This Capital City of Tamil Nadu is the forth-largest city in India and the gateway to the South. Chennai is a modern Indian city, yet despite its affluence and influence, it has maintained the grace and charm for which it is known.
The 70km2 city is an amalgamation of urban villages joined by a web of roads bustling with foot traffic and rickshaws. Among the city’s most visible landmarks are the many academic, administrative, judicial, military and religious British period buildings.
Chennai has the distinction of being the first port of entry for the British East India Company in the 17th century and went on to become a platform for trade and entry into the vast land of India.
It is still an excellent connecting or transport node, and is often considered as an alternative point of entry into India. It has its owns attractions with the beautiful Marina Beach offering breathtaking sunsets and sunrises, and the markets of George Town offering an assortment of wares from the region. The locals are sophisticated and friendly.
Widely considered the Musical and Cultural Capital of India, there are also an array of shows and performances on display throughout the year.
Highlights
Enjoying the cool sea breezes on Marina Beach | The collection of antiques and artifacts at the museum at St. George Fort | The 13th-centuary Kapaleeswarar Temple
Interesting facts
− Marina Beach is the second longest beach in the world (13km)
− Chennai is home to the first church in India, St. Mary’s
