Four - day Chennai Sight Seeing Guide

Unless you want to recuperate from travel lag, your four-day sojourn at Chennai could turn out to be a breeze! Kancheepuram could be destination for day one, where you can get your fill of the ancient cultural heritage of South India. If you're lucky enough you can partake in the jubilant festivities of the Garudotsavam (festival of Garuda - mythological bird) here at Kancheepuram. You can also get to see the Master Weavers of those world famous Kancheepuram silk sarees working on their magnificent creations! (the saree is the traditional apparel of the Indian lady).

From Kancheepuram, Pondicherry would be the next stop. The places of interest once you reach Pondichery are the 'Sri Aurobindo Ashram' and Auroville, a village deisigned by French architect, Roger Arger, which houses 1,500 residents from over 30 countries.

Your third destination could be Mahabalipuram. Its been one of the most popular spots on the map, when it comes to showcasing Dravidian temple architecture.

If your idea of a holiday is lolling on the beachside under swaying palm trees, then just check in at any of the beach resorts on the East Coast Road. Your best bet would be Fisherman's Cove or Temple Bay Ashok Beach Resort.

On the way back to the city, don't miss the wonders along the East Coast road, which start from the racy rides of Little Folks and MGM Dizzee World, to the gentle boat rides at Muttukadu. There is also time for some action, when you encounter Jaws III, India's largest captive-bred saltwater crocodile at the Madras Crocodile Bank. From here the excitement simmers down, with a laid-back appreciation of creations by Chennai's foremost painters and sculptors at Cholamandal Artists village.

Once these places are given a thorough survey, it is back to the rush of the city where you can spike the excitement of the earlier days with a little bit of inland inspection! The Government Museum, Egmore is a must-see, after which the legacy of the British Raj at Fort St.George will also spark interest (especially the Fort Museum in the same premises).

The Arignar Anna Zoological Park, popularly known as the Vandalur Zoo, owes its swelling tourist population to the wild life that roams its vast sanctuary. Any animal or nature lover will treasure an up-close encounter with the lions, tigers, apes, rhinoceros, hippos, monkeys, elephants and other noble beasts of the wild. Don't try to trek through this entire animal oasis, as it can be very tiring. Instead, take the mini train services which will help you make the best of your zoo trip.

After your safari, go right on ahead and discover the treasures of Chennai's enterprising business minds! Globus at T.Nagar and Lifestyle on TTK road will make for a hugely satisfying shopping spree. So don't hesitate to indulge yourself!

If art and craft turn you on, the emporia Poompuhar and Victoria Technical Institute on Anna Salai, will contribute to your best buys. Thinking along the same lines, Kalpadruma on Cathedral road will also weave the charm of the Orient, with its handwoven creations. Now you have few hours left to spare but a whole cache of memories and stories to tell!

Amidst all the fun and excitement, we must remember the expenditure incurred which on an average ranges from Rs.7,200/- to Rs.10,800/- depending on whether you're using A/C or non A/C transportation.

|