Famous Historical Sites In Chennai

Tamil Nadu, a state celebrated for its cultural richness and vast history, finds its heart in Chennai, its capital. This city, a testament to the state's historical grandeur, invites us to step back into history through its numerous historical sites. From being a humble fishing village to transforming into a bustling metropolis, Chennai's journey is a narrative of resilience, growth, and cultural preservation. These historical sites stand as proud reminders of this journey, each narrating a chapter of the city's past. They are not just architectural marvels, but they are the milestones that mark the evolution of Chennai over centuries. These sites, sought after by many across the country, are living proof of the city's rich history standing tall amidst modernity. Whether you are a history enthusiast, an architecture lover, or a curious traveler, these historical sites offer a unique opportunity to delve into the city's past, understand its present, and anticipate its future.

To guide you on a captivating journey through time, here is the meticulously curated list of historical sites in Chennai,

Government Museum

The Government Museum in Egmore, Chennai, is a remarkable institution of cultural and historical significance. As the second oldest museum in India, it houses a diverse range of exhibits across various themes, including archaeology, zoology, botany, and art. The museum is renowned for its vast collection of Roman antiquities, the largest outside Europe. It’s a hub of knowledge and learning, offering a comprehensive view of India’s rich heritage. Open throughout the week, it’s a must-visit destination for anyone seeking to delve into India’s past and present.

Location : Egmore

Address : Pantheon Road, Egmore, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India, 600008

Contact Number : 044 2819 3238

Timings : 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM

Entry Fees : Adult-15 Rs, Children-10 Rs, Bonafide Students-5 Rs

Adyar Theosophical Society

The Adyar Theosophical Society is a distinguished institution founded by Madame Blavatsky and Colonel Henry S Olcott. It is dedicated to the service of humanity through the deepening understanding of the Ageless Wisdom, spiritual self-transformation, and the unity of all life. The society's mission is to form a nucleus of the Universal Brotherhood of Humanity, without distinction of race, creed, sex, caste, or color, and it encourages the study of Comparative Religion, Philosophy, and Science. It organizes various events and activities, including talks, workshops, and online courses, and houses the Adyar Library and Research Centre.

Location : Adyar

Address : Besant Gardens The, 1, Besant Ave Rd, Theosophical Society, Adyar, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600020

Contact Number : 63834 61167

Timings : 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Valluvar Kottam

Valluvar Kottam is a monument dedicated to the celebrated Tamil poet and philosopher, Thiruvalluvar. This magnificent historical attraction was constructed in the 1970s, this unique structure features a massive stone chariot adorned with a life-size statue of Thiruvalluvar. The chariot, a replica of the temple chariot in Thiruvarur, is made of around 3000 blocks of granite stone, weighing 2,700 tonnes. The monument also houses a grand auditorium, capable of accommodating more than 4,000 people. Moreover, all the 1330 verses of Thirukkural, Thiruvalluvar's renowned work, are engraved on the granite columns in the facade hall corridors. Valluvar Kottam is not just a monument, but a living embodiment of the timeless wisdom encapsulated in Thirukkural, making it a must-visit destination for those interested in exploring the rich cultural heritage of Tamil Nadu.

Location : Nungambakkam

Address : Tirumurthy Nagar, Nungambakkam, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 600034, India

Timings : 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM

Connemara Library

The Connemara Public Library, founded in the late 19th century by Bobby Robert Bourke Connemara, the then Governor of Madras, is a significant landmark in Chennai. As one of the four National Depository Libraries in India, it receives a copy of all books, newspapers, and periodicals published in India. The library is housed in a state-of-the-art building constructed in Indo-Saracenic style, featuring a magnificent hall, splendid reading room, and beautiful teak wood bookshelves. It houses books mainly in English and Tamil, but also in other Indian languages and has a collection of over 600,000 books. In 2005, it was awarded the best State-Central Library.

Location : Pantheon Road

Address : Pantheon Rd, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600008

Contact Number : 044 2819 3751

Timings : 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM

San Thome Cathedral Basilica

San Thome Cathedral Basilica, also known as St. Thomas Cathedral Basilica and the National Shrine of Saint Thomas, is a significant landmark and one of the popular Churches in Chennai. This Roman Catholic minor basilica was built over the tomb of Saint Thomas, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ. The present structure, dating back to 1523 AD, was constructed by the Portuguese. The church was elevated to the status of a cathedral in 1606 by Pope Paul V and was later declared a Basilica Minor in 1956 by Pope Pius XII. Adjacent to the cathedral is a museum that houses several artifacts related to St. Thomas, offering visitors a deeper insight into the life and times of this revered saint.

Location : Santhome

Address : 38, Santhome High Rd, Dummingkuppam, Mylapore, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600004

Establishes in : 1523

Contact Number : 044 2498 5455

Denomination : RC

Timings : 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM

Fort St George

Fort St. George, historically known as White Town, is a significant landmark in Chennai. Founded in 1639 by the British East India Company, it was the first English fortress in India. The fort marked the beginning of further settlements and trading activities in what was originally an uninhabited land. Today, the fort houses the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly and other official buildings. It has played a pivotal role in the history of Chennai, which evolved around the fortress. The fort is a prominent landmark in Chennai and a place where you can admire the displays of British Raj artifacts.

Location : Parrys

Address : Rajaji Rd, near Legislature and Secretariat, Fort St George, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600009

Contact Number : 044 2567 1127

Timings : 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Entry Fees : 15 Rs

Vivekananda House

Vivekanandar Illam, also known as Vivekananda House, is a historic building in Chennai. Constructed in 1842, it gained prominence when the revered Indian Saint Swami Vivekananda stayed there in 1897. The house has been associated with the Sri Ramakrishna Math since then and served as its base for ten years. Today, it houses a technological smart museum called “Experience Vivekananda” that offers immersive experiences on Indian Culture, Swami Vivekananda’s life, and his message using the latest trends like Virtual and Augmented Reality, modern 3D/4D effects, and advanced Son et Lumiere elements. The museum showcases the rich cultural heritage of India and the life of Swami Vivekananda through art galleries, augmented reality (AR), and virtual reality (VR) experiences. It is a source of inspiration to thousands of Indian and International visitors who visit it every year.

Location : Triplicane

Address : Vivekananda House, Kamaraj Salai, Marina Beach Road, Triplicane, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600005

Contact Number : 044 2844 6188

Timings : 10 AM–12:30 PM, 3–7:15 PM

Entry Fees : Adult-20 Rs, Children-10 Rs

Ripon Building

The Ripon Building is the seat and headquarters of the Greater Chennai Corporation. This all-white structure, an example of neoclassical architecture, was commissioned in 1909. The building was named after Lord Ripon, Governor-General of British India and the Father of local self-government. The Ripon Building is a rectangular structure with a 43-meter high central tower containing a clock 2.5 m in diameter. One of the building's main attractions is the Westminster Quarter chiming clock, which was installed in 1913. To the rear of the main building is an annexe building, inaugurated in September 2015 under the name "Amma Maligai''. Today, the Ripon Building stands as a testament to the architectural grandeur of the past and continues to serve as an important administrative hub.

Location : Periyamet

Address : 53, Raja Muthiah Rd, Kannappar Thidal, Periyamet, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600003

Timings : 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM

Contact Number : 044 2231 0989