Chennai, (formerly known as Madras) the capital of Tamil Nadu, lies
along the coast of the Bay of Bengal, developed after 1639 when
the British East India Company established a fort and trading post
at the small fishing village of Chennai.
Over the past three and a half centuries, the small fishing village
has grown into a bustling metropolis which is especially known for
its spaciousness which is lacking in other Indian cities. This characteristic
is exemplified by the long esplanade called the Marina and which
is lined by impressive buildings which remind the casual visitor
of the long and inseparable association the city has had with the
British.
Even elsewhere in the city, one cannot fail to notice the dominant
British influences in the form of old cathedrals, buildings in the
Indo-Saracenic style of architecture, wide tree lined avenues.
However,
though the English legacy is undeniable, Madras has continued to
be a centre which has blended the foreign influence with the traditional
Tamil-Hindu culture. As a city it continues to maintain the best
of South Indian traditions. This is not surprising because the region
was an important centre of Pallavan culture long before the British
came here and the traces of which are to be found in the numerous
old temples.
Thus,
the unwary visitor will find Madras more than just a gateway of
South India. He shall find it a convenient base to peep into the
varied aspects of traditional south Indian culture and life styles
which intermingle with the modern city complete with its plush hotels
and restaurants - offering a range of continental and typical south
Indian cuisine, long and uncrowded stretches of beaches, modern
shopping centres which offer traditional handicrafts, textiles and
much more peculiar to this part of India.
Besides
the modern city itself, there are several interesting towns like
Mamallapuram and Kanchipuram, each with a rich collection of ancient
temples and an array of traditional handicrafts which are very much
their own. Pondicherry, famous for its Aurobindo ashram.
FORT
ST. GEORGE
Built by the East India Company in 1639-1640, the fort marks
the beginning of Madras as a modern city. It was one of the first
bastions of British Power in India. Today the fort is used by the
state legislative assembly and as the secretarial offices of the
Tamil Nadu government.
FORT
MUSEUM
This museum contains many relics pertaining to the tenure of
the East India Company and British India. Besides, it has a collection
of contemporary paintings as well.
KAPALEESWARAR
TEMPLE
The temple is the biggest in the city and is dedicated to Lord
Shiva. The temple contains inscriptions dating back to the 13th
century AD, and isa fine specimen of the Dravidian style of architecture.
The 37 metre gopuram is especially noteworthy for its intricate
carvings depicting tales from Hindu mythology.
SANTHOME CATHEDRAL
Though Madras is predominantly populated by Hindus, it has several
fine monuments and places of worship connected to the Christian
faith. The Santhome cathedral was built by the Portuguese between
the 14th and the 15 century AD and derives its name after St.Thomas.
To this day it continues to be an important place of pilgrimage
for the Christian community in the country and is also historically
important.
LITTLE
MOUNT SHRINE
This shrine is said to be built at the site where the St. Thomas
lived and preached from a small cave.
ST. THOMAS MOUNT
Situated near the Airport, the small hillock is believed to
be the place where the apostle was killed by his assassins.
ST. MARY'S CHURCH
This is the oldest Anglican church in Asia. The imposing whiteedifice
was consecrated in 1679 AD, and continues to be an important place
of worship.
THE
SNAKE PARK AND CHILDREN'S PARK
The snake park will interest visitors of all ages. It houses
a variety of Indian snakes and reptiles which can be viewed from
close quarters. Adjacent to the snake park is a children's park
which has a large playing ground and collection of birds and animals.
THE
MARINA BEACH
Lining the east of the city is the famous Marina Beach. This
is supposed to be the second longest beach in the world and runs
to a length of 12 km. The beach can be ideally visited in the early
mornings or in the late evenings when the area becomes a virtual
fairground; with food stalls and other entertainment.
KALAKSHETRA
Founded by Rukmini Devi Arundale in 1936, the institution is
devoted to the revival of traditional dance, textile designing,
and weaving which are taught in naturally harmonious environs. Visitors
may fix an appointment with the concerned authorities priorto the
visit.
BIRLA
PLANETARIUM
This modern planetarium houses a fully computerised projector
to depict the skies. It is situated at Kotturpuram in the city.
NATIONAL ART GALLERY AND GOVERNMENT MUSEUM
The museums situated in the heart of the city at Egmore were
founded in 1857. It houses various sectionson geology, archaeology,
numismatics, anthropology, botany and zoology. There is also a fine
collection of sculpture and armoury in the museum. It is open on
all days except Fridays from 8 am to 5 pm.
ANNA
SQUARE
The mortal remains of Dr. C.N. Annadurai, former Chief Minister
of Tamil Nadu was buried at the Anna Square which is at the northern
end of the Marina Beach.
AQUARIUM
The aquarium located at the Marina. Beach is open from 14.00
to 20.00 hours on weekdays and between 10.00 to 12.00 hours and
14.00to 18.00 hours on Sundays.
ELLIOTS
BEACH
This beach is comparatively quieter and an ideal place to go
sea bathing. It islocated near Besant Nagar.
VALLUVAR
KOTTAM
Erected in memory of the poet saint Thiruvalluvar, the shrine
at Nungambakkarn is constructed after the temple car of Thiruvarur.
The place also has a large auditorium.
ANNA
ZOOLOGICAL PARK-(VANDALUR)
Situated about 30 km from the city, the zoo logical park is
spread over an area of 510 hectares. It is open from 08.00 to 15.00
hours on all days except Tuesday.
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