An Insight :
Chennai is known as the Gateway of Southern India. The East India Company
developed Madras as it was called earlier, as one of the major trading
centres in India. Chennai has a blend of Dravidian and Gothic architecture
in its buildings. The city might have grown but it has never lost its
traditional grace and charm. The Tamil society might have incorporated
English culture but the Dravidian roots are as strong as ever.
Chennai is the epitome of tradition, culture and life-style of Southern
India. But like the rest of India, Chennai has over the years, developed its
share of urban style and modernity. It is very likely that the temples that
you will visit in Chennai are unlike any other that you have seen before.
Visit the 4.5-km long Golden Marina beach - one of the longest beaches in
the world.
Unlike Mumbai, the Chennai port is not a natural harbour. Nevertheless,
this manmade port is very modern and efficient in handling cargo and other
traffic. Today Chennai is the fourth largest city in India and commands a
major share in the trade from the South.
Lets Explore Chennai :
» Marina Beach - Made in 1880's, the Marina Beach
is well sprawled over 13 kms of area is the longest beach in Asia and turns
quite picturesque in the evenings. Marina beach adjoins the Bay of Bengal
and is ideal for watching the dawn and dusk.
» Kapaleeswarar Temple - Another most frequently
visited temple in Madras, the Kapaleeswarar Temple, the oldest temple of
Madras dedicated to Lord Shiva, was built in the 13th century. This temple
is dedicated to Kapaleeswarar and Karpagambal (Shiva and Parvati). This 300
years old temple attracts huge crowds of tourists during the festival season
in the temple.
» St. George Forte - The British people built the
St George Forte, another principal landmark in Madras, in 1653. The fort
also houses a museum with a vast collection of British and French antiques
and other artifacts. Presently the fort turned museum is used as the state
secretariat. Within the precincts of the fort stands the St. Mary's Church,
the first church in India.
Where is Madras?
» By Air - Chennai is also well connected to all
the major cities in India. The main railheads are Chennai Central and
Egmore.
» By Road - Chennai is well connected by road to
all major cities of tourist or commercial importance in Southern India.
Chennai also serves as the gateway to the temple towns of Tirupati (160 kms)
and Mahabalipuram (60 kms).
