Sriperumbudur is a town that may not be on the radar of many travelers, but it has a lot to offer for those who are looking for a unique and enriching experience. Located about 40 km from Chennai, Sriperumbudur is a town that has witnessed some of the most pivotal moments in Indian history, culture, and politics.
It is also a town that has emerged as a major industrial hub, attracting global giants like Nokia, Hyundai, and Samsung. And it is a town that has a rich and diverse religious heritage, with temples, churches, and mosques coexisting peacefully.
If you are curious to explore this town that has a blend of the past, present, and future, then this article is for you. We will guide you through the main attractions and activities that you can enjoy in Sriperumbudur, as well as some of the nearby places that you can visit. We will also provide you with some tips and insights from local experts and travelers who have visited Sriperumbudur, to help you plan your trip better. So, let’s get started!
Main attractions and activities in Sriperumbudur
Sriperumbudur has something for everyone, whether you are interested in history, culture, religion, or adventure. Here are some of the main attractions and activities that you can explore in Sriperumbudur:
Rajiv Gandhi Memorial
One of the most important and solemn places to visit in Sriperumbudur is the Rajiv Gandhi Memorial, which is a tribute to the former Prime Minister of India who was assassinated in Sriperumbudur on May 21, 1991.
The memorial is built on the spot where Rajiv Gandhi was killed by a suicide bomber, and it consists of seven stone pillars that represent the seven qualities of Rajiv Gandhi, such as courage, vision, and compassion. The memorial also has a museum that displays some of the personal belongings and photographs of Rajiv Gandhi, as well as a library that contains his speeches and writings. There is also a meditation hall where visitors can pay their respects and offer prayers.
The Rajiv Gandhi Memorial is a place that reminds us of the sacrifice and legacy of one of the most influential leaders of India, and it is a place that inspires us to uphold the values of peace, democracy, and harmony. The memorial is open from 10 am to 5 pm, and there is no entry fee. You can reach the memorial by taking a bus, taxi, or auto-rickshaw from Sriperumbudur town.
Madras Motor Sports Club
If you are looking for some thrill and excitement, then you should head to the Madras Motor Sports Club, which is one of the oldest and most prestigious motor sports venues in India. The club was established in 1953, and it hosts various events and races throughout the year, such as Formula 1, MotoGP, and national championships. The club has a 3.7 km long racetrack that has 12 turns and a 250 m long straight. The club also has a clubhouse, a restaurant, a bar, and a lounge for the visitors and participants.
The Madras Motor Sports Club is a place where you can witness the speed and skill of some of the best drivers and riders in the world, and also experience the adrenaline rush of driving or riding on the track yourself. The club offers various packages and options for visitors who want to try their hand at motor sports, such as go-karting, track days, and driving schools. The club is open from 9 am to 6 pm, and the entry fee varies depending on the event and the package. You can reach the club by taking a bus, taxi, or auto-rickshaw from Sriperumbudur town.
Vallakottai Murugan Temple
One of the most popular and sacred places to visit in Sriperumbudur is the Vallakottai Murugan Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Murugan, the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. The temple is believed to be more than 1200 years old, and it has a legend and history that is linked to the sage Agastya, who is said to have installed the idol of Lord Murugan in the temple. The temple is famous for its 9-feet tall statue of Lord Murugan, which is one of the tallest in India. The temple is also known for its architecture and its idols of other deities, such as Lord Ganesha, Lord Shiva, and Goddess Durga.
The Vallakottai Murugan Temple is a place that attracts devotees and pilgrims from all over the country, especially during the festivals of Skanda Sashti, Thai Poosam, and Panguni Uthiram, when the temple is decorated with flowers, lights, and flags. The temple is also a place that offers peace and tranquility to the visitors, who can enjoy the serene atmosphere and the scenic views of the surrounding hills and fields. The temple is open from 6 am to 8 pm, and there is no entry fee. You can reach the temple by taking a bus, taxi, or auto-rickshaw from Sriperumbudur town.
Queensland Amusement Park
If you are looking for some fun and adventure, then you should visit the Queensland Amusement Park, which is one of the largest and most fun-filled amusement parks in Tamil Nadu. The park covers an area of 70 acres, and it offers a variety of rides and attractions for all ages and tastes, such as roller coasters, water slides, bumper cars, Ferris wheel, and more. The park also has a food court, a souvenir shop, and a locker facility for the visitors.
The Queensland Amusement Park is a place where you can have a blast with your family and friends, and enjoy some of the most thrilling and entertaining rides and attractions in the state. The park is also a place where you can relax and refresh yourself, and enjoy the greenery and the fresh air of the countryside.
The park is open from 10 am to 6 pm on weekdays, and from 10 am to 7 pm on weekends and holidays. The entry fee is Rs. 550 for adults and Rs. 450 for children. You can reach the park by taking a bus, taxi, or auto-rickshaw from Sriperumbudur town.
Other places to visit near Sriperumbudur
Sriperumbudur is not only a great destination in itself, but also a convenient base to explore some of the other amazing places that are nearby. Here are some of the places that you can visit near Sriperumbudur:
Kanchipuram
One of the most famous and culturally rich cities in India, Kanchipuram is located about 30 km from Sriperumbudur. Kanchipuram is known as the city of thousand temples, as it has some of the most ancient and magnificent temples in the country, such as the Ekambareswarar Temple, the Kailasanathar Temple, the Kamakshi Amman Temple, and the Varadaraja Perumal Temple.
Kanchipuram is also known as the city of silk, as it is the home of the famous Kanchipuram silk sarees, which are renowned for their quality, beauty, and craftsmanship. Kanchipuram is also known as the city of heritage, as it has a rich and glorious history that dates back to the Pallava, Chola, and Vijayanagara dynasties, and it has been a center of learning, art, and culture for centuries.
Kanchipuram is a place that you must visit if you want to experience the essence of Tamil Nadu, and witness the splendor and diversity of its temples, silk, and heritage. The best time to visit Kanchipuram is between October and March, when the weather is pleasant and the festivals are celebrated. You can reach Kanchipuram by taking a bus, taxi, or train from Sriperumbudur.
Mahabalipuram
One of the most scenic and historical coastal towns in India, Mahabalipuram is located about 60 km from Sriperumbudur. Mahabalipuram is known for its rock-cut monuments, which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and which showcase the artistic and architectural excellence of the Pallava dynasty. Some of the most famous monuments in Mahabalipuram are the Shore Temple, the Five Rathas, the Arjuna’s Penance, and the Krishna’s Butter Ball. Mahabalipuram is also known for its beaches, which are ideal for relaxing, swimming, and surfing. Mahabalipuram is also known for its art, as it has a thriving community of sculptors, painters, and craftsmen, who create and sell beautiful and intricate works of art.
Mahabalipuram is a place that you must visit if you want to admire the beauty and marvel of the rock-cut monuments, and enjoy the charm and serenity of the beaches. The best time to visit Mahabalipuram is between October and March, when the weather is pleasant and the sea is calm. You can reach Mahabalipuram by taking a bus, taxi, or auto-rickshaw from Sriperumbudur.
Tips and insights from local experts and travelers
To help you make the most of your trip to Sriperumbudur, we have gathered some tips and insights from local experts and travelers who have visited Sriperumbudur. Here are some of them:
- The best time to visit Sriperumbudur is between October and March, when the weather is pleasant & cool.
- The best way to explore Sriperumbudur is by hiring a car or a bike, as the public transport is limited and unreliable
- The best place to stay in Sriperumbudur is one of the many hotels and resorts that cater to the industrial and business travelers, such as the Hilton, the Mercure, or the Citrus
- The best place to eat in Sriperumbudur is one of the many local restaurants and eateries that serve authentic Tamil cuisine, such as the Sriperumbudur Mess, the Annapoorna, or the Saravana Bhavan
- The best place to shop in Sriperumbudur is one of the many shops and markets that sell local handicrafts, souvenirs, and silk, such as the Sriperumbudur Bazaar, Kanchipuram Silk Emporium, or Rajiv Gandhi Handicrafts Centre
Sriperumbudur is a town that has a lot more to offer than meets the eye. It is a town that has a rich and diverse history, culture, and religion, and a town that has a vibrant and modern industry, and a town that has a plethora of attractions and activities for travelers of all kinds.
Whether you want to pay homage to a national hero, witness the thrill of motor sports, seek blessings from a divine deity, or have fun at an amusement park, Sriperumbudur has it all.
So, what are you waiting for? Plan your trip to Sriperumbudur today, and discover this hidden gem of Tamil Nadu.