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 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.
SRI PARTHASARATHY TEMPLE: This temple, dedicated to
Lord Krishna, was built in the 8thcentury AD under the
patronage of the Pallavas. It houses the idols of the five
avatar as of Sri Vishnu and has a small temple shrine
dedicated to Vishnu's consort called Vedavalli Ammai inthis
part of the country.
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.
THE THEOSOPHICAL SOCIETY: Madras is also the
fountainhead of the theosophical movement which spread
worldwide. The Theosophical Society is located along the
Adyar River. Discourses are conducted here under a huge
banyan tree which spreads to almost 40.000sq. ft. of area.
It is open from 8 am and11 am and 2 pm to 5 pm on Mondays to
Fridays and from 8 am to 11 am on Saturdays.
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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