4 things to see when visiting Chennai

Chennai, also known as Madras, is the capital of the state of Tamil Nadu, southern India, on the coast of the Gulf of Bengal. The "Gateway to South India", is an important administrative and cultural center full of attractions to discover and marvel at! Here are our tips on the 4 things to see in Chennai:

1- Madras High Court

Located just outside Fort Saint George, Madras' impressive High Court is one of the largest court buildings in the world. Built in 1892, it has characteristic red Indo-Saracenic architecture, with magnificent painted ceilings and stained glass doors. You can stroll around the court and, if you are interested, attend the sessions. A visit to this wonderful palace is a must!

2- Chennai Lighthouse

Chennai Lighthouse offers a wonderful view of the Bay of Bengal. It was built in 1976 and is the only one in an Indian city to have an elevator! It is powered by a solar panel and in addition to housing the local meteorological department it is also open to the public to give tourists the chance to enjoy the fantastic views. Don't miss the chance to admire Chennai and the Bay of Bengal from above!

3- Kapaleeswarar Temple

The Temple of Kapaleeswarar is dedicated to Shiva and is one of the sacred shrines in the region, a unique example of Dravidian architectural style. A breathtaking spectacle: the exterior is a triumph of colour and depth, thanks to the many statues that adorn the sides of the temple. Inside, however, you can still see inscriptions dating back to the 12th century. A must on a trip to Chennai.

4- Chennai Government Museum

The impressive Government Museum in Chennai has large galleries in three buildings. The richest is probably the Bronze Gallery, with an exceptional collection of bronze statues dating back to the 7th century. There are also large archaeological and anthropological galleries. The museum complex also includes the National Art Gallery, the Contemporary Art Gallery and the Children's Museum, all accessible with the same ticket.

We have selected only four attractions of great value to visit in Chennai but the city offers much more! If you want to learn more about this intriguing East Indian city we also recommend 6 things to do in Chennai and 4 dishes to enjoy in Chennai.