Just out of Chennai, roughly 55 km away, is the world-famous town of Mahabalipuram. The Pallava dynasty of Southern India, one of the major lines of kings to rule in India after the Gupta period, made this lovely seaside village their second capital. The place blossomed under the creative forces of that time between the fifth and eighth centuries. Today, the shore temple, the largest bas-relief in the world called Arjuna's Penance and the famous and beautiful mandapams are what identify this sleepy town. Kanchipuram, also close by, is a destination that is visited by almost all tourist to Chennai. In fact, along with Chennai and Mahabalipuram, Kanchipuram forms the famous Golden Triangle of the Coromandel coast. Although a dusty, dreary township of Tamil Nadu, Kanchipuram finds place on the global map because of the wonderful craftsmanship of the Kanchi weavers, the makers of what is perhaps the finest silk fabric in the world.

Situated in the Chittoor district in southern Andhra Pradesh, Tirupati is the abode of the legendary Lord of the Seven Hills. Tirupati is one of the most famous shrines in the country where an uninterrupted worship of the Lord has been carried out for over thirteen centuries. Even today, Tirupati draws enormous crowds throughout the year. The main attractions are the Pratima Mandapam, which has the statue of Sri Krishnadevaraya; Tulabharam, the scales upon which materials for offerings are weighed; the Tirumalanayaka Mandapam, which is replete with beautiful carvings; and Dhwajastambham, and others. Tirupati is situated at a distance of around 152 km from Chennai and connected by road, rail, and air.

Lining the east of the city is the famous Marina Beach. This is supposed to be the second longest beach in the world and runs to a length of 12 km. The beach can be ideally visited in the early mornings or in the late evenings when the area becomes a virtual fair ground; with food stalls and other entertainment.

The snake park will interest visitors of all ages. It houses a variety of Indian snakes and reptiles which can be viewed from close quarters. Adjacent to the snake park is a children's park which has a large playing ground and collection of birds and animals.

Dedicated to Lord Krishna, this temple was built in the 8th century AD under the patronage of the Pallavas. It houses the idols of the five avataras of Sri Vishnu and has a small temple shrine dedicated to Vishnu's consort called Vedavalli Ammai in this part of the country.

Though Madras is predominantly populated by Hindus, it has several fine monuments and places of worship connected to the Christian faith. This cathedral was built by the Portuguese between the 14th and the 15 century AD and derives its name after St. Thomas. To this day it continues to be an important place of pilgrimage for the Christian community in the country and is also historically important.