Chennai,
the gracious capital city of Tamil Nadu is the fourth largest metropolis
in India. Located on a 17km stretch of the Coramandel coast, the
city is trisected by the waterways of Cooum and Adyar and the Buckingham
Canal. With a population of 6 million people, Chennai is a vibrant
city ever growing, expanding and changing every year. Popularly
regarded as the "Gateway to the South", Chennai presents
culture that is distinctly different from that of northern India.
Music, dance and all other art forms of the South are cherished
and nurtured in this city which, though industrialized, continues
to be traditional and conventional in many ways.
Tourist
Destinations: There are a number of tourist attractions in
Chennai. A must visit is the the Sri Kapaleeswarar Temple, Fort
ST. George The Marina Beach,and many more the following are...
» Sri
Kapaleeswarar Temple
Not
far from Triplicane, in Mylapore, there is yet another 8th century
Pallava temple. The temple 'Gopuram'(tower) is characteristic of
Dravidian style architecture .Dedicated to Lord Shiva,this temple
has some beautiful sculptures,among which the bronze idols of 63
Saivite Saints(Nayanmars) which adorn the outer coutyard are rare
specimens.
» Fort
ST. George
Fort
St. George occupies a place of pride and prominence in Chennai.
It was built in 1640 AD, by the British East India Company under
the direct supervision of Francis Day and Andrew Cogon. This bastion
achieved name from St. George, the patron saint of England. The
fort houses St. Mary's Church and fort museum.
» The
Marina Beach
Stretching
two miles, from the Coovum River's mouth, south of the Fort, till
the northern boundaries of the 16th century Portuguese town of San
Thome, is this magnificent beach drive and promenade. At the southern
end of the Marina is the San Thome basilica, built in 1896.
» The
Governament Museum
Once
British Society in Chennai used to meet in the Pantheon. Its 18th
century buildings and grounds have over the years since then been
developed into the Connemara Library, one of the country's three
National Libraries, the national Art Gallery, a beautiful building
of Jaipur- Mughal architecture
»How
to reach Chennai
Chennai's Anna
International Airport and the Kamraj Domestic Terminal provide excellent
links with the key destinations of the country and the world. Being
the headquarters of the Southern Railway, Chennai has regular express
trains connecting to the major cities and towns of the country. Road
route of the city is also well established.
