Kapaleeswarar temple

According to a legend, Lord Siva once pinched off one of the heads of Brahma to arrest his pride. A crestfallen Brahma came to this place, installed a Siva Lingam and did penance. The Lingam is known as Kapaleeswarar. His consort is Karpagavalli. FDevi Parvati did penance here as a peahen and hence the place is known as Mylapore.

Saivite saint Gnanasambandhar sang in praise of Lord Siva in this temple to revive a dead girl.

During the Arupathumoovar festival in March in honour of the 63 Nayanmars, their images are taken out in a spectacular procession.

This ancient temple dedicated to Lord shiva is a typical example of Dravidian architecture. This temple has some beautiful sculptures, among which the bronze idols of 63 saivaite saints (Nayanmars) that adorn the outer courtyard is rare spectrum. Ph: 24641670 Time: 6:00 am 12:00am and 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm.

The 8th century shrine at Mylapore is dedicated to Arulmigu Kapaliswarar, an aspect of Lord shiva. This beggest temple of chennai was built by the Pallavas further additions were made during the rule of the cholas, Pandyas and the vijayanagara kings. Its fortifications were done by the French in 1672, against the Dutch forces. The splendid shrine displays typical dracidian style of architecture, with beautiful gopurams, mandapams and tank. Its imposing seven storeyed gopuram (tower) over the main entrance rises to a height of 37 metres.

Not far from Triplicane, in Mylapore, there is yet another 8th century Pallava temple. The temple 'Gopuram' (tower) is characteristic of Dravidian style architecture. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this temple has some beautiful sculptures, among which the bronze idols of 63 Saivite Saints (Nayanmars), which adorn the outer courtyard are rare specimens. Also in the courtyard under the old Punnai tree is a small shrine depicting Goddess Parvathi in the form of a Peacock Worshipping Lord Shiva.It is from this legend that Mylapore derived it's name -'myil' meaning peacock and 'oor' meaning town.Mylapore swarms with life during the Arupathu Moovar festival that is held in March-April every year.

Parthasarathi temple

The shrine is dedicated to Lord Krishna as Parthasarathi, the divine charioteer. According to a legend, Saptha Rishi,s have worshipped the five deities in this temple, known as Pancha Veeras.

They are Venkata Krishnaswamy with Rukmini, Satyaki, balaraman, Pradyumna and Aniruddha.

The processional deity of Parthasarathi, with arrow marks on the face caused by Bhishma in the battle of Kurukshetra, is a captivating image. The changing colour of the face of the deity is a rare phenomenon.

One of the most famous temples [les of Chennai, the Parthasarathy Temple in Triplicane or Thiruvallikeni, is dedicated to Lord Krishna. Built by the Pallavas in the 8th century, several additions were made by the Cholas and the Vijayanagara kings. The most important thing about the temple is that it also has images of the five incarnations of Vishnu including that of a wounded Krishna.

The ancient temple at Triplicane, near the Marina Beach is one of the 108 sacred shrines of Lord Vishnu. Lord Krishna is worshipped here as Parthasarthy or the charioteer (sarthy) of Arjuna (partha). The present structure is said to temple structure in the city.

This temple in Triplicane is dedicated to Lord Krishna. The Pallavas originally built the temple in the 8th century A.D. though additions were later made to it by the Chola and Vijayanagara kings.

Fort St. George

This bastion derived its name from St. Geroge, the patron saint of England. The State Legislature and the secretariat are located here. The Fort houses St. Mary's church, which is the oldest Anglican church in India built in 1680. The tombstones in its courtyard are the oldest British tombstones in India.

The entry to Fort St George is through the Sea Gate, once right on the beach. Before the harbour was built, ships had to unload both passengers and goods into small boats that brought them through the dangerous surf onto this beach. The collection of captured cannone in front of the museum is worth a look, some with Arabic and Chineses inscriptions. Another has the C7 monogram of Christian Vll showing it to have come from Tranquebar, which the British purchased from the Danes and secretariat, and still fulfills its original function as the state assembly of Tamil Nadu meets here.

Fort St. George occupies a place of pride and prominence in Chennai. The British East India Company under the direct supervision of Francis Day and Andrew Cogon built it in 1640 AD. This bastion achieved name from St. George, the patron saint of England. The fort houses St. Mary's Church and fort museum. 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 solemnized the marriages of Robert Clive and Governor Elinu-Yale, who later founded the Yale University in the States. The Fort Museum is the repository of rare exhibits of weapons, uniforms, coins, costumes, medals and some other artifacts dating back to the British period. The flagstaff 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 Island Grounds, the biggest lung space in the city is situated on an island formed by the river Cooum. This ground is the eventful venue of Trade and the Tourist Fairs held periodically which are seasonal attractions. The High Court with the decorative domes and corridors reminiscent of Indo/Saracenic architecture and the adjacent Parry's corner are the important landmarks of Chennai. This area is always crowded and active. Built in 1892, the High Court of Chennai is believed to be the second largest judicial complex in the world.

The best thing in the museum (9am-5pm, closed Friday), is a model of the fort in its definitive form during the first half of the 19th century. Fort St George was essentially a landward defence; the walls you see as you enter were only a battery covering the shore. Land reclamation for the new harbour has left this high and dry, and modern encroachments make it hard to see the elaborate western defences. Prints engraved by the Daniells, English artists who traveled in India around the turn of the 19th century, show how monuments in Madurai and elsewhere looked at that time, The portrait gallery on the first floor was an exchange for the merchants of the East India Company.

The interior of the fort is marred by modern administrative buildings, but you will easily find the church os St Mary, the oldest (1680) Anglican Church in India. Robert Clive was married here, it is linked with Elihu Yale who founded the university, and the many memorials make fascinating reading. Clive Corner preserves ephemera associated with the empire builder, ask the ASl office behind the church.

The fort withstood a French siege in 1759, something its smaller predecessor had failed to do in 1746. Eventualy it was superseded by the Napier Battery to the south; this was demolished a few years ago. A matching battery stood in the south of the city. These fortifications were necessary; quite apart from all the trouble with the French, not to mention Hyder Ali and Tippu Sultan, Chennai was bombarded in both World Wars. In 1914 the German cruiser Emden made one of her startling appearances, and in the Second World War Japanese aircraft dropped bombs. The museum has mementoes of both occasions.

The first bastion of British power in India was built in 1640 and is a fine example of the 17th century British military architecture. The fort now houses the state Legislative Assembly and Council as well as offices of the secretariat.

Fort Museum

This is a treasure house of rare exhibits of weapons, uniforms, coins, costomes, medals and other artifact of the British period. Ph: 25671127 entry Fee: India - Rs.5/-, foreigners: Rs.100/-or 2 US$. Time: 10:00 am -5pm, Holiday: Friday.

It is housed in an 18th century building within the fort and showcases the history of British in India.

The Marina

World's second longest beach with a broad sand shore is the most favorite place for local people & tourists to relax. Cool off the heels in the waves or just stroll in the sands, in between pick a few sea-shells. Chennai's palace, University of Madras, Vivekanandar Illam, Presidency collage dot the drive on the beach road. The Memorials of Former chief Ministers of Tamilnadu - Anna & MGR and statues of Tamil poets are also located here.

Marina beach is located on the eastern side of Chennai, adjoining the Bay of Bengal. Watching the sun set and rise from the beach is an enthralling experience. Though bathing and swimming can be dangerous, as the undercurrent is very strong, still people come for swimming here.

The sandy beach is considered to be the second longest in the world. It extends up to 13kms and is lined with majestic buildings built in Indo-Saracenic architecture. The memorials of Anna and MGR are also located here.

Marina Beach, the pride of Chennai, is the second largest beach in the world and has a wide sandy foreshore. Situated on the beach, the Anna and MGR samadhis, which are the memorials of the most popular former Chief Ministers of the State attract good crowd everyday. An aquarium is also located on the Marina Beach. Some of the most beautiful buildings in Chennai such as the University of Madras,Senate-House,Chepauk Palace, Presidency College, P.W.D office and Ice House are located on the beach drive

Theosophical society

The world headquarters of the Theosophical society formed to facilitate and encourage the study of comparative religions, philosophy and science, is situated in a beautiful sylvan setting in Adyar. Apart from shrines of all faiths and the peaceful Garden of Remembrance, there is a 95 year old library which has a very good collection of rare oriental manuscripts written on palm leaf and parchment. Holiday: Sunday. Ph: 24912904/24918431.

Santhome Cathedral Basilica

Santhome Basilica derives its name from St. Thomas, an apostle of Christ. It is one of the three churches that are built over dome of the apostles of christ. In 1606 the church was re-built as a cathedral in the gothic style of architecture and in 1896 it was made a basilica. The beautiful stained glass windows at the basilica portray the story of St. Thomas. Now this basilica is elevated to the status to National Shrine. Santhome Museum Time: 9.00am-6.00pm. Ph: 24985455.

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 thelast 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.

This landmark of chennai is one of the three basilicas in the world to be built over the tombs of Christ's apostles. St. Thomas, an apostle of Christ was buried here in a chapel. The present structure was built in neo Gothic style by the first Bishop of Mylapore, Dom Henriques Reed de silva in 1898. Its two spires rise up to 55 metres, dominating the skyline.

San Thome 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 San Thome beach where a church was later built. Several years later, another church was built further inland and his mortal remains were transferred from the old church to the new one. 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.

Elliot's Beach

The beautiful beach near Besant Nagar, Adyar is quieter, cleaner and relaxing as compared to the famous Marina. Other attractions near the beach are Annai Velankanni church and Ashtalaxmi Temple.

Following the road along the coast down south from Marina one will come to Elliot's beach where you can spend a few hours relaxing. At the end of this beach are the Velankanni church and the Ashtalakshmi temple. Though the church is much smaller than the original one at Velankanni it attracts its own share of pilgrims. The Ashtalakshmi temple dedicated to goddess Lakshmi looks quite different from the usual South Indian temples as it is a modern granite tier construction, not even 20 years old.

St. Mary's Church

This is the oldest Aglican 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.

It is the oldest Anglican church in India, perhaps in entire Asia and the oldest surviving construction of the British in India. The church was consecrated in 1680 and houses several outstanding examples of workmanship of considerable historic as well as of aesthetic value.

Kalakshetra

Kalakshetra or "temple of Art" was founded in 1936 by Rukmani Devi Arundale to train, encourage and revive interest in Bharatanatyam, which is the classical dance form of the state. Ph: 24521844. Entry Fee Rs.50/-

Kalakshetra is the intenationally renowned insitute of classical music and dance. Eminent artists teach here and students from all over the world come here learn various forms of classical dance and fine arts of India.

This "Temple of Art