Popularly
regarded as "The Gateway to the South", Chennai is the
fourth largest city in India and the capital of Tamil Nadu state.
With a vast population of about six million people, Chennai is a
city that is growing, expanding and changing vigorously. Chennai
has the Bay of Bengal bordering its east, while the state of Andhra
Pradesh is on its northwest. It has the Kanchipuram on its south
and the states of Kerala and Karnataka on its western side. Aroma
of festivity dwells in the air of Chennai. As the heavenly abode
celebrates a number of festivals and plays host to several events.
These festivals are mainly based on the agricultural activities
and according to the position of the stars and planets. Pongal,
celebrated in the month of January, is the most important festival
of Chennai. Being a cosmopolitan city, almost all the religious
festivals are celebrated here.
Modern Chennai grew
out of a small village when in 1639 a fishing hamlet called "Madraspatnam"
was selected by early English merchants of the East India Company as
a site for the settlement. Chennai was the first British major
settlement in India and it was here that many who went on to build
the Empire first learnt their trade. As a consequence, the city is
replete with much that is of significance in British Indian history.
But the much older settlements have stories to tell too, and so the
city is an amalgam of ancient and more modern history. Everywhere
one goes in Chennai, one can find history written in every name.
Tourist
Attractions
- Parthsarthy Temple
The Parthasarthy Temple was
built by the Pallava Kings in the 8th century. The temple saw a
renovation by the Vijaynagar Kings in the 16th century. The
arched gateway and the brilliant architecture of the temple
attracts myriad of visitors from all around.
- Marina Beach
The Marina Beach is not a new name
to the visitors and travellers. The beach wonderfully extends
from St. George to Mahabalipuram. Pedlars and hawkers can be
observed all over the beach, selling everything from ice creams
to roasted peanuts to balloons. Swimmers need to take
precautions as the sea might get rough at times.
- Kapaleeshwar Temple
Erected in the 13th century,
the Kapaleeshwar Temple is a fantastic example of the Dravidian
architecture. The temple lies in the Malaypore area of Chennai.
The main entrance of the temple, painted in red, blue and
yellow, looks exquisite and the sanctum bears some Puranic
legends sculpted on it. Ask For Tour !
Centre Of South India's Film IndustryChennai
is the centre of South India's film industry; its skyline is ablaze
with bright movie billboards advertising the latest celluloid
fantasies. There are many big film studios.
ShoppingThe
most popular shopping centers in Chennai are at Rannganatha Street
in T. Nagar and Anna Salai (Mount Road). Mount Road offers a range
of glittering showrooms, hotels and restaurants. George Town near
Parry's corner has one of the biggest markets of the city and deals
in wholesale as well as retail trade like electronic goods, sweets
and chocolates. Here you can find everything from paper and textiles
to cosmetics and decorations. Nearby is the famous Burma Bazar where
one can find all sorts of important goods ranging from electronic
gadgets to ready-mades and perfumes.
A large number
of festivals and fairs are celebrated in Chennai throughout the
year. Besides the national festivals like the Independence Day and
Republic day and religious festivals like Diwali, Holi, Navaratri,
Eid-ul-Fitr, Eid-ul-Adha, Muharrum, Birthday of Prophet Mohamed,
Christmas, Easter, Good Friday etc, Dance festival of Mamallapuram,
Kanthuri festival, Pongal and Chennai Music and Dance Festival are
celebrated with great fervor in Chennai city. The floating festival
in January -February in Mylapore is also very popular.
How
to Reach
- 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. The aqua link:
There is a sea line to Andaman and Nicobar islands.
