Senate House: A fine blend of Indo-Saracenic style, with Byzantine architectural features, Senate House is Chennai's most impressive monument and architectural marvel. It is located at the Chennai University on the Marina and was constructed in 1873 under the supervision of Robert Fellowes Chisholm. Senate House has a huge central hall with the corridors supported by six massive stone pillars on either side.

Vivekananda House & Museum: Photographs depicting the historical events associated with Swami Vivekananda and books about him and his own written works are on display and sold in the Museum. Vivekananda House has an interesting story. It was constructed in 1842 to store ice blocks imported from USA by the Tudor Ice Company, the house went through many changes until it was taken by the government and named after Swami Vivekananda, who had stayed there in 1897 on his way to Calcutta after delivering his most famous speech during the Parliament of Religions in Chicago. Vivekananda House & Museum is located on the Marina along the South Beach Road.

San Thome Basilica: Located at the south end of Marina Beach, San Thome Basilica is named after Saint Thomas. The saint is believed to have come to Chennai in 52 AD and was killed at St. Thomas Mount just outside the city in 78 AD. The San Thome Basilica in Chennai was built in 16th Century by the Portuguese.

Christ the King Church: Built beautifully in Gothic architecture, the church was commissioned by French clergymen and built by an Indian mason in 1933. Stands majestically in the middle of Loyola College campus, the church has pointed arches, rose windows, three-aisled nave, ribbed vaults and flying buttresses.

Ripon Building: Headquarters of the Municipal Corporation of Chennai, Ripon Building is a well known landmark in Chennai. It is a classic structure, built at a cost of only Rs.7.30 lakhs at that time, Ripon Building is a fine blend of three types of architectural styles - Gothic, Ionic and Corinthian

Kanchipuram: Known as the city of temples, Kanchipuram is home to the famous Kanchi Mutt. Once a center of learning, Kanchipuram today, is well known for its beautiful temples and Kanchipuram (silk) Sarees. Kanchipuram is located about 75 km from Chennai.

See driving directions from Chennai to Kanchipuram

Chengalpattu:  A good getaway from Chennai, Chengalpattu lies on way to Mamallapuram, Thirukazhukundram and Kanchipuram. Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation provides boating facility to tourists in the beautiful lake at Chengalpattu. Chengalpattu is located about 56 kilometers from Chennai.

Pulicat: The Pulicat Lake is a good place for bird watching. The lake is home to large species of bird of which the flamingo and heron are common. You can also visit Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary about 82 km from Chennai. Pulicat is located 60 km north of Chennai.

Pondicherry: A beautiful getaway from Chennai, Pondicherry can be reached by the newly-built East Coast Road. It is approximately 160 km from Chennai. Pondicherry is a good mix of heritage and culture.

See driving directions from Chennai to Pondicherry

Chennai, being a metropolis provides ample hotel accommodation. There are a number of hotels in Chennai, which provide fine accommodation facilities to tourist visiting the city. Chennai offers a host of stay options, which range from guest houses and budget hotels to five star and luxury hotels.
Find more on Chennai hotels.
Book hotels in Chennai online