Chennai Landmarks and Monuments: Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India

Chennai has all of the Hindu temples and landmarks that you would expect from an Indian city of this size, and then some. On top of this, this city also has a unique early Christian tradition that few visitors expect. According to local legends, St. Thomas came here in the 1st century AD and was eventually martyred.

Some of the most interesting landmarks and sights in Chennai are caves, churches and monuments dedicated to the saint, such as the Little Mount and San Thome Cathedral. When it comes to temples, the most impressive include both the Kapaleeshwarar and the Ramakrishna Mutt.

Kapaleeshwarar Temple
Address: Kutchery Road, Mylapore, Chennai, India, IN
This 8th-century temple is one of Chennai's finest landmarks and honours the famous Hindu deity, Lord Shiva. Its style is classic Dravidian, with 'gopurams' (ornate monumental towers) at the gate. The Kapaleeshwarar Temple boasts an especially beautiful tower, which is adorned with meticulously detailed carvings, while the large tank in the back is used during the Thaipusam water festival.
Open: daily - 04:00 to 12:00 and 16:00 to 20:00
Admission: free

Little Mount
Address: Chennai, India, IN
Chennai has a unique claim to fame. Legend has it that St. Thomas came here and preached the gospel in the 1st century. This is the cave where he is said to have hidden when he ran into trouble. Devotees even point to a handprint on the cave wall, saying it belongs to the apostle himself.
Open: daily - 08:00 to 17:00
Admission: free

Fort St. George
Address: Kamaraj Road, Chennai, India, IN
Tel: +91 044 2567 1127
This fort dates as far back as the 17th century, when it was built by the English Company of the Eastern Indies, precursor to the East India Trading Company. Look for the flag staff that marks the entrance, as it was made from the mast of a salvaged ship in the 1600s. Fort St. George is still an active building, with government offices inside, such as the Secretariat and Legislative Assembly. St. Mary's Church also resides within the fort itself.
Open: daily 10:00 to 17:00
Admission: free

Ramakrishna Mutt Temple
Address: RK Mutt Road, Chennai, India, IN
This is another favourite temple in Chennai. The monks who live here wear saffron-coloured robes, and can be seen walking about any time of day. Visiting the Ramakrishna Temple is an ideal way to escape the city's sometimes hectic city streets, with these leafy grounds feeling particularly peaceful.
Open: daily - 04:00 to 12:00 and 16:00 to 20:00
Admission: free

Madras High Court
Address: Parrys, North Fort Road, Chennai, India, IN
The Madras High Court is a very eye-catching landmark and is actually one of the world's biggest judicial complexes, being built in 1892 and located close to the beachfront, within the George Town area. With a distinctive red-brick facade and Indo-Saracenic architecture, the High Court is often a hive of activity, being filled with judges and lawyers. Visitors are able to explore the building and even observe real high-court sessions.
Open: daily
Admission: free

San Thome Cathedral
Address: San Thome High Road, Chennai, India, IN
Tel: +91 044 2498 5455
Another hallmark of the unique St. Thomas tradition in Chennai, this temple was built in the early 16th century. A rebuild in the late 19th century left it with a neo-Gothic facade. The tomb of St. Thomas is to be found in the basement of this important Roman Catholic cathedral. Nearby places of interest include both Marina Beach and the Kapaleeshwarar Temple.
Open: daily - 06:00 to 18:00
Admission: free

St. Thomas Mount
Address: St. Thomas Mount, Chennai, India, IN
This is the mountain where St. Thomas is said to have been martyred. In the final days of his life, he spent his time preaching on the beach before he was finally killed for his beliefs. The Portuguese built a church here (Our Lady of Expectations) in the early 16th century, and this has become one of the quietest and most charming retreats in the city. The views over downtown Chennai are nothing short of superb.
Open: daily - 08:00 to 19:00
Admission: free

Valluvar Kottam
Address: Valluvar Kottam High Road, Kodambakkam, Chennai, India, IN
More than 2,000 years ago, a poet by the name of Thiruvalluvar lived and wrote here. He was a weaver by trade, but went on to write some of the most respected poems in India. Located between the Village Road and the Kodambakkam High Road, the Valluvar Kottam monument was erected as recently as 1976 and is divided into three levels, being inscribed with excerpts of his poetry. The onsite auditorium is vast and can accommodate some 4,000 people.
Open: daily - 09:00 to 19:30
Admission: free