General Information:
Temperature : Max. 37° C and Min 27° C in Summer.Max. 32° C and Min 19° C in Winter.
Best Season : October to March.
Introduction:
Chennai, once a fishing village is now sprawling metropolis and the capital of Tamil Nadu. Chennai captures the essence of traditional southern culture with is fine crafts, festivals, classical music and dance. Chennai was one of the earliest cities set up by the British and marvellous in that style known as Indo-Saracenic, reflect its ‘Raj’ heritage. Though an industrial and financial centre, Chennai is a relaxed city, the ideal place to start on a discovery of the “South”. Chennai today is a city the still sustains a pure Tamil Culture with modern participation. Chennai is a true reflection of this country’s diversity. Chennai has blossomed into a charming city, which has a large heart. So described because it is a city which encourages all forms of development, whether modern technology or traditional arts and crafts, and embrace within itself a series of paradoxes which merge peacefully into one. Spread over 200 sq kms with one side straddled by the Bay of Bengal, the city is the ‘Gateway to South India’. It is airy and spacious, with verdant green patches found amidst high-tech, high-rise buildings.
Getting There:
Air: Chennai is well connected by several domestic and international airlines with almost all parts of the country and abroad.
Rail: Broad gauge train services link Chennai to most cities in India. Long distance trains depart from Chennai Central and Egmore station.
Road: Intercity and interstate bus services originate from the Central Bus Station and Express Bus Station.
Local Transport: City bus service operates in the city and to Pushkar. Unmetered taxis, auto-rickshaws, tongas and cycle-rickshaws are also available.
Tourist Attraction:
Fort St. George
Fort St. George: Fort St. George occupies place of pride and prominence in Chennai. These Bastions derive its name from St. George, the patron Saint of England. The State Legislature and the Secretariat are located in Fort St. George.
Fort Museum: This is a treasure house of rare exhibits of weapons, uniforms, coins, costumes, medals and other artifacts of the British period. The flag mast at Fort St. George is still the tallest in India.
Island Ground: This is the lungs of the city. It is situated on an Island formed by the river Cooum. This ground is the venue of the Trade Fair and the Tourist Fair held periodically, which are seasonal attraction.
High Court: It has decorative domes and corridors reminiscent of Indo-Saracenic architecture. Along with adjacent Parrys Corner, it is a landmark if Chennai.
The Marina: The Matina Beach, the pride of Chennai is the second longest beach in the world and has a wide sandy foreshore.
Kapaleeswarar Temple: In Mylapore, there is an 8th Centaury Pallava temple. The temple ‘Gopuram’ (tower) is in the characteristic Dravidian style of architecture.
Matina Beach
Kapaleeswarar Temple
Elliot’s Beach
Elliot’s Beach: Following the road along the coast down south from Marina one comes to Elliot’s Beach where one can spend a few hours relaxing.
Vivekananda House (Museum): Vivekananda Museum is an imposing building on the Marina along the beach road constructed in 1842 to store ice bars imported from the U.S.A.
Vivekananda House
Samthome Cathedral Basilica
Samthome Cathedral Basilica: Samthome at the southern end of Marina derives its name from Saint Thomas, and apostle of Christ who is believed to have come to Chennai sometime during 52 A.D.
Birla Planetarium: The Birla Planetarium at Kotturpuram, situated between Adyar and Guindy, is the most modern planetarium in the country. It houses a fully computerized projector, which depict the heavens on a hemispherical dome. Adjoining the planetarium is the Periyar Science and Technology Museum that is of interest to student and other science enthusiasts.
Government Museum, National Art Gallery and Connemara Library: The Pantheon complex was built before 1789 and was the place of assemblage for the British still it was bought by the Government in 1830.
Valluvar Kottam: The standing memorial to the immortal Tamil Saint Philosopher Thriuvalluvar is shaped like a temple chariot. A life size statue of the saint has been installed in the 39 mts tall chariot.
M. G. R. Film City: Set up by the Government of Tamil Nadu in the sprawling Tharamani area, M. G. R. Film City houses various locations and settings for Film shooting besides dubbing and re-recording theatres.
St. Thomas Mount: Atop the 76 mts. high mount where St. Thomas was martyred is an old Church, which was built by the Portuguese around 1514 A.D. Among the interesting relics in the church is an old stone cross, which the apostle is said to have clutched in his hand while dying. On the wall above the alter is an oil painting of the Madonna which was brought to India by St. Thomas and is said to be one of the seven.
Guindy National Park: The Deer Park, 595 acres in extent, situated adjacent to Raj Bhavan was originally a part of the Government’s Estate. This is the only national park situated within the Metropolitan City.
Excursion:
Crocodile Bank
Crocodile Bank: Crocodile bank is situated from 44 km from city centre. This crocodile bleeding and research centre is run by the Madras Crocodile Bank Trust. Here several species of Indian Crocodile and alligators from around the world are bred in captivity. These reptiles are kept in their natural habitat in open pool and can be viewed from a safe proximity.
Covelong: Covelong is a seaside village situated 40 km from city centre, it offers a unique environment. A Dargah and Catholic church attracts pilgrim from Chennai and neighbouring district.
Dakshina Chitra: Tamil Nadu can boast of an ‘Art Village’, otherwise called Dakshina Chitra, near Muttukkadu on the way to Mamallapuram. Founded by Madras Craft Foundation, Dakshina Chitra has models of traditional handlooms and the replicas of the houses of Kancheepuram Silk Weavers. The craftsmen and the weavers are at work demonstrating their skill and dexterity. To the joy of the visitors the weavers, potters and other craftsmen give live demonstration.
Muttukadu: Muttukadu is situated 36 km from Chennai. This is an ideal picnic spot. T.T.D.C. run a Boat House where facilities for boating and wind surfing are available.
Amusement Parks
Amusement Parks: Amusement parks around Chennai are Kishkinta near Tambaram, Little Folks, MGM Dizzy World and V.G.P. Golden Beach on the way to Mamallapuram.
Vedanthangal: A major water-bird sanctuary, this bird watchers’ paradise is only 83 km from Chennai on the way to Tiruchirappalli. The season is from October to March. Regular buses services are available from Tambaram and Chengalpattu. For accommodation either at Chennai or Mamallapuram or at the forest department’s rest house at Vedanthangal.
Kancheepuram: Kancheepuram, the city of thousand temples situated 70 km away from Chennai. Kancheepuram is one of the seven-scared cities of India.
Map Of Chennai, Tamilnadu :