Holiday Ayo - Unlike some other cities in India, Chennai (formerly known as Madras), has no world-famous monuments or tourist attractions. Rather than leaving a great first impression, Chennai is a city that takes time and effort to really get to know and appreciate. It's a city that requires you to venture beneath the surface and delve into its distinctive culture. These places to visit in Chennai will give you a feel for the city and what makes it special. Try and be there in mid-January to enjoy the Pongal festival.

1. Mylapore

source: Expedia.co.id

Chennai's historic neighborhood Mylapore is often referred to as the soul of the city. One of the oldest residential sections of the city, dominated by Brahmins, full of culture. There you will find Chennai's most impressive temple, the 17th century Kapaleeshwarar Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Other top attractions include the neo-Gothic style San Thome Cathedral, originally built by the Portuguese, and the serene Ramakrishna Mutt Temple. Tamil poet and saint Thiruvalluvar, one of the icons of Tamil literature, is believed to have been born in Mylapore in the 1st century BC. Storytrails does a walking tour of Mylapore. The annual Mylapore Festival is held in early January, just before Pongal.

2. Fort Saint George

source: Secret World

A legacy of the British East India Company, which completed construction in 1653, Fort Saint George is now home to the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly and Secretariat. It also contains the Church of the great Saint Mary, which is one of the oldest surviving churches built by the British, and the Fortress Museum. The museum displays various military memorabilia, relics, paintings and artifacts from the colonial period. Open daily, except Friday, from 9am to 5pm. The entry fee is 15 rupees for Indians and 200 rupees for foreigners. Children under 15 years free.

3. Madras High Court

source: Telegraph India

Located outside Fort Saint George, in George Town, the massive Madras High Court is one of the largest judicial buildings in the world. Built in 1892, it has a unique red Indo-Saracenic architecture, with ornate painted ceilings and stained glass doors. It is possible to hang around the court and even sit in session.

4. George Town Market and Bazaar

source: Indian Eagle

George Town's bustling city lanes are lined with some interesting street stalls and markets, including a lively vegetable, flower and spice market. This area, formerly known as the Black City during the colonial period, was settled by local residents who came to serve and trade with the British at Fort Saint George. This was the first settlement of the city of Madras, which started expanding from there in the 1640s. It's noisy, chaotic, and a photographer's delight! Explore the area on the Georgetown Bazaar Walk offered by Chennai Magic or the Bazaar Trail Walk offered by StoryTrails.

5. Marina Beach

source: Chennai Tourism

For a real Indian beach experience, head to Marina beach at sunset and enjoy the carnival-like atmosphere, with amusement rides and snack bars. The beach, which is the longest urban beach in India, starts near Fort Saint George and runs south for 13 kilometers (8.1 mi). It is decorated with many statues and monuments and is a popular hangout spot for locals. Tens of thousands of people visit it every day. The lighthouse, at the southern end of the beach, opened to tourists in late 2013. Note that bathing and swimming are not permitted due to strong currents.