CHENNAI

INDIA MAP
 Chennai - Capital of Tamil Nadu

Chennai is the capital of Tamil Nadu and is located on the

Coromondal coast of Bay of Bengal. Chennai is the fourth
most populous metropolitan area and the fifth most populous
city in India. The population of Chennai is 4.34 million (2001
census). The city is governed by the Corporation of Chennai
consisting of a Mayor  M. Subramanian
Corporation Commissioner Rajesh Lakhoni and councilors.
Chennai boasts of rich historical legacy which lends an
inexplicable(mysterious)charm to the city.
The Portuguese arrived here in the 16th century and were
followed by the Dutch, and East India Company. The
British were able to establish their undisputed supremacy
in the city and the Fort St George became the nucleus
around which the British authority grew and expanded.

The flourishing economy of the city is credited to its key

industries - automobile, software services, hardware
manufacturing, petrochemicals, textiles and financial
services.

Chennai is popularly known as 'Gateway to South India'

and it is well connected internationally and to other parts
of India via different modes of transport
Chennai's economy has a broad industrial
base in the car, computer, technology,
hardware manufacturing, and healthcare
industries. The city is India's second
largest exporter of software, information
technology (IT) and information-
technology-enabled services (ITES).
Chennai is an important centre for
Carnatic Music and hosts a large cultural
event, the annual Madras Music Season,
which includes performances by hundreds
of artists. The city has a vibrant theatre
scene and is an important centre for the
Bharatanatyam, a classical dance form. The
Tamil film industry, one of the largest film
industries in India, is based in the city; the
soundtracks of the films dominate its music
scenes.
PLACES OF INTEREST
FortSt George
Kapileshawara temple.
Marina Beach.
St Thomas cathedral
Kalakshetra
Theosophical society
MGR Film city
EXCURSIONS
Cholamandal artist village
Dakshin chitra
Vendalur
Covelong
Crocodile park
Pulicat lake
Mammallapuam
Thiruzukundram
Kanchipuram
Tiruvannamallai
 Fort St George
St. George Fort is located on the banks of Bay of
Bengal. It was built by the British East India Company
in 1640 AD. The fort is believed to be the first
establishment of the British in India. It is a military
architecture marvel, which was erected as a trading
post and later evolved to be the origin of modern
Indian Army. Situated in the coastal state of Tamil
Nadu, this ancient monument is worth watching.
St. George Fort holds great historical importance and
is looked after by the Archaeological Survey of India.
St. George Fort has a number of other worth
watching monuments within its boundaries.
St. Mary's Church, situated in the fort, is one
of the oldest surviving churches built by the
British in India. The glass windows, wall
frescos, teak plaques still shine with their all
time glory. Another fascinating structure here
is the 150 ft tall Flagstaff, made entirely of
teakwood. Though the original flagstaff is no
more to be seen, its remains are still visible.
 Kapaleeswarar Temple
The Kapleeswarar temple is situated in
Kutchery Road, Mylapore(Madras). The
Kapleeswarar temple is an emblem of
Dravidian style and architecture. The notable
feature of this structure is the 37-meter tall
gopuram i.e. the pyramidical shaped temple
top trying to touch the ultimate cool blue-sky
surface which is spread all over the universe.
As you enter the temple you can view a sculpture,
which has an interesting story behind it. It is
believed that a saint known as Gnanasambandar
sung and brought a dead girl back to life.
Goddess Parvati has been depicted as peacock
and she is worshipping the lingam or the idol of
Lord Shiva. You can also see the bronze carvings
of the 63-Shaivate saints which are carried in
procession during the Aruvathumoovar festival,
which is held in March-April. In the courtyard of
the temple there is a holy Punnai tree, which is
one of the oldest trees of Chennai city.
 Marina Beach
Marina Beach is a beach in the city of
Chennai (Madras), India, along the
Bay of Bengal, part of the Indian Ocean.
The beach runs from near Fort St. George in
the north to Besant Nagar in the south, a
distance of 13 km. The Marina is primarily
sandy, unlike the short, rocky formations
that make up the Juhu Beach in Mumbai
Marina beach is a major tourist attraction. The beach is
popular for its shops and food stalls. The memorials and
statues, morning walk, joggers' track, lovers' spot,
aquarium, etc., make it a hangout for people of all ages.
The sea is rough and waves are strong. There are
fishermen colonies present at both ends of the beach.
Bathing/swimming is illegal at Marina beach and there
are no lifeguards stationed here.
The Chennai Corporation previously known as, 'The
Madras Corporation' took up the Marina Renovation
Project in 2008 which aims at improving landscaping,
seating arrangements, walkways and lighting along the
promenade and is near completing the work of
renovating the beach at a cost of 259.2 million Indian
Rupees.
 There is a skating rink behind the Gandhi Statue
which has been improved with hand rails and tiles
on the periphery under the Marina Renovation
Project. A total of 14 galleries with seating
arrangements have been created on the 2.8 km
stretch between Triumph of Labour Statue and the
Light House. The 3 km stretch from the Anna
Square to the Light House has uninterrupted
pavement and a sub-road parallel to the main road.
As part of "Chennai Forever" initiative by Tamil
Nadu government, a 34 feet (10 m) tall, artificial
Marina Waterfall was installed in September 2005
at a cost of 1.5 million Indian Rupees.
 In the whole world, there are only three churches built over the
tomb of an Apostle of Jesus Christ - the Basilica of Saint Peter
built over the tomb of St.Peter in Rome, Cathedral of Santiago
de Compostela built over the tomb of St.James in Spain and
Basilica of the National Shrine of St.Thoms built over the
tomb of St.Thoms. Basilica of the National Shrine of St.Thoms
is in Chennai, India. Most Indian Catholics, why, even most
Catholics in South India, or even in Chennai, seem to be
unaware of the importance of this extraordinary shrine.
By Apostolic brief dated 16th March 1956, Pope Pius XII
gloriously raised the Cathedral Church of the Archdiocese of
Madras-Mylapore to the dignity and rank of Minor Basilica.

St Thomas cathedral
This lovely Gothic Church is an
architectural treasure. Rising 155 feet from
the ground, with a nave of 112 feet by 33
feet, and an imposing sanctuary 62 feet long
and 33 feet wide, it is adorned with stained
glass windows depicting St. Thomas and the
other Apostles.
There are two new structures today: The
Tomb Chapel below the Basilica and
Museum cum Theatre.
Kalakshetra

This Pioneering Institution for classical dance,

music and the fine arts, established in 1936. A
Protégés of Annie Besant, was deeply influenced
by the progressive views of the Theosophical
Society. She scandalized conservative society by
marrying George Sydney Arundel, the 40-year -
old Australian principal of the Society's School.
The Couple's extensive travels around the world
exposed Rukmini to the world of Western culture,
especially dance, inspiring her to study ballet
under the great Russian ballerina, Anna Pavlova.
The International Centre for the Arts, which she set
up for the revival of this dance form, now called
Bharat Natyam, is today Kalakshetra, the "Temple
of Arts". The School is set in a vast 40-ha (99acre)
campus, where classical music and dance are
taught according to the traditional methods by
which a guru imparts knowledge to a small group
of students.
Some of India's best known dancers, such as
Yamini Krishnamurthy, Leela Samson, were
trained here. At the end of each year, a festival is
held and performances are staged in an auditorium
designed like a Koottambulam, the traditional
theatre of Kerala temples.
 Founded in 1875 by Madame Blavatsky and Col. Olott
in USA, Theosophical Society is a worldwide
organization whose primary objective is universal
brotherhood for the benefit of humanity based on the
realization of life, and all its diverse forms. Late in 1882,
the society was moved to Adyar in Chennai. The society
runs a library, which has a good collection of rare
oriental manuscripts written on palm leaves and
parchment and these manuscripts have lot of ancestral
and archeological value. The library is a good place to
have historical knowledge of culture and customs.

Theosophical society
Theosophical society
 MGR Film City
Location
MGR Film City is located in the southern outskirts of
Chennai city. The much famous complex is situated in the
Tharamani region of Adyar township. The Canal Bank
Road provides the means of the access into the film city.

Recent Developments
The government has shown the green flag to Tamil Nadu
Industrial Development Corporation (TIDCO) for the
development of Knowledge Park in the film city campus. A
total of 24.78 acres of unutilized land has been allotted to
the TIDCO for the said project.
MGR Filmcity
 Features
MGR Film City is a recently built complex featuring the sets
and studios of Tamil Nadu Film Industry. The complex was
built by the state government to facilitate the business of state
film industry. The film lot has been named after the founder,
M.G. Ramachandran. The place provides some lavishly built
sets for outdoor shooting.
The film complex includes a great stretch of land
encompassing artificial scenery like forests, market places,
waterfalls, etc. The place is also provided with hi tech
equipment required in professional film making. The film city
complex has the largest air-conditioned floors throughout the
lands of Asia.
 Cholamandal artist village
For the lovers of arts and paintings the
Cholamandal Artist's Village is the haven to
explore. The village is only 9 km from Chennai
city. In 1964 some students of Madras School of
Arts and crafts formed the present institution.
The institution came out at that time when no
such institutes existed. Late K.C.S Paniker was
the founder principal of the institute. Today all
the artists live here as a community nurturing
their skills and resources.
Cholamandal Artist's Village in Chennai has
an exclusive permanent art gallery where all the
notable exhibitions of art and culture are held.
In this unique artists village you will find the
marvelous Sculptures made of granite; wood,
copper and bronze. They are made by the artists
of this village. There is also an open-air theater
which serves as a platform for performing arts.
All the performing artists and also the poetry
recitation sessions, dance rehearsals are done
here.
Dakshina Chitra

Dakshina Chitra is a very famous heritage centre

located near to Chennai. The place is about 30 far
from Chennai. Dakshin Chitra is symbolic of the
traditional South Indian state. The place forms
one of the best folk museums of Tamil Nadu,
featuring architectural heritage of Tamil Nadu,
Kerala, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. At
Dakshin Chitra one can have some enlightening
glimpses of Indian states in the past.
The architectural and cultural heritages of
the South Indian states are showcased here.
The architectural features of each state, the
typical homes of each region of South India
have been built here and they serve as folk
museums. The recreated and remodeled
building of the past proves to be very
attractive and informative to today’s
generation.
Dakhsina Chitra also offers cultural programs
periodically, in its amphitheatre and great
artistes perform here to enthralled audiences.
There is an eatery here and ls a curio shop
with a collection of beautiful curios. Puppet
shows and other folk art are presented to make
the trip an enjoyable one.
Dakshin Chitra falls in the bus route and one
can board a bus from areas like Adyar, K.K
Nagar and Thyagaraja Nagar. It can be
combined with the trip to Mahabaliuram or
Pondicherry.
Vendalur

The Arignar Anna Zoological Park,

popularly known as the Vandalur Zoo is
located in Vandalur, which is about 30
kilometers from Chennai city. Madras has
the distinction of having the first public zoo
in India as early as 1855. It was originally
situated near Park town in the Chennai city.
 Covelong Beach
Merely, 40 kms away from the hustle and bustle of Chennai,
Covelong is a dreamy village. But it is brisk with fishing activities.
The sea and the surf here are gentle. The tourists and the travelers
throng the quiet village. The vivacious village of Covelong is
renowned for its fishing activities. In the fishing village the
swaying palms and the beautiful beach entice people from across
the globe. The environs, ambience, peace, tranquility and the
infrastructure at the Covelong beach come together to make it one
of the most popular beach resorts on the Coromandel Coast. In the
yester years Covelong was the renowned port of the Nawabs of the
Carnatic. On digging the past it is revealed that Saadat Ali, Nawab
of Carnatic, built the ancient port of Covelong. I
 Pulicat Lake
PulicatLake palm trees lining the barrier islands Location
Coromandel Coast Coordinates Lake type brackish to salty Primary inflows
Arani River, Kalangi River and Swarnamukhi River Primary outflows To
the Sea Basin countries India
Max. length 60 km (37.3 mi) Max. width 17.5 km (10.9 mi) Surface area
250–450 km2 (97–174 sq mi)

Islands Irrukam, Venadu and several smaller ones Settlements Chennai and
Pulicat in Tamil Nadu, Dugarājupatnam and Sullurpeta in Andhra Pradesh
Pulicat Lake (Telugu: Pulicat Sarassu Tamil: Pazhaverkaadu is the second
largest brackish – water lake or lagoon in India. It straddles the border of
Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu states on the Coromandal Coast in
South India. The lake encompasses the Pulicat Lake Bird Sanctuary. The
barrier island of Sriharikota separates the lake from the Bay of Bengal. The
island is home to the Satish Dhawan Space Centre
 Crocodile Park
Head in the direction of Mahabalipuram and you will find the
Crocodile Park of Chennai - home to several species of Indian and
African crocodiles and alligators. Started in 1976 by herpetologist
Romulus Whitaker, the Crocodile Park is spread over 3.2 hectares of
lush vegetation.
The Crocodile Bank in Chennai is the largest crocodile-breeding site
in the country. Several species of African and Indian crocodiles and
alligators are bred in captivity. This park seeks to spread awareness of
the ecological role played by crocodiles in selectively feeding on sick
and weak and injured fish. Projects are conducted on the biology and
study of crocodiles, turtles and lizards.
Other species of crocodiles found in the
Crocodile Park in Chennai - Morlet's crocodile
from Mexico, American Alligator, Dwarf
crocodile from Africa and the Siamese
crocodile. Visitors can collect interesting trivia
and information about these species. The
Crocodile Bank also has a snake farm, where
anti-venom is produced. Demonstrations of
venom extraction draw considerable crowds.
Thirukazhukundram

Thirukazhukundram is near Kalpakkam. The temple is

situated on the highway between Chennai and
Kalpakkam.  It is also  well connected  with 
Chengalpattu and Mahabalipuram.  It is 25 kms. from
Mamamallapuram and 10 kms from Chengalpattu.  It is
a saivaite shrine.  Main god and goddess of the shrine
are Thiripurasundari udanurai Vedagireeswarar.
In the praise of Lord, all the four viz.,
Thirugnanasambandar, Appar, Sundarar and
Manikkavasagar have composed hymns.
Inside the temple, there is big statue of Agrora
Veerapathirar.
Kanchipuram
76 kms from Chennai
The Small Temple Town of Kanchipuram, or Kanchi, as it is
popularly known is one of the seven sacred cities of the Hindus.
From the 6th to the 8th centuries, it was the capital of the pallavas
who built numerous temples here and founded universities for
higher learning. Roayal Patronage from the succeeding Chola,
Pandya and Vijayanagar dynasties further consolidated the city's
reputation as a religious and commercial centre.

Kanchipuram is sacred to Shaivites( devotees of Shiva) as well as

to vaishnavites ( Worshippers of Vishnu). The town is thus divided
into two distinct zones, with the Shaivite temples to the north and
the vaishnavite temples to the Southeast.
Italso has an important Devi (goddess) temple the
Kamakshi Temple situated north east of the bus
stand. Dedicated to kamakshi or the "loving-eyed"
Parvati, the temple was rebuilt in the 14th Century,
during the Vijayanagar Period. It has four colourful
gopuras and the main sanctum has a gold-plated roof.
Other places to see in Kanchipuram are:

The Kailasanatha Temple

The Great Ekambaresh vara Temple
The Vaikuntha Perumal temple
The Varadaraja Temple
 MAMMALLAPURAM
In the 7th century by the Pallava King, Narasimha
varman I, also known as Mamalla, " Great Wrestler", this
spectacular site, situated on the Bay of Bengal, extends
across a boulder strewn landscape and comprise rock cur
caves and monolithic shrines structural temples and huge
bas-reliefs that are considered the greatest examples of
Pallava art. The stone-carving tradition that created these
wonders is still alive in the many workshops scattered
around the village.
The Spectacular Shore Temple, perched dramatically
on a promontory by the sea, has survived the ravages
of time and erosion. It was built by mamalla for
vishnu, while the two shiva shrines were added by
Mamalla's Successor Narashima Varman II. The
Temple has a low boundary wall, with rows of seated
nandis surrounding it. Placed inside are a reclining
Vishnu a 16- Faceted polished linga and reliefs of
somaskanda composite form of shiva with his
consort parvati and sons Skanda and Ganesha.
 Tiruvannamalai
Thiruvannamalai is a pilgrimage town. Tiruvannamalai
is situated 185 km from Chennai and 210 km from
Bangalore. Saathanoor Dam across Thenpennai River is a
tourist place near Thiruvannamalai. The height of the
Arunachala hill is approximately 2,669 feet. It is the
headquarters of the Thiruvannamalai district.
Thiruvannamalai is home to the Annamalaiyar Temple
located at the foot of the Annamalai hill and amongst one
of the great Shiva Temples of Tamil Nadu.
Thiruvannamalai has long been associated with many
yogis and siddhars, and more recently the 20th century
guru Ramana Maharshi, who lived in Mount Arunachala,
now a popular spiritual tourism destination.
Every full moon night, tens of thousands
of pilgrims worship Shiva by
circumambulating the Arunachala hill
barefoot. The circumambulation covers a
distance of about 14 km. On the yearly
Chitra Powrnami (full moon) night in
the Tamil calendar year, hundreds of
thousands of pilgrims from across the
world visit the sacred town.
Arunachala Temple