Located in Mylapore, this 7th-century Dravidian-style temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Its 120-foot gopuram (tower) is a riot of colorful carvings depicting Hindu myths. The bustling streets around it, with flower vendors and kolam (rangoli) art, scream old Chennai charm. Entry is free, and it’s open from 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM—perfect for a morning or evening visit. It’s about 15 km from Chennai Airport.
