10 Free Things to do in Chennai (Madras) That You Shouldn't Miss

July 17, 2021 Toi Mattera

The diverse population of Chennai (Madras) is reflected in its rich cultural scene. You’ll find serious theatre as well as the glitz and glamour of Kollywood. Chennai is also an important center for the Bharatanatyam, a local form of classical dance. Visit in January, for the festival of Pongal, or in April, when Chennai celebrates its new year.
Restaurants in Chennai (Madras)

1. Matsya Narayana Temple

Chinmaya Tarangini Rajaji salai, Uthandi, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, Chennai (Madras) 600119 India +91 99401 34875 http://www.facebook.com/ChinmayaTarangini
Excellent
87%
Good
13%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 23 reviews

Matsya Narayana Temple

Reviewed By venkataramanu

Recently built open temple, with no Gopuram or ceiling, on the sea shore. The main deity is Matsya Narayana (upper half Human, lower half Fish), over 10 feet granite, an avatar of Lord Vishnu"s Dasavatharam as per the Hindu Mythology. The main deity stands in the centre of a round pond opposite Lakshmi Narayana. There are 108 granite pillars in the temple. There are circular benches to sit and have a peaceful meditation listening to the sound of the sea and the breeze. Remember to walk around the two walking paths, specially created, looking around the sculptures on the path. Other Deities in the temple include Ganesha, Lord Siva and Hanuman. There is also a Surya Rath (Chariot) made of stone immediately to the left of the entrance. A must visit for the modern day youth and the elders. Unique concept by the Chinmaya Mission. Go in the evening to enjoy the Sun set as well. Pleasant memories.

2. San Thome Church

38 San Thome High Road, Chennai (Madras) 600004 India +91 44 2498 5455 http://thesanthomechurch.com
Excellent
49%
Good
39%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,243 reviews

San Thome Church

Probably the most magnificent and prominent reminder of Chennai's colonial lineage, the San Thome Church bears a colossal amount of history since A.D. 52, the year when St. Thomas traveled to India, though the Roman Catholic basilica was built in the 16th century by the Portuguese. It was then rebuilt by the British in 1893. The imposing structure reaches a height of 155 feet and emanates peace and architectural splendor with its tall spires over the tomb of the saint. The sea makes a wonderful backdrop to the pristine white structure. The San Thome Church is considered one of the pilgrimages for people around the world.

Reviewed By thewanderer0512 - Bengaluru, India

San Thome Church, also known as St. Thomas Cathedral Basilica and National Shrine of Saint Thomas, is a Roman Catholic minor basilica in Santhome, in the city of Chennai, This church has the status of a minor basilica, originally the old church was built in the 16th century by Portuguese explorers and rebuilt again with the status of cathedral by the British in 1893, Touring to this Madras Santhome Cathedral Basilica church is pretty easy, as you will get auto rickshaws, 'call taxis' and even luxurious cabs. Auto rickshaws are the cheapest ones but bargain carefully before you get into one.

3. Kapaleeshwarar Temple

Kapaleesvarar Sannadhi Street Vinayaka Nagar Colony, Chennai (Madras) 600004 India
Excellent
62%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2,536 reviews

Kapaleeshwarar Temple

This ancient shrine to Shiva is centrally located and among the area’s most popular landmarks.

Reviewed By Ananth727499 - Tiruppur, India

This temple is in the heart of the Mylapore area.. it has a wide temple tank . There are flower shops in the entrance of the temple main entrance. Free shoe stand is also provided for the devotees. When you enter you could have Darshan of Lord vinayaga. Main deity Kalaleeswarar is seen facing west and hence this temple is considered to be " Sarva dosha Nivarana sthalam".. Ambal sannithi is very vibrational and you could find a chillness when you are inside the sannithi .. Do visit this temple..

4. Kamakshi Amman Temple

Mangadu, Chennai (Madras) India http://www.mangadukamakshi.com/
Excellent
56%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 206 reviews

Kamakshi Amman Temple

Although this temple was built in the 7th century and rebuilt in the 14th, it's not very historical.

Reviewed By 944madhavia

I have been visiting Mangadu Kamakshi Amman temple since 1979. I go there on a Thursday, when I am in Chennai. Either using a hire car or Ola, it is an easy access and takes around 30 minutes to reach there from Adyar - early in the morning. it is a beautiful temple arranged in a traditional way - but I believe it gets crowded on special days with separate queues. I usually go there when it is quiet and am able to appreciate the inner sanctum sanctorum and the outer areas (to walk around). I am especially enamored by the Brass metal figurine of Amman standing on one leg and conducting penance. She signifies strength, perseverance and determination to me.

5. Mylapore

Chennai (Madras) India +91 90433 25105
Excellent
50%
Good
40%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 487 reviews

Mylapore

If you are looking to soak in the culture of Chennai, the Mylapore Tank and Mandavali area should be at the top of your list. One of the oldest residential parts of Chennai, the tank is a part of the seventh century Kapaleeshwarar Temple. This is also the place where the famous Tamil poet, Thiruvalluvar, was born. If you are spending a few days in Chennai, you will understand the importance of this state figure from the number of references made in signs, names of shops and statues. The quintessential travel phrase, "overwhelming sights, sounds, smells," fits perfectly in this area. The narrow streets around the temple are buzzing with activities. Flower sellers, archaic shops selling temple offering ingredients and such line the roads leading to the temple. A photographer’s dream, this place is best explored in the morning, the chosen time to pay homage at the temple.

Reviewed By Deadman17 - Mumbai, India

Mylapore is an area with rich history and heritrage of Chennai. This is an area where there are multiple temples, eateries open since many decades and places where traditions even today mean a lot. The rich heritage and traditions do come alive even more during festival times.

6. Little Mount Shrine

St. Thomas Mount, Chennai (Madras) 600015 India +91 44 2235 1863 http://www.littlemountchurch.org/
Excellent
61%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
12%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 92 reviews

Little Mount Shrine

Reviewed By BangaloreTravellernb

Location was excellent, the ambience was holistic, wish visitors there were more sensitive as this was a holy place rather than a picnic spot Ideal place to let your thoughts flow towards a spiritual wellbeing

7. Kalikambal Temple

Thambu Chetty Street George Town, Chennai (Madras) India
Excellent
65%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 278 reviews

Kalikambal Temple

Reviewed By KARTHIKb87 - Chennai (Madras), India

It's famous old temple in Chennai near Madras High court/Chennai beach station. Temple ambal is powerful and will fulfill all our prayers. It's says that kalikambal is another form of Kanchi Kamaatchi. It was said to be built in 1678 by Shivaji, the Maratha warrior and the founder of the Hindawi-Swarajya in the 17th century, Temple is located in Thambi chetty Street a prominent financial street at Georgetown which is walkable at 15 mins distance from high court or Chennai beach suburban station,5 mins from Mannady Metro station. Its must visit temple in chennai

8. Vadapalani Murugan Temple

Andavar Koli Street Vadapalani, Chennai (Madras) India +91 44 2483 6903 http://murugan.org/temples/vadapalani.htm
Excellent
55%
Good
38%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 458 reviews

Vadapalani Murugan Temple

Reviewed By anu_v - Singapore, Singapore

This is one of the most crowded temples I ever seen in India. The temple is often crowded and it is well known for its healing prayers. A lot of people esp hindus come here to pray for their health and well being.

9. Viswaroopa Adhivyadhihara Sri Bhaktha Anjaneyaswami Temple

No : 1, 8th street Ram Nagar Nanganallur, Chennai (Madras) 600 061 India 22671410 [email protected] http://www.anjaneyaswami.com
Excellent
75%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 275 reviews

Viswaroopa Adhivyadhihara Sri Bhaktha Anjaneyaswami Temple

Reviewed By Passport648127 - Chennai (Madras), India

This is at Nanganallur , a suburb of Chennai.As the name indicates , the deity is a very tall Hanumanji , .Always a good crowd of devotees , many of them come regularly. There are smaller shrines , too ,for Sri.Rama , Sri Krishna and Sri.Ganapathi.An atmosphere of tranquility prevails, Good help from priests and volunteers,; well connected by train and buses. Please do worship here . He will take care of your worries. Srinivasan sundar

10. Aarupadai Veedu Temple

Besant Nagar Chennai, Chennai (Madras) 600090 India
Excellent
55%
Good
39%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 92 reviews

Aarupadai Veedu Temple

Reviewed By sudd2020 - Oakville, Canada

Modern Murugan temple. Pays tribute to the six abodes of Murugan that are situated in different parts of Tamil nadu. Nice. temple.

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