Chennai, also known as Madras, the capital of Tamil Nadu, is the country's fourth largest city. Compared to the other major metros of India, it is far less congested and polluted. Chennai was the site of the first settlement of the East India Company. It was founded in 1639, on a piece of land given by the Raja of Chandragiri, the last representative of the Vijayanagar rulers of Hampi.
Chennai, the gracious capital city of Tamil Nadu is the fourth largest metropolis in India. Located on a 17km stretch of the Coramandel coast, the city is trisected by the waterways of Cooum and Adyar and the Buckingham Canal. With a population of 6 million people, Chennai is a vibrant city ever growing, expanding and changing every year. Popularly regarded as the "Gateway to the South", Chennai presents culture that is distinctly different from that of northern India. Music, dance and all other art forms of the South are cherished and nurtured in this city which, though industrialized, continues to be traditional and conventional in many ways.
The region of Chennai was called Tondaimandalm in those days and had its military headquarters at Puzhal, which is now a small and rather insignificant village on the outskirts of the city.
Modern Chennai grew out of a small village when in 1639 a fishing hamlet called Madraspatnam was selected by early English merchants of the East India Company as a site for the settlement.
Chennai is a gracious city that has a clear skyline, long sandy beaches, parks, historic landmarks and tourist infrastructural facilities which make it a convenient entry point or base to start your tour of Tamil Nadu and South India. Where religion is concerned, history has certainly left its mark on this city which is believed to have been the place of St. Thomas, in the outskirt of the city. There are a number of churches in Chennai that are connected with the life and times of this apostle. There are also several ancient temples around Chennai, and, within the city itself are two magnificent temples - a temple in Triplicane and another in Mylapore.
Fort St. George,St. Mary’s Church,The Marina Beach, Santhome Cathedral Basilica,Memorials of Gandhi, Rajaji, Kamaraj & Bhaktavatsalam,Vivekananda House & Museum,
Mamallapuram It is about 60 kms from Chennai. The monuments of Mamallapuram date back to the Pallava period of the 7th–8th centuries. It is also a beach resort offering wide range of hotels to stay. Tourists are charged a one-time Entry fee for all monuments:
Fees Season Timings Phone
Indians Rs.10.00
Foreigners: 5 US $.
All the year round. 6.30 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. 954114-242226
vedanthangal-birdVedanthangal (85 kms) This is a bird sanctuary for migratory water birds. It is about 85 kms from Chennai.
Season: November- March.
Entry Fee: Adult Re 1.00, Child 0.50 paise.
Gudiyam Caves (75 kms) Situated 10 kms from the Poondi Reservoir at Alikuzhi Ghats, it is believed to be a pre- historic hominid habitation. There are about 16 rock shelters that are naturally formed like canopy-like structures in the reserved forests. It is the right kind of expedition for trekkers and nature-lovers.
Around Chennai
Amusement Parks Around Chennai There are many Amusement Parks around Chennai. They are Kishkinta, nearear Tambaram Little Folks, Mayajal, MGM DizzyWorld and V.G.P. Golden Beach on the way to Mamallapuram. Dash and Splash, and Queens Land near Poonamallee.
Fort Museum It houses rare exhibits of weapons, uniforms, coins, costumes, medals and other artefacts and memorabilia of the British period. The flagmast at Fort St. George is the tallest in India.
Fees Timigs Phone Holiday
Indians Rs.5.00
Foreigners: Rs. 100/- or 2 US $.
10.00 a.m.- 5.00 p.m. 25671127 Friday .
Answered by
luck arises
, an ibibo Citizen,
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9:18 AM on May 11, 2008
