Tamil Nadu • 7 monuments
Showcasing its uniqueness in more than one way, Guindy National Park in Chennai is one of the very few national parks that is located inside a city. The smallest of all national parks in India, Guindy National Park is a habitat to the rarest vegetation type viz. the tropical dry evergreen vegetation. Spread in about 22 acres, the national park has more than 60 species of butterflies and spiders. Home to black buck, mongoose, jackals and spotted deers, toddy cats, Indian civet and chital, Guindy National Park plays a major role in both ex-situ and in-situ conservation. The Guindy National Park attracts tourist by its Snake Park that is a sanctuary for a variety of snakes, crocodiles and turtles. Other than animals, the park also houses over 100 bird species such as honey buzzard, pariah kite and black winged kite. Adjacent to the Snake Park is the Children’s Park that entertains and educates kids about the natural environment, animals, and creates awareness on conservation.
The British constructed it as their first fortress in India and the whole city of Madras (modern day Chennai) developed around it. Known by names like White Town and George Town, the fort was constructed in 1644 and was named so as its completion date coincided with St. George’s Day. Boasting of architectural excellence on the Bay of Bengal Coast, it is indeed among the top-notch attractions of colonial heritage in India. Among the most notable structures within the fort complex, St. Mary’s Church (admired for splendid glass windows and frescos), the Grand Arsenal, Clive’s House, Wellesley House and King’s Barracks have wonderful old world charm and superb architectural elements. India’s highest flag staff (about 150 ft. and made of teakwood) is another attraction. The building of Exchange House is now a museum which displays exclusive attractions like coins, medals, stamps, clocks, lampshades, paintings and portraits of British, French and Indian origins. Swords, pistols, rifles, breast plates, helmets and many other items of armoury form another section worth exploring. The museum and other sections of fort arrange great expeditions for the history lovers and are must-visit places in Chennai.
The pride of the state of Tamil Nadu, Government Museum at Kanyakumari presents an impressive collection of sculptured artefacts and crafts from the South Indian temples. Established in 1991, the museum breaks the monotony of theme-specific museums in India. This museum does not follow any specific theme and houses a wide collection of artefacts, rare fossils, ancient coins and tribal objects etc. Constructed as a multipurpose museum, Government Museum showcases objects of archaeology, anthropology, philately, numismatics, zoology, botany and geology. Some of the finest displays here are the sea collection like corals and bones of a whale and a dolphin skeleton, and arms and weapons. Visitors are enchanted by the delicately carved temple car, which was used during the 18th centuries for processions. The eye-popping carvings portray musicians, sages, women folks, worshippers and Yallis etc. Tourists can enjoy exploring the nearby locations like Nagercoil, Udayagiri Fort, Pechipparai Dam, Vattakottai and Thengapattinam Beach.
Chennai Snake Park (more popular as Guindy Snake Park) is a part of the Guindy National Park, one of the rare wildlife reserves located within city limits. Maintained by the Chennai Snake Park trust, the park boasts of 23 species of Indian snakes put on display inside the glass cages. In addition, there are other highlights which include 3 species of Indian crocodilians, 3 Indian species of tortoise and turtles and 6 exotic species of large Indian lizards. Aquariums inside the park are home to water snakes and turtles. One can explore the most poisonous Indian cobra and pythons, along with vipers, adders sand boas and many other fascinating snake species inside the park. There are huge signage and kiosks in Tamil and English offering information about different species. Auditorium for educating students on snakes, library, rest areas and disabled-friendly toilets are other amenities for the park visitors.
Once a part of the grand Chepauk estate, where the nobles and royal families would reside, Chepauk Palace today is in a ruined state. Built by the then Nawab of Arcot in the 18th century as his residence, the palace represents one of the first constructions depicting Indo-Saracenic architecture style in India. Earlier, the palace enjoyed spectacular views of the beach and its grounds extended to the beachfront. Today, extensive urbanization has taken the toll of the palace’s beauty. Red brick walls and lime mortar are the materials used in the construction of the palace which boasts of wide arches and beautiful carvings. Divided into two sections, there are three highlights of the palace, including Diwan-e-khana Durbar Hall, Humayun Mahal and Khalsa Mahal. Most part of the palace is restricted for public viewing, but one can definitely savour the old world charm of this falling structure.
A visit to MGM Dizzee World is enough to revive your soul and senses. There are many amusement parks in the country, but this one is unique! MGM Dizzee World is more than just a typical amusement park. Housing more than 60 national and international rides, the park offers everything and anything that produces a thrilling effect. Water rides, wave pools, tornado and amphitheatre, MGM Dizzee World has it all under one roof. Having a parking space of about 5 acre, the park is the first to bring in Singapore’s Jurong Bird Show, hot air balloon ride and a surprise element - pick and drop to visitors on a helicopter (first of its kind in India). Popular as one of the biggest, finest and ace amusement and entertainment parks in India, MGM Dizzee World has 4 restaurants that serve Chinese, South Indian and other types of cuisines. Created and designed by Italian architects, this theme park attracts over one million visitors every year. Renowned for its beauty and uniqueness, MGM Dizzee World also received ISO/14001:2004 and OHSAS/18001: 2007 certification for Environmental Health and Safety.
Introduction Named after a mythological kingdom featured in the great Indian epic Ramayana, Kishkinta Amusement Park spreads over 120 acre of area and offers some outstanding dry and water rides to the visitors. Among the most electrifying rides are water volcano, wave pool, anaconda, dome slide and numerous water war games like water zooka, water twister, water squirt see-saw and elephant splash. The park boasts of clean water from the lakes in which water is collected through rain harvesting. These lakes are also used for extended fun activities like boating and water scooter rides. Some of the most popular dry rides at the park are space shuttle, dragon coaster and tora tora. Many rides meant for the young visitors are duck train, helicopter, aqua boat, swing train and kids play systems. Visitors can also enjoy entertaining shows like 3D and 5D rides, water skiing and musical fountains. The park also boasts of a conference cum party hall and food village offering delicious cuisines and fast foods.
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