A tour of Chennai's historical sites will take you on a journey through huge resources maintained at the city's various museums, the most noteworthy of which being the British-era Government Museum, which houses 46 different galleries! When walking through Chennai's streets, you'll regularly come across magnificent British-era structures that now house the city's administrative headquarters, such as Fort St. George. There are also heritage businesses such as Higginbotham's bookshop and old market squares

This monument is dedicated to the remembrance of C. N. Annadurai, the late Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu and leader of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam. It is located on Marina Beach. It is one of Chennai's most well-known historical sites, thanks to Annadurai's legacy and the monument's lovely landscaping. Inside the enclosure, there are parks and aquariums, as well as a noteworthy arch styled like an elephant tusk at the entrance.
 
Location: D6, Santhome High Rd, Navalar Nagar, Chepauk,
Timing: 6 am to 10 pm.

This is one of the most visited sites in Chennai and is known for its charitable and welfare projects. This monastery publishes a great number of books and monthly journals on spiritual topics in Tamil and English, houses a girl's higher secondary school, conducts moral and cultural forums, vocational training in nursing assistance, and Sanskrit learning courses. If you are visiting this place then you can read up on their journals or even join a short course program if you are interested.&nbsp;
 
Location: 31, Ramakrishna Mutt Rd, Alamelu Manga Puram, Sankarapuram, Mylapore
Timing: &nbsp;5:00 am to 11:45 am and 3:00 pm to 9:00 pm

A visit to the above-mentioned historical sites will give you a deeper insight into the history of the nation and will help you to get to know the nation better. At the same time, the beautifully built monuments will be a treat to your vision. Chennai's history not only consists of buildings but also includes forts and a hike to these forts with your friends will surely make your trip a memorable one.

The museum, which has been around for centuries, was founded in 1851. It's also one of the world's oldest and is home to really interesting artifacts that intrigue people of all ages. If you are a big fan of European history and culture, the Government Museum is the perfect tourist attraction for you. The museum also boasts artifacts like a life-size T-rex in animatronics ancient sculptural specimens and folk arts which include puppets and native musical instruments. If you are a fan of theatre, a trip to this museum will be a treat for you.
 
Location: Pantheon Rd, Egmore, Chennai
Timing: 9:30 am to 5 pm (Every day except closed on Fridays)

Valluvar Kottam, situated at the intersection of the Kodambakkam High road and the Village road in Nungambakkam is one of the most significant historical attractions in Chennai to visit. Want to get a beautiful view of this chariot? Visit the place in the early morning and late evening when the monument's majestic architecture is highlighted by the sublime sunlight and the beauty of the monument is magnified. If you are an art enthusiast, then your trip to this monument won't end here.&nbsp;
 
Location: At the intersection of the Kodambakkam High road and the Village road in Nungambakkam
Timing: 8:30 am - 5:30 pm, every day

The history of Chennai's founding is linked to the establishment of the massive white outlines of Fort St. George. On the coastlines of the then-Madras city, the White Town in Chennai, also known as Fort St. George, was erected, becoming one of the biggest British strongholds in Southern India. This monument of historical significance is barely a kilometer from Chennai Railway Station and is readily accessible by bus or cab from anywhere in the city.&nbsp;
 
Location: Rajaji Rd, near Legislature and Secretariat,&nbsp;
Timing: 9 am to 5 pm on all days except Fridays.

About 100 km away from the East Coast Road, the Alamparai Fort built is a sight to behold. The fort gives a beautiful view of the Bay of Bengal with the turquoise sea beaming in the yellow light. Are you a big fan of hiking? If yes, your visit to this fort will be more fun. You can hike up the hill and learn more about the fort and the disastrous events that took place.
This fort can be reached at any time of day on a long road drive down the wonderfully gorgeous East Coast Road, for excellent vistas, a few decent kilometers of trekking, and voyaging on fishermen's boats nearby.
 
Location: Edaikazhinadu, Tamil Nadu&nbsp;
Timing: Anytime

Santhome Church was built in the and is among the three wonders of this world that house the tombs of Christ's original disciples. This church was originally erected as a tomb, but due to its increasing popularity and importance, it has been transformed into a basilica.&nbsp;
He is popular among the locals for founding what is today known as the Syrian Christian community. The church also has a museum that displays souvenirs of Saint Thomas that will give you an insight into the glorious past of this church during the historical times.
 
Location: Santhome High Rd, Dummingkuppam, Mylapore, Chennai
Timing: 6 am to 9 pm every day

Swami Vivekananda resided for six weeks in this heritage home on the Marina Beach Road and during his visit made a significant impact on the Ramakrishna Movement in South India. Rather than a crowd, you will be greeted by a soothing contemplative stillness when you visit Vivekananda House and each room will give you perspective on swami and his virtuous life.
 
Location: Marina Beach Road, Neelam Basha Dargapuram,
Timing: 10 am to 12:30 pm and 3-7 pm. The house remains closed on Mondays.

Kapaleeshwarar temple reflects the rich Tamil religious culture and holds sculptures depicting Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi. The temple also houses shrines of Tamil Shaivite saint poets known as Nayaars. Devotees go to this temple to witness the spiritual splendour and participate in Pooja rites.Ko Puja, Vaikarai Puja, Kaala sandhi Puja, Uchi Kaala Puja, and Ardhajama Puja are among the five types of Pujas performed at Kapaleeshwarar Temple. Puja rituals are often scheduled and attended by visitors.&nbsp;
 
Location: Mylapore, Chennai
Timing: 5:00 am to 12:00 pm &amp; 4:00 pm to 9:30 pm( Everyday)

Do you enjoy reading and escaping to a reality of your own? If yes this place is perfect for all you book nerds. This library located at Egmore, has a huge collection of rare books and ancient texts and records at this library, also including decades-old periodicalsVisitors are welcome to visit here for free to read books and see multimedia materials, but only members are permitted to take anything home.
 
Location: Museum Compound, Pantheon Road, Egmore
Timing: - 9 AM to 7:30 PM from Monday to Saturday&nbsp;
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;- 9:30 AM to 6 PM on Sunday.&nbsp;

Historical Places in Chennai

India > Tamil Nadu > Chennai

16 Feb 2026

Explore in Chennai

Table of Content