Kalakshetra:
Rukmini Devi Arundale founded a world-renowned
centre of excellence for dance, music, arts
and crafts, in 1936. Housed on over 100 acres
at Thiruvanmiyur, it has produced many fine
exponents of the Bharatnatyam dance tradition.
Following the ancient Gurukula system of education,
students from across the globe are taught
nuances of traditional dance, music and art
amidst the fresh air, large trees and the
chirping of birds.
|
Theosophical Society:
Founded by Madame H.P. Blavatsky and Col.
H.S. Olcott in 1875 .It is located on a vast
expanse of over 250 acres on the banks of
the Adyar estuary amidst the natural surroundings.
It provides a peaceful retreat from the city.
The Adyar Banyan tree with its roots spreading
over 40,000 sq.ft and its library, a research
centre in eastern civilization, philosophy
and religion, are worth seeing. There is a
church, mosque, Buddhist shrine and Hindu
temple on the grounds.
|
Lalit Kala Akademi:
Located on Greams Road you can see Paintings,
artifacts from artists and artisans from every
nook and corner of India here. Equal importance
is also placed on literature, especially the
vernacular ones.
Tamilnadu Ovia Nunkalai Kuzhu:
A state-level cultural organization set-up
by the State Government at Pantheon Road,
Egmore for promoting visual and graphic
arts in the state through well-structured
programmes. |
Birla Planetarium:
Part of the Periyar Science and Technology
Centre at Kotturpuram, this is a voyage of
discovery for the young and the old. This
air-conditioned modern planetarium with a
seating capacity of 236 brings to life celestial
phenomena replete with special effects. It
also conducts courses in astronomy and night-sky
observations for public on every second Saturday.
Valluvar Kottam:
The memorial to the poet-saint Tiruvalluvar
is shaped like a temple chariot and is the
replica of the temple chariot in Thiruvarur.
A life-size statue of the saint has been
installed in the 33m tall chariot. The 133
chapters of his famous work Thirukkural
have been depicted in bas-relief in the
front hall corridors of the chariot. The
auditorium at Valluvar Kottam is said to
be the largest in Asia and can accommodate
about 4000 people. It stands as a modern
memorial to the great poet who represents
the glorious culture of the Tamils.
|
Fort St. George:
Today, the seat of the State Legislative Assembly,
it was once a British bastion. Built in 1640,
the fort stills retains its large walls, massive
wrought iron gates and deep moats. The Fort
Museum, St. Mary's church, Town Hall, the
tallest flagstaff et al lie within this fort.
Film City:
A favorite fixture with film producers of
the South, it is also a popular tourist
spot. The restaurant in this complex, Taramani
Talkies, will appeal those who are looking
for an offbeat decor. AVM studios are the
only one routinely open to the public.
|
High Court:
A magnificent example of Indo-Saracenic architecture.
In 1841, a granite Doric column of 49m was
erected to function as the second light house.
Besides the High Court, the Small Causes Court
and the City Civil Court function here.
Ripon Building:
The attractive white structure, close to
Chennai Central, is 252 ft. long and 126
ft wide. It has a 132 ft tall tower and
a mighty clock 8 ft in diameter. Currently,
it is the headquarters of Chennai Corporation.
Government Museum:
This Museum is worth visiting. The main
building has a fine archaeological section
representing all the major South Indian
periods including Chola, Vijaynagara, Hoysala
and Chalukya.The bronze gallery has a superb
collection of Chola Art. You will find the
most impressive bronze statue of Lord. Ardhanarishwra.You
can also visit the National Art Gallery
located in the same compound. The fascinating
array of 10th -18th century Mughal, Rajasthani
and Deccan artworks are displayed here.
|
| |
