About Chennai

Chennai (formerly known as Madras), is the capital of the state of Tamil Nadu. It is the fourth largest metropolis in India. Modern Chennai grew out of a small fishing village called Madraspatnam, when the East India Company chose the location for a new settlement way back in 1639.

Location & Attractions


Fort St. George Fort St. George
Fort St. George occupies a place of pride and prominence in Chennai. It was built in 1640 A.D by the British East India Company, under the direct supervision of Francis Day and Andrew Cogon. This bastion achieved its name from St. George, the patron saint of England. The fort houses St. Mary's Church and Fort Museum.


Marina Beach Marina Beach
Marina Beach has the honour of being the second largest beach in the world. An Aquarium, and a few beautiful buildings like the University of Madras, Senate-House, Chepauk Palace, etc. on the beachfront add colour to the beach.


The Fort Museum The Fort Museum
This repository of rare exhibits is home to a number of weapons, uniforms, coins, costumes, medals and other artefacts dating back to the British period. The flag -staff at Fort St. George is the tallest in India. South of the Fort is the War Memorial, a graceful monument built in 1939 in memory of the soldiers who sacrificed their lives during the First World War. The Island Grounds, the biggest lung space in the city, is situated on an island formed by the river Cooum. This ground is the venue for Trade and the Tourist Fairs held periodically which are seasonal attractions.


Santhome Cathedral Basilica Santhome Cathedral Basilica
Santhome at the southern end of Marina Beach derives its name from St. Thomas, the apostle of Christ who is believed to have come to Madras sometime during 52 A.D. He was killed on St. Thomas Mount just outside the city in 78 A.D. and was interned in Santhome beach, where a church was later built. Several years later, another church was built further inland and his mortal remains were transferred from the old church to the new one. In 1606 the church was rebuilt as a cathedral and 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 3 ft. high statue of Virgin Mary, which is believed to have been brought from Portugal in 1543.

Festivals

PongalPongal
Pongal Thiruvizha celebrated in the middle of January finds large numbers of Tamillians converging on beaches in the city, giving it a festive look.



Arapathu Moovar Vilzha Arapathu Moovar Vilzha, celebrated during March-April every year is the festival of the Kapaleeshwar Temple, Mylapore.The celebration pays obeisance to the 63 Nayanmars (shaivite saints) who devoted their lives, singing the praises of Lord Shiva and spreading the message of Shaivism. Devotees throng the temple during all the 10 days of festivity, which are spread over Tamil months of Maasi and Panguni.


Dance The Music Festival in the December-January period is celebrated by Tamillians around the world, as they congregate in Chennai to savour the fine arts. The Sabhas, or auditoriums, regarded as the guardians of traditional music, dance and all other art forms of the South, become active. All leading musicians, vocal or instrumental, perform and the upcoming artists long to perform in these Sabhas.

Another attraction in this festival is the canteen, where a gamut of south Indian dishes is available. Here the critics analyse performances, while savouring local specialities like Idli sambar, Dosa, Sambar vada or Pongal.