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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 th e
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. 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.
Cultural musings
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.
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. |