Chennai, Tamilnadu, India

About 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 has retained its traditional Tamil roots while acquiring a modern and cosmopolitan character. 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. Capital of the state of Tamil Nadu and with an estimated population of 6.96 million (2006), Chennai is a commercial and industrial hub. It is also known as the automobile capital of India and is home to a majority of India's automobile industry. The 12-kilometre long Marina Beach in Chennai is one of the longest beaches in the world. Of late, Chennai has grown into a software hub and technological city. It is a city which has embraced both the new and the old with ease. Chennai is spread over an area of 200 square kilometers and still growing.

How to reach Chennai

• By Air: Chennai is conveniently connected to all major cities in India and major international destinations. Domestic carriers like Indian, Jet Airways and Sahara Airlines, Spicejet, Kingfisher and other airlines connect Chennai with Bangalore, Hyderabad, Delhi, Thiruvananthapuram and other major Indian cities. The domestic and international airports are located at Meenambakkam, about 20 kms from the city center. Click here to check Chennai Flight Schedule
  
  
• By Road: An extensive network of roads connects Chennai with major cities and towns in Tamil Nadu and other parts of the country. The Chennai Mofussil Bus Terminal at Jawaharlal Nehru Salai, Koyembedu is regarded as the largest bus station in Asia.
  
  
• By Rail: Chennai has two major railway stations, Chennai Central and Egmore. It is well connected by rail with all the major cities in India.
  
  
• By Sea: Ships ply regularly between Chennai and Port Blair in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Traveling within Chennai
Buses are available for travel within the city. Vehicles are also available for hire from private tour and cab operators. Pre-paid taxis and airport coaches are available for hire at the airports and railway stations. The north-south MRTS (Mass Rapid Transport System) provides quick connectivity within the city.

Geography and climate
Chennai lies on the Eastern Coastal Plains in the southeastern coast of India. Chennai enjoys little variation in seasonal temperature and has a hot and humid climate for most of the year due to its proximity to the sea. The average elevation is 6 meters (20 feet). Daytime temperatures in summer range between 38 °C and 42 °C, though sometimes it goes beyond 42 °C. It gets most of its annual rainfall from the north-east monsoon winds, from mid-October to mid-December. The Cooum (or Koovam) and Adyar rivers flow through the city. Chennai has several lakes like Red Hills, Sholavaram and Chembarambakkam Lake, which supply the city with potable water.

Through the pages of history
Chennai has a long and rich history. Ruled by a succession of South Indian kingdoms, like the Pallava, Chola, Pandya, and Vijaynagar kingdoms, Chennai has attracted to its shores waves of traders, merchants and religious preachers from foreign shores. It traces its roots to a non-descript village named Chennaipatnam, which in 1639 was selected by Francis Day and Andrew Cogan, agents for the English East India Company as the site for their settlement. A year later, the Fort St. George was constructed which served as the center around which the settlement grew. Neighboring villages like Triplicane, Purasawalkam, Egmore and Chetput merged with the new settlement to form Chennapatnam, as it was earlier known.

The Portuguese landed in 1522 and built a port, which they named Sao Tome, after the Christian apostle St. Thomas. The region then came under the Dutch, who established themselves near Pulicat, north of present-day Chennai in 1612. It was granted its first municipal charter in 1688 by James II and is thus the oldest municipal corporation in India. Its fortunes alternated between the British and the French. Robert Clive of the British East India Company used it as a base for his military expeditions. It was the seat of the Chennai Presidency, one of the four divisions of British Imperial India.

In 1746, Fort St George and Madras were captured by the French. The British could regain control of the town only in 1749. The city witnessed a quick growth and was connected to other important cities by rail. After India's independence in 1947, it became the capital of Madras State, which was subsequently renamed Tamil Nadu in 1969. It was renamed as Chennai from its earlier name Madras in 1996.

Chennai Economy
Chennai has a bustling economy. The main industries in Chennai are automobile, software services, petrochemicals, textiles, hardware manufacturing and financial services. Since the liberalization of the Indian economy, software development and business process outsourcing have emerged as key sectors of Chennai's economy. Software giants like TCS, Infosys, Wipro, Cognizant Technology Solutions, Satyam, IBM, Accenture, Sun Microsystems, HCL and others have their presence in Chennai. Many of the leading international names like Dell, Nokia, Motorola, Cisco, Samsung, Siemens, Flextronics and others are already in Chennai or are in the process of setting up shop in the Sriperumbudur electronics SEZ (Special Economic Zone). The city has two biotechnology parks.

Many of leading Indian and foreign names in the automotive industry are in Chennai. Companies like Hyundai, Mitsubishi, Ford, TVS, Ashok Leyland, Royal Enfield, TAFE, Dunlop, MRF have plants in and around Chennai The Heavy Vehicles Factory in Avadi in the outskirts of Chennai produces India's main battle tank, Arjun. Chennai is one of the leading Indian cities for banking and finance. It is also home to the Tamil film industry, which is a major revenue earner.

People and population
As per the 2001 census, Chennai city had a population of 4.2 million, while the total population of Chennai and its suburbs was 6.4 million. The estimated metropolitan population in 2006 is 6.96 million. Population is a big problem in Chennai and has led to many attendant problems like water scarcity and traffic problems. The majority of Chennai's residents are Tamilians. Apart from Tamil, which is the local language, English is also widely spoken. There are sizeable number of people from the states of Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. Since olden days, Chennai has been home to people from across the length and breadth of India.

Sights and sounds
There are plenty of attractions in Chennai to keep you occupied. Once you are through with the attractions, you can just take a walk along the beach and feel the soothing sea breeze gently caressing your face.

• The Marina Beach: It occupies a pride of place in the record books as the second longest beach in the world. Along the beach stand memorials dedicated to C.N.Annadurai and M.G.Ramachandran, both former Chief Ministers of the state. The University of Madras, the Senate House, Chepauk Palace, Presidency College and the Ice House are located along the Marina Beach.
  
  
• Fort St. George: This landmark of Chennai occupies a prominent place in the history of this city. It derives its name from St. George, the patron saint of England. It presently houses the State Legislature and the Secretariat.
  
  
• Theosophical Society: Located on the banks of the Adyar estuary, it was founded by Madame H.P. Blavatsky and Col. H.S. Olcott in 1875. The Adyar Banyan tree is one of the attractions here with its roots spreading over 40,000 sq.ft. It also houses a library, research center, church, mosque, Buddhist shrine and a Hindu temple.
  
  
• Kalakshetra: The Kalakshetra was founded by Rukmini Devi Arundale as a centre of excellence for dance, music, arts and crafts in 1936. Spread over nearly 100 acres of land, it follows the age-old Gurukula system of education and draws students from across the world.
  
  
• Valluvar Kottam: This memorial to the renowned poet-saint Tiruvalluvar is shaped like the temple chariot at Thiruvarur and houses a life-size statue of the saint.
  
  
• Film City: The film draws producers as well as visitors. You can purchase a ticket and stroll across the sets, and if you are lucky, you may as well come across your favorite filmstar.
  
  
• Ripon Building: The attractive white building presently houses the headquarters of Chennai Corporation.
  
  
• Tidel Park: It is home to the rapidly developing Information Technology industry. This massive structure houses the offices of several leading domestic and foreign software firms.
  
  
• Government Museum: This museum houses showcases exhibits belonging to the major South Indian dynasties The National Art Gallery is also located within the same complex. It also displays Mughal, Rajasthani and Deccan artworks.
  
  
• San Thome Basilica: The San Thome Basilica stands at the place where St. Thomas (an apostle of Jesus Christ) was buried at the southern tip of Marina and is the church of the Archbishop of Chennai – the head of the Catholics in the region.
  
  
• Madras War Cemetery: The Madras War Cemetery was set up in 1952 as a tribute to the valiant soldiers who laid down their lives in the Second World War. There is a Stone of Remembrance in the cemetery and the Cross of Sacrifice. It honors 855 men and women of the Commonwealth forces and one Polish airman who died during the Second World War. It also houses a memorial to soldiers who died in the First World War from 1914 - 1918.
  
  
• Christ the King Church: Commissioned by French clergymen, this church stands in the middle of Loyola College campus. Built in 1933 and covering an area of 150 feet by 60 feet, the church is an imposing structure.
  
  
• Vivekananda Illam: Earlier known as the Ice House, it was re-christened Vivekananda Illam in 1963 in memory of Swami Vivekananda's brief stay here. This building was used for storing ice from 1842 to 1874. It showcases a collection of rare photographs on the life of Swami Vivekananda.

Getaways from Chennai
There are plenty of tourist places around Chennai for you to explore. Whether you are looking for temples and monuments or miles of sands along pristine beaches or amusement parks, there is something for everybody, all within easy reach of Chennai.

• Mahabalipuram: Located around 55 kms from Chennai, Mahabalipuram was the second capital of the Pallava dynasty, which ruled over many parts of South India. Mahabalipuram is famous for the shore temple, the largest bas-relief in the world known as Arjuna's Penance and the many mandapams.
  
  
• Covelong: Around 48kms from Chennai, Covelong is famous for its forts, churches, mosques and a picturesque beach. It offers a quick break from the hustle and bustle of Chennai. The remnants of the fort have been converted into a beach resort offering facilities like windsurfing and swimming.
  
  
• Kanchipuram: Just around 75 kms from Chennai, Kanchipuram is famous for its weaves, which have made it world-famous. Constituting a part of the Golden Triangle of the Coromandel Coast alongwith Chennai and Mahabalipuram, Kanchpuram has been the capital of the Pallava, Chola kingdoms and the rajas of Vijayanagar. It houses famous temples like the 7th-century Kailasanatha Temple and the 16th-century Ekambareshwara Temple.
  
  
• Muttukadu: If you are looking for a scenic picnic spot and are a water sports enthusiast, Muttukadu, located around 16 kms from Chennai is the place to head for. Windsurfing and facilities for other water sports are available here.
  
  
• Crocodile Bank: Just around 44 kms from Chennai, this crocodile breeding and research center provides breeding facilities for several species of Indian and African crocodiles and alligators. They are kept in natural surroundings and are open to public viewing.
  
  
• Vedanthangal: One of the largest bird sanctuaries in the country, the Vedanthangal bird sanctuary draws thousands of migratory birds every year, especially between November and February. It is approximately a 85 km drive from Chennai.
  
  
• Tirupati: Abode of the legendary Lord of the Seven Hills. Tirupati located in the Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh is one of the most famous religious towns in the entire country. The Sri Ventateshwara Temple here is said to be the richest Hindu temple in the world and draws the devout from all across the world. Tirupati lies at a distance of approximately 152 km from Chennai.
  
  
• Pulicat: It houses an Old Dutch settlement dating back to 1609 and is huge draw for visitors because of its lake. There are many facilities for water sports enthusiasts and anglers in Pulicat. It is located at a distance of around 54 km from Chennai.
  
  
• Thanjavur: In its heydays, Thanjavur was the capital of the Chola empire around the 11th century A.D. The Chola Empire extended into Southeast Asia alongwith South India and Sri Lanka. Thanjavur lies around 58 km from Chennai.
  
  
• Pondicherry: Known worldwide for its distinct French flavor, it was in Pondicherry where the famous philosopher Sri Aurobindo lived. It is famed for its churches, museum, beach, and of course the Aurobindo ashram and Auroville. Another place to visit close by is Chidambaram, an ancient Chola famous for its tall gopurams and a thousand pillared hall. Pondicherry lies 162 km south of Chennai.
  
  
• Vellore: Located 145km from Chennai, Vellore is famous for its fort, the Vijaynagar temple and the CMC hospital. Vellore Fort, built in the 16th century, houses the government museum showcasing sculptures dating back to the Pallava and Chola eras. The Jalakanteshwara Temple in Vellore dating back to the Vijaynagar period is an architectural marvel.
  
  
• Madurai: Lying around 450 kms from Chennai, the temple town of Madurai is the abode of goddess Meenakshi, the consort of Lord Sundereswarar (Shiva). Madurai houses the famous Meenakshi Temple.

Shopping
Chennai has plenty to offer to shoppers. While at Chennai, you can shop for saris, contemporary and traditional artwork, antiques, jewellery etc. many traditional items like Pattamara Mats, leaf and palmyra-fiber handicrafts from Tirunellveli, metal works from Tanjavur, stone carvings from Mamallapuram, silks from Kanchipuram are available in Chennai and are a big draw for shoppers. Naturally Auroville at Khadar Nawaz Khan Road sells handmade items like shoes, clothes, ceramics and toiletries from the Auroville community. You can also pay a visit to the government emporiums for good quality and reasonable prices.

Accommodation
Chennai has plenty to offer to shoppers. While at Chennai, you can shop for saris, contemporary and traditional artwork, antiques, jewellery etc. many traditional items like Pattamara Mats, leaf and palmyra-fiber handicrafts from Tirunellveli, metal works from Tanjavur, stone carvings from Mamallapuram, silks from Kanchipuram are available in Chennai and are a big draw for shoppers. Naturally Auroville at Khadar Nawaz Khan Road sells handmade items like shoes, clothes, ceramics and toiletries from the Auroville community. You can also pay a visit to the government emporiums for good quality and reasonable prices.

Besides, there are budget hotels like Dasaprakash Hotel, Hotel GRT Grand Days, Hotel Arunachala, Hotel Guest Inn, Hotel Royal Southern, Pandian Hotel, Ramada Raj Park Hotel, Shan Hotel, Shelter Beach Resort and many others. Cactch further information on Hotels in Chennai

Entertainment
There are plenty of cinema halls in Chennai for you to enjoy a nice flick. Chennai is home to the Tamil film industry, which rules the roost here, though you can also catch English and Hindi movies in Chennai. There are cinema halls like Abirami Complex, Albert, AVM Rajeswari, Casino, Devi Complex, Devi Bala, Gaiety, Grand, Liberty, Nagesh, Pilot, Sakthi, Sangam, Rupam, Padmam, Sathyam Complex, Shanthi, Udhyam Complex, Woodlands where you can catch your favorite movie and moviestars.

Restaurants
If after taking in the sights and sounds of Chennai and going on a shopping binge, you crave for a mouth-watering meal, then Chennai will not disappoint you. There are plenty of good restaurants in Chennai to cater to the food buffs. You will come across varied kinds of cuisines, North Indian, South Indian, Chinese, Mexican, Japanese and what name you. Some of the restaurants to look out for in Chennai include Saravana Bhavan, Komala's, Usilampatti, Paramakudi, Tulsi, Annalakshmi and Karaikudi.

Travel Tips

• Wear light cotton clothes
• English is widely spoken, though it helps to know a smattering of Tamil.
• Drink only bottled water. Where bottled water is not available, drink boiled water.
• Traffic is a problem, so drive with care.
• Carry a torch, batteries and a radio for weather information and news
• Avoid traveling by bus or train during the morning or evening rush hours

Chennai is a city that never ceases to surprise. A convenient gateway to explore the rest of South India, Chennai is a city which is marching on to a bright future while retaining its distinct and rich cultural heritage.

Last Updated on 11/2/2011