What to expect
Chennakesava Perumal Temple
This Vishnu temple honours Chenna Kesava Perumal, regarded as the patron deity of Chennai, and the city's name 'Chennapattanam' is widely believed to derive from it. The original was built by Beri Thimappa, the dubash who brokered the 1639 land deal that created Madras. After the East India Company demolished the first structure in 1757, the present temple was rebuilt in 1762 by Manali Muthukrishna Mudaliar.
Practical guide
Plan Chennakesava Perumal Temple
Typetemple
Nearest basePark Town
Best timeOctober to March is the cooler, drier season in the Cauvery delta
Time neededAbout an hour
EntryFree
Nearest town/basePark Town
DistrictChennai
Place typetemple
Time neededAbout an hour.
This Vishnu temple honours Chenna Kesava Perumal, regarded as the patron deity of Chennai, and the city's name 'Chennapattanam' is widely believed to derive from it. The original was built by Beri Thimappa, the dubash who brokered the 1639 land deal that created Madras. After the East India Company demolished the first structure in 1757, the present temple was rebuilt in 1762 by Manali Muthukrishna Mudaliar.
Chennakesava Perumal Temple is planned from Park Town, one of the travel bases in Chennai district. Use Park Town for stays, food and local transport, then plan this place as a focused stop.
Visiting
Chennakesava Perumal Temple — at a glance
Timings6:00 AM - 12:00 PM, 4:00 PM - 8:30 PM
Best timeYear-round (early morning or evening)
Entry: Free
Getting there: In Park Town, a short walk from Chennai Central and the Park suburban station; George Town buses stop nearby.
The twin Chenna Malleeswarar temple shares the compound; see both in one visit.
Getting there
How to visit
- Base yourself in Park Town or nearby in Chennai, then confirm the last-mile route locally before travel.
- If access depends on temple, museum or seasonal rules, check on the day before you go.
Distance by road
- Mahabalipuram (Mamallapuram)55 km
- Kanchipuram72 km
- Puducherry150 km
- Vellore135 km
- Tirupati135 km
Road km to Chennai; ghat roads and traffic vary — allow extra.
Timing
Best time
October to March is the cooler, drier season in the Cauvery delta.
Weather in Chennakesava Perumal TempleSeasonal guide
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Visitor notes
Safety
Good to know
On the map
Where Chennakesava Perumal Temple is
Good to know
Chennakesava Perumal Temple — frequently asked
When is the best time to visit Chennakesava Perumal Temple?
October to March is the cooler, drier season in the Cauvery delta.
What are the entry fee and timings at Chennakesava Perumal Temple?
Entry: Free. Timings: 6:00 AM - 12:00 PM, 4:00 PM - 8:30 PM. Fees and timings are indicative — confirm on site before you travel.
How do I reach Chennakesava Perumal Temple?
Base yourself in Park Town or nearby in Chennai, then confirm the last-mile route locally before travel. If access depends on temple, museum or seasonal rules, check on the day before you go.
How much time do I need for Chennakesava Perumal Temple?
About an hour.
What else is near Chennakesava Perumal Temple?
Nearby you can pair Chenna Malleeswarar Temple (10 m), Sowcarpet (410 m), Kandaswamy Temple (620 m), Ekambareswarar Temple (700 m).
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- Chennakesava Perumal Temple:Unknown author, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons · Public domain