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DESTINATION GUIDE INDIA - CHENNAI

ABOUT CHENNAI CITY

The vibrant history of the city of Chennai which was previously named as Madras, traces back to 368 years and Chennai was originally a tiny fishing village. The region surrounding Chennai has served as a significant administrative, military, and economic centre dating back to the 1st century. It has been ruled by renowned South Indian kingdoms like the Pallava, the Chola, the Pandya, and Vijaynagar empires.

Chennai is located near the 13th north parallel and 80 degree longitude. The city stretches its 19 km length along the Coromandel coast and extends inland about 9 km at its widest. Its irregular shape covers about 172 sq km. It is a fairly low-lying strip of land, its highest point being only 60 m above sea level.

TOURIST ATTRACTIONS AND PLACES - CHENNAI CITY

Kapaleswar Temple
The ancient Kapaleshwar temple, situated in Mylapore, is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The fragmented inscriptions here dates back to 1250 AD. But the present temple was rebuilt by Vijayanagar Kings in the 16th century. The magnificent 37m carved 'Gopuram' of gods, goddesses and saints depict important 'Puranic' legends.

Marina Beach
The Marina Beach is one of the city's most famous tourist attractions. It extends from St. George to Mahabalipuram. The world famous beach is jaunted by thousands of tourists each year from both home and abroad. The beautiful blue waters, sparkling sun and the velvety sand make it a perfect beach holiday spot. Swimming in the sea is not advisable as it can get a little rough at times.

Parthasarthy Temple
The Parthasarthy temple was built around the 8th century by the kings of the Pallava dynasty. Situated in Triplicane, the temple is famous for its arched gateway and its impeccable architecture.

Vernment Museum and National Art Gallery
The Government Museum at Chennai is one of the finest museums in India. It has sections devoted to anthropology, botany, geology, numismatics, sculpture and zoology. The relics from the 2nd century AD Buddhist site 'Amaravati' and the souvenirs of the prehistoric South India are the most prized assets of the museum. The museum has a vast collection of carvings of Hindu, Buddhist and Jain faiths. There's also a good collection of South Indian musical instruments and jewelry, that are orth seeing. The bronze gallery that has a superb collection of ancient icons and modern bronzes are really lucrative.

The Art Gallery at Chennai has a fine collection of paintings, handicrafts and bronze. The collection is housed in a Mughal style building. Bronzes from 10th and 13th century, Rajasthan and Mughal paintings from 16th and 17th century and Indian handicrafts from 11th and 12th century are displayed here.

Santhome Cathedral
The Santhome Cathedral is an important pilgrimage containing the remains of St. Thomas. The cathedral houses a museum which has many rare artifacts including a 16th-century map of South Asia. Other notable tourist attractions of the city include Kapaleshwar Temple, Fort St. George, National Art Gallery, Snake Park, Theosophical Society and Kalakshetra.

Vivekananda House & Museum
The state government had leased this building to Sri Ramakrishna Mission. It is an imposing structure on the Marina beach along the South Beach Road. In 1897 Swami Vivekananda visited this city and stayed in this historic building in the year 1897 on his way to Calcutta, after his acclaimed speech at Chicago for the Parliament of Religions. The Government took over the building in 1930 and in 1963 it was named after Vivekananda. Photographs depicting the historical happenings associated with his life and books about him and his own written works are on display and sold here in the Museum.

HOW TO REACH CHENNAI

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

» By Train: 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.