Senate House is on Wallajah Road, along the beautiful Marina Beach, in Chennai. It serves as the administrative hub of the University of Madras. It has offices of the Registrar and the Vice-Chancellor of the University.

This charming building of the House is painted in earthy colors. It is one of the most attractive buildings in Chennai.

History

The 19th Century British architect, Robert Chisholm, built the Senate House. He was regarded as one of the initiators of Indo-Saracenic architecture.

The Madras Government in 1864 released an advertisement that invited designs for the building of the Senate House. Robert Chisholm responded to the ad. His design was selected by the government. As a result, the construction of Senate House began in April 1874 and finished in 1879.

Architecture

The Senate House is regarded as one of the oldest and the finest examples of Indo-Saracenic architecture in India. It features several components of the Byzantine style too. The combination of both architecture styles creates a marvelous structure.

The great hall of the House has colossal height and proportions. It is regarded as one of the most brilliant of its kind in India.

The House has four towers and domes. Their earthy colors are fantastic. The Central Hall is the chief attraction of the House. It is incredibly big and built on six stone pillars.

The House building features six porches. Two are on the western and eastern sides of the House, while the remaining two are on the southern and northern side each. The roof of the House is built of brick shell and lime mortar.

There is a convocation hall in the House, plus porticos that are surrounded by parapet, a library, and meeting halls.

Nearby Attractions

While visiting the Senate House, tourists can also visit M.A. Chidambaram Stadium, also called Chepauk Cricket Stadium. Then, there is the St. Mary’s Church, which is also known as ‘Westminister Abbey of the East.’ There is also the Parthasarathy Temple, which is an 8th century Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Krishna.

It is hard to miss the beautiful Marina Beach. The clear blue waters of the sea and the glittering golden sand make the beach one of the grandest beaches of India. It is also the world’s second longest beach, spanning 13 km from St. George Fort to Mahabalipuram.

House Timings

Tourists can visit Senate House from 9 in the morning till 5 in the evening, all days of the week.

The Best Time to Visit

Chennai greets tourists warmly during the months of September, October, November, December, February and March.

How to Reach

The Chennai International Airport is only 7 km from the city. It is a well-connected airport. Chennai is also the headquarters of the Southern Railways, so tourists have no problem in getting superfast and express trains from and to major cities of India.

The Chennai Mofussil Bus Terminal is one of the biggest bus stations of Asia. The city is connected to five national highways and has a great roadway network.