Chennai (Madras)

Chennai, also known as Madras, the capital of Tamil Nadu, is a city in the country's fourth largest. Compared with other major cities in India, is much less congested and polluted. Chennai was the site of the first establishment of the East India Company. It was founded in 1639 on land given by the Raja of Chandragiri, the last representative of the Vijayanagar rulers of Hampi.

At the organizational level, the city has a reasonably efficient public services, buses and commuter trains run smoothly. Many of the industrial expansion took place in Chennai recently, with facilities of fungi, self-assembly plants, educational institutions and units of textile production. Although none of the main attractions, as such, has the second largest beach in the world, Marina Beach. Although a popular tourist attraction, the beach is not really a favorite with swimmers as the sea is known for hosting a large population of sharks.

Chennai is a vibrant city, he could find a good balance between modern and traditional, a metropolis with its own charm -. Click here to learn more about local festivals celebrated in the city of Chennai.

Sightseeing

Built in 1640 AD, Fort St. George once served as the first bastion of the East India Company. Now it houses the Secretariat and the Legislative Assembly. In 46 meters - Flagstaff High, which adorns the front of the structure is actually a mast salvaged from a 17 sinking of the century. Fort museum has a remarkable collection of memorabilia from the days of Raj. The complex of the Fort, is the oldest Anglican Church in India, Church of St Mary's, built in 1678-1680. It is also the oldest building in Britain.

Another ancient symbol of the city is the port of Madras, one of the best in India, and entirely artificial, for nearly a century. Mylapore in the south, is the site of the famous Kapaleeswarar Temple, which is dedicated to the god Shiva. It has a typical Dravidian Gopuram. Near the temple, the Cathedral of St. Thomas, said to contain the remains of St. Thomas the Apostle (Doubting Thomas). Located at Triplicane High Road is Parathasarathy temple dedicated to Lord Krishna. Built in the 8th century, during the reign of Pallavi, was later renovated by the Vijayanagar kings in the 16th century.

Government Museum and Art Gallery on Pantheon Road, near Egmore station, has an interesting archaeological section and a gallery of bronze. Archaeological Department has an excellent collection of elements from all the important periods of southern India, including Chola, Vijayanagar, Hoysala and Chalukya periods. Bronze Gallery has some impressive examples of Chola bronze art. Theosophical Society and Kalakshetra in banks Adaya, an internationally renowned institution for Indian classical dance and music, Thiruvanmiyoor, are excellent examples of the cultural heritage of Tamil Nadu.

The Deer National Park is the only place in the world, under a number of endangered species of Indian antelope (black ball). Deer Park, along with Madras Snake Park, which is supported by the World Wildlife Fund, are located inside the Raj Bhavan in Guindy.