| Marina Beach, the 2nd longest beach in the world |
|
Chennai is a gracious city that has a clear skyline, long sandy beaches, parks, historic
landmarks and tourist infrastructural facilities which make it a convenient entry point.
|
| Fort St. George |
| It was built in 1640 AD, by the British East India Company under the direct supervision
of Francis Day and Andrew Cogon. This bastion achieved its name from St. George, the
patron saint of England. St. Mary's Church the oldest Anglican Church in India built in
1680 and the tombstones in its courtyard are the oldest British tombstones in India.
This ancient prayer house solemnised the marriages of Robert Clive and Governor
Elinu-Yale, who later founded the Yale University in the States. The flag staff at Fort
St. George is still the tallest in India. South of the Fort is the War Memorial, a
graceful monument built in 1939 in memory of the warriors who sacrificed their lives
during the First World War. |
| The Fort Museum |
| The Fort Museum is the repository of the exhibits of weapons, uniforms, coins, costumes,
medals and some other artifacts dating back to the British period. |
| Santhome Cathedral |
| Santhome at the southern end of Marina derives its name from St Thomas, the apostle of
Christ who is believed to have come to Madras sometime during 52 AD. He was killed on St
Thomas Mount just outside the city in 78 AD. and was interned in Santhome beach where a
church was later built. In 1606 the church was rebuilt as a cathedral and in 1896 it was
made a basilica. The beautiful stained glass window at the basilica portrays the story
of St Thomas and the central hall has 14 wooden plaques depicting scenes from the last
days of Christ. In the cathedral is a 3ft. high statue of Virgin Mary which is believed
to have been brought from Portugal in 1543. |
| Kapaleswarar Temple |
| Located in Mylapore, this temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Fragmentary inscriptions
date back to 1250 A.D. The majestic 37metere gopuram is profusely carved depicting
Puranic legends. The present structure was renovated by the Vijayanagara Kings in the
16th century. It has some beautiful sculptures among which are the bronze idols of 63
Saivite saints or the Nayanmars. These adorn the outer courtyard within the temple
precinct. |
| The Government Museum |
| The Museum is more than 150 years old. The modern building next to the original museum
houses the treasured statues of Natraja, Buddha, the Tamil saints and others, in its
Bronze Gallery. The highlight of the Bronze Gallery is the “Cosmic Natraja,” that rests
on a rotating platform. Within the museum precinct is the circular 100 year’s old Museum
Theatre that has influences of Indo - Saracenic architecture. It is an excellent
specimen of exposed brick architecture, with brick pilasters (pillars) flanking each
entrance. Cornices made of stucco ornamentation adorn these pillars. This is still a
popular venue for plays and readings. The National Art Gallery, located within the
campus, has the finest collection of the contemporary art, paintings and sculptures. The
Jaipur - Moghul architecture gives the building its “lacy” and distinct look. |
| Dakshinachitra |
| A venture of Deborah Thiagarajan and her associates from the Madras Craft Foundation.
Dakshinachitra is an amazing place to visit, as various kinds of traditional houses have
been transported to Chennai from interior parts of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Kerala
and rebuilt here piece by piece |
| Shopping |
| Spencer Plaza |
| Spencer's is a 100 Year old institution in Chennai, India, whose name has long been
associated with a world class shopping experience. In 1990, one landmark paved way for
another - Spencer Plaza has taken shape as India's finest and largest Shopping and
Office Mall at the same place, continues to give Shoppers, convenience beyond par. |
| Victoria Technical Institute |
| The institute is associated with the best that is found in the field of Indian art and
crafts, playing the role of marketing platform for unknown craftsmen and talented
artisans in the remote parts of the country. Conceived as a charitable trust,
essentially to extend a helping hand to the unknown genius lost in the villages, the
institute came into being in October 1887 to commemorate the Jubilee of Her Majesty the
Queen Empress Victoria. The Memorial Hall, instituted in memory of Queen Victoria on
Pantheon Road in 1909, offers technical and industrial education in cooperation with the
VTI. This hall in sandstone is one of the finest pieces of architecture in Chennai. |
(The Package cost depends on the Group Size / Type of vehicle / Other Connected Services)
