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 Chennai, earlier known as Madras, is the capital city of Tamil Nadu. The city is rated among the most modern and technologically advance cities of India but yet it has retained its old traditions. The city represents a diverse culture and an interesting amalgam of traditional charm and the modern day hustle and bustle. It is also an important business and commercial centre of India with an international airport and a seaport.
One of the most culturally and historically rich cities of India, Chennai has a very rich cultural heritage and monuments including temples, museums, churches. Besides, the vibrant cultural performances including traditional dances and music form the part and parcel of daily life of the colorful people of Chennai. The world famous classical dance form of Bharata Natyam is has its origin in Tamil Nadu and widely performed and enjoyed all over south India. Chennai is also referred as the home of the ancient Dravidian civilization, one of the oldest articulate cultures in the world.
Places to Visit
Marina Beach: Mariana Beach is the second longest city beach in the world. People gather in large number in the morning and evening to watch the waves or simply for a relaxing stroll. You can also visit the famous Anna Park and MGR Samadhi, situated in the close vicinity to this exotic and beautiful beach.
Kapaleeshvara Temple: Kapaleeshvara Temple is probably the oldest temple in Chennai. With a beautiful display gopurams, mandapams and a tank typical of the temples of Tamil Nadu, the temple is one of the finest examples of a classical Dravidian architectural style. The temple also displays beautifully inscribed scriptures of the past.
Fort St George: This is the first building, built by the British in the city. Now it houses the Secretariat and the Legislative Assembly of Tamil Nadu. The Fort Museum situated very close to this magnificent building exhibits an interesting collection of colonial memorabilia.
MGR Film City: Known as the Bollywood of the south India, the MGR Film City is situated on the outskirts of Buckingham Canal. The beautifully planned film city is a special delight for tourists visiting Chennai.
Other major attractions in and around Chennai include the Santhome Cathedral, Parthsarthy Temple, Guindy National Park and Snake Park, the National Art Gallery, the Theosophical Society, the War Memorial, St. Mary's Church, the new Light House, and Elliot's Beach among the popular ones.
How to Reach
By Air: Chennai has a well maintained airport. The Meenambakkam Airport is located 17 km southwest of the city centre. It has terminals for both domestic and international travel and all the major domestic and International airlines operate between Chennai and other major cities of India and the world.
By Rail: Central and Egmore are the two railway stations of Chennai. The city is well connected by trains to almost all the major cities and towns in India.
By Road: Chennai has a very good network of roads and well connected to various major and small destinations in South India. The national highways of 4, 5 and 45 pass through the city making it easily accessible to other cities of South India.
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