|
CHENNAI
| FACTS & FIGURES |
| Language |
Tamil and English |
| Climate |
Summer- Max. 37, Min. 22.1
Winter- Max. 32, Min. 19.8 |
| Season |
Throughout the year (Preferably October to March) |
| STD Code |
044 |
INTRODUCTION
Chennai, the largest city in southern India located on the Coromandel
Coast of the Bay of Bengal, developed after 1639 when the British
East India Company
established a fort and trading post at the small fishing village
of Chennai.
Over the past three and a half centuries, the small fishing village
has grown into a bustling metropolis which is especially known for
its spaciousness which is lacking in other Indian cities, This characteristic
is exemplified by the long esplanade called the Marina and which
is lined by impressive buildings which remind the casual visitor
of the long and inseparable association the city has had with the
British. .
PLACES OF INTEREST
 Fort
ST. Geroge: was built in 1640 AD, by the British East India
Company under the direct supervision of Francis Day and Andrew Cogon.
This place achieved its name from Saint George, the patron saint
of England. The fort houses Saint Mary's Church and fort museum.
Saint Mary's Church the oldest Anglican Church built in 1680 and
the tombstones in its courtyard are the oldest British tombstones
in India.
Marina Beach: its the second longest beach in the world
with a strech of 4.5 kms (2.5 miles). This stretch is filled with
statues of rememberence from our Tamil culture to our great leaders.
A walk along the Marina in the evening creates elated feelings.
The old buildings on side of Kamarajar Salai, a main road along
the Marina, would remind you of the good old British days. People
from all over the city gather here in the evenings to cool off and
eat crispy "sundal and murukku"!
ANNA Memorial: the memorial for ARINZAR ANNADURAI - leader
of the Dravidian movement, affectionately called Anna. His speech
in Tamil has enchanted millions. Adjoining to this memorial lays
another for leader Dr. M.G. Ramachandran leader of AIADMK movement,
commonly know as Puractchi Thalaivar MGR. Both of them are situated
at the northern end of the Marina Beach. Both these leaders are
still living in the hearts of Tamil Nadu people
Light House: a massive tall structure situated at south
end of the Marina Beach beckons the visitors in the evening and
adds glory to the golden sands. All India Radio (AIR) radio broadcast
station is located opposite to the light house
 San
Thome Basilica: at the south end of Marina Beach was named after
Saint Thomas "doubting apostle of Jesus Christ". It is
belived he has come to Madras in 52 AD and kill at St. Thomas Mount
just outside the city in 78 AD. Built in 16th Century by the Portuguese,
in 1896 it was made a basilica. The beautiful stained glass window
at the basilica portrays the story of St Thomas and the central
hall has 14 wooden plaques depicting scenes from the last days of
Christ.. In the cathedral is a 3ft. high statue of Virgin Mary,
which is believed to have been brought from Portugal in 1543
Theosophical Society: formed to facilitate and encourage
the study of comparative religion, philosophy and science is situated
in beautiful sylvan settings in Adyar. The society was founded by
Madame Blavatsky and Col. Olott in USA, and later moved to Adyar
in 1882. Apart from shrines of all faiths and the peaceful Garden
of Remembrance, there is a 95-year old library which has a very
good collection of rare Oriental manuscripts written on palm leaves
and parchment
Elliots Beach along the coast down south from Marina. It
is also the night beachs for Chennai youth. At the end of this beach
are the Velankanni church and the Ashtalakshmi temple. Though the
church is much smaller than the original one at Velankanni it attracts
its own share of pilgrims. The Ashtalakshmi temple dedicated to
goddess Lakshmi looks quite different from the usual South Indian
temples as it is a modern granite tier construction, not even 20
years old
Birla Planiorium is located near Adyar and Guindy. This
modern planetarium is housed in a hemi-spherical theatre. Here a
fully computerized projector brings the heavenly bodies to life.
The latest astronomical phenomena are brought back to life in simulated
environment. Periyar Science & Technology Centre situated near
enables the visiting public to understand scientific and technological
inventions through working models
Kalakshetra:is located eyond Elliot's beach, is Kalakshetra
or 'Temple of Art'. It was founded in 1936 by Rukmini Devi Arundale
to train, encourage and revive interest in bharatanatyam, which
is the classical dance form of the state. This institution is among
the finest of its kind in the country and is run on the ancient
gurukulam system. Throughout the year Kalakshetra conducts music
recital and dance performances in different parts of Chennai. Details
about venue and timings can be obtained from the daily newspapers
or from the information desk of the Government of India Tourist
Office
Adyar Banyan Tree: is one of the largest tree in the world.
It measures 238ft from north to south and 250ft from east to west.
The total area exceed 59,500 sq ft. This tree is a unique specimen.
It has been the centre of many notable gatherings of the Theosophical
Society and thousands of visistors have rested in its shade
 Valluvar
Kottam: the memorial to the poet-saint Tiruvalluvar is shaped
like a temple chariot and is, in fact, the replica of the temple
chariot in Thiruvarur. A life-size statue of the saint has been
installed in the chariot which is 33m. tall. The 133 chapters of
his famous work Thirukkural have been depicted in bas-relief in
the front hall corridors of the chariot. The auditorium at Valluvar
Kottam is said to be the largest in Asia and can accommodate about
4000 people. It stands as a modern memorial to the great poet who
represents the glorious culture of the Tamils
Government Museum: previously known as Pantheon Complex
in British period, today houses the Government Museum, Connemara
Public Library and the National Art Gallery. The museum contains
exhibits ranging from contemporary artifacts to prehistorical findings.
Sculptures and bronzes of various periods, sections for zoology,
anthropology and geology impress every visitor. Buddhist sculptures
found in the Amaravathi section depict the events recorded in the
life of the Buddha.
HOW TO REACH
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.
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.
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.
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