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Marina Beach

The beach extends from Fort St. George all the way to Mahabalipuram. The beach looks spectacular at dusk when the setting sun casts iridescent glow and peddlers sell everything from ice creams to roasted peanuts to balloons. You can also read your future from the fortune tellers and palm readers who lure the visitors by various means. Don't try to show your swimming skills here as the sea can get quite rough here.

Arignar Anna Zoological Park

Arignar Anna Zoological Park also known as the Vandalur Zoo, is a zoological garden located in Vandalur, a suburb 30 kilometers south of the city of Chennai, India and 15 kilometers from Chennai Airport on GST Road. The Zoo is contiguous with the Guindy National Park. Founded in 1855, the Park was the first public zoo in India. It is recognized by the Central Zoo Authority of India. Spread over an area of 1260 acres, it is the largest zoological garden in India and is believed to house more than 170 species of mammals, birds and reptiles in about 81 enclosures.

The zoo is open from 9.00am to 8.00pm on all days except Tuesdays. All the animals, especially the big cats, are back in their cages after 5.00pm; thus most tourists prefer to visit them before going on to the other exhibits.

One can easily end up walking 10-15 km across the stretch of the park. Battery-operated vehicles are also available for rent. Currently, there are about 9 such vehicles apart from 4 battery-operated vans used for the lion safari. There are plans to buy 10 more battery-operated vehicles. Each vehicle carries approximately 15-20 people. A trial program of 20 rental bicycles for visitors, including 5 for children, was launched in 2008. The bicycles are an eco-friendly option that it is hoped will reduce the high demand for the battery-operated cars. There is a restaurant, an ice cream parlor and a drinks counter - all situated near the entrance. However, there aren't too many refreshment counters within the zoo.

Elephant safari was introduced in the zoo starting from the summer of 2008. Visitors can travel on elephants for a tour around the zoo. The safari is available between 9.30am and 11.30am and between 4.00pm and 5.00pm.

There are also lion safari park and deer park in the zoo, and visitors can see the animals in their natural habitats. The deer park, inaugurated in September 2008, is spread over 30 hectares (about 75 acres) and has more than 100 animals including sambar and spotted deer. Other exclusive sections in the zoo include the Nocturnal section, Reptile section and aquarium. The zoo also has a library with a collection of wildlife-related books.

Mahabalipuram

Mahabalipuram in the state of Tamil Nadu and is about 60 kilometers from Chennai formerly knons as Madras and located at the Bay of Bengal and consists of the world famous Shore Temples with that attracts thousands of tourists every year to Tamil Nadu.

Instead of the general sculpture that depicts God and Goddesses, this place is filled with sculptures that projects scenes of day-to-day life and this particularly makes the place all the more interesting.

Shore Temples It was during the reign of Rajasimha in 7th century these shore temples were built. These represent the final phase of the excellent Pallava art. With two of the spires containing the shrine of Lord Vishnu and Shiva is amazing to see these gorgeous and romantic temples.

The ellegance of these art work perished slightly by the effect of the wind and sea during the course of the history. The remains are so wondrous that recently they were given World Heritage listing. Another interesting fact about the place is the dance festival celebration that is held every year from January 15 to February 15. During this period, dances from all over the country are staged, here, including Kathakali from Kerala, Kuchipudi from Andhra Pradesh, as well as tribal dances and many more.

Kapaleswara Temple

Kapaleswara Temple is Situated in Mylapore , this is an 8th Century Pallava temple.The temple 'Gopuram' (tower) is in the characteristic Dravidian style of architecture. Dedicated to Lord Siva, the temple has some beautiful sculptures , among which the bronze idols of 63 Saivaite 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 ('MAYIL') worshipping Lord Siva. Kapaleeswarar Temple
It is from this legend that the name MYLAPORE has been derived. Mylapore swarms with life during the Arubathumoovar festival that is held in March-April every year.

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