Tamil Nadu Monuments and Timings
Chennai city is often recognized as the 'Gateway of South'. It is the fourth largest city and is an attraction in itself. The city has its own unique charm, which sets it aside from the rest of the big cities of the country. The scenic beauty of the city includes beautifully carved temples, serene beaches, colonial monuments and much more.
Chennai may not have a Red Fort or a Marine Drive or a Victoria Memorial, but it is India's oldest modern city. The growth of the city of Chennai has been predominantly focused in its southern and south western areas. The new developments on East Coast Road, Old Mahabalipuram Road and other regions of excellence like Sriperumbudur have attracted many foreign-based companies to set up office here. The rapid pace of growth has led to a corresponding but serious demand for better intra-city transportation to help people commute between their places of work and residence.
Historical places to visit : If it's India's history, you just can't forget Chennai. And with that fact, one thing that's assured is a whole list of heritage sites in Chennai. Right from the Basilica and Vivekananda House, there's so much for a history buff here that he just might run out of time. While some of the most intricate, ancient temple structures scoring big on the most loved historical places in Chennai, there's much more to it. And of course, there's the beach after hours of scouring through history.
Santhome Church : It is located in Mylapore, initially built during 16th century by Portuguese explorers. This is one of only three Basilicas in the world to be built over the tomb of an apostle of Christ, San Thome and is dedicated to St. Thomas, who travelled to India in 52 AD.
| Visiting time | Entrance Fee | Camera Fee | Holidays |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10:00am to 5:00pm | No | Free for both Video and Still camera | No |
Church of Our Lady of Light / Mylapore Luz Church : It is located in Mylapore. Church of Our Lady of Light is a Roman Catholic shrine. It is popularly referred as Luz Church by the locals, derived from the Portuguese name Nossa Senhora da Luz. This was built in 1516 by the Portuguese. It is one of the oldest Churches in the city and its foundation stone marks as one of the oldest European monuments in India. The church is located very near to the Santhome Basilica, where Apostle Thomas is believed to be buried.
| Visiting time | Entrance Fee | Camera Fee | Holidays |
|---|---|---|---|
| 08:00am to 11:00pm & 01:00pm to 5:00pm | No | Free for both Video and Still camera | No |
Kapaleeshwarar Temple : Main deity of this temple is Shiva, located in Mylapore. The form of Shiva's
wife - Parvati worshipped at this temple is called Karpagambal. This temple was built around 7th century in Dravidian architecture.
The temple has numerous shrines, with those of Kapaleeshwarar and Karpagambal being the most prominent. The temple has six daily
rituals at various times from 5:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., and four yearly festivals on its calendar. The Arubathimoovar festival celebrated
during Panguni in the Tamil calendar is its most prominent festival.
Contact number - 044-24641670
| Visiting time | Entrance Fee | Camera Fee | Holidays |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6:00 to 12:30 hrs and 16:00 to 20:30 | No | Video camera (top view only) - Rs. 50/- & Still camera fee - Rs. 25/- | No |
Sri Parthasarthy Temple : The Parthasarathy temple at Tiruvallikkeni or Triplicane, as the Britishers called it, happens to be the oldest temple in the city (8th century). This temple is dedicated to the God Krishna and is classified as one among the 108 Divya Desams dedicated to Vishnu. The existence of the Tiruvallikeni village is seen in records dating back to the Pallava period and earlier. This temple was originally built by the Pallavas in the 8th century, by King Narasimhavarman.
| Visiting time | Entrance Fee | Camera Fee | Holidays |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:30am to 12:00pm & 04:00pm to 9:00pm | No | Not Allowed | No |
Fort St. George museum : Founded in 1639, Fort St. George is the first-ever British fort to be built on Indian soil.
The Fort St. George Museum was organized and opened to the public from 31st January 1948. The museum began with a small collection
of objects of the British Raj donated by the then Madras Presidency Government, the St. Mary's Church authorities, the disbanded army units and others.
Contact number - 044-25671127
| Visiting time | Entrance Fee | Camera Fee | Holidays |
|---|---|---|---|
| 09:00 hrs to 17:00 hrs | Foreigner- Rs.250 only online payment through QR code / Till 9 years free for kids / Above 9 years adult charges only. Indian- Rs.40 | Video camera - not allowed. Still camera can be used without flash. | Friday, Government Holidays |
Government Museum : The second oldest museum in India was established in 1851. Famous for the treasure trove
of archaeological and numismatics collections that it houses, the Museum is also known the world over for possessing the largest
number of Roman antiquities outside Europe.
Contact number - 044 2819 3238
| Visiting time | Entrance Fee | Camera Fee | Holidays |
|---|---|---|---|
| 09:30 hrs to 16:30 hrs | Foreigner-Rs.250 till 9 years child free, above 9 they will charge adult charges / Indian-Rs.15 | For Video camera - 500 , For Still Camera - 200 | Friday & National holidays |
Theosophical Society : Currently closed. Details will be updated later
Headquartered at Adyar, the Theosophical Society is a serene oasis in the midst of busy city life. Established at Chennai in 1883. This is a beautiful place with different trees and plants. It has a rich animal life too.
| Visiting time | Entrance Fee | Camera Fee | Holidays |
|---|---|---|---|
| 08:00am to 10:30pm 02:00am to 04:00pm |
No | Video camera fee Rs. 500/- & Camera fee - Rs. 200/-(but prior permission is required to use both still cameras or video camera) | Fridays & National Holidays |
Ice House (Vivekananda Illam) : This is now being called as the Vivekananda Illam. The Ice House was first
built to store ice blocks, imported from the USA by Fredric Tudor in 1842. This is why it holds the name Ice House. Located
alongside the Marina Beach, the Ice House shot to fame after the philosopher Vivekananda who lived there for nine days in 1897.
Books and photographs of the great Monk illustrating the historical happenings associated with his life and his own writings
are on display and even sold in the museum.
Contact number - 044 2844 6188
| Visiting time | Entrance Fee | Camera Fee | Holidays |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 to 1230 hrs / 14 to 17 hrs | Rs. 25 for both foreigners and Indians | Still Camera - Rs. 200/ - & Video Camera - Rs. 200/- | All Mondays |
St. Mary's Church : St. Mary's Church located at Fort St George, is the oldest Anglican church east of Suez and also the oldest British building in India. The church is popularly known as the 'Westminster Abbey of the East'.
Guindy National Park : Guindy National Park is a 2.70 km protected area and is the 8th smallest National Park of India. The Guindy National Park is blessed with a rich variety of flora and fauna. The National Park is home to blackbucks, spotted deer, jackals, reptiles and over a hundred species of birds.
| Visiting time | Entrance Fee | Camera Fee | Holidays |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9.00 to 5.30 pm | Adult for both foreigners and Indians – Rs. 20 Children- Rs. 10 , ( up to 5 yrs - free) |
Still Camera - Rs. 25/- & Video Camera - Rs. 250/- | All Tuesdays |
Arignar Anna Zoological Park : Arignar Anna Zoological Park, also known as the Vandalur Zoo, is a zoological garden
located in Vandalur, a suburb in the southwestern part of Chennai. This is about 31 kilometres away from the city centre and 15 kilometres
away from the Chennai Airport.
Contact number - 044 2235 3623
| Visiting time | Entrance Fee | Camera Fee | Holidays |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9:00 am to 5.00 pm (Counter Ticket booking closes at 4:30 PM) ) | Indians – Rs. 100 , camera charges – Rs. 25 | Foreigners – Rs. 500 including camera charges | All Tuesdays |
Birla Planetarium
Contact number - 044 2441 0025
| Visiting time | Entrance Fee | Camera Fee | Holidays |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 am to 5.45 pm ( English (3) and Tamil Shows (3) | Indians – Rs. 100 , camera charges – Rs. 25 | Adult for both foreigners and Indians - Rs. 80, Childrens – Rs. 40 | Holidays - National holidays only |
Kalakshetra : Dance School – Agents / Clients need to get prior permission through email id - outreach@kalakshetra.in
An important cultural centre for Bharatanatyam is Kalakshetra (Sanskrit for 'place of the arts'), located on the beach in the south of the city, Kalakshetra was started in 1936 by noted Bharatanatyam exponent, Rukmini Devi Arundale. Kalakshetra is a cultural academy dedicated to the preservation of traditional values in Indian art, especially in the field of Bharatanatyam dance and Gandharvaveda music.
| Visiting time | Entrance Fee | Camera Fee | Holidays |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8:00 hrs to 8:30 hrs prayer / Class: 10:00 hrs to 12:00 hrs | foreigners – Rs. 400 and for Indians . Rs. 200 , guides – Rs. 200 | Not Allowed | Saturdays & Sundays, National Holidays & School Holidays |
Valluvar Kottam : Dedicated to the memory of the poet, philosopher and saint- Thiruvallur, Valluvar Kottam was constructed in 1976. Shaped like a temple chariot, Valluvar Kottam stands at the deepest point of a now dried-up lake. The monument is inscribed with the lines from Thirvalluvar's most revered work- Thirukkural.
| Visiting time | Entrance Fee | Camera Fee | Holidays |
|---|---|---|---|
| 08:30am to 5:30pm | Rs. 10 for adults & Rs. 5 for children | Taking Video and Photos Allowed | No Holidays |
Bharathiyar Illam : Adjacent to Sri Parathasarthy Temple is Bharathiyar Illam, the home of one of India's famous poets- Subramanya Bharathi. A renowned Tamil poet and a revered freedom fighter, Subramanya Bharathi is known to be one of the catalysts of the Indian Independence struggle in South India. His home in Triplicane has now been turned into a museum dedicated to his life and work.
| Visiting time | Entrance Fee | Camera Fee | Holidays |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10:00am to 5:30pm | no | Not Allowed | All Government holidays |
St.Thomas Mount : Located in the industrial district of Guindy, St. Thomas Mount is a small hillock where St. Thomas, the apostle of Christ, is believed to have been martyred. It is very close to Chennai International Airport.
| Visiting time | Entrance Fee | Camera Fee | Holidays |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10:00am to 5:30pm | no | Not Allowed | All Government holidays |
Cholamandal Artist’s Village :
Contact number - +9144-24490092
| Visiting time | Entrance Fee | Camera Fee | Holidays |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9.30 am to 6.30 pm / open on all days | Rs. 50 for NRI , Indians - Rs. 30 | only outside allowed and inside not allowed at free of cost | 9.30 am to 6.30 pm / open on all days |
Entry is restricted in all the below places & can be witnessed only from outside :
- Ripon Building
- The High Court
- Thousands Lights Mosque
- Madras University
- The Secretariat
- The Victory War Memorial
Shopping at Chennai:
Pondy Bazaar- T. NagarThis street in Chennai needs no introduction. 'Going to Pondy Bazaar' automatically translates to 'Going shopping' - no matter what you are looking for; from clothes to jewellery, shoes to home ware, used books to fruit & vegetable - there is absolutely nothing that you can't get your hands on as you stroll down this stretch. Of course during festivals and holidays, prepare for less 'strolling' and more 'go-where-the-crowd-taketh-thou'. It is the place to go for textiles and jewellery in the city, there are outlets that cater to every price range - From Globus and Levis and mid-range department stores like Big Bazaar to little kiosks and make-shift retail outlets on temporarily parked cars. And there are more than enough places to satiate your thirst and hunger. KFC has opened an outlet here. Residency Towers and GRT Grand with their many restaurants are also an option. One the other side of the spectrum, they also have fresh juice stalls and cauliflower bajjis, dished out hot and steaming from the large oil vats parked right on the pavement. Little down the road is Ranganathan Street (only for the brave and adventurous people) and Panagal Park (Chennai's gold district). Well connected by trains and buses and centrally located, getting there is always a breeze although navigating through it might require eyes on the back of your head.
Kapaleeshwarar temple street One of the very few places in city that has remained untouched by time, shopping along the holy pond near the temple might as well be an experience that can transport you back in time. The ideal time to visit is in the evenings, when the weather is pleasant. The market with stalls and push carts, is in full swing and temples bells are tolling behind you. The best things to buy here is Handicrafts items. And traditional accessories like bangles, ear rings, bracelets etc can also be found here. If you are lucky, you may find little fair with mehandi stalls, people offering to sketch you etc. And forget sitting down anywhere for a bite. Stroll around the pond, munching on boiled masala peanuts, cotton candy and washing it down with paneer soda - the original fizzy drink. Not bargaining here is a sin - in fact, the hawkers expect you to do it. They always quote a price 20-30 % higher than what they are prepared to let it go for. Wander across to the neighbouring Kutchery Street or Luz Corner for more shopping options of the conventional kind.
Other shopping malls in Chennai are : Skywalk Mall, Aminjikarai, Abirami Mega Mall, Purasavakkam, Citi Center, Mylapore, Spencer Plaza, Phoenix Market city, Velachery, Forum Vijaya Mall Vadapalani, The Grand Mall, Velachery Main Road.
Places of interest inside the city Being a coastal city, Chennai has a vibrant vibe in it. It is known to be a cultural hub and has, for long, nurtured a distinct identity of its own.
Marina Beach : India's longest urban beach stretches for 114 kms and is by far Chennai's most frequented beach. In 1885, the then governor of Madras, Mount stuart Elphinstone Grant Duff, built a promenade along the beach and named it the Madras Marina. On any given day, the beach is abuzz with thousands of people who not just come to enjoy the waters but also visit the numerous stalls that dot the entire length of the beach. Other popular spots on the Marina are the memorials dedicated to former chief ministers Dr. C.N Annadurai and M. G Ramachandran.
Elliot's Beach : Elliot's Beach marks the end point of the Marina. Situated in Besant nagar, Elliot's is favorite with Chennai's youth. One of the interesting features of the beach is the Karl Schmidt memorial that is dedicated to the memory of the Dutch sailor of the same name, who lost his life trying to save the lives of others.
Ranganthan Street in T-Nagar : By far Chennai's busiest place, Ranganthan Street is the shopping hub of the city. Shoppers can buy anything from safety pins to gold here. It is a place where street hawkers coexist in harmony with grand, multi-storied stores. Ranganathan Street offers a unique shopping experience to visitors.
DakshinaChitra - literally means 'a picture of the south': On the way to Mahabalipuram, on the East Coast Road at Muttukadu, 21 kms South of Chennai is DakshinaChitra. It is a centre for traditional arts and crafts. Started in 1996, DakshinaChitra is a non-profit organisation by the Madras Craft Foundation. It is a great place to acquaint ourselves with the vibrant arts of India.
Day Excursions from Chennai
- Chennai - Kanchipuram - Chennai - 75Kms / 2hrs - one way
- Chennai - Mahabalipuram - Chennai- 65Kms / 1.5hrs - one way
- Chennai - Kanchipuram - Mahabalipuram - Chennai - 225 Kms for round trip
- Chennai - Pondicherry - Chennai - 160Kms / 3.5hrs - one way
- Chennai - Tirupati - Chennai - 180Kms / 4hrs- one way
- • Chennai – Vellore - Chennai – 140 kms / 3 hrs – one way
| Place | Entrance Fee | Camera Fee | Video Camera | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ekambareshwar temple (No Holidays) | No | Rs.20 | Rs.100 | 0600 hrs to 1230 hrs 1600 hrs to 2030 hrs |
| Varadharaja temple (No Holidays) Foreigners not allowed inside temple 100 pillar marriage hall - only Allowed |
No | Rs.5 | Rs.100 | 06:00 hrs to 1230 hrs & 16:00 hrs to 20:00 hrs |
| Kailasanathar temple (No Holidays) | No | Rs.5 | Rs.100 | 06:00 hrs to 12:30 hrs & 16:00 hrs to 20:30 hrs |
| Kamatchi Amman Temple (No Holidays) | No | Rs.5 | Rs.100 | 06:00 hrs to 12:30 hrs & 16:00 hrs to 20:30 hrs |
| Place | Entrance Fee | Camera Fee | Video Camera | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The shore Temples & Five Rathas (No Holidays) | Rs. 600 for foreigners & Rs. 40 for Indians | Free | Rs.25 | 6 hrs to 18 hrs |
| Tiger cave | Rs. 300 / Indians – 20 | |||
| Sea shell Museum | Rs. 300 for foreigners & Indians / 9.00 am to 6.00 pm | 100 | 250 | |
| Dakshinchitra (Tuesday is Holiday. Else it is open on all National Holidays except Diwali day) Contact number - 9841020149 |
Indian adult 150 on weekdays and 175 on weekends, for foreigners & Rs. 350 | Still & Video camera charges – Rs. 250 | Still & Video camera charges – Rs. 250 | 10 am to 6 pm weekdays and 10 am to 7 pm week ends |
| Crocodile Farm (Weekly Holiday - Monday) Contact number - 44-2747-2447 | Rs. 100 for Foreigners & Indians Children below 10 years : Rs.50 | Rs.25 | Rs.100 | 9.00 am to 5.30 pm Night Safari – 7.00 pm to 8.30 pm – Rs. 300 |
| Place | Entrance Fee | Camera Fee | Video Camera | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Natrajar Temple,Chidambaram | NO | Free, but restricted to certain areas. Strictly prohibited to use in main sanctum | Free, but restricted to certain areas. Strictly prohibited to use in main sanctum | 0600 hrs to 1200 hrs & 1600 hrs to 2100 hrs |
| Gangaikondacholapuram | No | Free | Free | 0600 hrs to 1200 hrs & 1600 hrs to 2000 hrs |
| Airawateshwara Temple, Darasuram | No | Free | Free | 0600 hrs to 1200 hrs & 1600 hrs to 2000 hrs |
| Place | Entrance Fee | Camera Fee | Video Camera | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sri Brihadeeswarar temple | No Entrance for both foreigners and Indians | Cameras are allowed around the temple except the Sanctum area. | Video cameras are also allowed but not standing video cameras. | 06 Am to 12.30 Pm & 4.00 Pm to 8.30 PM |
| Tanjore Palace Holidays : Government Holidays & Art Gallery closed for Local Holidays also |
Rs. 200/- for foreigners adult and Rs. 70/- for (Child age – 7 to 12 years old) Rs.60/- for Indian adult and Rs.20 for Indian for children , (It includes Saraswathy Mahal Library, Archaeology Monuments, Art Gallery) |
Indian – Rs. 50/- Foreigner – Rs.100/- | Indian – Rs. 150/- Foreigner – Rs.200/- | 0900 hrs to 1300 hrs & 1500 hrs to 1800 hrs |
| Saraswathy Mahal Library (Closed in all government holidays) | No Entrance Fee | NOT ALLOWED | NOT ALLOWED | 10.00am to 1.00pm and 1.30pm to 5.30pm |
| Archaeology Monuments (Closed in all government holidays) | Adult - 50Rs/- children - 25Rs/-( Child age - 7 to 12years) for Foreigners & Adult - 10Rs/- Children - 5Rs/- for Indians | Indian - 50Rs/-, Foreigner - 100Rs/- | Indian - 150Rs/-. Foreigner - 200Rs/- | 10.00am to 5.00pm ( No break) |
| Art Gallery – will be closed on all National holidays & local holidays | Rs. 60/- for foreigner adult and Rs.10/- for children & Rs. 10/- for Indian adult and Rs.5/-for Children | Rs. 100/- for Foreigners and Rs. 50/- for Indians | Rs. 200/- for Foreigners and Rs. 150/- for Indians | 9.00am to 1.00 pm and 3.00pm to 6.00pm |
| Punnainallur Mariamman Temple | No entrance for foreigners and Indians | No fees. But we need to get the permission from temple office | No fees. But we need to get the permission from temple office | 06 Am to 8.30 Pm |
| Veilankanni Church (No Holidays) | NO | Not Allowed | Not Allowed | 5.30am to 8.30pm |
| Tranquebar Beach (Danish Fort) (Closed on Fridays & Government Holidays) | Indians – Rs.50/- & Foreigners – Rs.300/- | Rs. 25 | Rs. 25 | 10 AM – 2 PM & 3 PM – 6 PM |
| Light & Sound Show | Rs. 50/- Adult/ Rs. 20/- Child (Foreigner & Indians) | Not Allowed | Not Allowed | First Show Timings – 6:45 PM to 07: 45 PM (Tamil) Second Show Timing – 08:00 PM to 08:45 PM (Tamil) |
Tanjore Art Gallery or Palace
Holidays : National holidays & during Election, Tanjore palace will be closed(yearly 08 days)
| Date | Reason | Places | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 14.01.15 | Pongal | Palace , Museum | closed |
| 26.01.15 | Republic day | Palace , Museum | closed |
| 14.04.15 | Tamil new year | Palace , Museum | closed |
| 01.05.15 | May day | Palace , Museum | closed |
| 15.08.15 | Independence Day | Palace , Museum | closed |
| 17.09.15 | Vinayagar Chathurthi | Palace , Museum | closed |
| 02.10.15 | Gandhi Jayanthi | Palace , Museum | closed |
| 10.11.15 | Deepavali | Palace , Museum | closed |
Tanjore Palace Total entry fee : 180/- per person. Kindly go through the above attached program.
| Place | Entrance Fee | Camera Fee | Video Camera | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aadhi Kumbeshwarar Temple ( No Holiday) | NO | Not Allowed | Not Allowed | 5.00 AM – 12.30 PM & 4 PM – 8.30 PM |
| Sarangapani Temple (No Holiday) | NO | Not Allowed | Not Allowed | 5.00 AM – 12.30 PM & 4 PM – 8.30 PM |
| Nageshwar Temple (No Holiday) | NO | Not Allowed | Not Allowed | 5.00 am – 12.00 pm & 4 pm – 8.30 pm |
| DARASURAM - Airawateshwara Temple (No Holiday) | No | No charges | No charges | 06:00 – 12:00PM & 04:00Pm – 08:00Pm |
Swamimalai
| Place | Entrance Fee | Camera Fee | Video Camera | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Murugan Temple (No Holiday) | NO | Rs. 50, with prior permission | Rs. 350, with prior permission | 5.00 am – 12.00 pm & 4 pm – 8.30 pm |
| Place | Entrance Fee | Camera Fee | Video Camera | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rock Fort Temple (No Holidays) | Rs.5/- for all | Rs. 20 | Rs. 100, with prior permission | 6 AM – 8 PM Thaiyumana Swami temple is closed from 12:00 Hrs to 16:00Hrs |
| Srirangam Ranganathaswamy Temple ( No Holidays) | Rs. 5.00 | Rs. 50 | Rs. 100 | 5.30 AM – 1 PM & 4PM – 9 PM
View Point – Rs 50 (until 6.00pm only) |
| Temple MuseumTimings | Rs. 5.00 | - 8AM–1PM & 2 PM – 5PM No Holidays |
||
| Thiruvanaikaval Jambukeshwar & Akilandeswari Temple (No Holidays) | Rs.50 | Rs. 30 | Rs. 200 | 5 AM – 12 Noon & 4 PM – 8.30 PM |
| Lady Lourdes Church (No Holidays) | NO | - | - | 5.30 am - 7.30 pm |
| Place | Entrance Fee | Camera Fee | Video Camera | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Meenakshi Amman Temple (No Holidays) | Rs 55 /- Entrance for Foreigners + Rs 5 For Indians( Cell phones, camera , Video camera not allowed) | Not Allowed | Not Allowed | 05:30 AM to 12:30 PM & 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM |
| Thirumalai Nayak palace (No Holidays) Note: Now Renovation work take place in TirumalaNayak palace at Sound & Light place, we will keep you informed once work completed |
Rs 50/- for foreigners and Rs 30 for Child | Rs. 30 | Rs. 100 | 09:00 PM to 5:00 PM |
| Sound and light show First show Second charges |
both foreigners & Indians : (Adult Rs 50/- / Children Rs 25 / Student Rs 25) Second show at (Adult Rs 25 /- / children Rs 10 /- Student Rs 10) |
6:45 hrs to 7:30 hrs in English 8:00hrs to 8:45 hrs in Tamil |
||
| Gandhi Museum would remain closed on all Sundays Note : Now renovation work is going on, able to visit photo Gallery place only , unable to view full place of Ghandhi Museum.
|
No fees | Rs. 50 | Rs. 50 | 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM hrs & 2:00 PM to 5:30 PM |
| Tiruparangundram Temple (No Holidays) | No Entrance Fees | Rs. 100 | Rs. 200 | 05:30 AM to 13:00 PM & 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM |
| Alagar temple (No Holidays) | No Entrance Fee | Rs. 50 | Rs. 100 | 6:00 AM to 12:30 PM & 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM |
| Place | Entrance Fee | Camera Fee | Video Camera | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chettinad Palace | No entry during Chettinad community family marriage that takes place in Chettinad | Not Allowed | Not Allowed | 0900 hrs to 1700 hrs |
| Athankudi Tiles Factory | Rs 100/- per person | No fee | No fee | 9: 00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Place | Entrance Fee | Camera Fee | Video Camera | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ramanathaswamy temple | no Entrance fees | not allowed | not allowed | 6:00 AM to 12:30 PM & 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM |
| Place | Entrance Fee | Camera Fee | Video Camera | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kumari Amman Temple | NO(Rs. 20/- in case of heavy crowd in the temple) | Not Allowed | Not Allowed | 0500 hrs to 1230 hrs & 1600 hrs to 2030 hrs |
| Vivekananda Rock Memorial ( No Holiday) | Special Ferry Charge – Rs. 330/- (per person) Normal Ferry Fee – Rs. 105/- (per person) Rock entrance: 30/- Pax above 03 years full ticket charge applicable |
- | - | 08:00 hrs to 1600 hrs |
| Wax Museum – India’s first wax museum is at Bay watch water theme park. It is 3 Km from Kanyakumari ( No holidays) | Rs. 50 for wax museum & Rs. 200 for Theme park | Rs. 25 | Rs. 100 | 0930 hrs to 1300 hrs & 1400 hrs to 1745 hrs |
| Place | Entrance Fee | Camera Fee | Video Camera | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Botanical Garden | Adult Rs.50/- child Rs.15/- | Rs.50/- | Rs.100/- | 08.30am - 06.00pm |
| Ooty Lake | Rs.10/- Boat Charges: Motor Boat Rs. 850/- (8 Seater) | Rs.10/- | Rs.50/- | 08:00am - 05:30pm |
| Doddabetta | Rs. 5/- | Rs.10/- | Rs.50/- | 08:30am - 05:00pm |
| Rose Garden | Adult Rs.40/- child Rs.15/- | Rs. 50/- | Rs. 100/- | 08.30am - 06.00pm |
| Pine Forest | Rs.30/- | |||
| Boat house – RS. 25 | Adult Rs.25/- | |||
| Pykara falls | Adult Rs.30/- | |||
| 9th Mile Shooting spot | Adult Rs.30/- | |||
| Kodanadu view point | Adult Rs.30/- | |||
| Karnataka Siri Horticulture Garden | Adult Rs.50/ children Rs.50- | Rs 50 | ||
| Karnataka Siri Horticulture Garden | Adult Rs.50/ children Rs.50- | Rs 50 |
| Place | Entrance Fee | Camera Fee | Video Camera | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sims Park | Adult Rs.40/- child Rs.15/- | Rs.50/- | Rs.100/- | 08.30am - 06.00pm |
| Lamb’s Rock | Adult Rs. 30/- Children Rs. 5/- | Rs.20/- | Rs.50/- | No Timings (Open Spots) |
| Dolphin Nose | Adult Rs. 30/- Children Rs. 5/- | Rs.20/- | Rs.50/- | No Timings (Open Spots) |
| Tea Gardens & Tea Factory(Monday Holiday) | (Brooke Land) Foreigner – 100 (Tea with Snacks) / Indian – 30 (only Tea Tasting) | Rs.10/- | Rs.10/- | 09:00am - 06:00pm |
| Kodanadu view point | Rs 30 |
The Dansborg Fort - Currently a museum, it houses a number of Hindu sculptures which have been salvaged from the crumbling shore temple, replica of the treaty signed between the Nayak ruler and the King of Denmark and other relics of the bygone Danish settlement. The State Archeological Department of Tamil Nadu maintains this fort.
| Place | Entrance Fee | Camera Fee | Video Camera | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fort Dansborg or Danish fort | Rs. 50 /- for foreigners. Indians – Rs. 10 /- | Rs. 100 /- for foreigners & Rs. 10 /- for Indian | Rs. 100 /- for foreigners & Rs. 10 /- for Indian | 10 am to 05 Pm |
| Place | Mass Timings - Week Days | All Sundays | All Saturdays | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Velankanni | 5.40 am : Morning Prayer in the Main Shrine
6.00 am : Mass in Tamil in the Main Shrine 7.00 am : Mass in Tamil in the Lower Basilica 8.00 am : Mass in Telugu in the Upper Basilica 9.00 am : Mass in Malayalam in the Lower Basilica 10.00 am : Mass in English in the Lower Basilica 11.00 am : Mass in Hindi in the Upper Basilica 12.00 noon : Mass in Tamil in the Lower Basilica 6.00 pm : Rosary and Litany in Tamil followed by Mass in Tamil in the Lower Basilica |
7.30 am : Mass in Tamil in the Lower Basilica (Instead of at 7.00 am during the week)
5.00 am : (Additional) Mass in Tamil for the Parishioners of Velankanni in the Lower Basilica 6.00 pm : Rosary, Novena Prayer, Benediction and Mass in Tamil in the Lower Basilica |
7.00 am: Mass in Tamil at Our Lady? Tank Chapel
5.45 am: Car Procession of Our Lady of Health around the Shrine Benediction and Mass in Tamil in the Lower Basilica |
6.30 Am to 8.00 Pm. |
| Place | Entrance Fee | Camera Fee | Video Camera | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sri Aurobindo Ashram | free | Not Allowed | Not Allowed | 08.00 am to 12.00 pm and 02.00 pm to 06.00 pm |
| Auroville ( Guest should go 01 day before to get permission) | NO | Not Allowed | Not Allowed | Monday to Saturday - opened from 0900 hrs to 1200hrs and 1400 hrs to 1700 hrs (Sunday - opened from 0900 hrs to 1230 hrs) |
| Pondicherry Museum( closed on Monday and National holidays) | Rs. 50 for Foreigners & Rs. 10 for Indians / Kids Rs.5 | Not Allowed | Not Allowed | 10.00 am to 05.00 pm |
| Manakula Vinayagar Temple (No Holidays) | free | Not Allowed | Not Allowed | 05.45 am – 12.30 pm and 4.00 pm to 9.30 pm |
| Thiruvannamalai Gingee Fort (No Holidays) | Entrance Fee (ONLINE): Foreigner - Rs. 250 / Indians - Rs. 20
Entrance Fee (OFFLINE): Foreigner - Rs. 300 / Indians - Rs. 40 |
25 | 25 | 08:00 am to 05:00 pm (After 03:00 pm not allowed for climbing hill) |
| Bharathi Park | free | Everyday 6:00 am to 7.00 pm | ||
| Botanical Garden in Pondicherry | Foreigners (Adults / Kids) - Rs.50 per person Indians (Adults - Rs. 20 per person / Kids Rs. 10 per person |
Allowed | Allowed | Everyday 09.00 am -05.00 pm |
| Chunnambar Boat House: Boat House Entry Fee |
Rs.15 per person for Adult Rs.5 per person for Children (4 - 8 years) |
|||
| Boat Ride Fee | Foreigners (Adults / Kids) - Rs.370 per person Indians (Adults - Rs. 370 per person / Kids Rs. 200 per person (4 – 8 Years) |
Rs. 20 | Rs. 50 | Everyday 09.00 A.M to 06.00 P.M |
| Arikamedu | free | Everyday 08:00 am to 04:00 pm | ||
| Art and Craft Village | free | Everyday 10.00 am to 05.30 pm | ||
Puducherry Science Centre & Planetarium: |
Foreigners (Adults / Kids) - Rs.40 per person Indians (Adults - Rs. 10 per person / Kids Rs. 5 per person |
allowed | Allowed | 10.00 am to 4.30 pm |
| Digital Planetarium:(Closed on Monday & National Holidays) | Foreigners (Adults / Kids) - Rs.40 per person Indians (Adults - Rs. 20 per person / Kids Rs. 10 per person |
allowed | Allowed | 10.00 am to 04.30 pm |
Auroville
Matrimandir Inner Chamber:
- The Inner Chamber is open to visitors every morning except Tuesday & Sunday.
- Booking on an individual level is required.
- Reporting time for all visitors is 8.30 am.
- Please note that places in the Inner Chamber are limited. Booking requests need to be sent 3 to 7 days in advance (maximum 10 days) to avoid disappointment.
- Link address: https://mmaccess.auroville.org.in/visitors/new
- E-mail Id for Matri Mandir Inner Chamber booking: mmconcentration@auroville.org.in
Matrimandir Viewing Point:
A free pass to view the Matrimandir and its Gardens, from a vantage point, is available at the Visitors Centre Timing for issuing of Passes at the Visitors' Centre Mon. to Sat., 09.00 am to 05.30 pm. Sunday, 9.00 a.m. - 13.00 p.m. only Sunday Afternoons Closed
| Place | Entrance Fee | Camera Fee | Video Camera | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guna cave | Rs. 20 /- | Rs. 20 | 10 am to 05 Pm | |
| Moir point | RS. 20 for adults / RS. 10 for children | 10 am to 05 Pm | ||
| Bryant’s park | RS. 30 for adults / RS. 15 for children | RS. 50 for Camera | 10 am to 05 Pm | |
| Coakers walk | Rs 30/- | 10 am to 05 Pm | ||
| Pillar rock | RS. 20 | 10 am to 05 Pm | ||
| Pine forest | RS. 20 | 10 am to 05 Pm | ||
| Chettiyar park | RS. 30 for adults / RS. 15 for children | 10 am to 05 Pm |
| Place | Entrance Fee | Camera Fee | Video Camera | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Golden Temple Contact number – 0416 2206500 |
Special Entry – Rs. 250 | 8.00am to 8.00 pm |