doctor services in the UK

The UK's National Health Service (NHS) says the outage is causing problems at most doctors' offices across England.

NHS England said in a statement that the glitch was hitting the appointment and patient record system used across the health service.

The NHS said the issue was affecting the majority of family doctors' practices, but was not hitting the 999 number used to call for emergency ambulances.

The regulatory service at the London Stock Exchange has also stopped working but the outage has not affected trading.

Paris Olympics 2024 IT systems hit by global cyber outage

By Nelli Saarinen

The Paris Olympics' organising committee says its IT operations have been impacted by the global cyber outage, just a week before the Games are set to begin.

"We have activated contingency plans in order to continue operations," the organising committee said in a statement.

The organisers said the outages had impacted the arrival of some delegations. But they said impact was limited and the outages had not affected ticketing or the torch relay.

Reporting with Reuters and AP

Microsoft acknowledges continuing impacts on apps and services despite CrowdStrike 'fix'

Microsoft says while the underlying cause for the outages has been fixed, a "residual impact" is continuing to affect some Microsoft 365 apps and services.

"We're conducting additional mitigations to provide relief", the company Tweeted.

Air travel impacted worldwide by outages

We've been bringing you images of the long lines at Australian airports following the computing outage today.

Similar images have been seen all around the world as travel ground to a virtual halt in many countries.

The US's Federal Aviation Administration says United, American, Delta and Allegiant airlines have all been grounded by the outage.

As we mentioned earlier, airlines and railways have been affected in the UK and Germany, as well as other parts of Europe.

In India, Hong Kong and Thailand, many airlines were forced to manually check in passengers, while an airline in Kenya was also reporting disruptions.

ABC local radio presenter Andre Leslie was in Kuala Lumpur today, and took images of long lines at the airport with AirAsia's self-service kiosks shut down.

CrowdStrike shares fall nearly 12 per cent in premarket trading

Reuters is reporting that CrowdStrike's   Nasdaq-traded shares were down 11.8 per cent in premarket trading early Friday, US time.

Delays of up to 120 minutes expected on Victoria's regional train network

V/Line , the operator of regional rail and coach services in Victoria, has released a statement indicating customers can expect delays of up to 120 minutes as the company works to restore services.

Trains on the V/Line network were stopped at approximately 4.35pm due to a radio system fault linked to a widespread computing outage. Trains resumed about an hour later but significant delays are expected on all lines for a number of hours.

Coaches are in place at major train stations on the network.

For more information visit the V/Line website or call 1800 800 007.

Calls for inquiry into national outage as well as penalties for CrowdStrike's 'bad governance'

Here is associate professor at RMIT's School of Engineering Dr Mark A Gregory speaking on ABC News about the CrowdStrike outage and the need for the government to call an inquiry.

Dr Gregory says questions needed to be answered about compensation for the national outage as well as what penalties the company should face.

He said Australia was quite lax when it came to regulating foreign multinational companies like CrowdStrike.

"We don't appear to have the legislation and regulation to hold them to account to ensure that they follow good engineering practice, and that definitely has not happened in this case, as an inquiry should find," Dr Gregory said.

He attributed the outage to "bad governance" at CrowdStrike.

"There should have been no roll-out to an entire country or to the entire world without testing within CrowdStrike, and also testing on, for example, a company that has agreed to be a test site for that software," he told News Channel. "The idea that this update has been rolled out globally and has caused this sort of problem is unthinkable."

He said after a number of cybersecurity incidents in recent years, such as the 2023 Optus outage, Australia needed to consider stronger legislation and regulation "to ensure this type of event does not happen again".

"In every circumstance to date, Australia and our legislation and regulations have been found wanting," he said.

with Alicia Perera

Expert expects situation to be 'pretty well back to normal' by midday tomorrow

By Greig Johnston

Dr Mark Gregory , a network engineering expert at RMIT University, says he expects the problems to be largely resolved by tomorrow morning .

"Software like CrowdStrike's Falcon platform are typically rolled out from a central part of an organisation," Dr Gregory said. "They have IT support teams … they should be able to quite quickly apply the patch. "As we've heard, a problem exists if a computer has been turned off after the blue screen occurred, the computer will need to be turned back on so the patch can be applied. "But generally, I would expect this type of problem should be resolved by tomorrow morning. "IT teams are going to be working late tonight because they'll need to apply the patch, then there'll be a lot of testing. "I would expect by about midday tomorrow things should be pretty well back to normal."

Full statement from CrowdStrike regarding 'defect' causing worldwide outages

Earlier we posted the Tweet from CrowdStrike 's CEO regarding the cause of the worldwide computing outages . Here is the statement from the company again in full:

"CrowdStrike is actively working with customers impacted by a defect found in a single content update for Windows hosts. Mac and Linux hosts are not impacted. "This is not a security incident or cyberattack. The issue has been identified, isolated and a fix has been deployed. "We refer customers to the support portal for the latest updates and will continue to provide complete and continuous updates on our website. "We further recommend organizations ensure they're communicating with CrowdStrike representatives through official channels. "Our team is fully mobilized to ensure the security and stability of CrowdStrike customers."

Small businesses frustrated by eftpos down

By Liana Walker

Business owner Danielle Hempseed said Fridays are always a busy day in her Rockhampton florist and gift shop, making the outage "frustrating".

"Having point of sales down, eftpos down, and emails down, it makes it really hard for us to operate," she said.

Ms Hempseed said the business has been experiencing dodgy reception recently, so they already had alternative payment options in place for when disaster struck, such as offering direct bank account transfers or processing the payment at a later time.

"We just have to trust [our customers] a little bit more," she said.

"We have always taken cash, that has never been an issue for us."

She said this is a reminder of how dependent her business is on technology.

Reporting by Scout Wallen

Victorians urged to call 000 in case of fire due to outages impacting automatic alarm calling

Victorian fire services are aware that some residential and business buildings that have monitored fire alarms may not automatically call the fire brigade due to current computing outages.

Victorians have been asked to call 000 if their building fire alarm is activated, or if they see flames or smoke, while the issue is being investigated by alarm companies.

Hospitals, airports and ports being impacted internationally

By Alicia Perera

Michelle Rimmer from the ABC's London bureau says the outage is having widespread impacts globally on industries ranging from transport to infrastructure and even healthcare.

"Across Europe, at airports in Spain, in Germany, there have been incidents that have been reported at almost all of the airports. They've had to revert to manual operations just to try and keep things running at this stage," she told News Channel. "The German government has said that critical infrastructure and operators have been impacted. "The Paris Olympic Committee have released a statement saying that they've been affected as well, however, they have contingencies in place to make sure that they can continue with their planning and preparations ahead of the opening ceremony in just one week's time. "Poland has said that its main shipping container terminal is struggling to keep up with any incoming ship loads — it's asked to not have any more containers dropped off. "So we're really seeing broad impacts across a range of industries across Europe."

She says the outage is even leading to healthcare delays in the UK, where hospitals and GP surgeries are currently "only able to treat some of the most urgent cases".

"That's because they can't access medical records," she says. "So they're reverting back to pen and paper to make sure that the most urgent emergency cases are still being seen, but others have been delayed."

Memories of 'Y2K'

Quite a few people in our comments have mentioned the outage has shades of "Y2K".

For those of our readers too young to remember, that was when — in the year 1999 — there were widespread fears of a technological catastrophe because old computers formatted the date with just the final two digits of the year, rather than the full four-digit year.

There were worries this glitch would turn into a full-scale meltdown as the clock ticked over into the year 2000.

Companies rushed to make sure their systems were "Y2K compliant".

Thankfully the problems reported on January 1, 2000 were pretty minor.

But this was in a time when cash was still in widespread use, before "tapping" was the preferred currency.

Consumers feel ripple effect due to CrowdStrike being 'heavily entrenched' in global IT supply chains

David Cullen from CISO Lens , the body that represents cybersecurity professionals in Australia and New Zealand, says CrowdStrike's software is "heavily entrenched" in global IT supply chains, so the issue doesn't just affect its customers, but its customers' customers and so on.

"This is a classic case of what happens when one supplier catches a cold, and the rest of us end up with the flu," he says. "Resolving this issue will take some time. It won't be as simple as turn it off and turn it on again." "When the dust settles, I hope that governments take the opportunity to partner with industry to capture lessons learned from this incident, to understand how we can better prepare ourselves for future major incidents and IT outages. "While this wasn't a cyber attack, the impacts are the same."