Frederick Jace
Chennai is one of those places that everyone should visit at least once in their lifetime. “The Detroit of India,” as it is affectionately known, has everything for an ideal weekend vacation, from week-long festivals and beach getaways to temples and delectable cuisine.
Chennai, India’s southernmost metropolis, is a city of contrasts. On the one hand, the city has a bustling economy and a thriving music and arts scene, but it also has some of India’s oldest creative traditions. There are other neighbourhoods in Chennai that predate colonial history by almost 1,500 years. It also possesses a natural beauty that can only be appreciated by visiting it, which is why The TEFL Academy offers a number of courses and certificates.
And while you are exploring, you can always stay in ITC Grand chola Chennai that is right there in the middle of the city. Here are some of the reasons why you should visit Chennai at least once in your lifetime.
Culture and Recreation
Fort St. George, a local landmark established during the British rule, is now an administrative complex for the Tamil Nadu government. Santhome Cathedral Bascilica, also known as Santhome Church, is a great church that holds St. Thomas’ mortal remains. Mamallapuram, also known as Mahabalipurm, is a well-known tourist site with a rich past, including remnants of the Pallava Dynasty from the 7th and 8th centuries. Both Indian and foreign tourists flock to the sandy beach, Shore temple, Five Rathas, street cuisine, and retail market. The Kapaleeswarar Temple is one of Lord Shiva’s most ancient, powerful temple in Chennai. The temple, which includes a reservoir and a magnificent gopuram, is built in the Dravidian style.
The Crocodile Bank, one of the world’s largest reptile zoos, is home to a variety of crocodiles, turtles, snakes, and lizards. The Croc Bank, which is located on the road to Mahabalipuram, provides a variety of activities such as feeding reptiles, safaris, and so on. Dakshinachitra, an exotic arts town, has conserved the rich art and cultural history of Tamil Nadu and the other three South Indian states. Visitors are wooed by the artisans, silk weavers, and other craftsmen who show their abilities. A must-see for everyone interested in the arts and literature. Also, pay a visit to the Kalakshetra Foundation, which is an art lover’s paradise. Choki Dhani, Theosophical Society, and Guindy National Park should all be on your must-see list.
Kollywood
A vacation to Chennai would not be complete without seeing a Tamil or Kollywood film in a local theatre. There’s no doubting that the Tamil film industry is distinct. However, the reasons behind their inspiration and allure are difficult to convey in words; you must see it for yourself. Kollywood has many dimensions, from its rich film history to its ability to appeal to people all over the world. It was one of the earliest filmmaking businesses in India to generate popular films, and it has given god-like status to actors such as Rajanikanth, Kamal Hassan, and Vijay.
ECR
The East Coast Road, sometimes known as the ECR, is a popular tourist destination. ECR is a popular weekend escape for residents because of its various resorts and aquatic sports. Long drives and stays in the ECR’s gorgeous scenery are both relaxing and revitalising. The ECR stretch offers a variety of water activity activities, including boating, water skiing, water scooters, speed boats, and backwaters, to appeal to a wide range of tourists.
The Beaches
Chennai residents are proud of the fact that the Marina Beach is the world’s second longest beach. While most Indians favour Goa’s beautiful beaches, the Marina beach and the extended Coromandel beaches provide a variety of water sports. The shores are alive and fascinating. Another popular beach is Elliot’s Beach, often known as Bessy Beach which is a must visit.
A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to save endangered turtles
The beaches in Chennai are also one of the few coastal places in India where turtles, an endangered species, nest each year. Activists and student organisations go on ‘Turtle Walks’ around the beaches during the hatching season to save turtle hatchlings from wandering into the streets and direct them to the ocean.
Nightlife
Chennai, India’s fourth biggest metropolis, is home to millions of people from all across the country. As a result, it’s not surprising to see people in Chennai partying and celebrating more than normal. Furthermore, Chennai has a plethora of nightclubs that are both plentiful and exciting. Chennai has seen a significant metamorphosis from Tamil Nadu’s working capital to every clubber’s preferred destination since the 2000s. Furthermore, numerous eateries in Chennai are open late, allowing locals and visitors to grab and enjoy some late-night munchies.
Bird watching
Chennai and its suburbs not only attract thousands of visitors from across the world, but they also play a unique role in the migration routes of numerous endangered migratory species. The Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary on the outside and the Pallikaranai Marshlands within city boundaries are the two most popular birding attractions in Chennai. The Vedanthangal Sanctuary, which attracts several rare species such as the Grey Pelican and the Large Egret, is the more popular of the two.
Food
Indian food is synonymous with Chennai. A stroll around the food streets is a fun way to spend a weekend. Chennai has a distinct climate as a tropical and coastal metropolis, which fuels a diversity of exotic spices and fruits from the land to the plate. Many people believe Chennai is just known for Idlis and Dosas, yet it has much more to offer. It came in second place on National Geographic’s list of the world’s “Top 10 Food Cities.” So, if you’re a foodie, go to any random street in Chennai to sample some of the city’s tastiest meals. You will be able to experience the yummy south Indian cuisine by staying in ITC Grand chola Chennai too.
Adding to the above points, if you are a women solo traveller, it is one of the safest cities for women in India. While harassment and violence against women remain a major worry for visitors to India, Chennai has earned a reputation as one of the safest cities in the country, topping most studies on the subject.
