Chennai Tours

Chennai formerly known as Madras, is the capital of the southern state of Tamil Nadu in India, and is the country's fourth-largest city. It is on the Coromandel coast of the Bay of Bengal.

Chennai was founded in 1639 when the British East India Company was granted land to build a trading settlement by the local ruler (Nayak) of the suburb of Vandavasi, Damerla Venkatapathy Nayak. Madras was one of the first outposts of British East India Company.The British built Fort St. George (today the legislative and administrative seat of the state). Chennai is well known for its cultural heritage and temple architecture.

Climate

Chennai, located in the southern state of Tamil Nadu, has a hot and humid tropical climate. The place bears tropical climate with mercury rising higher than 40 °C mark in summers. The average temperature in summers is 37 °C and in winters it is 24 °C. The east of city is lined up by the sea, that is Bay of Bengal. The region thus receives a good amount of annual rainfall, mainly from the north eastern monsoons. Average annual rainfall received by the city is 1300 mm. The cyclones in the Bay of Bengal rarely hit the coastal regions of Chennai. The period from November to February constitutes the winter season and is the best time to visit the place. The period is marked by a tolerable temperature 24 °C and low humidity. There are little rains during this period.

Palace in Chennai

Fort St. George:
Built in the 17th century, this fort was built under the supervision of Francis Day and Andrew Cogon and houses St. Mary's Church and a museum. Built in 1680, St. Mary's Church is the oldest Anglican Church in India and has some of the oldest British tombstones in India. It was here that the marriage of the couple who founded the Yale University in the States was solemnized.

Fort Museum:
The museum has on its display many relics belonging to the times of British Raj in India and exhibits a collection of contemporary paintings as well as the rare military paraphernalia such as weapons, uniforms, coins, costumes and medals.

Kapaleeswarar Temple:
The biggest temple in the city is a fine specimen of Dravidian architecture. The Shaiva temple has 13th century inscriptions and a 37-metre gopuram remarkable for its intricate carvings depicting stories from Hindu mythology.

Sri Parthasarathi Temple:
The 8th century Krishna temple was built under the patronage of the Pallavas and enshrines idols of the five avataras of Sri Vishnu. The small temple inside is dedicated to Vishnu's consort, Vedavalli Ammai.

Santhome Cathedral:
San Thome at the southern tip of Marina features the beautiful stained glass window at the basilica depicting the story of St Thomas and the central hall that has 14 wooden plaques depicting scenes from the last days of Christ. The 3-ft high statue of Virgin Mary was imported from Portugal in 1543.

The Snake Park and Children's Park:
The snake park with diverse Indian snakes and reptiles and nearby children's park with a large playing ground and a good collection of birds and animals are worth a visit.

The Marina Beach:
The 12-km long famous Marina Beach is the second longest beach in the world. It is best to visit the beach early in the mornings or late in the evenings when the area becomes a virtual fair ground with food stalls and other entertainments.

The Theosophical Society:
The world headquarters of the much-famed Theosophical Society that promotes study of comparative religion, philosophy and science is in Adyar enclosing shrines of all faiths, Garden of Remembrance and 95-year old library with an astounding collection of rare Oriental manuscripts written on palm leaves and parchment.

Kalakshetra:
In Thiruvanmiyur, Kalakshetra or 'Temple of Art' aims to train, encourage and revive interest in Bharatanatyam, classical dance form of Tamil Nadu, textile designing and weaving and is one of the best in its arena.

Birla Planetarium:
The Birla Planetarium at Kotturpuram is the most modern planetarium in the country with the fully computerized projector. Nearby is the Periyar Science and Technology Museum that may of interest to fans of science and technology.

National Art Gallery and Government Museum:
The museums at Egmore, founded in 1857, display exhibits related to archaeology, geology, anthropology, numismatics, botany and zoology along with sculpture and armory.

Valluvar Kottam:
The memorial to the great poet-saint of Tamilian literature, Tiruvalluvar, is actually the replica of the temple chariot in Thiruvarur. A 33m tall statue of the saint has been installed in the chariot. His famous work Thirukkural has been inscribed on stone in the front hall corridors of the chariot. The memorial is said to have the largest auditorium in Asia with a capacity of 4000 people.

How to reach Agra

By Air:
Chennai has both domestic as well as international airport connecting it to all the major cities and countries of the world.

By Rail:
Chennai has regular trains to and from all the major cities in India and there are two main railway stations in Chennai at Madras Central and Egmore.

By Road:
The excellent bus services and road network connect Chennai to all the major cities in Tamil Nadu and the surrounding states.