Chennai,
the capital of Tamil Nadu lies south of India is located on the Coromandel
Coast of the Bay of Bengal. It was established at Fort St. George in 1640
A.D. The city has a ravishing blend of traditional Tamil Hindu culture and
the remarkable British architecture, that can be perceived in the form of
old cathedrals, structures constructed in the Indo-Saracenic style. Chennai
the fourth largest metropolitan city of India spread over an area of 180 Sq.
Kms. is also the prominent harborage with some excellent beaches of Asia. Prime Attractions
Fort St. George
The Fort was Contrived by the British Empire in 1639-1640. It is now used as an official building of the Tamil Nadu government and is known for its architectural splendors, a worth visiting spot.
Kapaleeswarar Temple
The temple treasures the ancient scripts dating back to the 13th century AD and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The abstruse carvings on the temple depicts the stories from Hindu mythology is a real specimen of Dravidian style archicture. Sri Parthasarathy Temple dedicated to Lord Krishna, have idols of five avataras of Lord Vishnu and a temple of Vishnu's associate notified as Vedavalli Ammai built in the 8th century AD.
The Marina Beach
Marina Beach is considered one of the second longest beaches in the world, extending over a length of 12 km. It is an idle place for all sorts of water activities like diving, swimming, water rafting and yachting. The best time to visit the beach is mornings and evenings when the beach is engrossed with many activities and entertainment
Santhome Cathedral
The Santhome cathedral was constructed by the Portuguese in 14th century AD. It is one of the most significant pilgrimages for the people belonging to the Christian community.
National
Art Gallery and Government MuseumThe museums situated in the center of
the city at Egmore is founded in 1857. The museum houses worthy accumulation
of sculpture and armory. Numerous chambers on botany, anthropology, geology,
archaeology, and zoology can also be visited inside the museum. Timings: It
is open on all days except Fridays from 8 am to 5 pm. Fort Museum: This
museum has a collection of remnant pertaining, depicting the incumbency of
the East India Company and British India.Excursion
Mahabalipuram:
50-kilometer from Chennai is Mahabalipuram, situated on the Bay of Bengal coastline. Famous for 9 temples carved out of the hard rock and 5 temples paved with concrete, known as Pancha Pandava Rathas. Four ratahas are carved out of a single rock depicts some of the unique 8th century Dravidian style archicture.
Kanchipuram:
Also called 'the Golden City of a thousand temples', is 71 km from Chennai. It was the capital of the Pallavas, the Cholas and the Rayas. Pallava regime constructed some of the peerless structures of temples in 6th and 7th centuries. The great saints and philosopher like Sri Sankaracharya, Siruthonder and the great Buddhist Bhikku once dwelled in the city. Another attraction of the city is its hand woven silk fabrics, which is famous all over the world.
Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary:
The bird sanctuary is 86km from Chennai and can be approached easily by bus transport. It covers an area of 72 acres of swampy land with lush green towering trees absolute for nesting. It is an abode to varied species of water birds, almost 24 species of birds one can encounter here. Winter is the season for migratory visitors, coming from all over the world, making it an enormous site for photographers.
Crocodile Bank:
Located 44 kms from Chennai, it is the Crocodile breeding and research center run by Romulus Whittaker. Varied species from India and Africa are breeder here to increase the reptile's population. A snake farm that undertakes the demonstrations of toxin extraction from poisonous snakes is also a great attraction.
Festivals:
Navaratri or Dussehra are celebrated in (September/October), Deepavali in (October/ November), Karthika (November/December) and Pongal in (January ). A unique festival of Carnatic music held annually in January at Thiruvariyar, one could enjoy the marvelous performance of the artists, depicting a exquisite blend of harmony and rhythm.
