About Chennai
Chennai, formerly known as Madras is the capital of Tamil Nadu in the southern part of India. This fourth largest city in India sprawls over more than 70 sq km of land. Lying by the Bay of Bengal, Chennai the present gateway to the South of India, is itself, however, only about 350 years old.
The city has somewhat unkindly described as having three seasons - hot, hotter and hottest. Indeed, except for four pleasant months, November to February, the weather is uniformly hot and humid in Chennai.
Particularly charming features of Chennai are its faithfulness to ancient traditions. It still retains the charm, culture and courtesies of the ages, something which you may not find in other metropolises of India.
Location : In the south India state of Tamil Nadu, just along the Bay of Bengal.
How to Get There Air : Chennai is an international airport with flight connections to all major parts of the world, Domestic airlines connect Chennai with all the major cities of India.
Rail : Regular train services connect Chennai directly with all major cities of the country. Suburban Electric trains run from Beach station to Tambaram and from Central to Gummidipoondi and Arakonam.
Road : Chennai being gateway to the south is connected by excellent roads to all parts of the south. Taxis, Auto-rickshaws and cycle rickshaws are available. all types of tourist vehicle are easily available on hire.
Major Tourist Attractions in Chennai Kapaleeswarar
A masterpiece of Dravidian style, Kapaleeswarar displays the architectural elements - gopurams, mandapams and a tank. There are some fragmentary inscriptions dating back to 1250 AD. It is an ancient Shiva temple and is the biggest temple in Chennai.
Sri Parthasarathy Temple
Sri Parthasarathy Temple is one of the oldest surviving temple in Chennai. Dedicated to Lord Krishna, the temple was originally raised by the Pallavas in the 8th century and renovated in the 16th century bt the Vijayanagars. It houses the five 'avatars' of Lord Vishnu, and has a small temple shrine dedicated to Vishnu's consort, Vedavalli Ammai.
The Santhomre Cathedral Church
The Santhome Cathedral Church built in 1504, then rebuilt in neo-Gothic style in 1893, this Roman Catholic Church near Kapaleeshwarar temple is said to house the remains of St. Thomas the Apostle.
Fort St. George
Built in 1640 AD, Fort St. George was the first bastion of British power of India. The fort has undergone much alteration. The fort is now used by the Tamilnadu Legislative Assembly and the Secretariat office. The 46m high flagstaff at the front is actually a mast salvaged from a 17th century shipwreck.
The Snake Park
The Snake Park with its lizards, crocodiles and turtles is the most interesting place to visit in Chennai. Well maintained with generous enclosures, the Snake Park houses a wide variety of reptiles.
The Theosophical Society
The Theosophical Society, is set in a tranquil spot on the banks of the Adyar river. There is a huge banyan tree, with its branches spreading over an area of 40,000 square ft, where discourses are conducted.
Marina Beach
The Marina Beach extends to 13 km along the Bay of Bengal. South of the pitiful aquarium is the Ice House, once used to store massive ice blocks transported by ship from North America. It later became the venue from which Vivekanand preached his ascetic philosophy.
Shopping : Kancheepuram hand woven silk sarees, exquisite souvenirs in silver, copper, bronzed and wood, available in various government emporia and private stores or irresistible jewelry made from uncut precious stones.
