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CHENNAI
The Gateway to South India, Chennai, located
along the Coromandel Coast initially grew around the British
settlement of Fort St. George and is today India’s fourth
largest metropolis. Chennai is famous for its sandy beaches,
parks and historic landmarks. With a very distinct culture,
the people of Chennai have a special interest in
music, dance and all other art forms of South India.
Chennai is a seaside (and a major port) city
where the sea is a rhapsodist blue, hugging the second
largest beach in the world. It has many monuments and
temples exemplifying the contributions of the Chola and
Pallava Dynasties to the ancient Dravidian civilization.
Chennai also has the ancient churches and Cathedrals
pointing to British heritage of 150 years.
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Tourist Attractions
Kapaleeswarar Temple
The Kapaleeshwar Temple is one of the famous Chennai
Tourist Attractions. Constructed in the 13th century
AD, the temple is a classical example of the Dravidian
Temple Architecture. The temple is located in the
Maylapore area of Chennai surrounded by the local tank
market and residential quarters. The main entrance is
facing the east and is painted in bright colors of red,
blue and yellow. The Puranic gods and goddesses and
legends associate with them are engraved on the walls of
the sanctum sanctorum.
Sri Parthasarathy Temple
This 8th century temple built by the Pallava kings, was
renovated by the Vijayanagar rulers in the 16th century.
The temple is revered for its splendid architecture,
especially the beautiful gopuram (arched gateway).
The Santhomre Cathedral Church
San Thome at the southern tip of Marina features the
beautiful stained glass window at the basilica depicting
the story of St Thomas and the central hall that has 14
wooden plaques depicting scenes from the last days of
Christ. The 3-ft high statue of Virgin Mary was imported
from Portugal in 1543.
Fort St. George
Built by the British East India Company in 1653 this fort
houses St Mary's Church, the first British Church in
Chennai and has a museum with a collection of British and
French historical artifacts. It is currently used as the
State Secretariat or seat of local government.
Crocodile Bank
Crocodile Bank is at a distance of 44 km from Chennai.
On of a unique institution of its type is one of the major
Chennai Tourist Attractions. The bank works in the field
of the conservation of Indian crocodiles. You may find a
number of rare species of crocodiles, alligators, gharials
and other reptiles. You will not find crocodiles of so
many varieties at one single place anywhere else.
Marina Beach
The 12-km long famous Marina Beach is the second longest
beach in the world. It is best to visit the beach early in
the mornings or late in the evenings when the area becomes
a virtual fair ground with food stalls and other
entertainments.
Getting There
By Air: Chennai is well connected to all the major
cities of the world and most international airlines have
flights to Chennai's Anna International Airport.
By Rail: Chennai is connected to many cities and
towns by super-fast and express trains. The city's 2 main
railway stations are Egmore and Madras Central. Chennai is
connected to neighboring cities by Express trains.
By Road: Chennai is well connected to all the major
cities of India by a network of highways and roads. There
are many starting points in and around the city, from
which various state-managed and privately run transport
facilities, operate.
Luxury Holiday India offers information on Chennai in
India and online Booking facility of Chennai in India. |
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