Chennai India Video

Marina Beach

Marina Beach is one of the most popular and iconic destinations in Chennai, India. Spanning over 13 kilometers along the Bay of Bengal, it is the second longest urban beach in the world. The beach offers stunning views of the sea and is a favorite spot for locals and tourists alike. Here are some must-visit spots and photo opportunities at Marina Beach:

• Sunrise at Marina Beach: Experience the breathtaking beauty of sunrise over the Bay of Bengal. The golden hues reflecting on the water create a mesmerizing view.
• Marina Lighthouse: Climb to the top of the lighthouse to enjoy panoramic views of the beach and the city skyline.
• Victory War Memorial: This memorial pays tribute to the soldiers who sacrificed their lives in World War I. It offers a peaceful setting for reflection and photography.
• Marina Promenade: Take a leisurely stroll along the promenade and enjoy the cool sea breeze. The vibrant atmosphere and street food stalls make it a perfect spot for capturing candid moments.

Fort St. George

Fort St. George, built by the British in 1644, is a historic landmark in Chennai. It served as the first British fortress in India and now houses the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly and other government offices. Explore the fort and discover these scenic views and photo spots:

• Fort Museum: Visit the museum within the fort to learn about its history and see artifacts from the colonial period.
• St. Mary’s Church: Step inside the oldest Anglican church in India, built in 1680. The architecture and serene ambiance make it a great subject for photography.
• Flagstaff House: This colonial-era building offers a glimpse into the past. Capture its architectural details and imagine life during the British rule.
• Parade Ground: The vast open space surrounded by historical buildings provides an excellent backdrop for capturing the grandeur of Fort St. George.

Kapaleeshwarar Temple

Kapaleeshwarar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is a prominent religious site in Chennai. Its Dravidian architecture and intricate sculptures make it a visual delight. Explore the temple complex and discover these scenic views and photo spots:

• Gopuram Entrance: The ornate entrance tower, known as Gopuram, is a masterpiece of craftsmanship. Capture its vibrant colors and intricate carvings.
• Inner Courtyard: Step inside the temple’s inner courtyard and admire the pillared halls and shrines. The serene atmosphere provides a perfect setting for photography.
• Sanctum Sanctorum: Witness the rituals and seek blessings from Lord Shiva. Photography is not allowed inside the main sanctum, but the exterior architecture is worth capturing.
• Tank and Surrounding Streets: The temple’s tank and the bustling streets surrounding it offer glimpses of daily life in Chennai. Capture the vibrant colors, street vendors, and devotees.

Guindy National Park

Guindy National Park is a unique oasis in the heart of Chennai. Spread over 2.7 square kilometers, it is home to diverse flora and fauna. Explore the park and discover these scenic views and photo spots:

• Deer Park: Spot the graceful Indian spotted deer and capture their beauty in their natural habitat.
• Guindy Snake Park: Visit the snake park within the national park to learn about various snake species. Capture them in their enclosures under the guidance of park officials.
• Butterfly Garden: Wander through the butterfly garden and photograph the colorful butterflies fluttering around the blooming flowers.
• Walking Trails: Explore the park’s walking trails and capture the serene surroundings, lush greenery, and occasional sightings of birds and other wildlife.

Besant Nagar Beach

Besant Nagar Beach, also known as Elliot’s Beach, is a popular hangout spot for locals and tourists. It offers a more relaxed and less crowded atmosphere compared to Marina Beach. Explore the beach and discover these scenic views and photo spots:

• Sunset at Besant Nagar Beach: Witness the stunning sunset over the Bay of Bengal. The golden hues and silhouettes create a picturesque view.
• Ashtalakshmi Temple: Visit the temple dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi and capture its architectural beauty and the serene temple tank.
• Karl Schmidt Memorial: This memorial honors a Dutch sailor who lost his life while saving others during a cyclone. It offers a peaceful spot for photography and reflection.
• Broken Bridge: The partially damaged bridge leading to the sea is a popular spot for photography, especially during sunrise and sunset.

Cholamandal Artists’ Village

Cholamandal Artists’ Village is a haven for art enthusiasts in Chennai. Established in 1966, it is one of the largest artist communities in India. Explore the village and discover these scenic views and photo spots:

• Art Galleries: Visit the various galleries within the village to admire and capture artworks by renowned Indian artists.
• Sculpture Garden: Wander through the sculpture garden and photograph the unique sculptures created by resident artists.
• Art Studios: Get a glimpse into the working spaces of artists and capture the creative process in action.
• Open-air Theatre: If you’re lucky, catch a performance or cultural event at the open-air theatre and capture the vibrant atmosphere.

Santhome Basilica

Santhome Basilica, located in the neighborhood of Santhome, is a significant religious site in Chennai. It is built on the tomb of St. Thomas the Apostle, who is believed to have brought Christianity to India. Explore the basilica and discover these scenic views and photo spots:

• Exterior Architecture: Capture the grandeur of the basilica’s neo-Gothic architecture and the intricately carved facade.
• Religious Artwork: Step inside the basilica and photograph the beautiful stained glass windows and religious artworks.
• Tomb of St. Thomas: Visit the underground tomb of St. Thomas and capture the serene ambiance of this sacred space.
• View from the Terrace: Climb to the terrace of the basilica for panoramic views of the surrounding area and the Bay of Bengal.

Elliot’s Beach

Elliot’s Beach, named after Edward Elliot, the former Chief Magistrate and Superintendent of Police of Madras, is a serene and less crowded beach in Chennai. It offers a peaceful environment and scenic spots for photography:

• Rocky Promenade: Take a leisurely walk along the rocky promenade and capture the waves crashing against the rocks.
• Beachside Cafes: Visit the beachside cafes and capture the vibrant atmosphere, delicious food, and stunning views of the sea.
• Velankanni Church: Pay a visit to the Velankanni Church, which is located near the beach, and capture its beautiful architecture and tranquil surroundings.
• Beach Gardens: Relax in the well-maintained gardens near the beach and capture the colorful flowers and lush greenery.

Connemara Public Library

Connemara Public Library, established in 1896, is one of the oldest libraries in India. It houses a vast collection of books and manuscripts. Explore the library and discover these scenic views and photo spots:

• Reading Room: Capture the serene atmosphere of the reading room and the rows of bookshelves filled with literary treasures.
• Heritage Section: Visit the heritage section of the library, which displays rare books and manuscripts, and capture the historical significance of the collection.
• Exterior Architecture: Photograph the elegant architecture of the library building, which showcases a blend of Romanesque and Gothic styles.
• Library Gardens: Spend some time in the library gardens and capture the lush greenery, colorful flowers, and peaceful surroundings.

Government Museum

Government Museum, established in 1851, is one of the oldest and largest museums in India. It houses an extensive collection of artifacts, including archaeological finds, art, and natural history exhibits. Explore the museum and discover these scenic views and photo spots:

• Bronze Gallery: Visit the Bronze Gallery and capture the intricate bronze sculptures from various periods of Indian history.
• Art Gallery: Explore the Art Gallery, which displays paintings from different schools of Indian art, and capture the beauty of the artworks.
• Archaeological Section: Photograph the archaeological section, which showcases artifacts from ancient civilizations, including pottery, jewelry, and tools.
• Natural History Section: Visit the Natural History Section and capture the diverse flora and fauna specimens, including taxidermy displays.

Conclusion

Chennai, India, offers a plethora of scenic routes and photo spots for nature lovers, history enthusiasts, and art admirers. From the iconic Marina Beach to the serene Elliot’s Beach, each destination has its unique charm and photo opportunities. Whether you’re capturing the sunrise at Marina Beach, exploring the historic Fort St. George, or immersing yourself in art at Cholamandal Artists’ Village, Chennai has something for everyone. So grab your camera and embark on a journey to discover the best views and photo spots in this vibrant city.

References

• cityloco.net
• chennai.tn.nic.in
• chennaiheritage.in
• guindy-national-park.com
• cholamandalartistsvillage.org
• santhomechurch.com
• tn.gov.in/museum