Things to see and do Chennai

A complex located south of the city behind Sardar Patel Road. This small park allows you to see the snakes, lizards, chameleon, turtles and many other species. The children's park can see peacocks and some other animals.

Covering an area of 510 hectares, the park is home to many varieties of colourful birds, animals and reptiles, as well as an aquarium. Paid safaris in search of the lion are organized in the park.

The road that goes down south from Marina leads to the charming Elliot Beach. The shoreline offers a pleasant expanse, ideal for relaxation and recreation. The modern temple of Astalakshmi and the Velankani church are revered places of worship on these shores. On the beach is the Karl Schmidt Memorial, a monument honouring a European sailor who drowned in 1930 while trying to save a little girl.

This memorial is dedicated to Tamil Tiruvalluvar, Saint and Poet, whose great work dates back to about 2 000 years. Built in 1976, in Nungambakkam, this huge stone structure, representing a tank fired by two elephants and located in a beautiful park, includes a very expressive statue of the saint. Scenes drawn from the 133 chapters of his famous book, Thirukkural, are carved in stone. The auditorium attached to this complex is one of the largest in Asia.

A popular place for people and tourists. Its children's and adults'amusement park is very visited. It includes Russian rides and mountains as well as a very popular "snow park" of local Indians who have never seen the snow. Folk dance shows are organized. An art centre sells crafts and shellfish objects. The beach is clean and ideal for sunbathing.

The MGR Film City complex includes film studios where many Tamil films are shot. It is sometimes open to visitors, but it is still better to check with the tourist office.

It is also possible to visit the AVM Film studio website, where TV series are mainly shot. Access is free; you can stroll through the reconstituted village houses and a fake police station, all of which is quite decrepit.