IndiFest

The Capital city of Tamil Nadu state, Chennai or Madras(formerly), is south India’s largest city. Chennai is India’s automotive hub and an IT bastion too. Even though it is a modern city it has a very strong cultural inclination. Chennai hosts an annual gala event known as the Madras Music Season. Kollywood, the Tamil cinema and music industry is headquartered here and it is the second largest entertainment industry in India.

Fort St. George

This 1640 AD edifice is perhaps the oldest British establishment in India. It is a magnificent thing that overlooks the Bay of Bengal on one side. Till date it serves as a base of Indian Army. It housed a museum that displays a fine collection of colonial era memorabilia. Another thing you would not want to miss at Sr George Fort is the 15 ft statue of Lord Cornwallis. One can still feel the regalia of the old days from the glass windows, wall frescoes and shining teak plaques. Because of its immense historical importance it is under the supervision of the Archaeological Survey of India.

The Marina Beach

Acclaimed to be the longest beach in India Marina Beach draws a big volume of tourists everyday. It starts right next to St George fort and extends for 12 Kms till the Besant Nagar in a north – south extension. This place is particularly popular in the evening and is famous for its food stalls and shops on the sandy beaches. Another attraction of Marina beach is the line of statues of famous Indian and Tamil personalities. As a part of beach modernization plan a huge artificial waterfall has been installed here. The waves are generally strong and seas are not fit for swimming or bathing. There are no life guards stationed here.

San Thome Cathedral Basilica

This church holds a great significance for the catholic Christians. It is dedicated to the St Thomas the apostle of Christ who is believed to have been killed on St Thomas Mount. He was buried in San Thome beach and then latter moved into the city in 1606 when this church was built. Around three centuries latter it was declared a basilica. The works on wood and glass inside the church depict the life story of St Thomas and scenes narrating the last days of Christ. Even if you are a non Christian and believe in Christ this is the place you should be when you are in Chennai.

Valluvar Kottam

This beautiful stone chariot located near Kodambakam area in Chennai is dedicated to the ancient saint and poet Thirvalluvar who is famous for his literary works on Ethics. Some legends claim Mylapore to be the birthplace of Thiruvallavur. It is an exquisitely carved structure where a life-size image of the poet-saint. There is an auditorium that can seat 4000 people and is considered one of Asia’s largest. The large hall is devoid of supporting pillars. Verses from Thirukurral are depicted on granite walls around the hall.

Other places to visit in Chennai (Madras)

Kapaleswar Temple, Guindy National Park, Kalakshetra or the “Temple of Art”, MGR Film City, Birla Planetarium.

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