Chennai / Madras
Brief
Chennai, the cultural centre of South India and gateway to the state of Tamil Nadu, is a fascinating jumble, dominated by glittering high-rise emporia and corporate buildings. Cinema and politics, are the major beats on the streets. But between the psychedelic flashes, you can catch a glimpse of the special-toned charm of colonial history, splendid strains of classical music and sniff a heady compound of jasmines and spices, Chennai still retains a traditional charm of its ancient past. Shored along the Bay of Bengal, Chennai has evolved from a tiny fishing village to the countrys fourth-largest metro.
History
Chennai, a group of fishermen villages was the site of the East India Companys first settlement-founded in 1639 and the oldest municipal corporation in India. In colonial days, Chennai was the centre of conflict between English and French for supermacy over India. It also acted as a base for Britishers during the Carnatic wars. Chennai has a blend of Dravidian and Gothic architecture in its building. The Tamil society might have incorporated English culture but can never be short of being the window to the tradition, culture and life-style of Southern India.
Culture
Chennai, the cultural centre of South India and gateway to the state of Tamil Nadu, is a fascinating jumble dominated by cinema and politics. But between the psychedelic flashes, you'll glimpse the sepia-toned charm of colonial history. More, youll hear the splendid strains of classical music and sniff a heady compound of jasmines and spices, living traditions that are still savoured from Chennais ancient past. It is rich in culture and tradition and people here celebrate their festivals with pomp but not with too much noise. Apart from religious festivals, the Dance festival and the Music festival are also celebrated with equal pomp and splendour.
Climate & Geogaphical Location
Chennai has a very hot tropical type of climate. The summers are very sultry and hot, while the winters are warm. The temperature variation is very less, between winters and summers. There is rainfall throughout the year. The proximity to the sea, makes the atmosphere, very heavy and humid. Chennai, the capital of Tamil Nadu, is located on the southwest coast of India.
How to Reach
Chennai is well connected to metro cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Calcutta, as well as other cities of india by road, rail and air. Jet, IA, Sahara, AI and most other international airlines to the rest of the country and the world connect Chennai. The Meenambakkam Airport located 17 km south west of the city, has terminals for both domestic and international travel. It is also well connected by rail from Delhi, Varanasi, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Calcutta and other major cities of the country. Chennai is also well linked by roads to the major destinations in South India through National Highway Nos 4, 5 and 45. The State Express Bus Stand also connects Chennai to the other major towns of Tamil Nadu and nearby states.
Tourist Places
The Marina Beach
One of the worlds longest beaches, running 12 km in length, Marina beach is the pride of Madras City. With its natural sandy beauty and spacious promenade, the beach continues to be the most sought-after rezendvous. It has acquired a South Indian aura, with vendors hawking all kinds of wares. The Marina, however, is often the venue for important state functions.
Sri Parthsarathy Temple.
This Vaishnavite temple in Triplcane (near the Marina Beach), is dedicated to Lord Krishna, who was a charioteer to Arjuna, during the Kurukshetra war. It is a splendid creation of the Pallavas of the 8th century. The usual chakra, associated with Mahavishnu is conspicious by its absence. Sridevi and Bhoodev - the consorts of Lord Vishnu are seen at either side of the Utsavamurthy (mobile deity).
Crocodile Bank
Run by Romulus Whittaker, this is a farm, where several species of the Indian and African crocodiles and alligators are bred in captivity. These reptiles are kept in their natural surroundings, in open pools and can be viewed from a safe proximity.
Kalakhsetra
Kalakhshetra or The Abode of Arts, is an ornament to the city of Chennai. It was established by Smt Rukmini Arundale, who dedicated her entire life to the performing arts.
The National Art Gallery
Located in Egmore, the National Art Gallery, is housed in a building built in 1906, in the Indo-Saracenic style of architecture. The building itself, is a work of art and was originally intended to be the Victoria Memorial and Technical Institute, but was made the National Art Gallery in 1951. On display in this gallery, are the 10th and 13th century bronzes, 16th and 18th century Rajasthani and Mughal paintings, 17th century Deccani paintings and 11th and 12th century Indian handicrafts.
The Government Museum
Established in 1857, the Madras museum, is undoubtedly, one of the country's best museums. It has sections, devoted to geology, archeology, anthropology, numismatics, botany, zoology and sculpture, besides which, there is a good collection of arms and armour, as well as, several other specimen of anthropological interest. The museums prize possessions however, are the relics from the 2nd century AD, Buddhist site at Amaravati. Prehistoric exhibits from the Stone and Iron Ages, exquisite carvings and a fairly large collection of South Indian musical instruments and jewellery, also add to the invaluable collection in the museum. The bronze gallery, with its ancient icons and modern bronzes, is perhaps the best found anywhere in the world.
Fort St. George
Located on the seashore near the harbour, Fort St. George, was built for the East India Co. in 1960 AD. The first bastion of British power in India, it once housed the British Regiments mess and later the lighthouse. Today, it houses the Tamilnadu Legislative Assembly and Council, as well as the offices of the States Secretariat. Fort St. Georges towering flagstaff is, even today, the tallest in India. The black charnockite pillar of the building, provide an insight into British military architecture, of the 17th and 18th centuries. Glimpses of early Chennai, are preserved in Clive Corner, Wellesley House, Fort Museum and St. Marys Church.
Kapaleeswarar
A masterpiece of Dravidian architecture, this ancient Shiva temple, is the biggest in Chennai. There are some fragmentary inscriptions, dating back to 1250 AD. The magnificent 37-metre Gopuram, depicts intricate carvings of old legends.
Cholamandal Artists Village
Located on the Mahabalipuram Road, this artists commune was started in 1966 and is perhaps, the first of its kind. The artists and sculptors who live and work in this seaside colony, in idyllic surroundings, exhibit and sell their work, which consists of contemporary art, sculpture, batik, terracotta and graphics. These are often exhibited and also sold. Cholamandal also has an open - air theatre in which dance performances and poetry reading competitions, are held.
Others
ELLIOTS BEACH - The Elliotts beach near Besant Nagar, offers an alternative to the Marina, for beach-lovers who would prefer to avoid crowds and hawkers.LIGHTHOUSE - The lighthouse now stands 48 m above sea level, at the southern end, commanding a panoramic view of the city. It is open to visitors from 2 pm - 4 pm everyday. LITTLE MOUNT SHRINE - Little Mount Shrine, is the place where St. Thomas, is said to have lived and preached, in a small cave.MAMALLAPURAM - Just two hours out of Chennai, Mamallapuram, or Mahabalipuram, as it was formerly known, was the second capital of the Pallava Kings, and was named a World Heritage site in 1995. There are 14 cave temples and eight monolithic rathas. MGR FILM CITY - Known the world over for its film industry, MGR Film City is a special delight in Chennai. Situated on the outskirts of Buckingham Canal, tourists are allowed between 8 am and 8 pm. THE THEOSOPHICAL SOCIETY - The Theosophical Society, much as the name suggests, offers discourse and meditation sessions, as well as lectures on positive health and spirituality. J Krishnamurthi and Maria Montessori have both lectured here, under the huge banyan tree. THOUSAND LIGHTS MOSQUE - This is a centuries old shrine, that has been re-designed as a mosque, with walls bearing recently painted sayings from the Holy Koran. Nawab Umdat -ul - Umrah, in 1800, constructed the original mosque. VEDANTANGAL BIRD SANCTUARY - A paradise for birdwatchers, the Vedantagal Bird Sanctuary, lies deep inside the forest expanse, between Chennai and Tiruchirapally. Sprawling across 30 hectares of land, this water bird sanctuary is believed to be over 200 years old.
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Ashish Bhat - INDIA 25th June 2010Welcome to Incredible India, the land of prosperity which can be seen in its dynamic culture, age old traditions and geography.
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Welcome to Incredible India, the land of prosperity which can be seen in its dynamic culture, age old traditions and geography.Welcome to Incredible India, the land of prosperity which can be seen in its dynamic culture, age old traditions and geography.Welcome to Incredible India, the land of prosperity which can be seen in its dynamic culture, age old traditions and geography.
