Rest of South India

The Gateway to the South; Chennai (formerly Madras) located besides the Bay of Bengal is embraced by it from the east, while the state of Andhra Pradesh is beautifully located on its northwest. It has the famous district of Tamilnadu, Kanchipuram, on its south and the states of Kerala and Karnataka on its western side. Being situated at the tropical zone, Chennai normally has a very hot and humid climate.

Places of Interest

Explore the Southern ecstasy

Bejeweled in the mystical south Chennai previously known as Madras unleashes history with the hands of nature. Every tourist destination rhymes a melodious saga that coherently harmonizes the past with the present. Chennai is the most vibrant and enchanting cities of the South and is also one of the most exotic destinations of the Indian sub-continent. Bestowed with exquisite beauty and natural charisma, Chennai calls for exploration.

- The Marina beach, spreads over an area of 14.5 km, is the second longest beach in Asia. This beach appears like a festive ground on weekend evenings.

- Now-a-days used as the state secretariat, the St. George Forte is another major landmark of Chennai. The British East India Company built it in the year 1653. It has a museum that has a fine collection of British and French antiques and other commemorations. Within the fort premises is the St. Mary's Church, the first British church of Chennai.

- Parthasarthy temple is one of the oldest temples of this region and echoes with divine grace. The temple is consecrated to Lord Krishna. Built in the 8th century BC by the Pallavas, the temple was remodeled in the 16th century by the Vijaynagar kings.

- Snake Park and Guindy National Park, located close to each other near the Guindy station, are other sites to visit.

- Kapaleeswarar Temple, the grand old temple of Chennai, is dedicated to Lord Shiva. This temple is a living evidence of the architectural skills of the Dravidian clan of the 13th century. However, non-Hindus are not allowed to enter into the main place of worship in the temple.

- Santhome Cathedral, built during the 14th -15th century, is another splendid place worth visiting.

- The Birla Planetarium, Elliot Beach, Valluvar Kottam, National Art and Government Museum, Anna Zoological Park, Kalakshetra and the Theosophical Society are some of the eminent sites and focal points of tourism.

- Once the port city of the Pallavas, Mamallapuram or Mahabalipuram is situated at the periphery of Chennai and is approximately 61 km away from the main city. The artisanship of this place is unmatched.

- A wondrous initiation towards sustaining the ecological balance of nature is the zoological enhancement of the crocodile bank. Located just 44 km away from the main city, it houses many rare species of Indian and African alligators and crocodiles.

- Covelong beach is another place worth a visit in order to unveil the past of the state that remains unleashed. The surrounding magnificence of the fort, church, mosque and the seashore are indeed overwhelming.

- Besides these, Muttukkadu, Thirukkalukundram, Vedanthangal bird sanctuary, etc., are other excursion destinations to be visited around the city.
 

Cultural musings
Aroma of festivity dwells in the air of Chennai. As the heavenly abode celebrates a number of festivals and plays host to several events. These festivals are mainly based on the agricultural activities and according to the position of the stars and planets. Pongal, celebrated in the month of January, is the most important festival of Chennai. Being a cosmopolitan city, almost all the religious festivals are celebrated here.

Denizens
Chennai though a quiet civilized, elegant and cultured city pulsates in the

southern part of India. It resonates many inferences to many people. For few it is merely home, for others it is a 'extremely slow' city, and for some others it is the city which has attained the perfect balance between the West and the East. But everybody agrees on one thing - it is one of the cultural centers in India. In the first glance, one would be left a thinking that the entertainment scene in Chennai is confined to classical dance only. But unveil the face of Madras and you will discover - a more complete and wholesome picture of this culturally rich city; Chennai. To spend a colorful evening , you can make your choice amongst theatres, both Tamil and English, dance recitals or musical concerts.

Accommodation
Chennai offers the most luxurious & hospitable accommodation in India with world-class services and best ambience. Chennai has always remained a peaceful city and the same could be found in the neighborhood of the hotels in Chennai. The prime hotels of Chennai include; Hotel Coromandel, Hotel Fisherman, Chola Sheraton, Park Sheraton and many more.

How to Reach Chennai

By Air: Chennai is an international airport with flight connections to all major parts of the world, Domestic airlines connect Chennai with all the major cities of India.

By Rail: Regular train services connect Chennai directly with all major cities of the country. Suburban Electric trains run from Beach station to Tambaram and from Central to Gummidipoondi and Arakonam.

By Road: Chennai being gateway to the south is connected by excellent roads to all parts of the south. Taxis, Auto-rickshaws and cycle rickshaws are available. all types of tourist vehicle are easily available on hire.
The aqua link: There is a sea line to Andaman and Nicobar islands.