About Chennai

Chennai (formerly known as Madras) situated in the eastern coast of South India facing the Bay of Bengal. Chennai is a gracious city which has retained quaint old-world values. The Dravidian dynasties of Pallavas, the Cholas and the Pandiyas, all left their marks on the culture and architecture of the region. Here, tradition blends with modernity as the past and the present, the planned and unplanned co-exist in harmony. Chennai is widely spread in about 180 Sq. Kms. Chennai, the capital of Tamil Nadu, is the gateway to South India and is a major trade center, being well linked by road, rail and air to important cities besides being a sea port.

History

The British rulers, successfully acquired Madraspattinam(as it was known in the past) as early as 1639 from theNayaks. By 1684 Fort St.George was built and gradually the surrounding villages came under its fold. Triplicane was acquired from the Sultan of Golconda in 1676. The Fort house which was the residence of the Governor and his council was added in the 17th century. During the British rule Madras was known as Madras Presidency. And it consisted of Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam and Kannada speaking area.

Geography

It is located near the 13th north parallel and 80° longitude. It stretches for about 19km along the Coromandel Coast and extends 9km inland.

Climate

The presence of the sea makes Chennai perennially humid. Despite that the city offers an invaluable advantage - cool breeze. Though the day temperature soar beyond 42°C in summer, the cool breeze coming from the sea makes life easier.The monsoon usually sets in the month of September and it continues to rain till November in spurts.The months from December & Feb can be called winter because they are comparatively cooler than the summer.

People

Chennai plays host to people not only from India but also from around the world.The on slaught of glamorous western lifestyles has not had any major influence on the life style. All traditional values and rituals are still intact. Indeed Chennai, true to its expectation, has nurtured our rich heritage and culture.

Culture

Chennai is the land of art and culture. Schools of dance and music flourish in every corner of the city. The Tamil hospitality is famous the world over. Even the most humble of households will entend a warm welcome to you and offer snacks and drinks.

Places of Interest in and around Chennai

Fisherman's Cove

A picturesque fishing village en route to Mamallapuram, Fisherman's Cove has an idyllic golden beach and a charming luxury hotel beach resort that's been ingeniously integrated with the remains of the fort. The resort offers delicious sea food and facilities for swimming and windsurfing.

Mamallapuram

Also known as Mahabalipuram, this ancient sea port was built by Emperor Mahendravarma Pallava in the 7th century. From here, ships left for countries in South East Asia and the Mediterranean, carrying not only traders but people who emigrated to countries like Indonesia, Thailand and Cambodia. Over the passage of time, Mamallapuram ceased to function as a port but its glory lived on in its finished and unfinished temples and monuments. The passing of time and the work of natural forces like wind and the sea spray, have wrought changes on the solid rock surface of these monuments but each sculpture and image still succeeds in conveying a message of beauty and harmony. Mamallapuram bears testimony and pays tribute to its Pallava artists and to the culture of South India. Among the places of interest are Arjuna's Penance, Krishna Mandapa, Mahishasuramardhini Cave, Pancha Rathas, the Shore temple and Varaha Mandapa.

Kancheepuram

This is one of the seven sacred cities of India. Kanchi is a historic city which served as the capital of some of the mightiest empires of the South. Between the 6th and 8th century it was the headquarters of the Pallava empire and several of the best temples here were built during this period. It later became the capital of the Chola and Vijayanagara empires and was a major seat of Tamil learning. It is the birth place of some of the greatest men in Indian history. The impressive list includes Chanakya, the great diplomat and advisor in the court of King Chandragupta Maurya, Dignaga, the Buddhist logician, Dharmapala who presided over the University of Nalanda, Poygai Alwar - the Vaishnavaite saint, Adi Sankaracharya who established his episcopal seat Kamakotti Pita here, and in recent times, one of the most popular political leaders of the Tamil Nadu, the late Chief Minister C.N. Annadurai. During its heydays, Kanchi was a major centre of Buddhism, Jainism and Hinduism. Today, it is not just an important tourist centre but one of the leading producers of handwoven cotton and silk fabrics in the country.

Vedanthangal

The Vedanthangal bird sanctuary is 85 kms from Chennai. It continues to be a paradise for bird watchers, especially during the winter season, when birds in a myriad of colours and kinds descend on the lake in hordes. Grey herons, little cormorants, white pelicans, hornbills, storks, egrets, darters are the popular winter visitors to this secluded retreat. Some of them travel thousands of miles all the way from Siberia, to avoid the biting cold. November to February are in fact the best months for bird watching at Vedanthangal. Every year, these migratory birds come from afar to nest here during this season. But their numbers are slowly dwindling because of the increasing pollution in the area and the dropping water level of the lake. Proper maintenance of the sanctuary is also lacking.