Best places to visit in chennai ..

Sunday, September 6, 2015

 Chennai, the capital city of Tamil Nadu, is located at the North east of the state. Apart from being a major district, this metropolis also serves as the gateway of South India. General information about Chennai reveals that of late, the city of Chennai has developed as one of the cosmopolitan cities in India that plays an important part in the cultural, intellectual and historical growth of India.

Some of the best places to enjoy in chennai are given below.

Mylapore


Chennai's historic neighborhood of Mylapore is often referred to as the soul of the city. One of the oldest residential parts of the city, predominantly inhabited by Brahmins, it's full of culture. There you'll find Chennai's most impressive temple, the 17th century Kapaleeshwarar Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Other top attractions include the neo-Gothic style San Thome Cathedral, original built by the Portuguese, and the serene Ramakrishna Mutt Temple. Tamil poet and saint Thiruvalluvar, one of the icons of Tamil literature, is believed to have been born in Mylapore way back in the 1st century BC.

 Mahabalipuram


Mahabalipuram was the earlier name of Mamallapuram because the demon king Mahabali was killed by Lord Vishnu. The name was changed later by the king of Pallava Narashima Varman who has got the title of Mamalla; the great wrestler. 
Mahabalipuram lies on the Coromandel Coast which faces the Bay of Bengal. This is an elegant place to watch which a well established sea port was during the 7th and 10th centuries of the Pallava dynasty. This was the second capital of the Pallavas who ruled Kanchipuram. Formerly, mahabalipuram was known and called as Mahabalipuram. The former name of this place ‘Mahabalipuram’ has a history. A very rude cruel king Mahabali reined this place and in a fierce battle king Mahabali was killed by Lord Vishnu and the place was named after the dead, arrogant kind Mahabali.
        It was during the reign of King Narasimha Varman I, the name Mahabalipuram was changed. It was renamed mahabalipuram which is called till now. There is a story behind. The name Mamallpuram king Narasimha Varman I was a great and valiant warrior. He was given the title Mamalla which means ‘the great wrestler’ so the name was converted from Mahabalipuram to mahabalipuram considering the great king and his achievements.
        After the decline of the Gupta Dynasty, the pallavas rose to the pioneer in south India. They ruled over from the 3rd century till the end of the 9th century A.D. The best period of their rule was between 650 and 750 AD and this period was called the Golden Age of the pallavas. The pallavas were very powerful. They were profound thinkers.
         It was during the rule of the pallavas, great poets, dramatists, artists, artisans, scholars and saints emerged. As one can say that the pallavas are the pioneers and forerunners of new styles both in art and architecture and mahabalipuram is the best place to praise off their skill and talent. New sculptures and unique paintings were innovative and exuberant. This place mahabalipuram itself became their exploring field and they made the best use of the resources. They game a shape and creative energy to what they imagined. It became a dream come true as it witnessed innovations in all styles.
        The richness in mahabalipuram was not known to many, as these pallavas did not outlet and expose their quality and innovative creations to the outer world for obvious reasons. The aestheticism in mahabalipuram was hidden until the late 185h century. What is special about mahabalipuram? Of course every one can point out the rock - cut caves, temples made from a single rock, temples and strives of different structures, and bas-reliefs which are so artistic and sheer creativity. Mamallpuram is referred as an ‘open-air museum’. The great pallava kings Narasimha I and Rajasimha have well preserved these stylistic qualities that one enjoys in mahabalipuram even in the present day.
        The beauty of the place is not only due to these architecture but the vast casuarinas trees, the silvery sandy beach the classical hand male crafts around have made them all to form what is a collective splendor. Any visitor who visits mahabalipuram will remain startled and intoxicated with the grandeur. They feel hand hearted and more out from this historical and fascinating tourist spot.

Fort Saint George

A legacy of the British East India Company, which completed constructing it in 1653,  Fort Saint George is now home to the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly and Secretariat. It also contains the grand Saint Mary's Church, which is one of the oldest surviving churches built by the British, and the Fort Museum. The museum displays a range of military memorabilia, relics, paintings, and artifacts from the colonial period. The entrance fee is 5 rupees for Indians and 100 rupees for foreigners.

 Marina Beach


For a real Indian beach experience, head to Marina beach at sunset and soak up the carnival-like atmosphere, with amusement rides and snack stalls. The beach, which is the longest urban beach in India, starts from near Fort Saint George and runs south for 13 kilometers (8.1 miles). It's dotted with numerous statues and monuments, and is a popular hangout place for locals. 

Kalakshetra arts academy


Kalakshetra is a cultural academy dedicated to the preservation and teaching of Indian art forms, with a focus on bharatanatyam, carnatic vocal and instrumental music, the visual arts, traditional crafts and textile design, history and philosophy. Built on 100 acres of land near the sea in southern Chennai, it's a wonderful place to visit if you're interested in the arts and culture of south India. There's a craft center and museum on the premises, and a heritage walk is also offered to groups (1,500 rupees per person). The entrance fee is 100 rupees for Indian residents and 500 rupees for foreigners. It's worth catching one of the free evening performances held at the auditorium on show days.

 Guindy national park


Here’s a national park right in the heart of the city. The park covers 2.82 square kilometers and is home to an impressive number of mammals and insects that are a huge attraction for the children. It’s a pleasant surprise to see this vast array of biodiversity in the heart of the city.Very good place to spend the whole place with kids, massive play area for children. Lots of empty space for the families to sit under the trees shade and have lunch. Also relax and have fond memories of the school days.

 VGP Universal kingdom

VGP Universal Kingdom along the undulating shoreline and shimmering white sand has captivated us with its sensational concept since 1975. Its concept along with the location enhances its appeal across all ages making it truly the Universal Kingdom. 

 Madras crocodile bank


Madras Crocodile Bank have thousands of Crocodiles, Aligator, snakes, monitor lizards, tortoise etc 
One can plan trip for at least 3 to 4 hours and preferably starting by mid noon 
Large variety of species of Crocodile you can found here from India and other parts of the world 
Highly recommended for children as it not only make them aware of different species of Crocodile vis-a-vis conservation of them. 
They all r kept under captivity inside large number of tanks 
Fully protected, sign board at every tank with details about the specie kept 
At around 4 pm they feed them with chunks of meat that time you can observe their agility, grip and other behaviour. 
This banks has different tanks with water n sand on the edge of the tank having Crocodile of different age group from eggs to fully grown.



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