Chennai is a dynamic metropolis with a bustling city center. India’s fourth largest city, Chennai, formerly Madras, is the capital of the coastal region of Tamil Nadu and overlooks India’s spectacular Bay of Bengal. With its rich heritage and proximity to the coast, Chennai offers many opportunities for tourist activities, from site visits to water sports.

When it’s time to kick back and relax or get out of the city altogether, the outskirts of Chennai offer a wealth of opportunities, from ancient temples to world-renowned beaches and modern cinemas.

One of the most popular ways to relax in Chennai is to visit one of the three nearby central beaches. Elliot, Marina and Covelong beaches are all individually spectacular. Elliot Beach is recognized as one of the most pristine beaches in Tamil Nadu; its quiet and peaceful setting, uncluttered by minimal commercial development, means it’s ideal for a relaxing walk or swim. Marina Beach is the best known in Chennai; At over 12 km in length, it is also one of the longest beaches in the world and is situated just north of Elliot. Covelong Beach is equally prized on India’s Coromandel Coast. About 40km south of Chennai and lined with shops and cafes, Covelong Beach is an ideal day trip for young and old alike.

A common site in many of Chennai’s waterfront areas are people involved in water sports, whether they are adventurous or laid back by nature. Popular activities include waterskiing, scuba diving, wakeboarding, banana boat rides, and kayaking, while boating, fishing, and swimming are more popular for those looking for something a little more sedate.

Life on the beach can sustain some for many hours, but if you prefer to be more active, you’ll be pleased to know that there are equally ample opportunities to get out and about in and around Chennai and Tamil Nadu to see the sights of India ancient and modern.

The tourist sites offer an interesting perspective on how centuries of traditional Indian civilization came to coexist with the modern hand of British colonialism. For a glimpse of traditional Chennai, visit Mahabalipuram, once the seat of the Pallava Kings and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, located 60 km from Chennai in the Kanchipuram district. The intricate stone-carved temples and architecture of Mahabalipuram date back to the 7th and 9th centuries AD. C. and make it a fascinating day.

Thanjavur is another historical site worth visiting on any trip to Chennai. As Thanjavur is located a bit further from Chennai city, approximately 350 km to the south, it is ideal for a long day trip or a short overnight break. This particular site was the royal seat of the Chola Kingdom between the 9th and 13th centuries. Also known as the Rice Bowl of Tamil Nadu, this area was prolific in grain production. Thanjavur is a fascinating visit; it fits in with palaces, temples and even an 18th-century library filled with delicate manuscripts.

For something completely more modern, you might enjoy a visit to Crocodile Bank, where founder Romulus Whitaker’s work continues to conserve three major species of native crocodiles. The Mugger, the Gavial and the saltwater crocodile all have a home on the Bank. The rescue and conservation center is spread over 3.2 hectares and has an impressive population of over 2,400 reptiles, making for a full and interesting day in Chennai.

With so much to offer, Chennai is a great holiday destination and with flights to Chennai now more available and quicker than ever, you could be discovering the sights and sounds of India’s east coast in no time.