The British constructed Vivekanandar Illam to keep ice. Biligiri Iyengar, an advocate, purchased it afterward. He renamed Castle Kernan after remodeling the Ice House to serve as his home. Swamiji was invited to stay here when he visited Madras in 1897.

For nine days, Swami Vivekananda resided in the "Ice House." He agreed to establish a permanent center here as he was about to leave. As a result, Swami Ramakrishna (a follower) founded Ramakrishna Math Chennai, a spiritual organization.

The structure was purchased by a zamindar in 1906. Vivekananda Ice House Chennai was then purchased by the Madras government in 1917. They established a women's training school and a widow's shelter which is a part of Vivekananda House history.

The Government of Tamil Nadu called the edifice Vivekanandar Illam in 1963 to commemorate Swami Vivekananda's birth centenary (Illam means house in Tamil). The government continues to own the Vivekananda House in Chennai. Ramakrishna Math Chennai, however, is responsible for its management and upkeep.

The Victorian-style Vivekananda House is a two-story house. The devotees can now visit the chamber where Swami Ji resided, the table where he ate, the kitchen where he cooked, and other areas. The art area is on the first floor, while all of Swami Vivekananda's photographs are displayed on the second story.

• Walking through the park - Vivekananda House Chennai has a park with exhibits Swami Vivekananda's messages and teachings.
• Examining the picture galleries – The art galleries at Swami Vivekananda House Chennai showcase India's rich cultural heritage. Interesting situations from his youth, roaming days, and other events are also displayed in the galleries.
• Visiting the Meditation Room -  On the second level of Vivekanandar Illam lies the Meditation Room, which is a quiet and spiritual space. After returning from America in 1897, Vivekananda stayed there.
• Getting started with the augmented reality experience - The Museum also offers a full-fledged Ask Vivekananda augmented reality experience. Visitors can ask questions from a list, and Swami Vivekananda responds as if he were on the screen, answering them live.
• Watch VR movie - Tears of Vivekananda is a brief VR film that is shown at Vivekananda House in Chennai. You can get to know about his traveling days in India and hear his renowned speech at the World Parliament of Religions in this interactive experience. Parliament of Religions and Mind Your Mind are two 3D movies that are now shown. Through this, you will gain more knowledge about Vivekananda House history.

• There is an elevator for the disabled and elderly which is free of charge.
• There is no food service available. However, restrooms are available.
• On Sundays and special days, there is a half an hour extension to Vivekananda House timing for visitors.
• Please adhere to the rules implemented by the authorities.
   

September to May is the best time to visit Chennai's Vivekanand House. The Chennai travelers can also do outdoor activities like Parasailing, Skydiving, Angling and Fishing, ATV Ride, Bungy Jumping, and Paragliding.

• Government Museum Chennai
• Semmozhi Poonga
• San Thome Cathedral Basilica
• Tree Monument
• Vivekananda Statue and Park
• Greater Chennai Corporation Office - Ripon Building
• Fort St. George Museum
   

• Long ago, this structure was known as the Ice House, and it was used to store ice carried from the Great Lakes in North America during colonial times. This was the purpose of the structure for 30 years.
• The ice business went out of operation in 1880 for unclear reasons, and the building was sold to a wealthy Madras man named Biligiri Iyengar.