Theosophical Society

Between the Adyar River and the coast, the 100 hectares of the Theosophical Society provide one of the few peaceful retreats from the city. The sprawling grounds contain a church, mosque, Buddhist shrine and Hindu temple. There’s a huge variety of native and introduced trees, including a famed 400-year-old banyan tree whose branches offer reprieving shade for over 40,000 sq ft. The Adyar Library here has an immense collection of books on religion and philosophy, from thousand-year-old Buddhist scrolls to intricate, handmade 19th-century bibles. If you’re interested in the Theosophical Society’s philosophy, call into the public relations office and chat with the director.