!! Travel to Chennai!!

Chennai is the fourth largest state of India and the capital of Tamil Nadu. With a population of 6.4 million people that predominantly speak Tamil, it is the only metropolis in India that has room to expand vertically.

For over 2000 years, Chennai was fought over by the Dutch, Portuguese, French and British to secure and control the spice and silk trade. Later they fought to expand their presence in the interiors of the South Indian peninsula that lead to the epic Carnatic Wars.

Chennai, then known as Madras, became a British presidency in the 19th century. Post independence era has witnessed the meteoric rise of the formerly Madras presidency into a vital commercial center of India.

Arubathimoovar festival, Kanthuri festival, Mamallapuram Dance festival, Pongal and Navratri are festivals celebrated with vigor and enthusiasm in Chennai. Glimpses of Tamil Nadu's vast cultural heritage can be observed and relished at the Music Academy and Kalakshetra Arts Village known for their Carnatic Classical music recitals and Bharat Natyam dance performances.

The shirt-on-lungi look, the frequent visits to cafeteria; the presence of theatres at every turn on the bustling city streets and a culture of active dialogue and debate underline an average Madrasi's predisposition for education and entertainment. You can witness these aspects of the cultural life of Chennai, when you travel to Chennai India.

The city is easily accessible by land, air and water. Its long route bus terminals, international and domestic airports and harbor at George Town also act as a gateway to the rest of the country.

Places to visit on your travel to Chennai :

High Court Building - Parry's corner, littered with bus terminals, is home to the second largest judicial building in the world - Indo-Saracenic structure (1892) in red.

Fort St George, ChennaiFort St George - The location of the present day Secretariat and Legislative Assembly, this mammoth structure was built by the British East India Company around 1653. A 46m high flagstaff salvaged from a shipwreck in the 17th century tops the fort. While the chaotic atmosphere is there to felt on the weekdays, Sunday is a good day to go on an exploration of the fort.

Guindy National Park, Children's Park and Snake Park - For a more conventional and educational outing with the family, you can visit these parks on your travel to Chennai. An interesting mix of animals, birds and reptiles lazing under the Chennai sky is on offer.

Film Studios - A city with a firm tradition in filmmaking and its education, studios such as AVM Studios provide visitors with passes to move around and watch a film shooting possibly starring your favorite actors. Who knows, if you linger long enough you may even get cast as an extra.

Pondy Bazaar - A great place for bargainers to buy a variety of silk items Tamil Nadu is so famous for.

Places of worship in Chennai :

St. Mary's Church - Chennai's first English church is the oldest surviving British church in India. The visits of Elihu Yale, founder of the renowned Yale University in US, and Clive of India are kept alive in the memory of the visitors by reminders in the church.

St. Andrew's Church - A dome the color of night sky and studded with gold stars crowns the church rendered in classical architecture. Though completed in 1821, its surreal splendor is still intact.

Sri Parthasarathy Temple - Built in the 8th century by the Pallavas, it is one of the oldest surviving temples in Chennai dedicated to the worship of Lord Krishna.

Kapaleeshwarar Temple - Constructed in the Dravidian style of architecture with gopurams, mandapams and tanks common to temples all over Tamil Nadu, this ancient Shiva temple in Mylapore draws locals and tourists alike.

San Thome Cathedral - Rebuilt in neo-Gothic style in 1893, this Roman Catholic Church houses the remains of St Thomas the Apostle.

Little Mount Church - Entered via the Portuguese church built in 1551, the small cave at the end is presumed to be the dwelling place of St Thomas on his visit to India. Its religious significance can only be ascertained by attending the daily services held in the mornings.