Top 5 Chennai Attractions

City: Chennai
State: Tamil Nadu
Country: India

Known as a major destination for medical tourism and education, Chennai is the commercial centre of South India. Despite the economy of Chennai being largely centred around the 4 major industries of Automobiles, Computing, Manufacturing and Healthcare, the cultural scene here is a major attraction for tourists.

Here are the Top 5 Tourist Attractions to visit in Chennai, all of which hold important cultural or historical significance. All these are permanent locations which can be visited and viewed at any time throughout the year.

1. Valluvar Kottam

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The Valluvar Kottam is a memorial in Chennai dedicated to renowned India poet Tiruvalluvar. The unique chariot shape of the Valluvar Kottam has a life sized image of Tiruvalluvar, and granite pillars covered with inscriptions taken from the works of the poet. It is considered an icon of Tamil culture.

2. Arignar Anna Zoological Park

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Located on the outskirts of Chennai, the Arignar Anna Zoological Park is the first zoo in India, and the largest in Southeast Asia. With over 170 species of mammals, birds, fish, and reptiles, and over 130 species of plants, the Arignar Anna Zoological Park also features several safari zones. It is also known as the Vandalur Zoo.

3. Government Museum

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The Government Museum in Chennai has a rich collection spanning the fields of archeology, numismatics, zoology, technology, science, transportation and natural history. The India National Art Gallery with its famous Tanjore paintings on glass and traditional India art is also located within the grounds of the Government Museum. It is also known for housing the largest collection of Roman antiquities outside of Europe.

4. Marina Beach

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More of a walking rather than swimming beach, the Marina Beach in Chennai is bordered by an elegant floral promenade, war memorials, statues of political leaders and colonial buildings. Marina Beach is the longest natural beach in India, and is also known as a nesting place for sea turtles.

5. Regional Railway Museum Of Integral Coach Factory

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The Regional Railway Museum Of Integral Coach Factory is a hidden gem in Chennai, and not many are aware of its existence. Located in the neighbourhood of Perambur, on the premises of the Integral Coach Factory, a major coach / train / rail manufacturer of India, the Regional Railway Museum has a sizable collection of indoor and outdoor exhibits. It includes more than 40 different models of trains, and a showcase of the heritage of the railway system in India.