INFORMATION ABOUT CHENNAI

Chennai is the capital of the state of Tamil Nadu and is India's fourth largest metropolitan city. Popularly known as "Gateway to South India". Chennai was formerly know as Madras. Chennai is one of India's major port and the commercial hub of South India. It is well connected internationally and to other parts of India.

CHENNAI HISTORY

Chennai was the site of the East India Company's first settlement-founded in 1639. The region of Chennai was called Tondaimandalm in those days and had its military headquarters at Puzhal, which is now a small and rather insignificant village on the outskirts of the city. In the 19th century the city became the seat of Madras Presidency, the southern division of British Imperial India. After independence in 1947 it became the capital of Madras State that was renamed Tamil Nadu. Very recently Madras was renamed Chennai.

CHENNAI TOURISM

The Places of Interest and Sight Seeing



• Tourism in Chennai : Chennai with the Bay of Bengal on its side had been the British trading post for years. Chennai is a coastal city with the second largest beach in the world - Marina Beach. The gorgeous golden sands invite innumerable tourists especially during the evenings.It is a city of courtesy, charm and culture. Temples and Forts, Churches and Beaches, Mosques, Parks and Monuments are all a part of this wonderful city.For animal lovers Guindy National Park and Snake Park of Chennai offer unforgettable experiences.



• Chennai Fair & Festivals :Chennai celebrates many local, state and national festivals few of them are :-



• Pongal :The festival is celebrated in the month of January for three days. It is the harvest festival of thanks giving to Sun, Earth and the Cow. At dawn on this day families everywhere gather around a new earthen pot. As the pot of milk boils over, signifying prosperity, a shout of "Pongalo Pongal" rents the air.



• Arubathimoovar Festival :Literally, 'Arubathimoovar' refers to the 63 saints of Shiva canonised for leading exemplary lives of devotion and penance. Once, every year, the bronze figures of these 63 saints are carried in a colourful procession through the streets of Mylapore.



• Chennai Best Season :The best time to visit this city is the winter season, i.e., November to September when the weather is pleasant.



• Marina Beach : The famous Marina Beach the pride of Chennai. The Marina beach is second longest beach in the world with a stretch of 4.5 kms (2.5 miles) and has a wide sandy foreshore.



• Elliot's Beach :Elliot's Beach is spread along the coast down south from Marina. Elliot's Beach is also the night beach for Chennai youths. This beach is comparatively quieter and an ideal place to enjoy sea bathing.



• Covelong Beach :The Covelong beach has a fort, built by the Nawab of Carnatic. The Beach is separated from the mainland by the canal running from Chennai to Mahabalipuram. It is located on the way to Mahabalipuram.



• Discotheques In Chennai :Discotheques in Chennai, which is sure to be a memorable pastime.Chennai Nightclubs and bars are somewhat restricted by the timings which are been laid down but the governmental authorities.



• Sparks :Among the famous Chennai nightclubs and bars the spark tops the list. It is located in Hotel Savera, which is in Mylapore. The famous Spark pub cum discotheque is furnished with a contemporary look. The dance floor is spread out over a wide area and the music beats are mind-blowing.



• Dublin :This pub cum discotheque is situated in the Park Sheraton Hotel, which is on T.T.K Road. This discotheque has split level dance floors and often honored the visitors by the frequent celebrity visits.



• Flame Le Club :The Flame Le Club is situated at the Le Royal Meridien hotel, which is on the GST Road in Chennai. You can enjoy an electrifying evening while having a sip on your most desired drink.



• Churches in Chennai :In Chennai city, there are many beautiful and magnificent churches, built over a period of time. Some of the important churches of Chennai/Madras are Anderson Church, Andrew's Kink, Christ Church, Chinnamalai Church, Santhome Cathedral Basilica and St. George's Cathedral.



• The Armenian Church :The Armenian Church was built in 1772, on the site of the Armenian cemetery, The Armenian Church houses a magnificent belfry - 6 bells, claimed to be the largest bells in Chennai.



• St. Mary's Church :St. Mary's Church is the first Anglican Church in India. It was built in 1678-79 in Fort St. George. The treasures of St. Mary's Church are the altarpiece, a large painting of the last supper, a 1660 bible and silver plates.



• Santhome Basilica :The Santhome Basilica church is located on the southern end of Marina Beach. A rare church, raised on the tomb of St. Thomas, an apostle of Christ, it has in its possession a small hand bone of Thomas and the head of a lance, which brought him down.

ACCOMODATION/STAY OPTIONS IN CHENNAI

• AMBICA EMPIRE BEST WESTERN
• THE MARINA TOWERS


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