Chennai is the capital of Tamil Nadu and has some very important places from tourist's point of view:

Fort St. George: It is founded by the British East India Company in 1653, at present it houses the office of the secretariat and the legislative assembly. The fort museum is an added interest with it's collection of old arms, costumes, coins, medals, pictures and engravings. The museum is open to visitors from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Kapaleshwara Temple: It is off Kutchery road and in the center of Mylapore. It is the biggest shrine in the city.

Pantheon Museum and Art Gallery: The museum is in Egmore and is the second oldest in India. The art gallery contains a good collection of modern and ancient paintings.

Santhome Cathedral: To the south of Marina Beach, close to Kapaleshwara Temple is the old locality of Mylapore. Here standa the Cathedral of St. Thomas.

Parthasarathy Temple: This temple on Triplicane High Road is dedicated to Lord Krishna. It was raised by a Pallava king in the 18th century.

Theosophical Society: The world headquarters of the Theosophical society, founded in 1875, is located at Adyar. Its library has rich and rare collection of palm-leaf manuscripts and books on mysticism, philosophy and classics. The founders of the Society are Dr. Annie Besant and Colonel Olcott. An old famous Banyan Tree now stands with it's huge branch fanning out splendidly. Visiting hours 8:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Closed on Sundays and holidays.

Marina Beach: It is one of the longest beaches in the world.

Snake Park and Guindy Deer Park: On the southern outskirts of the city near Raj Bhavan, lie the famous snake park. Snake farm has cobras, pythons and other deadly poisonous snakes. Also in the same locality the Deer Park in Guindy, which has a large variety of animals.

Kalakshetra: Founded by Rukumini Devi Arundale in 1936, the institution is devoted to the revival of traditional dance. Visitors may fix an appointment with the concerned authorities prior to the visit.

Birla Planetarium: The modern planetarium houses a fully computerized projector to depict the skies. It is situated at Kotturpuram in the city.

Spencer Plaza: One of the biggest Shopping malls in the country. It is located on Mount Road, which is the main arterial road of Chennai in the middle of the central business district of Chennai.

PONDICHERRY: It is situated 135Kms from Chennai Airport and 1 Km away from it's downtown Railway Station. It is famous for it's unusual combination of European culture and Indian Tradition. The attraction here is the township of Auroville, an oasis of peace and enlightenment and the Aurobindo Ashram which draws devotees from all over the world. The famous Time outs are The Beach Road which is 1.5 Kms long and the Boat House which extends for 8 Kms along the backwaters and the lush greenery on both sides of the river Chunnambar. The displays at the Pondicherry Museum is another site to look out for. The Fairs and Festivals here are the International Yoga Festival (4th - 7th January), Maasi Magam (March), Bastille Day (14th July) and Fete de Pondicherry
(15th - 17th August).

MAHABALIPURM: It is an hours drive from chennai and extends 20 kms along the coast. It is famous for it's rock - hewn temples, sculptures and world's largest stone bass relief. A Crocodile Farm, snake - venom extracting center, school of art and sculpture and a wide choice of resorts along the beach. The Dance Festival held on every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from December 25th to January 31st attract huge crowds. The famous Sculptors here are The Arjuna's Penance, Krishna Mandapam, Varaha Mandapam, Mahishasurmardhini Caves, Five Rathas and Shore Temples. A few Kms away is the Muthukadu Boating Point, Cholamandal Artist' Village and Dakshin Chitra. The famous Amusement Parks to look out for are VGP Golden Beach, MGM Dizzee World .

TIRUPATHI: It is situated about 175 Kms from Chennai. Triumalai Tirupathi Devasthanam situated in Andhra Pradesh is one of the important temples of India. The information center for these Temples is Triumalai Tirupathi Devasthanam. People who like to communicate to Triupathi from Chennai can receive all information from here. This office functions on Saturday s & Sundays. This Devasthanam will be closed every month second Monday all Tuesdays & other National Holidays. Time 9:00 a.m. 1:00 p.m. and evening 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. Ph: 24343535.

KANCHIPURAM: It is about 70 Kms from Chennai and is known as one of India's Seven Sacred cities. It was the historical capital of the Pallavas and latter became the citadel of the Cholas, Vijayanagar Kings, the Muslims and the British. It has been a center of Tamil learning and culture and religious background for centuries. It is popularly known for the finest silk sarees made in the country. Kanchi has magnificent temples of unique architectural beauty bearing eloquent testimony to its glorious Dravidian heritage. Adi Sankaracharya established his Episcopal seat (Kamakotipeetam). It is the birth place of C.N. Annadurai former chief minister of Tamilnadu.

PAZHAVERKADU ISLAND: It is situated about 60 Kms from Chennai. It is a small island famous for boating and Fisheries.

THADA WATER FALLS: It is situated about 90 Kms from Chennai.

KONE WATER FALLS: It is situated about 110 Kms from Chennai. It is in
Andra Pradesh.