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Wallajah Mosque

Also called the Big Mosque (Periya Palli), it was built in 1795 by the family of Nawab Wallajah Muhammad Ali Khan of the Carnatic, with the Nawab's mother funding its completion. Constructed of granite without steel or timber and topped by two tall minarets and domes, it is one of the oldest and grandest mosques in Chennai. It remains the principal congregational mosque of Triplicane.

Town guide: TriplicaneChennai districtGet directions →
Wallajah Mosque, Triplicane
Practical guide

Plan Wallajah Mosque

Typemosque
Nearest baseTriplicane
Best timeOctober to March is the cooler, drier season in the Cauvery delta
Time neededAbout an hour
EntryFree
Nearest town/baseTriplicane
DistrictChennai
Place typemosque
Time neededAbout an hour.

Also called the Big Mosque (Periya Palli), it was built in 1795 by the family of Nawab Wallajah Muhammad Ali Khan of the Carnatic, with the Nawab's mother funding its completion. Constructed of granite without steel or timber and topped by two tall minarets and domes, it is one of the oldest and grandest mosques in Chennai. It remains the principal congregational mosque of Triplicane.

Wallajah Mosque is planned from Triplicane, one of the travel bases in Chennai district. Use Triplicane for stays, food and local transport, then plan this place as a focused stop.

Visiting

Wallajah Mosque — at a glance

Timings5:00 AM - 9:00 PM (restricted during the five daily prayers)
Best timeYear-round (outside prayer times)

Entry: Free

Getting here

How to reach Wallajah Mosque

On Triplicane High Road, walkable from Marina Beach and near Chepauk MRTS station.

Dress modestly; avoid visiting during Friday congregational prayers.

What to expect

Highlights

Getting there

How to visit

  • Base yourself in Triplicane 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 Wallajah MosqueSeasonal guide

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Visitor notes

Safety

Good to know

On the map

Where Wallajah Mosque is

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Nearby

What’s near Wallajah Mosque

templeSri Parthasarathy Temple 210 m · 3 min walk
DirectionsOpen guide
heritageQueen Mary's College 680 m · 9 min walk
DirectionsOpen guide
heritageAmir Mahal 800 m · 10 min walk
DirectionsOpen guide
museumVivekanandar Illam 860 m · 11 min walk
DirectionsOpen guide
beachMarina Beach 870 m · 11 min walk
DirectionsOpen guide
heritageAnna Memorial 1.0 km · 12 min walk
DirectionsOpen guide
Good to know

Wallajah Mosque — frequently asked

When is the best time to visit Wallajah Mosque?

October to March is the cooler, drier season in the Cauvery delta.

What are the entry fee and timings at Wallajah Mosque?

Entry: Free. Timings: 5:00 AM - 9:00 PM (restricted during the five daily prayers). Fees and timings are indicative — confirm on site before you travel.

How do I reach Wallajah Mosque?

Base yourself in Triplicane 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 Wallajah Mosque?

About an hour.

What else is near Wallajah Mosque?

Nearby you can pair Sri Parthasarathy Temple (210 m), Queen Mary's College (680 m), Amir Mahal (800 m), Vivekanandar Illam (860 m).

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