Mylapore – The Cultural & Spiritual Heart of Chennai
Situated in Chennai, Mylapore is considered one of the most culturally vibrant travel destinations in South India. Since the beginning, it has seen its fair share of events that have summarised it in a poetic way.
Along with its cultural significance, Mylapore is also not behind in terms of urban success - it is a nice blend of temples, tree-lined avenues, and shopping malls.
Many locals refer to this residential area as Thirumayilai which means the land of the peacock's scream. It is said that before modern skyscrapers took over the city, one could see a lot of peacocks here.
History of Mylapore
We can trace the origin of Mylapore to the first century BCE; this was the time when Mylapore was known as Vedapuri. Since the olden times, Mylapore as an inhabited area has survived upon its maritime trade with the Greeks as well as Romans.
Many experts claim that Gold was imported here in exchange for textile materials and spices. And not just that, Mylapore, as a geographical point, was of immense importance to the Syrian Christians as well. This is so because sometime in 52 AD, these people had come to India to spread Christianity.
Places To Visit In Mylapore
Mylapore is one of the famous places to visit in Tamil Nadu. If you are traveling here, then do check out these things to do and tourist places in Mylapore.
1. Kapaleeshwarar Temple
This temple boasts of ancient history and cultural aspects of this city - owing to which it is also one of the famous landmarks of this city. The architecture of this place is simply out of this place and brims with so much nostalgia. So, if you ever visit Mylapore then don't miss this one out.
2. San Thome Basilica
The historical significance of this place is simply out of this place. It is known for its architecture and the ancient grandeur. Not many would know but Santhome Basilica has been named after St.Thomas and is also only of the three basilicas present in the entire world that was built upon a direct apostle of Jesus Christ.
3. Ramakrishna Math
- A spiritual and cultural center promoting the teachings of Swami Vivekananda.
- Known for its peaceful environment, library, and meditation hall.
4. Luz Church (Our Lady of Light)
- One of the oldest churches in Chennai, built by the Portuguese in the 16th century.
5. Mundakanni Amman Temple
- A famous temple dedicated to Goddess Mundakanni (a form of Parvati), attracting many devotees.
6. Heritage & Cultural Walk Across Mangalloi And Mada Veethis
Here you can hope to witness some really significant events and also several amazing options regarding shopping etc. However, these heritage and cultural walks are something you shouldn't give a miss if you want to taste the local culture to its fullest; they introduce you to never seen and never heard before things about this place.
Festivals & Celebrations
- Panguni Uthiram Festival (Kapaleeshwarar Temple) – Grand temple procession in March/April.
- Margazhi Music Festival – A world-famous classical music and dance festival (December–January).
- Navaratri & Deepavali – The entire neighborhood lights up with festive celebrations.
Best time to visit Mylapore
The best time to visit is between November and February, when the weather is pleasant. If you're interested in cultural events, visit during December-January for the Margazhi Music Festival or March-April for the Panguni Uthiram Festival at Kapaleeshwarar Temple.
How to Reach Mylapore
Mylapore in Tamil Nadu is an interesting blend of various things good and nice. Whether we talk about culture, rich history or anything else, Mylapore is worth your time and energy. It is located at a distance of 2,217, 1,340, 1,682, 350 km from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Bengaluru respectively. Check out the following details on how you can reach Mylapore by the following means of transportation.
By Air
The nearest airport is the Chennai International Airport (MAA) situated 14 km away. It is considered as the third busiest airport in terms of international traffic and is just behind Delhi and Mumbai. In terms of connectivity, it receives direct and connecting flights from several cities operating to and fro. From the airport, you will need to book a taxi or some other means of local conveyance to reach your destination.
- From Bengaluru - Board IndiGo, Spicejet, Air India flights from Bengaluru Airport. The airfares start from INR 2,000 - INR 3,000
- From Coimbatore - Board Spicejet, IndiGo, Air India flights from Coimbatore International Airport. The airfares start from INR 2,000.
- From Lucknow - Board IndiGo, Spicejet flights from Lucknow Airport. The airfares start from INR 5,000
Here is a list of Indian cities from where flights are available to Mylapore
By Train
Chennai Egmore (MS) and Chennai Central (MAS) are the nearest railway stations situated in a 5-10 km range. Both the stations are well-connected with the major Indian cities and states. The Chennai Egmore station is built in Gothic style architecture and is one of the most prominent landmarks of Chennai.
The Chennai Central station, formerly known as the Madras Central station is considered to be the primary railway station of Chennai and is responsible for connecting Chennai with other prominent cities and regions of India. After getting off the station, you will need to book a taxi to reach your destination.
By Road
The overall connectivity to Mylapore via road networks is quite good. Thus, if you are planning a road trip to Mylapore then you will find it to be quite a convenient experience for yourself. The roadways and national highways are motorable and easily accessible to reach here. From the nearby cities, you can easily book interstate/private buses or also book a taxi. If you want to travel at your own pace, then you can also consider travelling via your own vehicle.
- From Vellore - 140 km via Vellore-Chennai Road
- From Kanchipuram - 70-80 km via Kanchipuram-Chennai Road
- From Thiruvallur - 50 km via NH716
Frequently Asked Questions about Mylapore
Q. Where is Mylapore located?
A. Mylapore is a neighborhood in the city of Chennai, located in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu.
Q. What are the main tourist attractions in Mylapore?
A. The main tourist attractions in Mylapore include Kapaleeswarar Temple, San Thome Basilica, and Mylapore Ramakrishna Math.
Q. Is Mylapore a good place to stay for tourists?
A. Yes, Mylapore has a mix of budget hotels, boutique stays, and guest houses. Staying here gives visitors easy access to major attractions and cultural experiences.
Q. What is the significance of San Thome Basilica?
A. San Thome Basilica was built over the tomb of St. Thomas, one of Jesus Christ’s twelve apostles. It is one of the only three churches in the world built over an apostle’s tomb (the others are in Vatican City and Spain).
