|
Chennai on the map of the Indian
heart 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.
Explore the Southern ecstasy
Marina Beach
Chennai 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
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.
Vivekanand Illam - ChennaiThe 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
Covelong Beachis 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.
High Court - Chennai
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. |