On
the map of the Indian heart
The Gateway to the South; Chennai (formerly Madras) located besides the Bay
of Bengal is embraced by it from the east, while the state of Andhra Pradesh
is beautifully located on its northwest. It has the famous district of
Tamilnadu, Kanchipuram, on its south and the states of Kerala and Karnataka
on its western side. Being situated at the tropical zone, Chennai normally
has a very hot and humid climate.
Chennai connects itself dynamically to world and by all routes
as mentioned here:
» The air link : Chennai is an international airport with
flight connections to all major parts of the world, Domestic airlines
connect Chennai with all the major cities of India.
» The rail link : Regular train services connect Chennai
directly with all major cities of the country. Suburban Electric trains run
from Beach station to Tambaram and from Central to Gummidipoondi and
Arakonam.
» The road link : Chennai being gateway to the south is
connected by excellent roads to all parts of the south. Taxis,
Auto-rickshaws and cycle rickshaws are available. all types of tourist
vehicle are easily available on hire.
The aqua link: There is a sea line to Andaman and Nicobar islands.
Explore the Southern ecstasy
Bejeweled
in the mystical south Chennai previously known as Madras unleashes history
with the hands of nature. Every tourist destination rhymes a melodious saga
that coherently harmonizes the past with the present. Chennai is the most
vibrant and enchanting cities of the South and is also one of the most
exotic destinations of the Indian sub-continent. Bestowed with exquisite
beauty and natural charisma, Chennai calls for exploration.
» The Marina beach, spreads over an area of 14.5 km, is the
second longest beach in Asia. This beach appears like a festive ground on
weekend evenings.
» Now-a-days used as the state secretariat, the St. George
Forte is another major landmark of Chennai. The British East India Company
built it in the year 1653. It has a museum that has a fine collection of
British and French antiques and other commemorations. Within the fort
premises is the St. Mary's Church, the first British church of Chennai.
» Parthasarthy temple is one of the oldest temples of this
region and echoes with divine grace. The temple is consecrated to Lord
Krishna. Built in the 8th century BC by the Pallavas, the temple was
remodeled in the 16th century by the Vijaynagar kings.
» Snake Park and Guindy National Park, located close to each
other near the Guindy station, are other sites to visit.
» Kapaleeswarar Temple, the grand old temple of Chennai, is
dedicated to Lord Shiva. This temple is a living evidence of the
architectural skills of the Dravidian clan of the 13th century. However,
non-Hindus are not allowed to enter into the main place of worship in the
temple.
» Santhome Cathedral, built during the 14th -15th century, is
another splendid place worth visiting.
»
The Birla Planetarium, Elliot Beach, Valluvar Kottam, National Art and
Government Museum, Anna Zoological Park, Kalakshetra and the Theosophical
Society are some of the eminent sites and focal points of tourism.
» Once the port city of the Pallavas, Mamallapuram or
Mahabalipuram is situated at the periphery of Chennai and is approximately
61 km away from the main city. The artisanship of this place is unmatched.
» A wondrous initiation towards sustaining the ecological
balance of nature is the zoological enhancement of the crocodile bank.
Located just 44 km away from the main city, it houses many rare species of
Indian and African alligators and crocodiles.
» Covelong beach is another place worth a visit in order to
unveil the past of the state that remains unleashed. The surrounding
magnificence of the fort, church, mosque and the seashore are indeed
overwhelming.
» Besides these, Muttukkadu, Thirukkalukundram, Vedanthangal
bird sanctuary, etc., are other excursion destinations to be visited around
the city.
Cultural musings
Aroma of festivity dwells in the air of Chennai. As the heavenly abode
celebrates a number of festivals and plays host to several events. These
festivals are mainly based on the agricultural activities and according to
the position of the stars and planets. Pongal, celebrated in the month of
January, is the most important festival of Chennai. Being a cosmopolitan
city, almost all the religious festivals are celebrated here.
Denizens
Chennai though a quiet civilized, elegant and cultured city pulsates in the
southern part of India. It resonates many inferences to many people. For few
it is merely home, for others it is a 'extremely slow' city, and for some
others it is the city which has attained the perfect balance between the
West and the East. But everybody agrees on one thing - it is one of the
cultural centers in India.
In the first glance, one would be left a thinking that the entertainment
scene in Chennai is confined to classical dance only. But unveil the face of
Madras and you will discover - a more complete and wholesome picture of this
culturally rich city; Chennai.
To spend a colorful evening , you can make your choice amongst theatres,
both Tamil and English, dance recitals or musical concerts.
Accommodation
Chennai offers the most luxurious & hospitable accommodation in India
with world-class services and best ambience. Chennai has always remained a
peaceful city and the same could be found in the neighborhood of the hotels
in Chennai. The prime hotels of Chennai include; Hotel Coromandel, Hotel
Fisherman, Chola Sheraton, Park Sheraton and many more.
Chennai
Tourism
