Chennai (Madras) Things to Do Tips by Rodan44

Marina Beach

Along Chennai's coast with the Bay of Bengal is Marina Beach, the second longest beach in the world. 13 kilometers of golden sand opposite of which are found all the most important government buildings. Portions of the beach appear very idillic, while others are downright filthy. Either way, it is worth a visit just to witness the daily activity on the beach. Here you will see old wooden fishing boats, peasants camping on the beach, shanty towns, open air fish markets, and kids playing or flying kites. Probably not the place you want to plan a romantic beach getaway, but a colorful slice of local life nonetheless.

Directions: east coast of Chennai along the Bay of Bengal

Ashtalakshmi Temple

This picturesque temple on the shores of the Bay of Bengal, though only a few decades old, is renowned for its shrines to the goddess Lakshmi and all her eight incarnations, as well as to Lord Vishnu and his incarnations. You start at the bottom level of the main temple with the shrine to Lakshmi and Vishnu. Then you ascend stairs up four levels, each containing different incarnations of Lackshmi: Aadhi Lakshmi the goddess of health, Dhanya Lakshmi the goddess of food, Dhairya Lakshmi the goddess of courage, Gaja Lakshmi the goddess of luck, Santhana Lakshmi the goddess of children, Dhana Lakshmi the goddess of wealth, Vijaya Lakshmi the goddess of victory, and Vidya Lakshmi the goddess of education. The temple priests will perform a blessing on you at each Lakshmi and in return you offer them a few rupees. There is a great view out over the Bay of Bengal from the top level.

Address: Besant Nagar, Chennai

Directions: Elliot's Beach

St. Thomas Mount

The apostle St. Thomas (doubting Thomas) traveled thru southern India from 52 to 72 AD spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ. His preaching met with much success and he made many converts and established several churches. He is believed to have been martyred on a hill just outside the modern city of Chennai, and this hill is now known as St. Thomas Mount.

Although St. Thomas' body was later removed from the site, the Portuguese built a small church on the site in 1523 (on the foundations of an even earlier church), which can still be visited today. The site is still maintained by the local Catholic diocese, and there is a convent there as well. The 100 meter high hill can be accessed either by 134 stone steps or by road. The hill also offers excellent panoramic views of Chennai and the nearby airport. Pope John Paul II visited the site a few years ago, and there are plaques to commemorate this.

Directions: ouside Chennai, close to the international airport

Kapaleeswarar Temple

This sprawling Hindu temple complex, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is the oldest in Chennai. Located in the Mylapore area, the temple is visited by thousands of worshippers and hosts several important annual festivals. The existing temple is a relatively modern structure built on the site of an earlier temple that was submerged in the sea. The classic Dravidian architecture displayed here is magnificent, and the large gopuram (entrance tower) is quite impressive. The inner sanctum of the temple is normally closed to non-Hindus, but we were able to enter because the complex was undergoing a massive renovation during our visit.

Address: Mylapore, Chennai