Freeindia > Tourism > Chennai And Mamallapuram > Chennai
Introduction
The sounds of the veena rend the morning air. A bharatanatyam dancer is immersed in her daily practice. The aroma of "filter coffee" tickles the nostrils. Young girls with flowers in their hair, draw bright coloured "rangoli" patterns in front of their houses. Men clad in impeccably white dhotis, umbrellas in band walk down to the vegetable market.
Chennai is the most Indian of all Indian cities. Tradition is still alive here. Age old customs and rituals are still religiously followed. Food is till cooked the way "ajji " used to do it. Festivals are still celebrated with all the devotional fervour of yore.
And yet, Chennai has also managed to keep pace with the times. This harmonious blend of the old and the new is one of the charming aspects of this lovely city. Close to Chennai is Mamallapuram - the land of beaches and shore temples. A perfect place to unwind Dodge the waves. Build sand castles. Or simply soak in the sun. Come, have a great holiday. At Chennai and Mamallapuram.
Freeindia > Tourism > Chennai And Mamallapuram > Chennai
The Dravidians founded the beautiful State of Tamil Nadu 5,000 years ago. Today it is home to some of the most magnificent sculptures and architectural wonders of the world.
About 350 years ago, Tamil Nadu’s capital city Chennai was created by the East India Company. The last King of vanishing Vijayanagar Empire, Rajah of Chandragiri offered Francis Day, an East India Company trader, a three-mile long strip of land. In July 1639 Francis Day and his superior built a factory, which was named Fort St. George.
When the British were in complete control of the city, after a decade’s feud with the French, they expanded the city by encompassing the neighbouring village of Triplicane, Egmore, Purasawalkam and Chetput to form the city of Chennapatnam, as it was known then.
Besides being Britain’s first bastion from which flourished an empire, Chennai, formerly known as Madras retains a harmonious blend of the old and the new. Elaborate Pujas are a apart of every home. Women still wear flowers in their hair and young girls practice the age-old Bharatanatayam Dance everyday. In this charming city modernization has not dampened the rich heritage handed down form generation to generation.
Freeindia > Tourism > Chennai And Mamallapuram > Chennai
The prefect place to begin discovering Chennai is Fort St. George, the oldest surviving British construction in India. At the northern end of Marina, the fort was once the headquarters of the East India Company. Today it houses the Secretariat of the Tamil Nadu Government and the Legislative Assembly. Much of this fort looks almost as it did when Robert Clive, Pitt, Hastings and Wellesley resided and worked here.
The sprawling Marina Beach is the second largest in the world and stretches over 13 kms.
The statue of Cornwallis will greet you as you enter the Fort Museum. Inside is an interesting collection of souvenirs from the British Raj. To the south-east of the museum is the tallest flagpole in the country standing at a height of 45.7 m.
Within the fort is the oldest protestant church in Asia and the second oldest British building in India, St.Mary’s Church. The inside of the church has many paintings, records and registers, each with a story to tell – Elihu Yale, after whom the Yale University, USA is named was married here. Robert Clive and Margaret Maskelyne tied the nuptial knot at this church. The imperial Clive House was where Robert Clive, one of the Carnatic War heroes resided with his beautiful wife.
Freeindia > Tourism > Chennai And Mamallapuram > Chennai
The biggest judicial building in the world after the courts of London is the red Indo-Saracenic High Court built in 1892.
Inspired by the classical Greek and Roman styles of architecture is the Rajaji Hall. It was built by Edward Clive to commemorate the victorious battle fought by the English against Tipu Sultan. It served as the Banquet Hall to the Governor's residence before it was renamed. Today it is often the venue for important public functions.
As you take a beautiful stroll along the beach you will encounter Anna Memorial dedicated to C.N. Annadurai, the Chief Minister responsible for reshaping the social and political structure of Tamil Nadu. M.G. Ramachandran was a favourite of the masses and the first film star to become the Chief Minister of a State in India. His memorial lies next to the Anna Memorial.
Freeindia > Tourism > Chennai And Mamallapuram > Chennai
Visit the Aquarium or take a stroll in Governor Grant-Duff s enchanting gardens and drives enhanced by sculptures and lights, across the Marina.
San Thome Basilica to the south of the Marina is named after the legendary Thomas Didymus, the apostle who doubted. He came here in 52 A.D. and was martyred in 78 A.D. This Roman Catholic Church houses the remains of the saint and was built in 1504 and reconstructed in 1893 in the neo-Gothic style. The beautiful stained-glass windows, tall steeple and ornate interiors tell stories of Doubting Thomas and the last days of Jesus Christ.
On the outskirts of the city is St. Thomas Mount, a 76 m high mount where St. Thomas was martyred. On this mount is a church built by the Portuguese around 1514. The legendary stone cross held by the saint when he died rest's in this church. Interestingly, above the altar hangs an oil canvas of tile Madonna, which is believed to be one of the seven 1xiinted by St. Like and brought to India by St. Thomas.
Freeindia > Tourism > Chennai And Mamallapuram > Chennai
The Parthasarathy Temple on Triplicane High Road, dates back to the 8th century during the reign of the Pallavas. Renovated by the Vijayanagar kings, this Vaishnavite temple dedicated to Lord Krishna is the oldest building in the city.
The Nawabs of the Carnatic presented Chennai Parthasarathy Temple, Chennai with the beautiful Wallajah Mosque 200 years ago. The nearby Amir Mahal is the residence of the Nawabs.
The Pallavas built the renowned Kapaleeswarar Temple in Mylapore dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple complex has the traditional market, tank and Brahmin residential houses. Beautifully sculpted bronze idols of the 63 Shaivaite saints enhance the outer courtyard. The Arubathumoovar Festival is held in the temple complex in March-April.
Freeindia > Tourism > Chennai And Mamallapuram > Chennai
TheAdyar Estuary, a sheltered area of the Adyar River with islands and woods is home to fauna and migratory birds. On the banks of this river is the Theosophical Society founded by Colonel Olcott and Madam Blavatsky at New York, USA in 1877 which shifted its headquarters to Adyar, Chennai in 1882. Set amidst hundreds of acres of lush gardens and elegant buildings, the society is dedicated to the preservation and interaction of all world faiths. The internationally acclaimed 95-year-old library has an invaluable collection of books and rare manuscripts.
Elliot's beach on the Coromandel shore was once reserved for the Sahibs of Colonial Madras. On its shore rests the Ashtalakshmi Temple with two splendid shrines dedicated to Goddess Mahalakshmi. At the end of the beach is the famous Velankanni Church which attracts many devotees all through the year.
Freeindia > Tourism > Chennai And Mamallapuram > Chennai
The renowned Bharatanatyam Dancer, Rukmini Devi Arundale foundedKalakshetrain 1936 for the preservation and promotion of classical dance and Carnatic music.
At Kottupuram between Adyar and Guindy is the Birla Planetarium. With a completely computerised projector, the planetarium offers audio visual programmes on various astronomical themes and is one of the best in the country. A visit to the nearby Periyar Science and Technology Museum can be informative.
In the heart of the city near the Raj Bhavan is the Guindy National Park. This park is home to the endangered spotted deer, white buck, bonnet monkey, small Indian civet cat and other wildlife. A wide variety of birds too flock here. The highlight of the park is the rare Indian Antelope or Black Buck found only in India.
Freeindia > Tourism > Chennai And Mamallapuram > Chennai
The National Art Gallery houses masterpieces of Indian art from the fascinating past and the exciting present.
The Government Museum on Pantheon Road once belonged to the Pantheon Committee formed by important British citizens, responsible for improving the English social life in Chennai. The archaeological section has beautiful antiques from the Chola, Vijayanagar, Chalukya and Hoysala periods and a rare collection of Buddhist sculptures from Amravati. Part of the fascinating bronze collection, are the cosmic dance of Lord Shiva - Natraja, Goddess Durga and the Elephant God - Ganesha, all from the Chola period. Ardhanariswara, an incarnation of Lord Shiva with one child bearing hip and breast is the show stealer.
Freeindia > Tourism > Chennai And Mamallapuram > Chennai
The Snake Park founded by Romulus Whittacker has a collection of cobras, kraits and pythons. In the nearby children's play-park are also memorials dedicated to Gandhiji, Rajaji and Kamaraj.
The Government Museum Complex includes an Art Gallery, Department of Natural History, a Museum Theatre and the Connemara Public Library. This library is one of the four national libraries of India where a copy of every published book is sent.
Shaped like a temple chariot and a memorial to the Tamil Saint Tiruvalluvar is the magnificent Valluvar Kottam. The corridors of the front hall are engraved with 133 chapters of the Philosopher - Saint's celebrated work, Thirukkural in bas-relief. The ornate auditorium is one of the largest in Asia and can accommodate nearly 4,000 people.
Freeindia > Tourism > Chennai And Mamallapuram > Chennai
The other impressive architectural landmarks are the magnificent State Bank of India Building in the Indo-Saracenic style, the General Post Office, the Majestic Southern Railway Headquarters, the Egmore Railway Station and the Kirk of St. Andrew's.
Incidentally, Chennai produces more movies than Mumbai and a visit to the famous M.G.R. Film City Studios in the Tharamani area can be fun.
Enjoy an elephant ride or a lion safari at the Arignar Anna Zoological Park. You can observe animals in their natural habitat or take a walk through the pre-historic animal park.
Freeindia > Tourism > Chennai And Mamallapuram > Chennai
Festivals
While all Indians festivals are celebrated with equal aplomb in Chennai, the exciting local festival of Pongal-the four-day Harvest Festival is celebrated all over the state in January. The festival begins on the last day of the Tamil month with Bhogi Pongal followed by Surya Pongal on the next day. It is on this day that Chakkara Pongal, a delicacy of harvested rice cooked with jaggery, ghee and cashew must is offered to the sun God. The third day, Mattu Pongal is dedicated to the Cattle when cows are bathed and adorned with colourful beads and flowers. Jallikattu, the bullfight is held on the last day known as Kannum Pongal.
If you are in Chennai between mid-December and mid-January don’t miss the Festival of Carnatic Music and Dance. Experience the evocative raagas and haunting melodies, or the captivating Indian classical dancers moving gracefully to the rhythm of music. At this prestigious event the most renowned classical dancers and musicians from all over the country come together to perform at various music academies.
Freeindia > Tourism > Chennai And Mamallapuram > Chennai
Shopping
The beautiful Kancheepuram hand woven silk sarees are famous for their pretty temple borders and rich zari (gold thread) pallavs. Detailed traditional motifs and bright colours with contrasting borders make these sarees absolutely delightful. Take home exquisite souvenirs for your loved ones in silver, copper, bronze and wood, available in various government emporia and private stores or irresistible jewellery made from uncut precious stones.
Freeindia > Tourism > Chennai And Mamallapuram > Chennai
Around Chennai
Take a break at any of the Amusement Parks just outside the city. Kids and adults will have a wonderful time at MGM dizzy world, Kishkinta or Little Folks. The Artists' Village in Cholamandal, 10 kms from Tiruvanmiyur is where some of the best artists of South India live and work together. The Art Gallery exhibits breathtaking paintings and beautiful craftwork. Dance performances and poetry readings are often held in the open-air theatre.
On the road to the temple town of Mamallapuram, 36 kms form Chennai you will encounter the beautiful backwaters of Muttukadu Where you can experience different types of boating.
Freeindia > Tourism > Chennai And Mamallapuram > Chennai
Romulus Whittaker founded the Crocodile Bank, 44 kms front Chennai to save the Indian Crocodile from becoming extinct. It is home to over 3,000 muggers and gharials and various species of crocodiles and lizards from other countries.
Walk along the fine stretches of sand covered with innumerable shapes, sizes and colours of pretty shells at the lovely Covelong Beach, 48 kms front Chennai. Interestingly, the Fisherman's Cove - a luxury beach resort was built on the ruins of an old Dutch fort whose walls are part of the hotel s lush landscape.
Freeindia > Tourism > Chennai And Mamallapuram > Chennai
Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary, 75 kms from the city of Chennai, is one of the most impressive aquatic birds' breeding sanctuaries. This bird sanctuary is home to egrets, herons, cormorants, spoonbills, grebes, pelicans, storks, ibises and many more. The best season to visit is after the monsoon and the months of December and January. Nearly 30,000 birds can flock here. For over 250 years the nearby villagers have protected the bird life in this sanctuary.
84 kms front Chennai is Tirupathi at the extreme south of Andhra Pradesh. It is one of the most important pilgrimage centres of India. The temple of Lord Venkateshwara rests on a hill at Tirumala overlooking the little town of Tirupathi. At this holy pIace there are never less than 5,00 pilgrims a day and often as many as a 100,000 who come in hope of being granted wishes by Lord Venkateshwara, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu.
Freeindia > Tourism > Chennai And Mamallapuram > Chennai
Freeindia > Tourism > Chennai And Mamallapuram > Chennai
Tourist Information Accessibility
Air:
Chennai has an international airport 7 kms south of the city. The Anna Terminal handles International Flights.
Tel: 2340055
The Kamaraj Terminal handles Domestic Flights.
Tel: 2341971/2340011.
Fax: 2335541
Rail:
Chennai is well connected by train to all major cities.
Chennai Central Station
Tel: 5353535
General Enquiries - Tel: 131
Egmore Railway Station
Tel: 8251564 / 65
Road:
Chennai is well connected by road to all major cities and towns by private and government bus services. Express Bus Stand, Parrys.
Tel: 5342122
Local Transport:
Taxis, auto rickshaws and bus services.
Freeindia > Tourism > Chennai And Mamallapuram > Chennai
Accommodation
Deluxe Hotels:
Taj Coromandel
Nungambakkam High Road
Tel: 8272827 / 3103.
Fax: 8257104
Connemara
Binny Road Tel: 8520123.
Fax: 8523861
Welcome Group Chola Sheraton
Cathedral Road. Tel: 8280101
Fax: 8278779
Welcome Group Park Sheraton Hotel & Towers
T.T.K Road. Tel: 4994101.
Fax: 4997101
President, Dr. Radhakrishnan Salai
Tel: 8532211. Fax: 8532299
Standard Hotels:
Ashoka. Pantheon Road
Tel: 8553377. Fax: 8553668
New Woodlands Hotel
Dr. Radhakrishnan Road
Tel: 8273111. Fax: 8260460
Excellency. B.N. Road, T. Nagar
Tel: 8280408 / 8214238
Dasaprakash, Poonamalle Road
Tel: 8255111. Fax: 6110892
Heritage. Halls Road
Tel: 8264422 / 8264433
MGM Grand, Santhome High Road
Tel: 4980320. Fax: 4980360
Freeindia > Tourism > Chennai And Mamallapuram > Chennai
Eating Out
Chilli Club (Chinese, Thai)
Kamaraj Avenue. Tel: 4908023
Copper Chimney
(Northern Frontier, Tandoori)
Cathedral Road. Tel: 8275770
Pizza Hut. Valluvar Kottam High Road
Tel: 8275691
Sarvana Bhavan
(South Indian - Vegetarian)
Vadapalani A. Koli Street
Tel: 4832671 / 4838723
The Only Place (Multicuisine)
Shanthi Colony Main Road, Anna Nagar
Tel: 6205684
Usilampatti (Chettinad)
Peters Road. Tel: 8211462
Freeindia > Tourism > Chennai And Mamallapuram > Chennai
Tourist Information Offices
Government of India Tourist Office
154, Anna Salai.
Tel: 8524295 / 4785
Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation
25, Dr. Radhakrishnan Salai, Mylapore.
Tel: 8547 344/46
Tourist Information Centres
Central Railway Station.
Tel: 5353351
Egmore Railway Station.
Tel: 8252165
International Airport Terminal.
Tel: 2345801
Domestic Airport Terminal.
Tel: 2340569
Freeindia > Tourism > Chennai And Mamallapuram > Chennai
Banks
Canara Bank
Anna Nagar East.
Tel: 6261239
Citibank
Anna Salai.
Tel: 8522151 / 8522484
Indian Overseas Bank
Anna Salai.
Tel: 8549143
State Bank of India
Rajaji Salai.
Tel: 5227371
American Express Bank
Anna Salai.
Tel: 8524320
Freeindia > Tourism > Chennai And Mamallapuram > Chennai
Post And Telephone Offices
General Post Office
Rajaji Salai
Tel: 5212520 / 22
Anna Road Head Post Office
Anna Salai.
Tel: 8521947
Park Town Post Office
Tel: 5364-04
Central Telegraph office
Rajaji Salai.
Tel: 5267843
Freeindia > Tourism > Chennai And Mamallapuram > Chennai
Police Stations
Anna Nagar. Tel: 6266296
Anna Salai. Tel: 8521720
Egmore. Tel: 8250952
Mylapore. Tel: 4980100
Nungambakkam. Tel: 8272032
St. Thomas Mount. Tel: 2341771
Triplicane. Tel: 5365610
Freeindia > Tourism > Chennai And Mamallapuram > Chennai
Hospitals
Government General Hospital
Park Town.
Tel: 5363131
Apollo Hospitals
Greams Lane.
Tel: 8277447 / 8240200 / 8273451
Trinity Hospital
DesikanRoad.
Tel: 4990880
K.H.M. Hospital
Anna Nagar.
Tel: 6212218
Freeindia > Tourism > Chennai And Mamallapuram > Chennai
General Information
Population
6.0 million
Area
174 Sq. kms.
Altitude
Sea level
Temperature
Max.
Min.
Summer
35.53 C
25.55 C
Winter
26.90 C
24.50 C
Rainfall
257.06 mm
Clothing
Tropical
Languages
Tamil, Hindi and English
STD Code
044
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