The world's second longest city beach, Marina beach is best visited in the morning when you can watch the sun rise over the ocean and the fishermen launching their boats for the day. In the evening the beach is noisy and colourful with people strolling, boys playing cricket and vendors selling their wares.
Kapaleeshwara Temple
An example of Dravidian architecture, the temple has a 36 metre goparum, gateway, adorned with carvings, figurines and inscriptions. The temple was built in the 8th century by the Pallava kings. It was renovated by the kings of the Vijayanagar dynasty in the 16th century.
Parthasarathy Temple
This 8th century structure is believed to be Chennai's oldest temple. The main entrance facing east is painted in red, blue and yellow with inscriptions from the Puranas sculpted on the sanctum sanctorum.
Basilica of San Thome
The final resting place of Thomas the apostle, the cathedral is an important pilgrimage centre as well. There is a museum in its premises with a 16th-century map of South Asia.
Theosophical Society
Founded by Madame Blavatsky and Col. Olott in the USA, and later moved to Adyar in 1882, the society's campus spreads over 270-acres, housing trailing pathways and trees. Apart from shrines of all faiths and the peaceful Garden of Remembrance, the Society's library is almost a hundred years old with a collection of ancient and rare manuscripts on palm leaves and parchment. Also view the Adyar Banyan tree, which is said to be over 400 years old.
National Art Gallery
Built in 1906, the gallery has a good collection of old paintings and sculptures including Tanjore paintings on glass, Rajput and Mughal miniature paintings, Deccan paintings from the 17th century and handicrafts, metalware, and ivory carvings from the 11th and 12th century.
Church of our Lady of Expectations
With Peaceful and quiet surroundings, this church built in 1523 by the Portuguese offers beautiful views of the city.
