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 São Tomé, 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

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

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