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 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 - 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.
SouthIndiaTravelTourism.com offers destinations to the following South Indian cities :
 Travel To Alappuzha
Travel To Bangalore
Travel To Chennai
Travel To Hyderabad
Travel To Kochi
Travel To Mangalore
Travel To Mysore
Travel To Pondicherry
Travel To Trivandrum
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