Chennai which is also known as Madras is the capital of the state of Tamil Nadu and is India's fourth largest metropolitan city. Popularly known as Gateway to South India, it is well connected internationally and to other parts of India. A conglomeration of several overgrown villages, Chennai has no single centre, but can be divided into numerous urban districts, connected by four main roads. George Town is to the northeast of Periyar EVR High Road poonamallee high road, while Egmore, Triplicane and Mylapore are to the south. The city's main thoroughfare, Anna Salai Mount Road , links Fort St George with Mount St Thomas, to the south. Chennai's other main roads, Rajaji Salai North Beach Road , run along the seafront, along the popular Marina promenade towards Kalakshetra. Some of the attractions of this city are, Fort St. George, Marina Beach, Anna Memorial, Light House, Elliots Beach, Valluvar Kottam and Government Museum, etc,
PLACES TO SEE
Marina Beach This expansive beach is Chennai's most famous tourist attraction, though the undercurrent is too strong for all but the strongest swimmers. Sri Parthasarathy Temple This temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna. The temple was originally built by the Pallavas in the 8th century AD. Though additions were later made to it by the Chola and Vijayanagara Kings.
Kapaleswarar Temple Not far from Triplicane, in Mylapore, there is yet another 8th Century Pallava Temple. The temple 'Gopuram' (tower) is in the characteristic Dravidian style of architecture. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this temple has some most beautiful sculptures, along with the bronze idols of 63 Saivaite Saints (Nayanmars) which adorn the outer courtyard are rare specimens
The Government Museum National Art Gallery, Gallery of Contemporary Arts and Children's Museum also lie in the Museum Complex.
Birla Planetarium The Birla Planetarium at Kotturpuram, between Adyar and Guindy, is the most modern planetarium in the country. Adjoining the planetarium is a Periyar Science and Technology Museum which will be of interest to students and other science scholars.
Fort St. George Fort St. George occupies a place of pride and prominence in Chennai. It was built in 1640 AD, by the British East India Company under the direct supervision of Francis Day and Andrew Cogon. This bastion achieved name from St. George, the patron saint of England. The fort houses St. Mary's Church and fort museum. St. Mary's Church the oldest Anglican church in India built in 1680 and the tombstones in it's courtyard are the oldest British tombstones in India.
HOW TO REACH
By Air The domestic and international airports are located at Meenambakkam, about 20 kms from the city center. Chennai is conveniently connected to all major cities in India and major international destinations. Domestic carriers like Indian, Jet Airways and Sahara Airlines, Spicejet, Kingfisher and other airlines connect Chennai with Bangalore, Hyderabad, Delhi, Thiruvananthapuram and other major Indian cities.
By Rail Chennai has two major railway stations, Chennai Central and Egmore. It is well connected by rail with all the major cities in India.
By Road An extensive network of roads connects Chennai with major cities and towns in Tamil Nadu and other parts of the country. The Chennai Mofussil Bus Terminal at Jawaharlal Nehru Salai, Koyembedu is regarded as the largest bus station in Asia.
WEATHER The best time to visit Chennai is from October to March. Around November end January end is also considered as best time to visit.
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