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The official residence of the Governor of Tamil Nadu appointed by the President of India, formerly the Raj Bhavan. The Lok Bhavan complex features a collection of architecturally distinctive buildings, including the spacious Bharathiar Mandapam, along with expansive lawns where state and official functions, as well as meetings, are held.
Lok Bhavan formerly Raj Bhavan, the official residence of the governor of Tamil Nadu, is located in Chennai, the capital city of the state. The campus comprises the Governor’s residence, the Lok Bhavan offices, and quarters for officers and staff.
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Chennai Snake Park Trust
Founded by one of the prominent wildlife conservationists Romulus Whitaker. The park houses a number of snake species, lizards, crocodiles and turtles. The park breeds more than 30 species of Indian snakes. Some of the most sought-after species include King Cobra, Indian Rock Python, Reticulated Python, Adders and Vipers. In addition to the snakes the park also breeds species of lizards, crocodiles and turtles. The museum in the park premises contains preserved specimens of many reptiles and amphibians. They have a snake display show 4 times daily, and live snakes of different species are shown to the audience with a voiceover in 3 languages (English, Tamil and Hindi).
Children's Park
The park area stands close to 280 hectares. Guindy Park is probably the smallest national park in the country and one of the few Indian national parks within the city limits. The park is inhabited by more than 20 species of trees, about 14 varieties of shrubs and more than 14 species of woodland mammals. The place also houses many species of rare birds and amphibians. The dry deciduous forests of Guindy are lined with tree species like Amona Squamosa, Atlanta Monophylla, Feronia Limonia and Azadirachta India. The popular park animals include species like antelopes (blackbucks), elephants, spotted deer, Indian civets, jungle cats, hedgehogs, pangolins and golden jackals. Some rare bird species found in the park include black-winged kites, honey buzzards and pariah kites. The park is also home to many reptile and amphibian species.
Built in memory of B.M. Birla, the well known industrialist and visionary. Adjoining the planetarium is a Periyar Science and Technology Museum which will be of interest to students and other science scholars.
மத்திய கைலாசம் Mattiya Kailācam; Nadukkayilai
Very popular for locals. Ananda Vinayagar Lord Ganesha, the bestower of happiness, sits right in the centre of Parameshwar, Ambikai and Thirumal.
புனித தோமஸ் மலை Punita Tōmas Malai
St. Thomas, referred to as Didymus, in the Gospel of St. John is one of the twelve disciples of Jesus Christ. He is one of the prime witnesses to the resurrection of Jesus. St. Thomas Mount is associated with St. Thomas, the apostle of Christ, who is believed to have been martyred here. The mount is commonly called in Tamil Parangi Malai or Bhringi Malai. History says 2000 years ago, a saint Parangi lived here (parangi in Tamil is used to refer to a white person). According to local myth, St. Thomas was one of the first Christians to reach India and to preach Christianity. He is believed to have reached South India in AD 52, and spent the last years of his life in a cave on this hill. Tradition states that Thomas was assassinated by an arrow in 72 CE, by persons hostile to him. Thus, the hillock acquired the name St. Thomas Mount. Over time Anglo-Indians predominated in this area. A small relic-filled Church built in 1523 by the Portuguese stands at the summit of the 300 feet (90m) high St. Thomas Mount. The place was visited by Pope John Paul II during his visit to India on 5 February 1986. At the northern foot of the mount, is a gateway of four impressive arches surmounted by a cross bearing the inscribed date 1547. A flight of 160 steps leads up to the summit of the mount. There are fourteen stations of the cross erected on the way to the summit.