Madras, or Chennai as it is now called, is known as the Gateway of Southern India. The East India Company developed Chennai as one of the major trading centres in India. Chennai has a blend of Dravidian and Gothic architecture in its buildings. The city might have grown but it has never lost its traditional grace and charm. The Tamil society might have incorporated English culture but the Dravidian roots are as strong as ever. Chennai is the epitome of tradition, culture and life-style of Southern India. But like the rest of India, Chennai has over the years, developed its share of urban style and modernity. Accommodation and transportation are cheap and efficient. It is very likely that the temples that you will visit in Chennai are unlike any other that you have seen before. Visit the 4.5 km long Golden Marina beach,one of the longest beaches in the world.

Unlike Mumbai, the Chennai port is not a natural harbour. Nevertheless, this man-made port is very modern and efficient in handling cargo and other traffic. Today Chennai is the fourth largest city in India and commands a major share in the trade from the South.

Chennai History
Chennai was developed after 1639 when the East India Company established a fort and trading post at the small fishing village of Chennai. Over the past three and a half centuries, the small fishing village has grown into a bustling metropolitan city which is especially known for its spaciousness which is lacking in other Indian cities. Various churches and some impressive buildings remind the visitor about the long and inseparable association the city has had with the British. Chennai was also an important centre of Pallavan culture long before the British came here and the traces of which can be found in the various old temples.


Place to See
Fort St. George
Built by the British East India Company in 1653, the fort has now grown into a metropolis. The fort presently houses the Secretariat and the legislative assembly of Tamil Nadu. The fort museum presents a fascinating collection of various memorabilia from the period of British Raj including a 'Clive's Corner.' The towering flagstaff of the fort is the tallest in India.

St Mary's Church
The Oldest English church in India was built during 1678-80. Situated inside the Fort St. George, this church was constructed during the time of Streynsham Master, when he was the governor. It was designed by William Dixon and has four feet thick outer walls and solid curved bomb proof roof. The major attraction of the church is a huge painting of the Last Supper in the Raphael style brought from Pondicherry.

Kapaleeswarar Temple
The ancient temple is situated at Mylapore in the southern part of Chennai. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this temple is a typical example of the Dravidian architecture. This temple has 120 ft high gopuram (Portal tower) which was built in 1906 and is adorned with stucco figures. In addition, the bronze images of the 63 Saivaite saints are carved on the outer yard of the temple. The famous 'Aruvathi Moovar' festival attracts lakhs of tourists and visitors every year.

Marina Beach
The pride of Chennai, the Marina beach is the second longest beach in the world. Stretching over 12 kms in length, the beach is known for its natural beauty and houses the Samadhis of two former chief ministers of Tamil Nadu. Several historic buildings stand on the other side of vast stretches of sand.

High Court and Light House
Built in the year 1892, the High Court building is an important landmark of Chennai. The imposing Indo-Saracenic building has a beautiful dome and stained glass arches and minarets. The tallest minaret of the building rising 160 feet, has the Light House which was erected in 1894. The Light House offers panoramic views of the harbour and Georgetown.

Government Museum
Situated on the Pantheon Road in Egmore, this museum was established in 1857. It is the first Government sponsored museum, which was gifted to the Government in 1851 by the Madras Literary Society. This museum has the most beautiful bronze collection, a good collection of South Indian musical instruments, numismatic and arms.

Birla Planetarium
The Birla Planetarium is situated at Kotturpuram between Adyar and Gunidy. Everyday the planetarium presents two programmes based on various themes of astronomy - positions of constellations, moon panaroma, galaxies, comets, occurrence of solar and lunar eclipses etc. The planetarium is closed on Mondays.

Elliot's Beach
Located close to Basant Nagar, the beach offers a good alternative to beach lovers who prefer to avoid the crowd of Marina Beach. The Elliot's Beach is the place which was used by former governors for sea bathing and relaxation. Major attractions near the beach are the Ashta Laxmi Temple and a church.

Kalakhestra
Kalakshetra meaning 'Temple of Art' is located beyond Elloit's beach at Thiruvanmiyur. It is a school of classical Indian music and dance like the most popular Bharatanatyam and Kuravanji. Kalakshetra was founded by noted dancer Rukmini Devi in 1936 to train and encourage the dancers.


Fairs & Festivals
Arubathimoovar Festival
Literally, 'Arubathimoovar' refers to the 63 saints of Shiva canonized for leading exemplary lives of devotion and penance. Bronze figures of these 63 saints adorn the magnificent Kapaliswar Temple at Mylapore, Chennai. Once, every year, they are carried in a colourful procession through the streets of Mylapore.

Chithirai Festival
Celebrated in Madurai a spectacular re-enactment of the marriage of the Pandiyan princess Meenakshi to Lord Sundareswarar. You can witness an ancient legend unfold right before your eyes as Lord Vishnu rides to his sister's wedding on gleaming real-gold horse chariot.

Dance Festival - Mamallapuram
Sit before an open-air 'stage' created 13 centuries ago the incredible monolithic rock sculptures of the Pallavas, next to the sea in this ancient city of Mamallapuram. Watch a very unique dance event where traditional dance forms of Bharathanatyam, Kuchipudi, Kathakali and Odissi, presented by the very best exponents of the art besides folk dances.

Kanthuri Festival
A truly secular festival where devotees flock to the shrine of saint Quadirwali, believed to do equal good to people of all faiths. One of the descendants of the Saint is chosen as a Peer or spiritual leader and is honoured with offerings. On the tenth day of the festival, the Saint's tomb is anointed with sandalwood - and later the holy sandal paste, renowned for its healing powers, is distributed to everyone.

Kavadi Festival
Dancing in a hypnotic trance to the rhythm of drums, devotees of Muruga carry the 'Kavadi' a flower-decked decoration, all the way up the Palani Hills to fulfil their vow. According to Hindu mythology, Idumban is said to have carried two sacred hillocks on two ends of a pole laced on his shoulders

How to Reach
Air : Chennai has domestic as well as international airports. The Kamaraj Domestic Airport and the Anna International Airport are located at Tirusulam, at a distance of 20 km from the city.

Train : The city of Chennai is also well connected to all the major cities in India through a wide network of railways. The main railheads are Madras Central and Egmore.

Road : The city of Chennai is also well connected to all the major cities in Tamil Nadu and other neighboring states through an excellent road network.