Places to Visit in Chennai:
Sri Kapaleeshwara Temple:
Also known as “The Miracle of Mylapore”… As per the legend at the time of dissolution of cosmos nothing remains except Lord Eswara with bowl of skull. A 16th century temple which highlights the Dravidian architecture was built by the Vijayanagara dynasty with colorful towers in the eastern and western sides along with the sacred tank facing the western tower. This ancient Siva Temple, with its massive and intricately carved Gopuram towering into the sky, is situated in the southern suburb of Mylapore. Kapalam means “bowl of skull”. Lord Shiva or Eswara is standing with ascetic’s bowl of skull in his hand.
Timings – 06:00 am to 01:00 pm. and 04:00 pm to 08:00 pm
St. Thomas Church:
Known as National Shrine of Santhome Basilica…This church is declared as the National Shrine of Santhome Basilica, built over the tomb of the great Apostle St.Thomas, who came to India in 52 A.D. to spread the Christianity. In the whole world, there are only three churches built over the tomb of an Apostle of Jesus Christ – The Basilica of Saint Peter built over the tomb of St. Peter in Rome, Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela built over the tomb of St.James in Spain and Basilica of the National shrine of St. Thomas built over the tomb of St.Thomas in Chennai. There is an underground chapel for the disciples and tourists to look in to the tomb not to disturb the regular activities of the Basilica.
Quick Glimpses:
Timings – 06:00 am to 06:00 pm. Camera – We can photograph inside the basilica and but not inside the chapel.
Fort St. George:
Also known as The White Town of Chennai. One of the Oldest British Constructions and East India Company’s principal settlements in 1640. Neo classical style impressive buildings which hosts at present the seat of the Government of Tamil Nadu. The Flag Mast in the Fort St George, which was constructed by the British still stands with standing the ravages of nature. The Fort Museum which is behind the Fort signifies the British royalty, the weapons, early coins, silverware, uniforms, manuscripts, engravings and the collections of the colonial past.This is said to be the tallest flag mast in the country. The fort has been the seat of power for more than 300 years. After independence the fort served as the Administrative Head Quarters for the legislative Assembly of Tamil Nadu and the Secretariat for the past 64 years.
Quick Glimpses: (Fort Museum) Timings – 09:00 am to 04:30 pm , Closed on – Fridays
Entrance ticket – Rs.5 for Indian, 5$ for foreigners, Video Camera – Rs. 25
Places to Visit in Kanchipuram:
Ekambareshwara Temple:
The 57 metres high Rajagopuram is one of the tallest towers in South India. This temple has 5 spacious corridors with beautiful massive pillars. This temple has an holy mango tree under where the marriage of Shiva and Parvati took place. This belief has a strong effect among the newly wedded couple.This temple is dedicated to Shiva and is one of the largest temple in Kanchipuram, covering 12 hectares. It was originally built by the Pallavas in the 6th Century and then expanded by the Cholas and the Vijayanagara Kings.
A big temple complex houses the 108 Shiva lingas, the symbolic representation of the Shiva. Annual festival lies in the month of March and April.
Quick Glimpses: Timings – 06:00 am to 12:30 pm & 04:30 pm to 08:30 pm
Camera Ticket – Rs.20/- Video Ticket – Rs.100/-
Kamakshi Amman Temple
The”loving- eyed” Kamakshi Amman…
The Kamakshi Temple is a famous Hindu temple dedicated to Kamakshi, one of the forms of the goddess Parvati. It is located in the historic city of Kanchipuram. The main deity, Kamakshi, is seated in a majestic Padmasana, an yogic posture signifying peace and prosperity. It has four colorful gopuras and the main sanctum has a gold-plated roof. Here the goddess is worshipped in the form of Chakra placed in front of the idol. It is one of the three holy places of Sakthi worship in India while the other two being Madurai and Varanasi.
Quick Glimpses:
Timings – 05:30 am to 12:00 pm, 04:00 to 09:00 pm
Kailasanatha Temple
Famous for Artistic Sand Stone.The oldest and grandest structured temple in Kanchipuram built in the early 8th century by the Pallava kings. This temple is surrounded by the 58 tiny shrines, each with the splendid carvings of the various representations of Shiva. The sanctum has a circumambulatory passage with great symbolic meaning – seven steps (indicating seven births) lead to a dark passage (indicating the journey of life) and a narrow outlet (indicating death).
On the walls of the temple, one can see the fresco paintings and rich sculptures made out of sandstone surrounding the temple which shows the artistic skills of the early empires. This temple is under the maintenance of Department of Archaeology.
Quick Glimpses: Timings – 06:00 am to 06:00 pm, Camera Ticket – Free of cost, Video Ticket – Free of cost.
Sri Vaikunda Perumal Temple
Famous for Vishnu temple , it was built in the 8th century by the pallava kings. It has a three layered sanctum. It was built by the Pallava ruler. It has great sculptures and inscriptions which speak the history and the history of the city itself. The lower hall is surrounded by the panels of sandstone sculptures that depicts the genealogy, real life of the Pallava kings. The main shrine dedicated to Lord Vishnu is on three different levels and contains the images of Lord Vishnu in standing, sitting and reclining postures.If you are scheduling a trip for visiting India from chennai , explore through south india tour packages from chennai
Quick Glimpses:
Timings – 06:00 am to 12:00 pm & 04:30 pm to 08:00 pm
