Where is Chennai?
Chennai is located in the state of Tamil Nadu in Southern India. It lies on
the Coromondal Coast of the Bay of Bengal.
What is the city famous for?
Chennai is famous for being the capital of the state of Tamil Nadu. It is
known all over for its Marina Beach and the very celebrated Kancheepuram
silk. The city also takes pride in its 100% literacy rate.
How will you gain access?
The Kamaraj Domestic Airport and the Anna International Airport are located
at Tirusulam (20 km from the city). the city has fabulous connection by rail
with all the major cities of the country. Madras Central and Egmore are the
main railheads of the city. An excellent road-network links the city to all
the major parts both inside and outside the state.
What does the climate say?
Chennai experiences a hot and humid climate throughout the year. During the
summers, temperature touches a maximum of 42 degrees. Winter extends from
October to February and during these months the weather remains pleasant.
The city receives heavy rainfall during the monsoon months.
Tourist Attractions in Chennai
» Parthsarthy Temple
The Parthasarthy Temple was built by the Pallava Kings in the 8th century.
The temple saw a renovation by the Vijaynagar Kings in the 16th century. The
arched gateway and the brilliant architecture of the temple attracts myriad
of visitors from all around.
» Kapaleeshwar Temple
Erected in the 13th century, the Kapaleeshwar Temple is a fantastic example
of the Dravidian architecture. The temple lies in the Malaypore area of
Chennai. The main entrance of the temple, painted in red, blue and yellow,
looks exquisite and the sanctum bears some Puranic legends sculpted on it.
» Santhome Cathedral
Santhome Cathedral was probably built by the Persian Christians to place
the remains of St. Thomas inside. The saint had arrived in India in 52 AD
and died here after 26 years. In the year 1606, the church was made into a
cathedral. In the premises of the cathedral, lies a museum with a
16th-century map of South Asia.
» Fort St. George
Fort St. George, with a grey granite exterior, was founded by Sir Day. It
remains unclear, even to this day, that why Sir Day chose this site for the
erection of the fort. He could have built it in the picturesque locations
along the coastline of the Bay of Bengal.
» Marina Beach
The Marina Beach is not a new name to the visitors and travellers. The
beach wonderfully extends from St. George to Mahabalipuram. Pedlars and
hawkers can be observed all over the beach, selling everything from ice
creams to roasted peanuts to balloons. Swimmers need to take precautions as
the sea might get rough at times.
Which are the nearby hotels?
Taj Coromondel (15 km from Airport) and The Park (16 km from Airport) are
the popular 5-star deluxe hotels in Chennai. Hotel Trident Hilton (3 km from
Airport) is a 5-star. GRT Grand Days (11 km from Airport) and the Residency
Towers (10 km from Airport)are 4-star hotels while Radha Park Inn (11 km
from Airport) and Ambica Empire (9 km from Airport)) are 3-star hotels.
Where should you shop?
Chennai offers ample options for shopping. One can choose from a wide range
of traditional and trendy commodities. To take home are the beautiful
carvings on brass, stone, wood, ivory etc. There are numerous Government
sponsored emporia selling a huge variety of handicrafts and hand loom
fabrics. Kancheepuram Silk Sarees, woven from pure mulberry silk, enjoy a
reputation for their texture, lustre, durability and finish. The chief
shopping centres are located in Rannganatha Street, T. Nagar and Anna Salai.
