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CHENNAI
Chennai, the first city of Tamil Nadu and the present gateway to South India is around 350 years old, founded at Fort St. George in 1640 AD by Francis Day; an employee of the East India Company, Chennai today is one of the great urban cities of the World, and the fourth largest city in India. Chennai was the first British major settlement in India and one cannot fall short of noticing the dominant British influences in the form of old Cathedrals, buildings in Indo-Saracenic technique of architecture and wide tree lined avenues. But at the same time Chennai retains its charm, characteristic of the distinctive South Indian heritage.
Places of Interest
Marina Beach
To the east of the city is the famous Marina beach, at Kamarajar Road , at a 3 Km distance from Chennai. This is believed to be the second longest beach in the World and runs along a length of 12 Km. The Anna Park, named after the founder of the D.M.K political party (Dravida Munnetta Kazhakam) Anna durai and the tomb of M.G. Ramachandran, famous film star and the charismatic Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu are interesting places on the beach. Early mornings and late evenings are the best times to visit the beach as it buzzes with action and gets quite festive with food stalls and other entertainments.
Fort St. George
Located at Kamarajar Road, this is the first British fort build around 1653 by the British East India Company. With a 20 feet thick wall, the present structure is a fine example of 17th century British military architecture. It has the country's tallest flagpole, consideration to be over 300 years old. The 24 black Charconite pillars were reclaimed by the British in 1762 out of the original 32 which were once the arcade of the present Secretariat building. It now houses the Secretariat and the Legislative Assembly. Sunday would be the best time to visit the place.
St. Mary's Church
The church is at the St. George Fort. This oldest masonry church was sanctified in 1680. It is a building with its three arched aisles and a bomb-proof roof. The wedding ceremony of Governor Elihu Yale (of Yale University fame) was the first that was performed at this church.
Parthasarathi Temple
Located at Peter’s road, this is one of the oldest temples in Chennai, built by the Pallavas in the 8th century and once again rebuilt by the Vijayanagar Kings in the 11th century. The temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna, believed to be one of the incarnations of Lord Vishnu. Its colored gopuram and several shrines with beautiful carvings make it an outstanding structure. There are numerous stalls selling flowers, puja articles, small idols, musical instruments and jewellery around the temple.
Church of Our Lady of Expectation
The church located at the Saint Thomas Mount, has about 130 granite steps, which lead to the church, built in 1547. It is believed that the Apostle of St. Thomas was sacrificed whilst praying in front of a cross engraved in the natural stone base. From the church yard the entire city of Chennai could be seen.
Travel Info
Air: Kamaraj National and Anna International Airports are situated at Tirusulam around 20 km from the city.
Rail: Chennai is connected by rail to all major towns and cities in India.
Road: Chennai is connected by a network of roads to all the important places in Tamil Nadu and other parts of India.