Things to do in Chennai, you wouldn't want to miss

The-story-time experience

The city had a burgeoning culture before the British set foot here about 369 years ago. We, at The Leela Palace Chennai, can take you back in time with the help of Storytrails India, a one-of-its-kind organisation that celebrates the city’s past.

Start with the Peacock Trail through Mylapore, a town that predates Chennai by almost 2000 years. Savour the small joys of a humble meal at a farmer’s home with the Village Trail. From temple sculptures to the sounds of footsteps on granite, the Dance Trail tells stories of yore. We will regale you with inspiring tales of the Pallavas, Pandyas, Cholas and Vijaynagar dynasties that reigned over the city.

Out-in-the-open experiences  

On special requests, The Leela Palace Chennai also connects guests to empanelled travel guides and efficient agents and even makes necessary arrangements if they are keen on taking a trip to Dakshinachitra, a heritage village located 25 km south of Chennai.

Dakshinacharita is a one-stop destination that lets you experience the typical rural lifestyle of the four southern states of India, namely, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Get a glimpse of the indigenous art, architecture, crafts, performing arts and the way of life.

Call our relationship manager to know more about such trips. Experience Chennai like never before.

The heritage-round-up experiences 

A trip to Chennai isn’t complete without a visit to Mahabalipuram, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Also called Mamallapuram, it is a dream-come-true for lovers of monuments and temple architecture.

Built between the seventh and ninth centuries, Mahabalipuram is still culturally resonant. Among the nine monolithic temple structures, a must-see is the Five Rathas, named after the five Pandavas from Mahabharata, the mythological scripture of ancient India.

Do not miss the notable cave temples such as the Varaha mandapa, Mahisamardini mandapa and Paramesvara Mahavaraha Vishnugriha (Adivaraha cave). Here, you walk into a historical time machine.

Shoppers’-stop experiences

Round up your visit with a shopping expedition to exclusive retail locations or traditional marts.

Considered the highest revenue grosser shopping areas all over India, Thyagaraja Nagar, popularly known as T. Nagar, is one of the most popular shopping areas here. Scout the outlets for anything under the sun, including apparels, jewellery, utensils, and high-tech gadgets. Invest in some of the gorgeous silks here—silks that make up the most important part of a south Indian bride’s wedding trousseau.

Dance-to-the-beats experiences

Indulge in an exclusive cultural evening with a visit to Kalakshetra, the dedicated cultural academy that has taken up the cause of training, and thus promoting, Gandharvaveda music and  Bharatnatyam. Rightly deemed as an ‘Institute of National Importance,’ Kalakshetra attracts visitors who come to soak in the serenity of the campus as well as to acquaint themselves with India’s rich traditions.

Let our concierge show you the way, as you treat yourself to a special performance of Bharatnatyam, followed by a lip-smacking Chettinad dinner. We assure you, there isn’t a better way to get a greater insight into the cultural traditions of the city.