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North Chennai is the oldest part of the metropolis. North Chennai is one of the best preserved Art Deco architectural areas in India. It is also Chennai's oldest central business district though it has long since given way to Central Chennai. If you're particularly interested in architecture or photography, this is a must visit place. Don't forget the nooks and crannies.
Get in
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Map of North Chennai
By train
[edit | edit source]The major suburban railway stations in North Chennai include 1 Moore Market Complex North West West North (Chennai Central MMC), 2 Chennai Park South South West , 3 Chennai Egmore South South West , 4 Chennai Beach South South West West South MRTS and 5 Perambur West West North West South .
By metro
[edit | edit source]Both the Blue Line 1 and the Green Line 2 originate from North Chennai with an interchange at 6 MGR Chennai Central 1 2 .
By bus
[edit | edit source]- 7 Broadway city bus terminus, NSC Bose Rd, Esplanade, George Town (metro: High Court 1 ; suburban: Chennai Fort South South West West South MRTS ). The largest city bus terminus of the Metropolitan Transport Corporation, Chennai. It lies opposite the Madras High Court along the Esplanade in George Town. It is a connecting point to several areas in the city. The bus terminus is at the southern end of Broadway.
See
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- 1 Madhavaram Botanical Garden. The largest botanical garden, set up by the Department of Horticulture in 2018. The garden is broadly divided into sections for fruits, medicinal plants, indoor plants, cacti and ornamental arboretum, besides one for protected cultivation. The garden also has a small bridge that has been built to attract birds from where visitors will get a view of the lake. The garden will have nearly 400 species of plants, including about 200 ornamental plants.
- 2 Victoria Public Hall, Poonamallee High Road, Park Town. One of the finest examples of British architecture in Chennai and was built to commemorate the Golden Jubilee of Queen Victoria. Constructed with red brick and painted with lime mortar, the rectangular building has an Italianate tower capped by a Travancore-style roof. The structure consists of arcaded verandahs along the northern and southern sides in the hall on the first floor supported by sleek Corinthian stone columns, a square tower that is three storeys high, and a carved pyramidal roof. There is also an intricately carved terracotta cornice, which resembles Islamic calligraphy, atop the tower. The hall has four staircases, of which three lead to the hall on the first floor and one to the balcony, and four turrets.
- 3 Victory War Memorial (Cupid's Bow). The memorial is erected in memory of those from the erstwhile Madras Presidency who died in world wars. The memorial also has inscriptions on 1948 Kashmir Aggression, 1962 War with China and the Indo-Pakistan War.
Government buildings
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- 4 Fort St. George (formerly White Town) (suburban: Chennai Fort South MRTS ). 10AM-5PM (closed on F). It was established as the East India Company's fortified foothold in Madras and it was from this small trading post (or 'factory' as it was then known) that British influence spread throughout India. The establishment of Fort St. George marked the birth of the new city that is Madras, in the year 1640. The fort was named after St George, the patron saint of England. The British East India Company, after buying the land from the Nayak of Vandavasi in 1639, led the establishment of what was called the Madrasemen, the permanent settlement of the company. One year later they built the fort as a commanding post in the region. With the increased trade activities of East India Company the region soon developed into a popular trade and commerce centre. The British enjoyed the supremacy in the region till 1746, when the French attacked the fort and captured it. After three years, in 1749 the British regained the ruling power by signing a treaty with the French. In the meantime they fortified the base in order to sustain the invasion of Hyder Ali and the French. The fort is believed to be the first establishment of the British in India. It is a military architecture marvel, which was started as a trading post and later evolved to be the origin of modern Indian Army. St. George Fort holds great historical importance and is looked after by the Archaeological Survey of India. It has a number of other monuments within its boundaries. Inside the Fort is the Fort Museum is decorated with cannons of Tipu Sultan. There are a lot of interesting artifacts showcased in the museum like coins, artifacts and so on. Apart from the museum, the southern division of the Archaeological Survey of India is located here. The place is famous for its exotic collection of books in the library. Today, Fort St George is famous for housing the legislative assembly and is known as the secretariat building. The fort in its present form looks more like a mansion, rather than a fort. Various Government offices function inside this building, including the structure which used to be the residence of Robert Clive called the Clive House. St. Mary's Church, situated in the fort, is one of the oldest surviving churches built by the British in India. The tallest flag pole in the country can be seen here: its height is 150 ft (46 m). The pole is now made of metal. The original had been made entirely of teak wood. Fort Museum: children under 15 years free, Indians ₹5, foreigners US$20.
- 5 Madras High Court (மெட்ராஸ் உயர் நீதிமன்றம் Meṭrās Uyar Nītimaṉṟam) (metro: High Court 1 ). The third-oldest high court in India and an example of Indo-Saracenic architecture. Covering 107 acres (43 hectares), the court complex is one of the largest in the world.
- 6 Emden Plaque. The western wall of the Madras High Court houses a plaque marking the exact spot where the cell from the German Cruiser struck the high court wall during the bombertment of Madras on 22 September 1914. This happens to be the only attack on India during World War I
- 7 Ripon Buildingg (metro: MGR Chennai Central 1 2 ; suburban: Moore Market Complex North West ). The rectangular building built in Neoclassical style houses the office of the Corporation of Chennai, the civic body that governs the city of Chennai. The building was designed by G. T. S. Harris and was constructed between 1909 and 1913. Heritage tour of Ripon Building: The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) organizes a free heritage tour of Ripon Building on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 8 AM to 9 AM. Registration is mandatory and can be done online through the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) website.
Museums and art galleries
[edit | edit source]- 8 Government Museum, ☏ +91 44 28193238. 9:30AM-5PM except holidays. A free guide service is available at 11AM and 3PM.. Pantheon Rd, Egmore. Established in 1857, the Government Museum of Chennai is one of the popular tourist destinations in the city. It is a multi-purpose State Government Museum in Egmore, which is in the heart of the city, spreading over an area of 16.25 acres (7 ha) of land. Six independent buildings in this Museum campus has 46 galleries. There is an Archaeology Section, Zoology Section, Botany Section, Geology Section, Numismatics Section, Bronze Gallery, Children’s museum, art gallery and various other interesting sections and galleries. It is considered to be one of the oldest museums of India, since its inception dates back to the Colonial rule. There is history behind the origin of this museum. In 1846, the Madras Literary Society debated the proposal of establishing a museum in the then Madras. The proposal was approved by the Court of Directors of the East India Company in London. The Chennai Government Museum was given this sprawling complex which is maintained by the State Government. There are six independent buildings in the Museum campus, which compose of 46 galleries. The museum was inaugurated on December 5, 1896 by the Sir Arthur Eli bank Havelock, the then Governor. He named it after the former Governor, Lord Connenmara. The museum was designed by H. Irvin, the consulting architect of the Government of Madras. The Government Museum has a splendid hall, marvellous reading room and striking Teak wood shelf and stands divided into a number of sections. Parts of the museum are often closed.
- 9 Integral Coach Factory (ICF), Perambur (suburban: Perambur West ). 10AM-6PM. A railway coach manufacturing unit of the Indian Railways, which has a Rail Museum. The Regional Rail Museum is situated near ICF, Perambur, Chennai amidst the New Avadi Road/Anna Nagar Round Tana/ICF Bus Terminus and Villivakkam. Entry ₹40.
- 10 National Art Gallery, ☏ +91 44 28193238. The top floor, closed in May 2011, offers additional galleries. Sa-Th 9:30AM-5PM, closed F and national holidays. The building of National Arts Gallery was built in the year 1907. This magnificent red sandstone building was designed by Henry Irwin and built by T. Namberumal Chetty. The building represents a typical Indo-Saracenic structure and was initially famous as Victoria Memorial Hall. Built with sandstone and adorned with motifs, the building bears impressions of Mughal architecture. The structure as well as the gallery collections are key factors responsible for the much credited tourist place. The gallery exhibits medieval handicrafts, sculptures, metal ware and paintings belonging to various schools of art, all from the past. The gallery displays paintings belonging to different schools and eras. The gallery's collections are displayed in four different sections that are: Tanjore Painting Gallery, Decorative Art Gallery, Indian Traditional Art Gallery and Ravi Varma Painting Gallery. The Tanjore paintings on glass are wonderful. The miniature paintings from Rajput and Mughal eras are fascinating too. The handicrafts that are displayed in National Arts Gallery belong to the 11th and 12th century, Indian handicrafts, period.
- 11 Tamil Nadu Police Museum, Pantheon Rd, Egmore. It has a repository of exhibits marking the passage of the state's law enforcement agency from colonial India to present. The building is a two-storied Indo-Saracenic structure, consisting of high parapet walls, wooden spiral stairway, Madras terrace roofing and traditional lime-plastered walls. The grand portico at the entrance features Doric columns.
Places of worship
[edit | edit source]Churches
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- 12 Armenian Church (Tamil: ஆர்மேனியன் தேவாலயம் Ārmēniyan Dēvālayam; Armenian: Հայկական եկեղեցի), Armenian St, Parrys (Chennai Beach North South West MRTS 400 m (1,300 ft)). 9:00AM–2:30PM. Constructed in 1712 and reconstructed in 1772. The graves of about 350 Armenians have been laid out throughout the Church. The founder, publisher and editor of the world's first Armenian periodical "Azdarar", Reverend Haroutiun Shmavonian, is buried here. The Belfry adjacent to the main church structure houses six large bells which are rung every Sunday at 9:30AM.
- 13 Holy Cross Church (புனித சிலுவை தேவாலயம் Puṉita Ciluvai Dēvālayam, Church of South India), Perumal Nagar, Mogappair East (metro: Thirumangalam 2 2 km E; near Golden Flats Bus Stop), ☏ +91 90431 13263 (Mobile). Built in the 1890s as the Perambur Railway Church, when it was under the railway authorities. Here was earlier a predominantly Anglo-Indian congregation though now there are also families from other southern states.
- 14 Lutheran Adaikalnathar Church (TELC) (லூதரன் அடைக்கலநாதர் தேவாலயம் Lutaraṉ Aṭaikkalnātar Dēvālayam), Tana St, ☏ +91 44 2642 4005. Protestant Church which is more than 100 years old.
- 15 Queenship of Mary Church (மேரி சர்ச் ராணி Mēri Carc Rāṇi), Vethagiri St, Chintadripet, Adikesavarpuram, Park Town.
- 16 St Andrew's Church (புனித அந்திரேயா கோவில் Puṉita Antirēyā Kōvil; The Queen of Scottish Churches in the East;), Poonamallee High Road, New Bupathy Nagar (Chennai Egmore SR 200 m). Neoclassical church. Built-in 1821. The St. Andrews Church has finely etched white Doric columns, a black and white tiled marble roof, and a high, sky-blue dome of enviable beauty. On the inner surface of the dome, constellations of stars, as they can be viewed in Scotland, are painted realistically. The body of the church is a circle, with rectangular compartments to the east and west. The circular part 24.5 m in diameter, is crowned by a shallow masonry dome colored a deep blue. This is painted with golden stars and supported by 16 fluted pillars with Corinthian capitals.
- 17 St. Matthias Church (புனித மத்தியாஸ் தேவாலயம் Punita Mattiyās Dēvālayam), 7, Vepery Church Road, Vepery, ☏ +91 44 2532 3124. One of the oldest churches in Chennai which were built by the British. It also has a higher secondary school in the campus which has boys and girls studying in the school.
- 18 St. Mary's Church (புனித மரியாள் தேவாலயம் Punita Mariyāl Dēvālayam), Rajaji Salai (south to Legislature and Secretariat). Sa-Th 10AM-5PM. This is one of the oldest surviving churches built by the British in India. This is the first British church in India and the oldest Anglican church in the East. Designed by William Dixon, the then Master Gunner of the Fort, it was constructed under the supervision of Governor Streynsham Master. Given the precarious nature of the British presence in India at the time (not to mention later attacks by the French and the locals), the church has a defensive stance- thick walls, castellated parapets and a well within the grounds - to withstand any bombardment or siege). The church was consecrated on 28 October 1680. The tower was completed in 1701; the steeple was added in 1710 and the tower was connected to the main body of the church in 1759. Robert Clive - more famous as Clive of India - married Margaret Maskelyne here in 1753. The first but equally famous wedding was that of Governor Elihu Yale (who was to become the benefactor of Yale College) to Catherine Himmers in November 1680. The interior of the church contains many fascinating plaques and monuments to early British India evoking past glories and lives full of achievement. It also contains the old colours of the Madras Fusiliers, the first European regiment of the East India Company. The glass windows, wall frescos, and teak plaques still shine with their all-time glory.
- 19 St.Mary's Co-Cathedral (புனித மேரி இணை கதீட்ரல் Punita Mēri Iṇai Katīḍrāl), 63/110, Armenian Street,George Town, ☏ +91 44 2538 4848.
- 20 St. Theresa Church, Perambur (செயிண்ட் தெரசா சர்ச் பெரம்பூர் Ceyiṇṭ Teracā Perambūr), Siruvallur High Rd, Jagannathan Colony (suburban: Perambur West West North West South 400 m (1,300 ft)). A Catholic church under the jurisdiction of the Archdiocese of Madras-Mylapore. It is the patron saint of Sembiam Church parishioners.
- 21 The Tamil Baptist Church (தமிழ் பாப்டிஸ்ட் சர்ச் Tamiḻ Bāpṭisṭ Carc), 78/91, Medavakkam Tank Rd, Sanyasipuram, Kilpauk, ☏ +91 44 2640 0717. In Kilpauk is worth a visit. It is a 107-year-old monument.
Mosques
[edit | edit source]- 22 Bahram Jung Mosque (பஹ்ராம் ஜங் மசூதி Bahrām Jaṅ Masūdi), Anna Salai, Nandanam (Next to Witco). Late 18th century.
- 23 Dharma Kidangu Mosque (தர்ம கிடங்கு மசூதி Darma Kiḍaṅgu Masūdi), Angappa Naicken St, Mannady, George Town. Rebuilt 2008.
- 24 Makkah Masjid, 822, Mt Rd, Anna Salai (Near to Mount Road Dhargah Bus Stop).
Temples
[edit | edit source]- 25 Chintadri Pillaiyar Kovil Ekambareswarar Temple, Ekambareshwar Agraharam St, Edapalaiyam, George Town.
- 26 Kalikambal Temple (Kamakshi Temple), Thambu Chetty St. 6AM-1PM, 3-8PM. Dedicated to Kalikambal and Kamateswarar, this temple was built close to sea shore but was relocated in 1640 AD. The great Maratha ruler Shivaji came in the temple to worship on 3 October 1667.
- 27 Royapuram Fire Temple (Jal Phiroj Clubwala Dar E Meher), Royapuram. A Parsi fire temple built in 1910.
Do
[edit | edit source]Cinema
[edit | edit source]- 1 Rakki Theatre, Ambattur.
Parks and stadiums
[edit | edit source]- 2 Anna Nagar Tower Park (Dr. Visvesvaraya Tower Park) (metro: Anna Nagar Tower 2 ). It consists of the tallest park tower in Chennai. The tower has cyclic ramp spiraling to the top, with an elevator at the centre. The park has an amphitheatre, a bird-watching deck, badminton courts, play area for kids, a skating rink, a lake and convenience facilities for the visitors.
- 3 Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. Built during 1990s and has hosted many hockey and football matches. Apart from this, there's a huge indoor stadium next to Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.
- 4 Perambur Flyover Park (பெரம்பூர் மேம்பாலப் பூங்கா, Murasoli Maran Flyover Park), Perambur (Perambur SR ). One of the largest parks in Perambur.
Buy
[edit | edit source]Shopping malls
[edit | edit source]- 1 Ampa Skywalk (Ampa Mall). A shopping mall in Chennai with western and Indian brands featuring in the shops. Most popular for its PVR Cinemas multiplex, Star Bazaar grocery store and one of the few McDonald's in the city. It also has a food court and a boutique hotel.
- 2 Prince Plaza, Pantheon Road, Egmore. It has been featured in many movies.
- 3 Shoppers' Stop, 2, Harrington Rd, Chetpet.. This is one of the largest department stores in Chennai, and you can buy everything from clothes to shoes to books here.
Eat and drink
[edit | edit source]Sleep
[edit | edit source]Budget
[edit | edit source]- 1 Hotel Chennai Gate, 37 Gandhi Irwin Road, ☏ +91 44 2819 4377, [email protected]. Deluxe room is ₹1500 with A/C with internet socket available for ₹100 for 24 hours.
- 2 Hotel Impala Continental, 12 Gandhi Irwin Rd, ☏ +91 44 2819 1423, +91 44 2819 1778.
- 3 Kanchi, 28, Ethiraj Sala, Egmore (C-in-C Road), ☏ +91 93600 17001.
- 4 Palace Lodge, new No. 69, Old No. 32, Egmore High Road, Egmore (Walk from Egmore Railway Station), ☏ +91 44 28190687. Reasonably clean, staff okay. Single, bathroom outside: ₹295.
- 5 Hotel Krishna Bhavan, 53 New Avadi Road, Kilpauk, Aspiran Garden Colony, Kilpauk, ☏ +91 4425615211. ₹300.
Mid-range
[edit | edit source]- 6 Dee-Cee Manor, 90 Nagapattinam-Chennai Hwy, Gopalapuram, Chintadripet, ☏ +91 98841 85500.
- 7 Victoria Hotel, 3 Kenneth Ln, Egmore, ☏ +91 44 2819 3638.
- 8 Raj Residency, 22 Kennet Ln, Egmore (2 min walk from the Egmore railway station), ☏ +91 44 2819 2219. US$17-147.
- 9 Vestin Park, 39, Montieth Rd, Egmore, ☏ +91 44 2852 7171.
Splurge
[edit | edit source]- 10 Ambassador Pallava, 30, Montieth Road, Egmore, ☏ +91 44 2855 4476, fax: +91 44 2855 4492, [email protected]. Friendly staff.
- 11 Radisson Blu City Centre, 2 Ethiraj Salai, Egmore. The hotel has 162 rooms including 14 suites. The hotel also has a business centre. Recreational facilities at the hotel include a spa called Chakra by Thai Sabai, a gymnasium and a discothèque. There are four food-and-beverage outlets at the hotel, including a 24-hour coffee shop, a large bar with a separate cigar lounge, Radisson's signature restaurant The Great Kebab Factory and specialty coastal Japanese cuisine restaurant Raku Raku.
- 12 Ramada Egmore, Gandhi Irwin Bridge Rd, Egmore, ☏ +91 44 3000 4777, fax: +91 44 3000 4888, [email protected]. Includes a restaurant. Road facing rooms can be noisy.
Connect
[edit | edit source]- 1 Connemara Public Library, Pantheon Rd, Egmore, ☏ +91 44 28193751.