Offbeat Places To Visit In Chennai For A Unique Experience

Chennai is a destination of many moods. On one side is the bustling city and on the other is the serene and quaint side of its metropolitan persona. If you are someone who wants to enjoy the wonders of the city but without being flooded by a sea of people, explore these offbeat spots in Chennai.

Theosophical Society, Adyar

Cosied between sprawling lawns, The Theosophical Society in Adyar is one of the world's well-known oriental libraries among bibliophiles. Most tourists, though, give it a miss. Started with a collection of only 200 books, today it has expanded to become one of the world's largest collections. The books here cover a vast variety of subjects, and aren’t restricted to philosophy and religion. There are over 2,50,000 printed volumes and around 20,000 palm-leaf manuscripts from India, Sri Lanka, China, and other places, a few of which are on display for visitors.

The lush green premises, akin to the lungs in the heart of the city, also houses the iconic Adyar banyan tree, also called the Adyar Aala Maram. With a life of around 450 years, the tree is considered India's second largest banyan tree. The premises also accommodate a Hindu temple, a Zoroastrian temple, a Buddhist vihara, a chapel, and a mosque.

Kalakshetra Foundation

Situated on a 100-acre campus in southern Chennai, the Kalakshetra Foundation is an institutional landmark for classical dancers. Founded by Bharatnatyam performer Rukmini Devi Arundale, a visit to the foundation is a lesson in the ancient classical dance form, allowing for an enriching experience that helps escape the noise of the city, too.

Beyond dance, explore the in-house craft centre where artisans practice the dying art forms such as Kalamkari, block printing, and traditional weaving. The institution also offers guided tours. Before you plan a visit to the Kalakshetra Foundation, check the scheduled performances ranging from dramas, plays, and dance performances by artists around the globe.

Guindy National Park

Located within the city and flanked by hotels and IIT Madras, a jaunt to the Guindy National Park is a good idea to escape the Chennai heat. Brimming with picturesque forests, streams and four nature trails, one can spot animals like blackbucks, jackals, spotted deer, snakes, deer, tortoises, among others.

The national park is also home to around 150 species of local and migratory birds including herons, shrikes, and tailorbirds among others. Currently, the national park is also accepting volunteer applications for the upkeep of the space.

Thiruvanmiyur Beach

While the Marina Beach tops every tourist's to-do list in Chennai, escape to the Thiruvanmiyur Beach for a quiet and serene time by the waves instead. It is one of the most picturesque and quaint beaches of the city.

Visit the beach to enjoy a peaceful sunset, rent a cycle to explore at your own pace, or drown your thoughts to tunes of the gentle waves. Consider eating chaat at any of food stalls that dot the beach.

Apparao Galleries And Sarla’s Artworld 

Founded in 1984 by Sharan Apparao, Apparao Galleries is one of the oldest galleries in Chennai. Located in Nungambakkam, the gallery aims to provide a space for young artists to express and exhibit their creativity. Sarla’s Artworld, another creative haven close by, is touted as the oldest gallery in southern India, dating back to 1965. Today, it houses everything—from portraits to sculptures by young contemporary artists.