CHENNAI

Chennai, is the capital city of Tamil nadu and is a popular gateway city for south India. Chennai is a colourful blend of traditions and the modern outlook. Chennai has all – from beautiful south silk sari’s and ancient temples to modern high rise buildings.

HOW TO REACH

BY AIR
Chennai has an international airport, connecting the city to all major cities in India, as well as abroad. All domestic carriers operate regular flights to and from Chennai.

BY RAIL
The Centeral Station at Chennai, is the stop for all major trains coming from different parts of India. Trains coming from Tamil Nadu and Kerela stop at Egmore station.

BY ROAD
Excellent roads connect Chennai to all other parts of southern India. Buses from other cities stop at Moffussil Bus Stand.

WHAT TO SEE

Government Museum
The Government Museum is worth visiting in Chennai. The museum has a marvelous archaeological section that is classified along major South Indian dynasties namely Chola, Vijaynagara, Hoysala and Chalukya. The bronze gallery has a superb collection of Chola Art. You can also visit the National Art Gallery that is situated in its vicinity. The place boasts off some of the most fascinating array of Mughal, Rajasthani and Deccan artworks.

Marina Beach
Golden sand, clean surroundings and a shimmering clean blue sea; that is what Marina beach is all about. The beach is counted among one of the longest beaches in Asia. Marina beach is located on the eastern side of Chennai, adjoining the Bay of Bengal. The most picturesque scene at this place is sunrise and sunset. Many people come here for swimming and bathing also although the sea is very rough here.

Anna Zoological Park
Located at Vandalur, 32 km from Chennai City, the Anna zoological park is one of the modern zoos of India and the biggest in South East Asia. The zoological Park spreads over an area of about 510 hectares of dry evergreen forests. The terrain is gently undulating and the specially created open island type enclosures make the animals inside the zoo, feel in their natural habitat. Inside the zoological park, more than 170 species of mammals, aviaries and reptiles are exhibited.

Sri Partasarathy Temple
The Partasarathy Temple is located in the Tiruvallikeni area of Chennai city. The temple is considered be the oldest of its kind in the Chennai city as its origins date back to the 8th century A.D. Parthasarathy temple was originally built by the Pallavas. This temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna. The name Parthasarathy has been derived from two Sanskrit words Partha and Sarathy. The former word refers to Arjuna and the later means Charioteer. During festival days the place is given a new look and accompanied by various traditional rites.

Fort St.George and St. Mary’s Church
The fort was named after St George who is believed to have preached in the region. The fort in present Chennai houses the Tamil Nadu Secretariat and the Legislative Assembly. The fort in its present form looks more like a mansion, rather any fort. The building is a live example of British milliatary architecture of the bygone era.

St George's Fort also houses one of the oldest British Church in India. The church called St Mary's was built in the year 1680. The Lighthouse in the northern compound was built in the year 1844. There is a museum in the fort that contains some of the archives of the British occupation in India.

Mammalpuram
Mammalpuram or Mahabalipuram is a small town, about 57 kms from Chennai city, which has some of the best examples of South Indian temple architecture. The place used to be a major port in ancient India. Mammalapuram was the commanding post of Pallava rulers from 5th to 9th century. The popular attractions of Mammalapuram were built during this period. The rich traditions have been preserved and one can still catch a glimpse of ancient art of Mammalapuram.

The region was declared as the World Heritage Site by UNESCO, in the year 1995. The Shore Temple built as a twin structure on the shore of Bay of Bengal, presents the typical Dravidian architectural style. Equally popular are the man-made caves, some of which are unfinished. The Mahishasuramardini Cave and Varaha Cave are some illustrious examples of cave architecture.

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