Recently a leading global travel guide ranked Chennai 9th in the list of world’s top 10 cities, a rank ahead of Toronto, Canada. The south Indian city may not be the contender of top slot grabbed by US’ capital Washington, but like an emerging star its luminance is being recognised. El Chalten, Argentina, Milan, Italy, Zermatt, Switzerland, Valletta, Malta, Plovdiv, Bulgaria, Salisbury, United Kingdom and Vienna, Austria are other cities ahead of Chennai. The entry of Chennai into this prestigious list has surprised many but those who know the city from close are of the opinion that it is a delayed honour. Here we reason why Chennai, formerly called as Madras, is a deserving destination.
Improved infrastructure
Honour and recognition for the city have not come by luck as the city steeped in tradition has made improvement in its infrastructure. Those who used to avoid a trip to this city for its humid climate are now able to ferry around the city in a brand new air-conditioned metro. The launch of metro rail services has also put a tab on activities of auto rickshaws which charged exorbitant amount of money for smaller distances. Now the tourists can travel across the city without fear of being exploited.
Impressive temples
Temples are major draw cards for the city and on their arrival, the visitors will come across some of the finest specimens of Dravidian architecture. Parathasarathy Temple, Kapaleeswarar Temple and Adeeswar Temple are some of the finest specimens of this kind. Apart from the architecture, the temples are also well known for its religious importance. Tourists from around the world fly to Chennai to see its ornate temples.
Artefact rich museums
This southern city of India is also home to some of the most impressive museum in the country giving a peek into the history, art and culture of the region. The city is home to several museums that include Government Museum, Regional Rail Museum and Periyar Museum among others.
Fort St. George
The fort built by the British East India Company has undergone several facelifts since its construction in 1653. Its compound is full of older buildings that add variety to its visit. The fort museum offers an insight into the Chennai's origins and military history of colonial times. A portrait gallery upstairs showcases portraits of several big names of colonial India.
Beaches
Chennai is also home to several spectacular beaches and Marina beach is particularly known for its 3 km stretch of sand. The beach offers you an array of activities that includes making sand castles on the beach and kite flying. The beach is frequented by the families on evenings. Besant Nagar beach and pebble beach are other famous beaches in the city.
Food
Chennai is also popular for its delicacies and you can have a slice of its famous delicacies during at restaurants. Its street food is also amazing. So the visitors can try their taste buds on Tamil delicacies like Aappam & Kurma, Kothu parotta, Rava Idly, Rava Dosa, Idiyaappam and Kancheepuram Idly.
With so much to offer to tourists Chennai’s new found fame seems well deserved. Apart from the city the tourists can also plan a trip to famous attractions near Chennai.