Detailed City Guide Country: IndiaState: Tamil Nadu Region: South Time Zone: IST(UTC+5:30)

Inroduction
Overview
Chennai was born as a metropolitan city soon after the British negotiated a strip of land from the King of Vijayanagar
to build the fortified city, Fort St. George, in 1640. Here temples and buildings built by the erstwhile royalty stand side-
by-side with the gothic churches and Indo-Sarcenic architectural landmarks. Popularly known as the Gateway to
South India, Chennai is the ever growing capital of Tamil Nadu, not to mention the largest city in the state. Shopping
malls, IT companies, fine dine restaurants, educational institutes and big business houses make up its cosmopolitan
faade that stands in striking contrast to a resolute and religious interior.
History
An important coastal town, Chennai has been recognized as an important administrative, military, and economic
center since the 1st century CE. The city has been rules by many South Indian dynasties, including the Pallava,
Chera, Chola, Pandya, and Vijaynagar dynasties. The Pallava kings established a mighty port at Pallavan, now a part
of greater Chennai.

The first European settlers in Chennai were the Portuguese who established a port called So Tom, named after St
Thomas. One of the twelve apostles of Jesus, it is believed that St Thomas reached Chennai in the early years of the
1st century and preached to the indigenous fishing folk between 52 and 70 CE. Church records and local legend also
says St Thomas was martyred here. Next to come here were the Dutch, who established their port near Pulicat.

The English were very late in recognizing the importance of Chennai, but when they did, they went all out for complete
control. On 22 August 1639, Francis Day of the English East India Company bought a patch of land on the
Chennai
Coromandel Coast from the Vijayanagara King, Peda Venkata Raya in Chandragiri. The English were granted
permission to built a factory, warehouse, and set-up their trading business. In 1640, they built Fort St George, which
was to be the nucleus of their colonial designs in South India. The Company factories at Machilipatnam and Armagon
(established in the early 1600s) were also brought under the control of Fort St George.

In 1746, the French led by General La Bourdonnais, the Governor of Mauritius attacked and captured Fort St George
and the town of Madras, followed by widespread plundering of the city. In 1749, the British signed the Treaty of Aix-la-
Chapelle and fortified the port and the town. They were increasing their defenses against Haider Ali, the Sultan of
Mysore. By late 1700s, the British controlled most of the modern Indian states of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Andhra
Pradesh. The entire region was declared a province and named the Madras Presidency. The city then developed as a
major industrial and military base.

In the following years, Madras grew as an urban center with better links to the central regions as well as Bombay and
Calcutta, the other two British Presidencies. However, there were some tragic years as well, specially the Great
Famine of 187678 and the Indian famine of 189697, when more than a million lives were lost to starvation.

During the First World War, Chennai was the only Indian city to be attached by the Axis powers. On 22 September
1914, an oil depot was shelled by a German light cruiser, the SMS Emden.

Chennai had always been an important center for the Independence movement. In fact, the Vellore Mutiny of 1806
pre-dated the First War of Independence of 1857 by half a century! In 1887, the third session of the Indian National
Congress was held in Madras and attended by 362 delegates. The Home Rule movement, founded by Annie Beasant
was also started from Madras.

After Indias independence in 1947, Madras was declared the capital of Madras sate, later named Tamil Nadu in 1969.
Getting Around
The city is well-connected by regular state-run bus services. Regular suburban trains connect different parts of
Chennai and are a preferred mode of transport of the locals. Cycle-rickshaws, auto-rickshaws and taxis are also easily
available and can be either hired from designated auto-rickshaw/taxi stands or even be hailed while they run on the
road. Tour and travel operators in the city also provide cab services with rates on an hourly, half-day and full-day
basis. First-time visitors may find driving in Chennai a tad difficult as most city roads have one-way traffic.
Tourist Traps in the City
While hiring an auto-rickshaw, negotiate the fare with the driver beforehand to avoid any unpleasantness. The auto-
rickshaws here are usually un-metered and even if they agree to switch on their meters, the drivers attempt to take a
detour! In an effort to make traveling around Chennai more comfortable, the Tamil Nadu Tourism Board has come up
with the facility of tourist-friendly auto-rickshaws, for which auto-rickshaw drivers need to register themselves and their
vehicles with the Board. Metered taxis usually found in other metros are almost non-existent here; instead there are a
number of call-taxis and cabs operated by local tour and travel operators who function at fixed rates.
Local Custom
Before entering a temple or any religious site, you are expected to leave your footwear outside, and dress
appropriately. Locals relish food using fingers, so at most eateries you stop by you will have to ask for a spoon or fork.
Shopping
Chennai is a place to shop for colorful silks, fresh flowers, spices, handicrafts and gold jewelry among others.

The city has its share of local markets filled with traditional knickknacks, from elegant silk saris and traditional dresses
to musty book shops home to an impressive collection of volumes by Tamil Nadus legendary poets and novelists.
Over the years, like any other metropolitan on the rise, Chennai too has sprouted sophisticated air-conditioned malls,
where you can shop for world brands.

Spencer Plaza and CitiCenter malls are more popular. Khader Nawaz Khan Road in Nungambakkam is a great place
to pick up chic designer stuff. T.Nagar is a Mecca for silk lovers; here you can find beautiful patterns and designs in
traditional silk sarees and dress materials. At Auroville Boutique you can shop for one-off handicrafts from
Pondicherry. Kalpa Druma is also popular for its range of handicrafts and antiques. Central Cottage Industries
Emporium in Anna Salai is also a good place to buy traditional stuff at a reasonable price. If you wish to shop for gold
jewelry, head to a gold souk where you can find ethnic to contemporary gold jewelry by a bevy of jewelers under the
same roof.
Things to Do

Marundeeswarar Temple
Devotees from Chennai and surrounds come to this ancient temple
in Tiruvanmyur to pay their respects to Lord Shiva depicted as Lord
Marundeeswarar or the Divine Physician. It is widely believed that
consuming the prashad or the sacred ash, milk and water offered to
the deity can cure your maladies. ...more>>
Gudiyam Caves
Located on the outskirts of Chennai, about 10 kilometers (6.25 miles)
from Poondi Reservoir, the Gudiyam Caves are a cluster of 16
naturally-formed rock shelters that can be reached only after a 4-
kilometer trek. Naturalists and adventure enthusiasts opt to visit the
Gudiyam Caves for the trek alone. ...more>>
A tour of Periyar Science and Technology Center
The Periyar Science and Technology Center is housed in a
sprawling complex that has numerous exhibits on science and
technology. Spread across five galleries, each of the interactive
exhibits offers visitors a great learning experience. The first gallery is
the Periyar Gallery dedicated to Thanthai ...more>>
San Thom Cathedral
The National Shrine of St. Thomas Basilica or San Thom Cathedral,
as it is more popularly known as, is one of the only three churches in
the world to be built on the tomb of one of Jesus Christs 12
apostles. A major pilgrimage point and tourist attraction, this church
stands on the tomb of St. Thom ...more>>
Kapaleeshwar Temple
Located in Mylapore, Kapaleeshwar is a centuries-old temple
renowned for its 8th century Pallavan architecture. According to
legend, the temple is located on the spot where Brahma, one of the
Hindu trinities, installed a Shiva lingam. Kapaleeshwar is dedicated
to Lord Shiva, and also has the shrines ...more>>
Arignar Anna Zoological Park
Located on Chennais GST road, the Arignar Zoological Park offers
great wildlife viewing opportunities, not to mention a cool respite
from the summer heat. Sprawled over 602 hectare of lush greenery,
the zoological park is home to over 46 endangered species that once
roamed the jungles of Western Gh ...more>>
Sri Parthasarathy Temple
Dating back to the 8th century, Sri Parthasarathy Temple is one of
the 108 sacred Vishnu temples, which are popularly known as Divya
Desams. Located in the Triplicane area of Chennai, this temple is
famed for its depiction of Lord Vishnu in his incarnation of Lord
Krishna as Arjunas charioteer in the epic Mahabharat. ...more>>
Kishkinta Theme Park
Located in the heart of Chennai, Kishkinta Theme Park is a favorite
haunt of families, and majorly popular with kids. The 120 acres of
lush greenery speckled with hills and rivers sets the scene for the
water games at the park. ...more>>
Elliot's Beach
Elliots Beach is lesser-known, thus less touristy than the Marina
Beach. Located near Anne Besant Nagar to the south of Marina
Beach, Elliots Beach mostly remains secluded, and is ideal to soak
up the sun and watch the sea in solitude. Here you can enjoy a long
walk on the coastline, lounge on the silvery sand, and watch the sun
set over the sea. ...more>>
The Faraway Tree Gallery
Located in the heart of Chennai city, The Faraway Tree Gallery is
one of the newest additions to Chennais art fraternity, seeking to
identify and promote new talent. It provides a platform to upcoming
artists to showcase their skill. Pan through its impressive collection
of contemporary art by popu ...more>>
Luz Church
Dating back to 1516 A.D, Luz Church or the Church of Our Lady of
Light is the oldest in Chennai, built by Portuguese Franciscan monks
who set out to spread the message of Jesus Christ in the country.
The church was built in veneration to Mother Mary, who it is said,
guided the lost-at-sea missionari ...more>>
Restaurants
Indian - Kabab Corner, Minar - The Mughlai Restaurant, Dhaba Express, Pathankot, The Copper Point at the GRT
Grand Days, Sanjha Choolha, Romallee, Gyan Vaishnava Punjabi Dhaba, Amaravathi, Kitchen K, Coconut Lagoon,
Komala's, Copper Chimney

Chinese - Chin Chin, Oriental Pearl, Rangis', Wang's Kitchen, The Canton, Shangai Club, Mainland China, Flower
Drum, The Cascade

European/Continental - Benjarong, Gallopin' Gooseberry, Don Pepe, Zara's, Amethyst, Cedar's, The Cascade

Fort St. George, Museum
Built as a trading post in 1640, and later developed into garrison
fortress, the St. George Fort was probably the first British
establishment in India. An architectural marvel, the structure houses
a museum, and the magnificent St. Marys Church. A must-visit for
all history and architecture lovers! ...more>>
Theosophical Society
The Theosophical Society was founded initially in the United States
of Ameri ca as a cent er f or di scourses, di scussi ons and
enlightenment on various religions and philosophies of the world,
with its international headquarters in Chennai. Nestled on the banks
of the Adyar River, this sprawling estate ...more>>
Marina Beach
The longest city beach in India, second only to the Oceanside Beach
in San Francisco, California, Marina Beach is the favorite haunt of
families, couples, children and seniors in Chennai. Swing yourself
onto a horse and trot it along the shore or simply stroll on the beach
and enjoy the refreshing s ...more>>
Government Museum And National Art Gallery
Dating back to the late 19th century, the Government Museum and
National Art Gallery is one of the oldest museums in India, and
serves as a gateway to Indias rich past and colorful culture through
a range of extensive exhibits. Sprawled across 16.25 acres, the
museum complex has 46 galleries with e ...more>>
Thousands Light Mosque
A popular pilgrimage site for Shia Muslims, the mosque is believed
to have derived its name from the era when a thousand lights were
required to light up the assembly hall. While others believe that the
Indian National Congress gave the mosque the thousand lights to
mark their first visit to the cit ...more>>
Regional Speciality - Anjappar, Usilampatti, Bananaa Leaf, Poongudi, Kaaraikudi, Sakkara Pongal, Murugan Idly
Kadai, Raintree, Hotel Saravana Bhavan at Thousand Lights, Rasam
Weather
Getting There
Surface - A well-maintained network of roads and highways connect Chennai to the major cities, towns and villages in
and around Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and other parts of India. Traveling by road may take up a
large chunk of your time as the state of Tamil Nadu is huge and Chennai has a lot of one-way roads. Road travel is for
those who wish to explore at a leisurely pace while enjoying the rural scenery unfold on either side.

The state government also runs regular bus services from Chennai to the bordering states and vice versa. These
buses depart from Chennai Mofussil Bus Terminal at Jawaharlal Nehru Salai, Koyembedu in Chennai. This bus
station is believed to be the Asias largest bus station.

Visitors traveling by private transport from Mumbai, Pune or Bangalore can take the National Highway 4. Travelers
from Kerala can take National Highway 47 to Salem in Tamil Nadu and proceed thereon to Chennai. Chennai in itself
is very big and its different parts are connected to nearby towns and villages by a network of newly-built expressways.

Train - As a major metropolitan city, Chennai is well-connected with several major cities across India by the Indian
Railways network. Regular train services link Chennai to metros such as Bangalore, Delhi, Mumbai and major tourist
destinations as well. There are several train stations in Chennai, but interstate train services begin and end at the
Chennai Central Railway Station. Trains to and from Kerala and other cities and towns of Tamil Nadu begin and end
One of the most important cities of Southern India, Chennai lies of the southeast
coast of India. It is situated on the flat coastal plains of northeastern Tamil Nadu.
While the average elevation of the district is 6.7 meters (22 feet), its highest point is
at 60 meters (200 feet).
Chennai is watered by three rivers: the Cooum River (or Koovam) runs through the
city, Adyar River flows through the south, while Kortalaiyar River flows through its
northeastern corner. While the Bay of Bengal lies to its east, several large and small
lakes constitute the western edge.
The city of Chennai is divided into four parts. North Chennai is primarily industrial
units, Central Chennai is the commercial and district, while South and West Chennai
were the traditional residential areas. However, IT and ITeS are fast becoming the
main industry of the city and mushrooming all across previously residential South
and West parts if the city.
Being a coastal town, Chennai is spared the seasonal extremes of weather. May -
June are the hottest months of the year, when maximum temperatures go up to 42
C (107 F). January is the coolest, when the lowest recorded temperature has been
15.8 C (60.44 F).
Rain in the city is from the northeastern monsoon from September to December.
Between May and September, the weather can only be described as humid even
though the southwesterly winds provide welcome relief.
Chennai Today
Updated: 7:10 PM IST on
February 5, 2013
Temperature 30C
Humidity 79%
Dew Point 22C
Wind ENE at 11 km/h
Sunrise 6:34 AM
Sunset 6:11 PM
at the Egmore Railway Station.

Air - Regular flights connect this southern metropolitan city to major cities in India and across the globe. International
airlines flying into Chennai include Lufthansa, British Airways, Sri Lankan Airways, Swiss Air, Singapore Airlines, and
Emirates. In the domestic sector, Jet Airways, Kingfisher Airlines, Spice Jet, Indian, Go Air, and Indigo have regular
flights connecting Chennai with the Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bangalore and other Indian cities.

Anna International Airport and Kamaraj Domestic Airport at Chennai are within easy reach from the city center, and
can be accessed by taxis, cabs or auto-rickshaws.

Sea - As Fort George, Chennai was an important port for the English East India Company and then the British Raj in
India. Today, Chennai port is used mainly for merchant carriers. Chennai harbor is located at George Town, north of
the fort. The most frequent sea connection to Chennai is via the sea line to Andaman and Nicobar islands. A few
cruise liners also operate to Chennai. Of the many options available, you can start a cruise from Mumbai, stopping at
important ports along the way, go round Cape Comorin and finally disembark at Chennai. However, do keep in mind,
that the sea route may be adventurous it is not the most popular or comfortable way in.
PDF creation Date:- Tue, Feb 05, 2013