Chennai India

Chennai is situated on the Coromandel Coast of the Bay of Bengal and is the capital of Tamil Nadu. Chennai, the earlier name of this cosmopolitan metropolis was christened to Chennai in 1996. It is fourth largest city in India. The reflections of british Influence together with tamil hindu culture can be seen in this beautiful city. Chennai presents a distinctive variation to North India in music, dance, language, food and costumes. The city houses many magnificient temples, forts, beaches, parks, churches and musuems captivating tourists from all over the world.

Getting There

By Air : International Airport is located in Chennai. Flights are available to almost all the Indian cities and for other countries.

By Road : Chennai is also well connected by road.

By Rail : Chennai is connected by rail to all parts of the country.

Related Accommodations

There are good hotels and guest-houses both for the business travellers and the holidayers. Hotels are situated in the lush green smoke free environment and thus refreshing the mind and soul of the visitors.

Ask for Hotel

Did You Know?

• The city of Chennai is 368 years old and is the 34th largest metropolitan area in the world.
• The temple architecture of Chennai is famous worldwide.
• Chennai is the third largest commercial and industrial centre of India.
• Chennai's Marina beach is a 12 km stretch and is said to be one of the longest beaches in Asia.
• Every December, a five week-long Music season is held in Chennai, which is said to be one of the
• world's largest cultural events.

Attractions

Fort ST. Geroge

This magnificient fort was constructed by the British East India Company in 1640 AD. Named after Saint George, the patron saint of England this fort was built by Francis Day and Andrew Cogon. The fort is also home to Saint Mary's Church which was built in 1680 and a fort museum. The fort is known for the excellant sculpture.

Parthsarthy Temple

The temple is situated in Triplicane and was built by the Pallavas in the mid-eigth century. Temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna and was renovated in the 16th century by the Vijaynagar kings. The temple is known for its marvellous gopuram and splendid architecture.

Marina Beach

This beach is the second largest beach in the world and streches widely in 12 km area. A drive along the Marina is a fantastic ride. It is one of the captivating beaches offering many water sports opportunities like, para-sailing, gliding, cruising, etc. On the southern side , a row of beautiful buildings could be seen, University of Chennai, Senate-House, Chepauk Palace are some of them. Observing the sunrise and sunset from the beach is an awe-inspiring experience.

National Art Gallery

Popularly known as Victoria Memorial Hall was built in 1906. It represents excellent Indo-Sarcenic work. This art gallery exhibits a fine collection of old paintings and sculptures of Tanjore, Rajput and Mughal miniature paintings, Deccan paintings of seventeenth century, handicrafts, metalware, and ivory carvings of 11-12 century. The whole compund of the Musuem is adorned with cannons captured in various battles by the Bristish army.

Travel Facts

Area 174 Sq.Km
Population 42.16 lakh.
Climate Summer Max- 37 C and Min-21 C Winter Max-32 C and Min-20 C
Languages Tamil, Telegu , Malayalam, English
Best Time to Visit Throughout the year
Excursion Mamallapuram( 36 km), Tirupathi( 84 km) Kancheepuram (75kms)

Must Try Out

Shopping

There are several big malls and shopping complex in Chennai. Kancheepuram hand woven silk sarees, metal works, antiques, jewellery stone carvings are some of the best buys.

Cuisine

Chennai is known for the South Indian cuisine comprising mainly of idlis, dosas, vadas etc. Tourists can also relish non vegetarians dishes, Chettinad Pepper Chicken is really delicious. Chennai is famous for its filter coffee.