Would you like to delve into the city of Chennai, in southeastern India? You’re in the right place. I am sharing what to see and what to do in Chennai and most of these places are the best places for photoshoot in Chennai also. Whether you are an Instagrammer, tourists, or looking for pre wedding photoshoot locations, there is something for everyone.
Chennai, formerly known as Madras, is the capital of Tamil Nadu and one of the largest cities in India, with more than 7 million inhabitants. It is a coastal city located in the Bay of Bengal where you can discover a modern and cosmopolitan city and, at the same time, another much calmer and more spiritual side with its temples. Without further ado, let’s start:
12 Best Photogenic places in Chennai
(Guest post by Anju)
1. Kapaleeshwarar Temple
The Kapaleeshwarar Temple is one of the most iconic places to see in Chennai. It is one of the obligatory visits that you should not miss on your way through the city.
This Hindu temple is dedicated to the god Shiva, one of the most important gods of Hinduism. It was built around the 7th century (exact date unknown) in Dravidian (or Dravidian) architecture, common in southern India.
This type of architecture stands out for the construction of pyramidal buildings in which, on its walls, important figures such as gods, kings, or warriors appear in the form of a statue. Because it is considered a pure holy place, you may see wedding photography around here. And if it’s good for the wedding then it’s good for social media right!
Depending on the time of year, it is possible to attend one of the various celebrations at the Kapaleeshwarar Temple. One of the most important is the Arubathimooval festival, which is usually between March and April.
2. Basilica Cathedral of St. Thomas
The Basilica Cathedral of St. Thomas was built in the 16th century by the Portuguese in the neo-Gothic style.
It is one of the only three cathedrals in the world built on the tomb of an apostle – the other two are located in Rome and Santiago de Compostela. This cathedral was built over the tomb of St. Thomas the Apostle, who visited India in 52 AD. The Cathedral Basilica of St. Thomas was restored in 2004 and has a museum and a theater inside. With that Instagram perfect white Cathedral, it is one of the best places for photoshoot in chennai.
3. Marina Beach
Marina Beach is the longest beach (12km) in India and the second-longest in the world – nearly 80 miles on the coromandel coast and extends from Beasant Nagar in the south to Fort St. George in the north. A good place to go for a walk, relax, solo photography or couple shoots or just soak up the sun but you cannot swim as it is prohibited because the undercurrent is very turbulent. Nonetheless, if you are looking for beach vibes in your pictures, this could be it. And don’t forget to enjoy the best Chennai food on the sand from the food stalls at the night market.
4. Elliot’s Beach
If you are looking for a secondary beach option, head to Elliot’s beach aka Besant Nagar Beach. It is very popular among the youth of Chennai as it has many restaurants, cafes, or bars to lounge in! It is also an ideal place to relax on the sand or take a walk. It is not very common for people to bathe, it is rather a place to enjoy the views, play sports, walk/meet/ or takes pictures with friends or family.
5. Government Museum
Another shoot locations could be Government Museum. It is located in Egmore, in the center of Chennai city, and is made up of six buildings, in which there are up to 46 galleries. Positive you will find your best shoots in at least one corner. In them 46 galleries, you can see exhibitions of all kinds, from art, botany, numismatics, or archeology to a part dedicated to children. This museum is one of the oldest in the country. It was built in 1857.
6. Chennai Station
This red and white landmark is Chennai station, built in 1873, and currently has 12 platforms. It is also, nowadays, the main transport hub of the city, where you can take the train, the bus or the metro. This iconic station, noted for its clock tower, was designed by British architect George Harding. Some locals take their wedding shoot here as well as travelers.
7. Church of St. Mary’s
The Church of St. Mary’s could not be missed in this Chennai guide. It is the oldest surviving British church in India and is also the first British church to be built in the country. It is located inside the port of San Jorge.
It was built in 1680, although its tower, which connects to the main temple, was completed in 1710. Inside you’ll see plaques and monuments from the British colonial era, as well as some notable paintings.
Historically Both Robert Clive (Clive of India) and Elihu Yale (of Yale University) were married here. It is still a great spot for that south Indian photo shooting.
8. Fort of St. George
Another best places for a photoshoot in Chennai would be the Fort of St. George. It is a walled fortress that was inaugurated in 1641. Formerly it was a British fortress and, later, it was the residence of several illustrious figures. It was dedicated to Saint George, the patron saint of England.
Inside the fort of St. George is the church of St. Mary or the Wellesley house, a recognized building in the city of Chennai. You can also visit the museum of the Fort, which contains artifacts and valuable objects, which are the heritage of the city, or an extensive library.
In the fort of St. George, you can also see the tallest flagpole in the country, approximately 46 meters high.
9. Guindy Park
This natural park is one of the few to be located in the heart of a city. Visiting it will allow you to discover the local flora and fauna, since the park is home to a large population of birds and mammals, such as cervicapre antelopes, axis deer, or jackals. The Snake Park, meanwhile, is home to cobras, pythons, and other reptiles in case you are looking for a more adventurous photoshoot.
10. Mount Saint-Thomas
This hill is the presumed place of the martyrdom and death of the apostle Saint Thomas. It has thus become an important place of pilgrimage for Indian Christians. At the top is a small church built in 1523 by the Portuguese as well as a cross of St. Thomas, carved in black stone and believed to date from the 6th or 7th century!
11. Explore markets and bazaars of Chennai
If you’re still wondering where to photoshoot the essence of hustle and bustle of Chennai, here are more attractions to see and things to do in and around the city:
• Stroll through the bustling Burma Bazaar: one of the oldest and most chaotic markets in the region, and a dream space to taste delicious local street food or buy typical products
• Admire the Armenian Church, a testimony to the presence of this community centuries ago.
• Visit the Arignar Anna Zoological Park: this superb zoological park brings together more than 170 species of birds, mammals, and reptiles, some of which are endangered!
12. Traditional local cuisine
Last but not least, if you are a foodie like me; one of the best places for photoshoot in Chennai is when you are actually eating it! Chennai is the largest city in southern India and, in it, you can try the typical dishes of both the area and the country.
Visiting Chennai without tasting all the delicious local food is simply impossible! Also, the local cuisine is generally very cheap and high quality. You will be able to taste delicious dosas, typical pancakes made from lentil, rice, or chickpea flour, usually accompanied by sauces, curry, or sambhar: a typical stew made with lentils, peppers, and other spices!
Some companies organize gastronomic tours around the city, with the aim that you can taste both street food, discover typical local ingredients or learn more about the past and the history of its food. There are also tour options for specific foods. One of the most popular is the kebab tour.
Let me know in the comments:
- Which one of these stops would be your favorite places for photoshoot in Chennai?
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