Chennai - Kanchipuram - Mahabalipuram

Chennai, the land of Tamils, is most fascinating city of India. This capital city of Tamil Nadu is the fourth largest metropolis and is widely known for its brilliant temples and long sandy beaches. Chennai is culturally very active, showcasing numerous forms of classical music and dance. Well connected by rail, road and air, Chennai is accessible from all parts of the country. Being a metropolitan city, there is no dearth of accommodations here and tourists can choose from hotels ranging from deluxe to luxury hotels and economy to budget hotels.

There are several places of interest in and around Chennai. Marina Beach is the second longest beach in the world. Fort St. George, built in 1653, is home to Secretariat. Kapaleeshwar Temple, devoted to Lord Shiva, is the oldest temple in Chennai.Government Musuem and Art Gallery exhibits a rich collection of old paintings and sculptures. Besides, the Guindy National Park, Birla Planetarium, Sri Parthasarathy Temple, Snake Park are also worth visiting.

71 kms from Chennai lies Kanchipuram.It is one of the spectacular temple cities of Chennai and is popularly known for its silk sarees. This capital city of the ancient Pallavas, Cholas and Vijaynagar kings draw tourists round the year to see magnificent temples built all across the city. One can reach this city by bus from Chennai, Pondichery and other nearby cities. Kanchipuram also has a railway station on the Chingleput-Arkkonam line.

The city of Mysore offers a lot to see. Mysore Palace, is the landmark of the city and perhaps the most ornate example of Indo-Sarcenic architecture. A solid gold throne studded with the jewels remains the most resplendent object that visitors throng to see here. St.Philomena's Church, one of the largest churches in India is known for its gothic style architecture and pulls in toursits in large numbers. Chamundi Hills close to Mysore is home to 12th century temple of Chamundeswari and also a venue of Mysore Dussehra. Brindavan Gardens, Mysore Zoo, Jagan Mohan Art Gallery and Varshaswamy Temple are other famous attractions of Mysore.

The prime attraction of Kanchipuram is the Kamakshi Amman Temple devoted to Goddess Parvati. Ekambareshwar Temple,Varadaraja Temple, Kailashanathar Temple are also notable sites to visit. Several festivals are also organised here like the Float Festival at the Varadaraja Temple in February and November, Kamakshi Ammam Festival in February which must not be missed.

Mahabalipuram also known as Mamallapuram is situated on the coast of Bay of Bengal and is 64 kms from Chennai. Being the capital and seaport of the Pallavas kings, the little sea side town has many rock-hewn temples, sculptures and the world's largest stone bas relief. The beautiful beach spanning over 20 kms draw holiday seekers round the year to Mahabalipuram. Chinglepet railway station is convenient base for the visitors coming by train. By road it is an hour's drive from Chennai.

Mahabalipuram is a sculptor's delight. Among the noteworthy sites in the close proximity of the town are the Arjuna's Penance, Krishna Mandapam, Varaha Mandapam, Five Rathas and Shore Temples. There are several other places of interest situated between Chennai and Mahabalipuram and can be covered easily. 18 kms from Chennai on the Mahabalipuram-Chennai road is the Cholamandal Artist's Village. The first of its kind, the village is home to artists and sculptors who can be seen here working. Crocodile Bank can also be seen enroute Mahabalipuram. This Crocodile bank is a farm where several species of Indian and African crocodiles and alligators are bred in captivity. Visitors can also see several amusement parks and number of water sports and entertainment facilities around Mahabalipuram and Chennai.