Besant Nagar, Adyar

Besant Nagar is named after Annie Besant, the famous theosophist, womens rights activist and orator. She established the Theosphical Society of India in Adyar.

A beautiful sunrise over Elliot's beach.

One cannot miss a dilapidated structure that stands in the middle of Elliot's beach. This structure is in memory of an unknown dutch person K. Schmidt.

Marundeeswarar Temple, Thiruvanmiyur

Marundeeswarar Temple is located in Valmiki Nagar in Thiruvanmiyur. This temple sits on the East Coast Road (ECR) very near the beaches of Thiruvanmiyur. Lord Marundeeswarar (Shiva) is the presiding deity in this temple and is believed to possess healing powers. Sage Valmiki is believed to have been blessed when he visited this temple.

Thiruvanmiyur beach, is less crowded as compared to Chenai's more famous Marina and Elliot's beaches and hence can be very refreshing. An early morning walk along this beach is a great experience for everyone. One enjoy views of the rising sun by using many benches generously donated by people. The road being restricted for traffic also helps.

Last bridge over river Adyar

If one travels south of Chennai very near the eastern coastline, one will have to cross the last bridge over river Adyar before it flows into the Bay of Bengal. Adyar river completes her 20 kms run from Chembarambakkam lake to the sea just after flowing under this bridge. This bridge is named after the famous Tamil scholar Thiru V. Kalyanasundaram popularly known as Thiru Vi. Ka.  In fact there are two bridges side by side. The old bridge is now broken and not in service anymore.

One cannot miss an imposing view of the lions sitting at both ends of the new bridge. Twin lions and two beautiful female sentries sit only on the left side of the bridge in both directions.

Thiru Vi. Ka. bridge offers excellent views over the river on the west side. The old, unused bridge running adjacent blocks off the eastern view. If one can access the old and broken down but good looking Adyar bridge, one can get good views of the river flowing towards the sea. One can see MRC Nagar skyline on the left and one of the bigger islands called Whale island in the middle. On the southern bank is the Thosophical Society . The Adyar river estuary ecosystem supports plenty of reptile and bird life among its mangroves. Migratory birds look for their favorite nesting places on these islands formed at the estuary.

Since Adyar river does not flow into the Bay of Bengal quickly enough unless there is a deluge, this water body though extremely polluted is a good place to fish.