Chennai Tourist Attractions|Travel Attractions in Chennai|Sight Seeing in Chennai

Mahabalipuram,Tamil Nadu - Information

2011-12-27T06:57:00.000-08:00

Located near chennai,Mahabalipuram is one of the famous tourist attractions of Tamil Nadu.It can be found just right on the coromandel coast next to the Bay of Bengal. Mahabalipuram was a well established 7th century port city during of the pallava kings.Once upon a time, this place was a second capital of the Pallava dynasty.

The ancient name of the city was ‘Mamallapuram’ which means ‘the city of the great wrestler.It was later changed to 'Mahabalipuram' (City of Bali) by the King Narasimha Varman I,who largely developed it during the 7th century A.D.

During the reign of pallavas new style of art and architecture emerged.Mahabalipuram exhibits their excellent artistic and architectural creations.The whole area is dotted with rock-cut caves and numerous temples.Every tourist is stunned by the Cave temples,monolithic rathas (chariots), sculpted reliefs and structural temples here. The Shore Temple encompasses many bas reliefs, including one 100 ft. long and 45 ft. high, carved out of granite.

To our admiration, some temples were carved out of one enormous rock rather than simply constructed by the stones. The monuments are mostly rock-cut and monolithic stood a an live example of Dravidan style of architecture.

Apart from architectural beauty, the silvery sandy beach and vast casuarinas trees here fascinate every tourist.Being a tourist place near Chennai,Tamil Nadu,it attracts a lot of visitors from all over the world.Every tourist visiting Tamil Nadu should not miss this spot.

Mahabalipuram is located about 60 KMs from Chennai.It can be easily accessible by road and takes 1.5 hours to reach here by car.Plenty of buses are available from CMBT bust station located in Koyambedu. Mahabalipuram has no railway station, and the nearest one is Chengalpattu railway station. Nearest airport is Chennai Airport.

Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary

2011-11-13T10:02:00.000-08:00

Vedanthangal is one of the famous tourist attractions found on the National Highway 45 (NH45), 75 kilometers from Chennai.This famous bird sanctuary is a home for a lot of migratory birds, such as pintail, garganey, grey wagtail, blue-winged teal, common sandpiper and some more.

During 1798,then British Government recognized its ornithological importance and initiated steps to develop vedanthangal in to a bird sanctuary.In the year 1962,it was legally given status of a 'reserve forest to Vedanthangal'. Ten years later it was declared as a wild life sanctuary.Spread over 73 acres of land,the sanctuary is the oldest one for water birds in the country.

The sanctuary is a home for thousands of birds coming from various countries.Some easily found migratory birds include Garganey Teals Canada, Snake Bird Sri Lanka, Grey Pelican Australia, Grey Heron Bangladesh and Open-billed Stork Bangladesh etc.Karikilli bird Sanctuary is about 9 kilo meters from Vedanthangal.

Early morning is the best time to watch birds.Sanctuary has taken several visitors-friendly measures to attract tourists.The sanctuary is also close to both Kanchipuram and Mahabalipuram.

Watching birds are wonderful experience.Tourist touring chennai should make a point to visit this bird's paradise.

When to visit : The best season to visit the Sanctuary is from November to January.

How to get there : Nearest airport is Chennai.Well maintained roads are available, you have to motor down on NH 45. Route : Chennai – Tambaram – Chengalpattu – Vedanthangal. Road travel takes about 1.5 hours.

Nearest railway station : Chengalpat.

Bus Route : Several buses are available to chengalpat from Chennai Koyambedu and Tambaram.

Sanctuary Timings: Sunrise to Sunset

Travel Tips : Carry along a binocular, a bird book and a camera to enhance your experience

DakshinaChitra - Heritage Center

2011-08-28T08:05:00.000-07:00

DakshinaChitra means - "a picture of the south" It is a high-quality heritage center located in Muttukadu, twenty-five kilometers south of Chennai, on the East Coast Road to Mamallapuram, Tamil Nadu, India. It shares its proximity to famous MGM Dizee world.

DakshinaChitra was started with an aim to rebuild and preserve the culture of South India alive to future generations. From my experience, I can say that, it is an cross-cultural living example of art, architecture, lifestyles, crafts and performing arts of South India.

The ten-acre campus is divided into four sections, covering four prominent states of south India, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Kerala. One can find rebuilt models of houses and streets from all the four states. Visitors can enter any of 17 heritage houses in recreated streetscapes. All the houses have been furnished appropriately, and some contain contextual exhibitions, which exhibit artifacts of older times from the particular region. A complete tour of DakshinaChitra consumes a minimum of one hour.

In addition to the heritage houses, DakshinaChitra has been doing craft promotion and development. It offers direct marketing opportunities for craftspeople. Traditional craft and textiles are exhibited throughout the center. It also conducts regular folk performances and involves the performers in interactive programs and workshops.

Visiting Hours : 10 am to 8 PM

Holiday: Tuesday (open on all national holidays except on Diwali Day)

Chennai to Bangalore Trains

2011-07-28T11:21:00.000-07:00

Chennai to Bangalore railway route is one of the busiest routes in the country. It is very well connected all means of travels,via airways, railways and roadways. There are various chennai to bangalore express trains available in this route and it approximately takes 6-7 hours to cover the journey.Here we have given the list of trains that travel between Chennai and Bangaluru with all details for the benefit of the travelers. List is below :

GHY SBC EXPRESS

Train No:12510
Starting station:Chennai Central
Destination :Bangalore CY JN
Departure:.04:40
Arrival : 11.50
Travel Time.7:10
Days of run: Tuesday,Wednesday Thursday
Classes Available : 2 a/c,3A/C,sleeper class

SHATABDI EXP

Train No:12007
Starting station :Chennai Central
Destination : Bangalore CY Junction
Departure : 06:00
Arrival : 10:50
Travel Time :04:50
Days of run: Monday,Tuesday,Thursday,Friday,Saturday,sunday
Classes Available: 1A/c,Chair car

Brindavan Express
Train No: 12639
Starting station : Chennai Central
Destination : Bangalore CY Junction
Departure : 7:15
Arrival : 13.20
Travel Time : 6:05
Days of run : Monday,Tuesday,Thursday,Friday,Saturday,Sunday
Available Classes: Chair car,2nd sitting

Bangalore Express

Train No:12609
Starting station :Chennai Central
Destination : Bangalore CY Junction
Departure : 13.35
Arrival : 20:05
Travel Time : 06:30
Days of run: All 7 Days
Available Classes: Chair car, Second Sitting

Sangha Mitra Express

Train No: 12296
Starting station :Chennai Central
Destination : Bangalore CY Junction
Departure : 14:00
Arrival : 20:40
Travel Time : 06:40
Days of run : All the seven days
Available Classes : 2 a/c, 3 A/c,sleeper Class

Bagmati Express
Train No: 12577
Starting station :Chennai Central
Destination : Bangalore CY Junction
Departure : 14:45
Arrival : 20:55
Travel Time : 06:10
Days of run : Thursday's only
Available Classes: 2A/c,3 A/C,Sleeper Class

Lalbagh Express

Train No: 12607
Starting station :Chennai Central
Destination : Bangalore CY Junction
Departure : 15:35
Arrival : 21:35
Travel Time : 6:00
Days of run : All 7 Days
Available Classes: Chair car,Second Seating

Shatabdi Express

Train No: 12027
Starting station :Chennai Central
Destination : Bangalore CY Junction
Departure : 17:30
Arrival : 22:30
Travel Time : 05:30
Days of run : Monday,Wednesday,Thursday,Friday,Saturday,sunday
Available Classes: 1 A/c,Chaircar

Bangalore Mail

Train No: 12657
Starting station :Chennai Central
Destination : Bangalore CY Junction
Departure : 23:15
Arrival : 05:10
Travel Time : 05:55
Days of run : All the seven days
Available Classes: 1A/c,2A/c,3A/c,sleeper Class

Mysore Express
Train No: 22682
Starting station :Chennai Central
Destination : Bangalore CY Junction
Departure : 23:30
Arrival : 05:30
Travel Time : 06:00
Days of run : Thursday's only
Available Classes: 2A/c,3A/c,sleeper Class

Snake Park Chennai

2010-08-14T11:28:00.000-07:00

The snake park in Chennai is located next to the Guindy National Park and is a popular tourist destination of Chennai City.It was established in the year 1972 and has gained statutory recognition as a medium zoo from the Central Zoo Authority in 1995. The Chennai Snake park has been home to a wide range of snakes, from the deadly king Cobra to adders,pythons,vipers and other reptiles. Visitors can watch a variety of snakes up,close and personal here.

This famous Park is a nodal point for captive breeding of endangered pythons in the country, especially the Indian rock python and reticulated python.Lecture-demonstrations on snakes and venom-extraction demonstrations conducted here are both informative and enlightening. A museum of preserved specimens of reptiles and amphibian's is an added attraction to this park.The chennai snake park is an ideal place to visit for the people of all age group.The park remains open to the visitors from 8.30 in the morning to 5.30 in the evening and is closed on Tuesdays.

Guindy National Park

2010-07-30T07:16:00.000-07:00

Guindy National Park is the 8th smallest National Park of India and one of the very few parks situated in the heart of the City.It is one of the last remnants of Tropical dry evergreen forest of the Coromandel cost. This park is an extension of the grounds surrounding Raj Bhavan,the official residence of the Governor of Tamil Nadu,India.Being a sight seeing spot of Chennai City,it attracts hundreds of people every day.

The park has 350 species of plants, including climbers, herbs and grasses and over 24 varieties of trees, including the Sugar-apple, Atlantia monophylla, Wood-apple, and Neem.The blackbuck Antelope is the Guindy's Flagship Species. About 150 species of birds and over 14 species of mammals, including Blackbuck, Chital or Spotted deer, Jackal, Small Indian Civet, Common Palm Civet, Bonnet Macaque, and three-striped palm squirrel is found here.

Bird watchers can see migratory birds here like teals,garganeys, pochards, Medium egrets, large egrets, night herons, pond herons and open-billed storks every fall season. Many kinds of amphibians and reptiles live in this park. Endangered Star Turtle, lizards, geckos, chameleons and the common Indian monitor lizard are spotted here. Large variety of insects, including 60 species of spiders and 60 species of butterflies can be seen in this park.

Mosques in Chennai

2010-07-13T07:04:00.000-07:00

Chennai, characterized by serene co existence of religions and reflect the harmonious nature of the people living here.Most well known and significant mosques and dargas are present in Chennai.Some mosques in Chennai have historical and architectural value. There are dargas dedicated for musilm saints are also present here which are well visited by people of all religions. Some of the important mosques of Chennai are given here:

Big Mosque or Wallajah Mosque

This mosque in Chennai was constructed in the Year 1795 by the family of the Nawab Wallajah. It is a historical monument built completely out of gray granite. Wood and steel was avoided during the construction.

Thousand Lights mosque

Built during 19th Century in a medieval architectural style by Nawab of Wallajh. It is popular belief that 1000 lamps needed to be lit to brighten the assembly hall of the mosque.This is a Shia mosque and can accommodate up to 1000 people at a time.

Makka Masjid, Masjid Mamoor, The grand Mosque

All three mosques above has its own historical importance and spiritual value.

Anna Salai Darga

Dedicated for Baba Hazrath Seyed Moosa Kadiri.Visited by thousands of people.

Hazrat Baba Darga

Dargah is named after Hazrath Dastageer Sahib Baba.

Mohammed Ismail Sahib mosque

Final resting place of the veteran Parliamentarian and Union Musilm League president Mohammad Ismail Sahib (Quaid-E-Millath).

Moti Baba Darga

Saint Khaja Qutub Seyed Gulam Dasthagir Moti Baba was laid to rest here.

Thameem Ansari Baba Darga

A holy shrine was built for this Muslim saint here Thameem Ansari Baba

Churches In Chennai

2010-07-07T07:25:00.000-07:00

The Church architecture was introduced in India by Portuguese.Thousands of Christians live in Chennai. Due to its rich Christian tradition,there are plenty of Churches with unique architecture can be seen in the City. The Chennai City has Churches of all kinds depicting different forms of Christianity. It is indeed a matter of pride that people of Tamil Nadu live in peaceful harmony. They celebrate all religious festivals with equal pomp and grandeur. Unity in diversity is well reflected in different religious places in Chennai & Tamil Nadu. The most significant and famous churches of Chennai are:

St.Thomas Mount
A shrine dedicated to "Our Lady of Expectation". It is believed that the altar of this shrine was built on the spot where St. Thomas died in AD 72.

Little Mount Church

Church with great historical & spritual significance. St.Thomas one of the 12 apostles is supposed to have led a Spartan life on this mount during 68 ADs.

Santhome Basilica
Santhome basilica is one among the three basilicas built over the tomb of an apostle.Built in memory of St.Thomas by portuguese in the 16th Century.

St. Marys Church
One of the oldest churches in Asia and was built in the year 1680. It is popularly called as the 'Westminster Abbey of the East'.

St Andrews Church
Built by Scottish Community in the year 1821. Architecture of the church is considered as one of the best Georgin Architecture structures in the whole Asian Continent.

Armenian Church
Built by Armenian merchants during the year 1771. It is a marvel of architectural beauty and one the oldest churches in India.

Beaches in Chennai

2010-07-05T05:02:00.000-07:00

India is bordered by Bay of Bengal, Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean and has a coastline of more than 7,000 kms. As a result it is home to many fabulous beach destinations. The chennai has many such fantastic beaches serving up sun, sand,surf and warm weather. Tourists can participate in any of the numerous beach activities offered on the beautiful Chennai beaches!Beaches in and around Chennai captivate its tourists who come to enjoy holidays in splendor.Some of the well-known beaches in Chennai are:

Marina Beach

It is a loveliest beach in chennai,primarily sandy.Runs to a distance of 12 KM. One of the longest beaches of the world.

Covelong Beach

Located at a distance of 40 Kilometers from Chennai.Mixture of sun,sand and sea and serve as an excellent resort for tourists/locals.

Elliots Beach

Extremely calm and tranquil beach in Chennai and ideal for long walks and sea bathing . It is also a night beach for youths in Chennai City.

Temples in Chennai

2010-07-03T02:24:00.000-07:00

Chennai is one of the fastest growing Cities in India.There are lot of Hindu places of worship in and around the Metropolis. Many temples in Chennai are popular and thousands of devotees visit here to offer prayers. The temples of Chennai truly represent the splendor of culture, religion and architecture of Tamil state. Number of temples with lofty towers dotted the skyline of the Metropolis attract thousands devotees from all over the world. These temples exhibit the glorious heritage of the Tamil speaking region and superiority of the Dravidian architecture. The ancient temples are rich in legend, mythology and architectural wonder. Let us have quick glance of some of the important temples of the City.

Kapaleeswarar Temple

One of the ancient Shiva temples of Chennai,Tamil Nadu.The main deity, Lord Shiva, is worshipped as Kapaleeswarar and the Goddess as Karpagavalli.Time: Morning: 6.00 a.m. to 1.00 p.m. Evening: 4.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m

Thiruvottiyur Shiva Temple

It is called Vadivudaiyamman Temple. One of the oldest Shiva temples in Chennai & Tamil Nadu.
Time: Morning: 6.00 a.m. to 1.00 p.m. Evening: 4.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m

Parthasarathy Temple

Ancient Vaishnavite temple built by pallavas during 8th Century.One of the 108 holy abodes of Lord Vishnu.One of the famous Hindu place of worship in Chennai.Time: Morning 6.00 AM-12.30 PM and Evening 4.00 PM to 8.00 PM

Thiruneermalai Vishnu Temple

Ancient Vaishnavite temple near Chennai. One among the 108 abodes considered sacred by Vaishnavite .The temple opens at 8:00 a.m in the morning.

Kalikambal Temple

Located in Thambu Chetty Street in the heart of George Town,Chennai.It is one among the most visited Chennai temples. Time: Morning: 6.00 a.m. to 1.00 p.m. Evening: 3.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m

Maangadu Kamakshi Amman Temple

Place where Goddess Sri Kamakshi did penance standing on the Panchagni in the midst of forest of Mango trees. Time: Morning: 6.00 a.m. to 1.00 p.m. Evening: 3.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m

Velleeswarar Temple

Sage Sukracharya worshipped the Lord Shiva here and got back the eye sight he lost at the hands of Lord Vamana.Time: Morning: 6.00 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. Evening: 4.00 p.m. to 8.30 p.m

Nanganallur Anjaneya Temple

Anjaneya Swamy here is 32 feet in height.Timing: Morning - 5.30am to 12.00pm Evening - 4.30pm to 9.00pm

Thirumalai Thirupathi Devasthanam

Information centre for 'Tirumalai Venkateswara temple' in chennai.There is a shrine dedicated for Lord Venkatesa & godness here.Time: Morning: 6.00 a.m. to 1.00 p.m. Evening: 3.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m

Madhya Kailash Temple

This is the only temple in tamilnadu built according to the Ganapatym cult,one among the five cults mentioned by Adi Shankara.Time: Morning: 5.30 a.m. to 12.00 p.m. Evening: 4.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m .

Ashtalakshmi Temple

Only temple in Chennai,featuring the eight manifestations of the Goddess Mahalakshmi..Time: Morning: 9.30 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. Evening: 4.00 p.m. to 8.30 p.m
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Sri Vadapalani Murugan Temple

One of the famous Muruga temples in Chennai.Time: Morning: 6.00 a.m. to 1.00 p.m. Evening: 3.00 p.m. to 8.30 p.m.

Shridi Sai Baba Temple, Mylapore

Known as All India Sai Baba Samaj. It was built in memory of Shirdi Sai Baba. Part of the jothi (Flame) lit by him in Shirdi is here as well. On Sundays Agni Pooja is performed.Time: Morning 8.00 a.m. to 12.00 noon. Evening 4 p.m. to 9.00 p.m.On Thursdays, the temple is open from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m

Sai Temple, Injambakkam

Situated at Injambakkam, in a lavish seven acres of pristine land facing the Bay of Bengal, on the outskirts of Chennai.The majestic view of the seashore from the temple is a memorable experience. Time : 5.30 A.M to 1.30 P.M and 4 P.M to 9 P.M

Ayyappan Temple, Raja Annamalaipuram

Popularly know as Vada Sabari, is an exact replica of the Temple of Sabari Malai,the Divine abode of Lord Ayyappa.

Pamban Swamigal Temple

One of the siddhas of later tamil tradition.He attained salvation in 1929. His samadhi temple is in Thiruvanmiyur.Time 6 am - 1 pm Evening 3 pm - 8 pm.

Sri Raghavendra Swami Brindavans,Chennai

There are lot of Mrithika Bridavan's dedicated for Guru Raghavendra in Chennai.Here you can find the details of important brindavan temples in Chennai.

Velleeswarar Temple,Mylapore

2010-06-28T03:40:00.000-07:00

This temple dedicated for Sri Velleeswarar and Mother Kamakshi.'Vellee' means Sukra and 'Velleeswara' means Lord of Sukracharya. Sage Sukracharya worshipped the Lord Shiva here and got back the eye sight he lost at the hands of Lord Vamana. Devotees can worship the statue form of Sri Sukra worshipping the Lord here in this temple. Lord Velleeswara in this temple is the divine eye doctor who can solve the eye related problems. Lord Shiva here also protects his devotees from falling prey to the desires inflamed by their eyes. This temple is located near Kapaleeswarar temple at Mylapore,Chennai.

TIDEL Park

2010-06-22T10:00:00.000-07:00

TIDEL Park is located with in the Chennai city,TamilNadu and can be easily accessible by any one from outside (12 KM Chennai International Airport).It is located on the six-lane express 'IT high way' (Old Mahabalipuram Road) in Taramani. This famous IT Park is a home of numerous software, telecommunications, and BPO companies.More than 12,000 software professionals employed in the Park.With the built-up area 1.28 million sq. ft,tidal Park is ranked as the second largest software park in the whole of India.

The facilities offered in the park include centralized air-conditioning,independent power supply and network connectivity with direct satellite uplink. Tideal park also offers facilities like Auditorium / Conference Halls,Video Conferencing facility,High speed data / voice connectivity by mulitple service providers,IBMS facility and recreation facilities for occupants.

The Mahabalipuram,the famous tourist attraction spot near Chennai is 48 KM away from here.

Sri Raghavendra Swamy Brindavan,Chennai

2010-06-15T03:32:00.000-07:00

Sri Guru Raghavendra Swamy (1595–1671) is an influential 16th century Hindu saint who advocated Sri Madhvacharya's Dvaita philosophy. His Brindavan is located at Mantralayam in Andhra Pradesh.There are lot of Brindavan's & temples dedicated for Guru Raghavendra through out Chennai,Tamil Nadu . Here are some of the popular "Mritika Brindavan's dedicated for Guru raghavendra Swami in chennai. It is a popular Hindu religious center flocked by lot of locals & tourists/pilgrims visiting Chennai.

Sri Raghavendra Swamy Matha,
T.P. Koil Street,Triplicane,Chennai.
Phone: 044 - 28440528

Shri Krishna Shri Raghavendra Swamy Mutt(A unit of Pejavar Swami Mutt - UDIPI)
New No.17, Raghavaih Road,T.Nagar,Chennai-17.
Ph:(044)28156268,28157982
Email:sksr_mutt@yahoo.com

Sri Raghavendra Swamy Mritika Brindavan,
16,Chinnasamy Sastri Street,Dhakshina Manthralayam,Venkatapuram,Ambattur,
Chennai-600053
Phone:044-26572316

Sri Raghavendra Swamy Brindavan,
No.22,Sri Ramar Street,Devaraja Nagar,Pananthope Railway colony,Saligramam,Chennai-600093.(Near Vadapalani Bus Stand)

Sri Raghavendra/ Sudheendra/ Vijayendra Swamy Mutt,
16,10th Street, Nanganallur,Chennai-600 061.
Phone: 044 - 22347783,(044) 22671575.(Near Nanganallur Anjaneya temple)

Pamban Swamigal temple

2010-06-07T10:46:00.000-07:00

Pamban Swamigal was born in the year 1848 to a saivite family in a village called Pamban near Rameswaram. The child was named appavu, but later known as pamban swamigal. He was a devotee of Lord Muruga and a great saint. This pious seer is considered, to be one of the siddhas of later Tamil tradition. His Samadhi temple is located in Thiruvanmiyur (near bus stand), 13 Km. from Chennai.This temple in Chennai is well visited by lot of tourists/pilgrims from all over the world.

Temple timing:6 A.M to 12.30 A.M Evening 3 P.M to 8 P.M

Covelong Beach

2010-05-30T02:26:00.000-07:00

Covelong Beach is located at a distance of 40 Kilometers from Chennai.This picturesque beach in Chennai is the mixture of sun,sand and sea and serve as an excellent resort for tourists/locals. This beach is separated from mainland by the canal running from Chennai to Mahabalipuram. Covelong is a small hamlet where a lot of fishing activities takes place which you can enjoy. The beach condition here is ideal for sports and fun-filled activities. Adventure lovers can enjoy a lot of water sport activities like wind surfing,swimming, etc. Covelong in Chennai offers you a beach coupled with historical monuments. Ruins of the ancient fort built by Nawab of Carnatic, old Catholic Churches and a mosque is worth visiting.

Elliot's Beach, Chennai

2010-05-24T03:02:00.000-07:00

Eliot's beach is located along the coast down south from Marina near Besant Nagar, Chennai. This beach does not offer much activity and is an extremely calm and tranquil place. It is also a night beach for youths in Chennai City. Eliot's beach is ideal for long walks and sea bathing. It is quite famous for tourists and Chennai natives. Good road facilities,illuminated sand and tranquility make this beach a real pleasure.At the end of this beach are the Ashtalakshmi temple and Velankanni Church which are worth visiting.

Dargas In Chennai

2010-04-24T19:28:00.000-07:00

Anna Salai Darga

Nearly 450 years ago, Muslim saint known as Baba Hazrath Seyed Moosa Kadiri lived here.The darga is supposed to be his final resting place.This darga in Chennai attracts a lot of people from all walks of life.

Hazrat Baba Darga

This popular Musilm worship place is located in Natesan road,Chennai.The darga is named after Hazrath Dastageer Sahib Baba.Nearly 300 years ago,this saint has foreseen his death and ordered his disciples not conduct the funeral under any other Muslim clergy.It is believed that,baba himself appeared and dis-appeared after conducting his own funeral prayers.

Mohammed Ismail Sahib mosque

This is located in Triplicane grand mosque campus,Chennai.It is the final resting place of the veteran Parliamentarian and Union Musilm League president Mohammad Ismail Sahib (Quaid-E-Millath).

Moti Baba Darga

Muslim Saint Khaja Qutub Seyed Gulam Dasthagir Moti Baba was laid to rest here.It is believed that, he was born in Yeman,brought up in Nagapattinam and breathed his last in Chennai during 1959.

Thameem Ansari Baba Darga

It is a popular darga in Chennai.Thameem Ansari Baba, a devoted follower of the words of Prophet was born in Medina. As per his last wish, his mortal remains were put in a coffin and immersed in the sea.The coffin reached the shores of kovalam beach,Chennai. A holy shrine was built for this Muslim saint here. The first Thursday after full moon day is observed as a auspicious day of devotion.The darga is open from 5.00 AM to 10 PM.

Mosques in Chennai

2010-04-16T06:30:00.000-07:00

Makka Masjid

Makka masjid is one of the famous mosque in Chennai. This masjid can accommodate hundreds of worshippers at a time.It is situated in Anna Salai,Chennai.

Masjid Mamoor

It is one of the important mosques in Chennai City.This mosque was first builit in 18th century and later reconstructed with granite in 19th century by Nawab of Arcot.It accommodate up to five thousand worshippers at a time.This mosque is located in Angappa Naicken street,muthialpet,Chennai.

The grand Mosque (Triplicane)

The grand mosque is built with red stone by Nawab of Walajah.It is considered to be bigger than Juma Masjid,Delhi.

Thousand Lights Mosque

2010-04-05T06:58:00.000-07:00

Thousand Lights mosque is a well-known mosque in chennai,Tamil Nadu,India.It is located in the heart of the city in the junction of the Anna Salai and peters road at thousand lights area.

History says that,during 19 th century, the place where the mask is presently located was used as an assembly place by Shia Muslims during the month of Muharram.The assembly hall was built in that place during 1810.Later,a mosque was constructed and donated in 1820 by Nawab of Wallajh.

There is an interesting story behind the name of the mosque.It is believed that 1000 lamps needed to be lit to brighten the assembly hall.This famous mosque in chennai was built in a medieval architectural style.

The mosque has multi-domes and spearing minarets.The minarets are approximately 64 feet in height above the ground. There is a separate prayer hall for men and women.The wooden planks found on the second floor, stand as the sanctuary of Imam Hossein and Abolfazl-al-Abbas. This is a Shia mosque.It can accommodate up to 1000 people at a time.

Big Mosque,Chennai

2010-03-29T05:39:00.000-07:00

Name: Big Mosque or Wallajah Mosque

Location: Janbazar area of Triplicane in Chennai near Queiad-e-Milleth High Road.

Year of constructionn: constructed in the Year 1795 by the family of the Nawab Wallajah.

Historical Importance:

The Big Mosque is built in the midst of a large ground. This historical monument was built completely out of gray granite. Wood and steel was avoided during the construction. The mosque has two lofty minarets at the front and there are no domes.The architecture is typical of the medieval period. This impressive granite edifice is one of the Muslim pilgrimage centres of chennai and a tourist destination .

Armenian Church,Chennai

2010-03-23T03:54:00.000-07:00

The Armenian Church is located on the Armenian street in the Chennai suburbs. Armenian merchants who settled in chennai for trading purpose built it in the year 1771. The Armenian Church of Virgin Mary is a marvel of architectural beauty and one the oldest churches in India.

The church complex consists of a small chapel and belfry tower. Bell's tower of the church is magnificent having six bells and is the key attraction of the place. The six bells vary in sizes from 21 to 26 inches and were cast at different times. It is considered to the largest and heaviest bells of chennai. This tower attracts a lot of tourists and is a place of travel importance in Chennai.

St.Andrew's Church,Chennai

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St.Andrew's Church is situated on the Poonammalle High road,near Egmore Railway Station,Chennai. The Church was built by Scottish Community that had settled in the Chennai City in the year 1821. It is considered as one of the best Georgin Architecture structures in the whole Asian Continent. St.Andres's Church is glorified as "The Queen of Scottish Churches in the East'. Major Thomas Fort de Havilland and Colonel James Caldwell is two people responsible for construction of the church.

Rich mahogany wood work had been used to cover the interiors of the Church. The elegantly laid,check patterned marble on the floor adds beauty to the structure. Lime stucco work adds extra elegance to the church. The dome's diameter measures about 52 feet and 16 Corinthian circular pillars support the dome. The blue shaded lapis lazuli painted dome gives it an added charm. The St.Andrew's Church is well within the city. It is a part of chennai heritage and a tourist attraction.

St.Mary's Church,Chennai

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The St.Mary's Church is located at Fort St.George and has its own tourism importance. It is one of the oldest churches in Asia and was built in the year 1680. It is the oldest British building in India and popularly called as the 'Westminster Abbey of the East'. The church occupies 5400 square feet area with curved roof. Wood was minimally used in the original design to avert fires.

Approximately, four feet width bombproof roof and 4 feet thick walls are its unique features. Due to its peculiar roof structure,the church was used as barrack and granary during War times. The church structure has undergone many modifications over the time. St.Mary's Church is located within the city and is one of the major travel attraction places of Chennai.

San Thome Basilica,Chennai

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Santhome Cathedral Basilica is located in southern part of Marina beach, Chennai. The name Santhome is in memory of St.Thomas. Portuguese built it in the 16th Century and later rebuilt by British in 1893.It is one of the famous Christian Pilgrimage sites in Chennai.

This magnificent cathedral was built as a tribute to St.Thomas, who as buried here. Santhome basilica is one among the three basilicas built over the tomb of an apostle. The remains of St Thomas have been well preserved here. There is an attractive museum attached to the church. The church is located within the Chennai city and visited by thousands of pilgrims/tourists from all over the world.

Little Mount Church - Chennai

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Little mount is one of major tourist attraction of chennai city. It is a small rocky prominence of great historical significance. St Thomas one of the 12 apostles is supposed to have led a Spartan life on this mount in 68 ADs. There are two churches here. New one was built and dedicated to our Lady of Health in the year 1971.

The Portuguese built Sacrament Chapel earlier in 1551. Old church is a cave in which St.Thomas was hiding and doing penance. There is an opening to the east of the cave through which St.Thomas escaped to St.Thomas Mount. The palm print and hand print near the tunnel's entrance are trusted to be those of St.Thomas himself.

The masonry cross cut at the top of the hill is believed to be the cross before which St.Thomas prayed. St.Thomas Fountain is the spring falls in this small hill. It is supposed to be the miraculous creation of the apostle himself.