Tourism Places in Chengalpattu District

 

Kandhaswamy Temple, Tirupporur

Kandhaswamy Temple This ancient temple, dedicated to Lord Muruga, is one of the 33 Murugan temples in Tamil Nadu. Built during the Pallava period, it is located 25 km from Chengalpattu. Tirupporur is also known as Poriyur, Yudhapuri, and Samarapuri. The temple contains several inscriptions and is open from 6:30 AM to 12:00 PM and from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM.

Vedagiriswarar Temple, Thirukalukundram

Vedagiriswarar Temple Famous for the daily visit of two eagles that are said to worship Lord Vedagiriswarar, this small Shiva temple is situated atop Vedagiri Hill, which stands 160 meters high. There is also a Shiva temple in the town below. At the southeast end of the town is a spacious tank with water reputed to have curative powers. Every 12 years, a conch is discovered in this tank, attracting thousands of devotees who come to bathe in its waters. This event coincides with the Laksha Deepam (lighting of 100,000 lamps) festival. A collection of conches is displayed in the Shiva temple in the town.

Tiruvidanthai

Nityakalyana Perumal Temple This more than 1000-year-old temple is situated on the East Coast Road between Chennai and Mamallapuram. The deity here is Varaha Perumal, also known as Nitya Kalyana Perumal. The deity is believed to bestow marital bliss to unmarried devotees who worship him.

Srinivasa Perumal Temple, Semmenjeri

This temple, confirmed by the Archaeological Department to be around 500 years old, is believed by locals to be 1500 years old. Located at Semmenjeri on the Old Mahabalipuram Road (OMR), 30 km from Chennai, it is said that a Pallava king regained his sight after worshipping Srinivasa Perumal here. People believe that worshipping here cures eye problems and helps unmarried and childless couples. The temple is open from 7:00 AM to 11:00 AM and from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Contact: 9840388836, 9840069650.

Crocodile Bank

Crocodile Bank Situated around 44 km from Chennai near Mahabalipuram, the Crocodile Bank spans about 3.2 hectares and houses a variety of Indian and African crocodiles, alligators, turtles, and snakes in their natural habitat. Founded by German biologist Romulus Whitaker in 1976 to conserve endangered species, the bank now hosts 14 varieties of crocodiles, 12 species of turtles, and 5 types of snakes, totaling 2,400 reptiles. Open Tuesday to Sunday by advance booking only. Phone: +91-44-27472447.

Arignar Anna Zoological Park, Vandalur

Arignar Anna Zoological Park Established in 1976 and opened to the public in 1985, this is one of the largest zoological complexes in South East Asia, sprawling over 602 hectares. It houses 40 varieties of mammals, 20 avian species, and 14 species of reptiles. The zoo conducts awareness campaigns and educational programs for school children and teachers. It also has a butterfly enclosure spanning 2.7 acres with 200 species of nectar plants. Open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, closed on Tuesdays. Phone: 044-22751089.

Kovalam

Kovalam is a seaside village located 40 km from Chennai on the way to Mamallapuram. It has a popular church and a dargah that attract pilgrims. Tourists can enjoy catamaran rides and mid-sea diving arranged by locals.

Muttukadu Boat House

Muttukadu Boat House Operated by TTDC, this boating center is an ideal picnic destination on the East Coast Road, 36 km from Chennai and 23 km from Adyar on the way to Mamallapuram. Offering rowing, windsurfing, water skiing, and speedboat riding, it is located in a backwater area of the Bay of Bengal. An annual windsurfing regatta is organized in February. Open from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Phone: +91-9952995827.

Mamallapuram (Mahabalipuram)

Mamallapuram This resort and tourist center, created by the Pallava Dynasty, has an extensive beachfront and ancient monuments and temples. The Pallava king Narasimha Varman I, known as Mamallan, gave the town its name. It features temples in the form of chariots called Rathas, cave sanctuaries (Mandapams), and the famous 100-foot-long “Arjuna's Penance.” The Shore Temple complex, built in Dravidian style, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The town also has an Open Air Museum, a Sculpture and Art College, and numerous workshops. Hotel Tamilnadu (TTDC) Unit I offers accommodations. Phone: 2744 2361-64.

Mudaliarkuppam

Mudaliarkuppam (Rain Drop Boat House) Operated by TTDC, this boat house is 90 km from Chennai and 30 km south of Mamallapuram on the East Coast Road. It offers various types of boats like banana boats, water scooters, and speed boats. Boating trips to the nearest beach island in the Odiyur Lake are also available.