Chennai, the capital of Tamil Nadu, has piled up plenty of attractions and beaches for a first time tourist. However, there are a number of tourist places near Chennai. They are equally delightful and extend over all genres including nature, history and spiritualism.
Let us take a brief look:
Mahabalipuram: Mahabalipuram is one of the closest tourist attractions near Chennai. At just 54 km, it can be reached in barely one hour. It is a place which can be visited by the entire family since it has a potpourri of attractions. Apart from its famous temples, it boasts of fabulous beaches and some heritage spots and historic caves.
Tirupati: Tirupati is the state of Andhra Pradesh but is reachable in around 2.5 hours. It is one of the biggest pilgrim destinations in the country and is widely known for its Tirumala Temple. Tourists and locals looking for a religious attraction around Chennai can zero down on Tirupati which is only 139 km away and is well worth a visit.
Pondicherry: Pondicherry is a unique place and has an independent flair to it. Its isolation makes it all the more intriguing and its bouquet of churches, gardens and beaches are always an inviting prospect. If you hanker for history, then the town has some of the most interesting museums to offer to you. As a laidback destination and one which has something fresh to offer, Pondicherry can be counted amongst the best tourist places near Chennai. It is 150 km away and can be reached in a little less than 3 hours.
Bangalore: If a metro city is on your mind, then you cannot get anything more glamorous than Bangalore. With its crew of huge malls and its overdose of green gardens, the Karnataka capital has got no rival. It is a melting pot of humanity and a destination which has everything to offer to you- from Lal Bagh to Bull Temple to the adjacent Bannerghata National Park.
Marina Beach: Marina Beach is one of the longest beaches on the planet and that itself makes it a must-visit attraction. Besides, it is a fun-filled place with plenty going for the sports and the commerce lovers! The place may get crowded, but its elephantine length ensures that you can always find a deserted corner!
Eliot Beach: Eliot Beach, in comparison, is more pacific and serener! But it is smaller, yet has the highest amount of romance to offer to sunset lovers!
Kapaleeshwar Temple: Kapaleeshwar Temple is the most prominent temple in the city. It is very old and its architecture can easily sweep you off your feet and take you back by a few centuries. It is built in honor of Lord Shiva who is also known as Kapaleeshwar in this part of the world.
Basilica of St. Thomas: Basilica of St. Thomas is another of those tourist places in Chennai which can warm your heart even during the frosty winter. This old church is not just a beautiful reminder of the past but is also enamoring for its exhibitions of decadent paintings & sculpture.
Government Museum: Easily the best museum in Chennai, it is a great place to peep into the world of history and science.
Fort St. George is another top attraction and keeps getting high number of footfalls. You will also find a lot of foreigners in this area. Hence, the ambience is certainly a soothing one.
