Excursions from Chennai

Excursions from Chennai can be an experience of a lifetime for you by its sheer range of attractions bringing you the maximum a holiday can get for you. Besides the regular tourist attractions in Chennai city, there are many other places of attraction in the neighboring areas. These excursion points range from wildlife sanctuaries, artist village, bird sanctuaries and temples. Take a look at some of the very popular and important excursion points around Chennai city.

Mahabalipuram
Mahabalipuram, also called Mamallapuram, is located to 60 km. south of Chennai. It was the capital of the Pallava Kings around the 7th and 8th c. The town boasts of some of the finest rock-hewn caves and sculptures in the world. The Shore temples of Mahabalipuram are an architectural wonder.

Crocodile Bank
The Crocodile Park of Chennai is home to several species of Indian and African crocodiles and alligators. Started in 1976 by herpetologist Romulus Whitaker, the Crocodile Park is spread over an area of 3.2 hectares of lush green. It is the largest crocodile-breeding site in the country

Cholamandal Artist Village
The Cholamandal artist village is about 18km south of Chennai. There is a large number of painters and sculptors whom you can watch pursuing their crafts. There is a gallery displaying paintings and sculptures. There are even shops selling products made by the artists themselves.

Vedantangal Bird Sanctuary
Vedantangal is located 85 km. southwest of Chennai and it is one of the best bird breeding sanctuaries in India. Watch the colorful avian species including egrets, herons, pelicans, black cormorants, storks, spoonbills, grebes and many other types.

Madurantakam
Madurantakam is located 90 km. south of Chennai between Chingleput and Villupuram. Legend has it that Lord Rama visited the place during his 14 years exile. When he was leaving, the sage Vibhandaka requested him to visit this place on his way back to Ayodhya. There is a beautiful Sita-Rama Temple here. Ramanuja met one of his gurus, Maha Purna in Maduran­takam and was initiated here at the Rama temple.

Thanjavur
Thanjavur was the ancient capital of the Chola dynasty. It reached the pinnacle of glory under the later Cholas during the 10th to 14th c AD. Several great temples were built and the art of developing bronze figures also emerged during this time. It is also called the culture capital of the region.

Pulicat
Pulicat Island is located 60 km. north of Chennai and is surrounded by ocean and salt-water rivers. It has a population of around 30,000 which is comprised mainly of fishermen who belong to the traditional marine fishing caste called Pattanavan.