CHENNAI
General
Information of Chennai
Chennai
(formerly known as Madras), the largest city in South India and the fourth
largest city in the country, is located on what is popularly called the
Coromandel Coast of the Bay of Bengal. Chennai is really a lot more than
the Gateway to South India. The varied aspects of traditional South Indian
culture existing alongside the lifestyle of a modern city complete with
its plush hotels, restaurants offering a range of continental to typical
South Indian cuisine, long and uncrowded stretches of beaches, modern
shopping malls, cinema halls. While moving around in the city one cannot
overlook the obvious british influence which is so evident in the various
cathedrals, buildings in Indo-Saracenic style of architecture, wide tree
lined avenues… the undeniable English legacy but Chennai has retained
its traditional Tamil Hindu culture
Attractions In & Around
ANNA
SQUARE
|
Anna
Square which is at the northern end of the Marina Beach. It is
located in the centre of a beautiful park, the entrance to which
is a spectacular contemporary-style arch in the shape of twin
converging elephant tusks. Here the mortal remains of Dr. C.N.
Annadurai, former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu was buried.
|
B.M.
BIRLA PLANETARIUM
|
B.M.
Birla Planetarium located at Kottur in Chennai, houses a modern
fully computerised projector which depicts the heaven on a
hemisperical dome. The planetarium presents to the visiting public
and students audio-visual programmes on various themes in
astronomy.
|
BIG
MOSQUE
|
This
mosque is definitely one of the most attractive ones in South. It
was built in 1795 of grey granite rather than wood of steel
|
CHILDREN'S
PARK
| Children
Park is on Sardar Patel Road, the main attractions of the Park are
the elephant and pony rides |
CHENNAI MUSEUM
|
The
Chennai Museum established in the year 1857, is undoubtedly one of
the country's best museums. It has sections devoted to geology,
archeology, anthropology, numistics, botony, zoology and sculpture
besides which there is a good collection of arms and armour as
well as several other specimens of anthropological interest.
Museum exhibits from the Stone and Iron ages, exquisite carvings
and a fairly large collection of South Indian musical instruments
and jewellery
|
CROCODILE
BANK
|
On
the way to Mahabalipuram at 42 km point from Chennai is the
Crocodile Bank. This is a farm where several species of Indian and
African Crocodiles and alligators are bred in' captivity
|
DASH
'N' SPLASH
|
South
India's exclusive water park Dash ‘n’ Splash, 30 Kms from
Central Station has wave spiral and free fall slides and flumes
from height of 12ft to 35ft
|
DEV
CENTRE FOR MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS
|
An
exquisite collection of ancient and modern musical instruments,
both original and prototype can be found here
|
ELLIOT'S
BEACH
|
This
beach is comparatively quieter and an ideal place to go sea
bathing, ideal for sunset strolls. It is located near Besant Nagar.
The road down south from Marina leads to the alluringElliot’s
beach. The shore is an enjoyable stretch for fun and leisure and
is frequented during the sweltering summer months. The Astalakshmi
temple and Velankani Church are revered spots of faith on the
shores.
|
FILM
CITY
|
Here
several sets of artificial sceneries like forest, water fall,
market place etc., are built here to serve as background for the
shooting of films. This is a specially designed to serve the film
industry
|
FISHERMAN'S
COVE
|
A
picturesque fishing village en route to Mamallapuram, Fisherman's
Cove has an idyllic golden beach and a charming luxury hotel beach
resort that has been integrated with the remains of the fort built
by Nawab of Carnatic. The resort offers delicious sea food and
facilities for swimming and windsurfing
|
FORT
ST. GEORGE
|
Fort
St. George originally was built by the British East India Company
in 1653. It was one of the first bastions of British Power in
India. Fort St. George's towering flagstaff is, even today, the
tallest in India. Fort marks the beginning of Madras as a modern
city. Today the fort is used by the state legislative assembly and
as the secretarial offices of the Tamil Nadu government
|
GOVERNMENT
MUSEUM
|
This
Government Museum is loacted on Pantheon Rd, between Egmore and
Anna Salai, It is a grand repository of ancient historical
treasures. The buildings originally belonged to a group of eminent
British citizens, known as the pantheon Committee, in charge of
improving the social life of the British in Madras
|
GUINDY
NATIONAL PARK
|
Guindy
National Park with rare species of the Indian antelope (black
buck), along with spotted deer, mongoose, civet cats, jackals and
a variety of monkeys provides some excitement
|
GURUDWARA
| Sri
Guru Nanak Sat Sangh Sabha at T.Nagar is a placeof remarkable
serenity and traquility |
HIGH
COURT BUILDING
|
The
High court building was built in 1892, it is built in red Indo-Saracenic
design at Parry’s Corner is the main landmark in George Town. It
is said to be the largest judicial building in the world after the
Courts of London
|
ICE
HOUSE
|
Ice
house, this relic of the Raj era was used to store enormous blocks
of ice cut from the Great Lakes in the northern USA and shipped to
India for refrigeration purposes
|
JAIN
TEMPLE
| Jain
temple is two-tiered,70' high temple is built of lime-and-
soapstone and marble giving it a dazzling appearance |
KISHKINTA
| Offers
among other amusuments hi-tech ones like space shuttle, wave pool,
white water, flume ride, Kiddies Kingdom |
KALAKSHETRA
|
A
renowed school for learning arts and crafts, Kalakshetra was
founded in 1936 by Rukmini Devi Arundale. A section of the
institute is famed for its sarees and textiles woven in
traditional patterns. The students and their teachers live within
the campus so as to have a truly rewarding experience. It is
devoted to the revival of traditional dance, textile designing,
and weaving which are taught in naturally harmonious environs.
Visitors may fix an appointment with the concerned authorities
prior to the visit.
|
KAPALEESWARAR
TEMPLE
|
An
exquisite depiction of Dravidian architecture is Kapaleeswarar
temple. This 8th centuryPallava temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is
situated in the traditional part of Madras at Mylapore. It is
believed that Parvati in the from of peacock worshipped Lord Shiva
at this spot. This ancient Shiva temple is a delightful
introduction to Dravidian temple sculpture and architecture. The
magnificent 37 m tall gopuram is profusely carved. The crowded
cosmogeny of stucco gods, goddesses and saints depict important
Puranic legends. The Punnai tree in the temple courtyard is one of
oldest trees in Chennai and shades a small shrine depicting the
legend that gave Mylapore its name. Parvati is worshipped in this
temple as Karpagambal. The Kapaleeswarar temple is famous for
being the site of a miracle when Saint Gnanasambandar sang to
resurrect a dead girl. This miracle is sculpturally represented in
the shrine of the saint in front of the temple flagmast.
|
LITTLE
FOLKS
| A
great amusement complex for children. Has a Giant-Piano. Toy
Train, Rainbow Fountain,Slide-into-pool, Cartoon show &
Paddle-Pool. It is 46 Kms towards Mahabalipuram. |
MADRAS
UNIVERSITY
| Madras
University is just opposite to Anna Square. Its ground and
buildings are examples of the Indo-lslamic style of architecture |
MARINA
BEACH
| Marina
which extends for 13 km is the pride of Madras. The City's Marina
Beach, bordered by gardens, lies just to the South of the War
Memorial. It is claimed to be the second largest in the world |
MGR MEMORIAL
| MGR
MEMORIAL where M.G.Ramachandran, former Chief Minister of
Tamilnadu was buried. Located on the Marina Beach adjacent to Anna
Square |
NATIONAL ART
GALLARY AND MUSEUM
|
Chennai
National Art Gallery was originally intended to be a memorial to
queen Victoria. An impressive certal dome flanked a series of
smaller domes supported by pillars on each side. After
independence, it became an art Gallery in 1951. It was established
in 1857, the museum can justify its claim to being one of India's
best. It houses various sections on geology, archaeology,
numismatics, anthropology, botany and zoology. There is also a
fine collection of sculpture and armoury in the museum. It is open
on all days except Fridays from 8 am to 5 pm.
|
PARTHASARATHY
TEMPLE
|
Sri
Prthasarathy Temple located at Triplicane High Road. This Hindu
Temple, devoted to Lord Krishna, was built in the 8th Century by
Pallava King. Enshrined here is Lord Krishna an incarnation of
Vishnu. It houses the idols of the five avataras of Sri Vishnu and
has a small temple shrine dedicated to Vishnu's consort called
Vedavalli Ammai in this part of the country
|
PRIME TIME
| Annanagar,
Extravagant indoor amusement park, especially for children packed
with bumper carrides,play pens and all sorts of new games |
RAJIV GANDHI
MEMORIAL
| Place
were Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated. Also the birth place of Sri
Ramanujar, the Vaishnavite saint |
RIPON BUILDING
|
A
palatial white building west to the central station, "Ripon
Building", housing the oldest city corporation in India. The
Chennai Corporation, the first in India, was created in 1687 by a
Royal Charter of James II. The building which was constructed in
1913, was named after Lord Ripon, a former Governor General of
India
|
SAN THOME BASILICA
|
It
is located at the Southern end of Marina Beach is the one of
Chennai's historic landmarks, the SanThome Cathedral. It is named
after the apostle of Chirst, St. Thomas. San Thome Cathedras of
today is dominated by a towering neo gothic spire which is 55
metres high.Close to the seashore, the impressive Basilica is
built over the tomb of St.Thomas which contains in it's crypt a
small hand bone of the Apostle and the head of a lance which is
said to have been used in the attack on him
|
SNAKE PARK
| The
famous Snake Park. Adjacent Childrens' park is the interesting
park. The snake park houses a vast variety of reptiles, ranging
from the dark deadley 'King Cobra' 'Banded' Krait' to puff
adders', vipers, pythons and allegators. The snake park will
interest visitors of all ages |
ST. MARY'S CHURCH
|
St
Mary’s Church was originally about 60'*90', had outer walls 4'
thick and a bombproof curved roof. It is the oldest Anglican
church in Asia built in 1680 AD is the St. Mary’s Church that
conjures up images of the British era. Names of bygone Englishmen
are engraved on the pillars. The tombstones in the courtyard are
in fact the oldest British monuments in the country. The church
continues to be an important place of worship
|
ST.THOMAS MOUNT
|
It
is situated near the Airport, the small hillock is believed to be
the place where the apostle was killed by his assassins. A place
of pilgrimage, St.Thomas Mount is located near meenambakkam. The
paintings of "The Holy Lady and The Child" in the church
and "Our Lady of Expectations" are widely believed to
have been painted by St.Thomas himself
|
THEOSOPHICAL
SOCIETY
|
The
world Headquarters of the spiritual society Founded by Col. Olcott
and Madame Blavatsky in New York, USA. In 1886 Adayar was chosen
as the headquarters of this spiritual movement, headquarters was
shifted to Adyar, Madras. It is lying on the banks of the Adyar
river is the international headquarters of the Theosophical
Society known for its Indological Research Centre. The famous
library here is a priceless storehouse of rare manuscripts and
books of all faiths. It is more than 120 hectares of gardens
|
THOUSAND LIGHTS MOSQUE
| Built
in mid-1800's in the land donated by Nawab Wallajah, this mosque
last rebuilt in 1981, hastwo 64' tall minarets. The mosque also
houses a library, a urial ground and a guest houses. |
VALLUVAR KOTTAM
|
Valluvar
Kottam, shaped like a temple chariot is a memorial to the Tamil
Saint Tiruvalluvar. The immense stone structure at Nungambakkam
built in 1976 has alife-like statue of the saint. A life size
statue of Thiruvalluvar is seen in the shrine. It is located at
the junction of Kodampakkam High Road and Valluvar Kottam Road.The
auditorium attached to this complex is one of the largest in Asia
|
VEDANTHANGAL BIRD SANCTUARY
|
Vedanthangal
bird sanctuary is the 85 Kms south of madras which is one of the
major ones inindia. Every year during the rainy season an average
of 1,00,000 birds come here.
|
VELANKANNI CHURCH
| This
church is in honour of Our Lady of Health,the Madonna of
Velankanni |
VGP GOLDEN BEACH
|
A
popular beach resort and amusement park filled with children's
games, is 30 Kms from Madras
|
VICTORY WAR MEMORIAL
|
Victory
War Memorial which housed the coastal battery and was formerly
called 'Cupid's Bow the Memorial honours those who have laid down
their lives for their country since the First World War. It is
adjacent to the Fort St. George.
|
Top
Getting in, Around
& Away
WATER
Currently
on boat, the MV Nancowry, which sails from Chennai every 10 or so days to
Port Blair, on South Andaman. The trip takes about 52 hours. Once a month,
the boat sails via Car Nicobar. This voyage takes an extra two days.
Tickets are issued at the Directorate of Shipping Services at 6 Rajaji
Salai (opposite the Customs House) in George Town. Foreigners must get a
permit for the islands before they buy a boat ticket
AIR
Chennai
is an international arrival point and an important domestic airport. The
Anna International Airport is well organised and not too heavily used,
making Chennai a good entry or exit point. In additon to the flights from
Chennai, Domestic Airlines, East West Airlines flies daily to Mumbai and
Delhi; Modiluft has daily flights to Mumbai and six times a week to
Hyderabad Damania Airways flies daily to Mumbai and Calcutta; and Jet
Airways has services twice daily to Mumbai
RAIL
The
train reservation office is at Central station on the 2nd floor of the
building adjacent to the station. In this booking hall, you can also make
reservations for trains originating in Ahmedabad, Bombay, Calcutta, Delhi,
Jaipur, Lucknow, Patna, Pune and many other places. Here is the ‘Tourist
Cell’, which deals with Indrail Pass and tourist - quota bookings. This
‘cell’ is immensely useful for foreign visitors unfamiliar with the
Indian Railways system. The reservation office is open Monday to Saturday
from 8 am to 2 pm and 2.15 to 8 pm; Sunday from 8 am to 2 pm
ROAD
The
Tamil Nadu state bus company, Thiruvalluvar Transport Corporation (TTC),
and its bus terminal are on Esplanade Rd in George Town, around the back
of the High Court building. Interstate buses, which are run by the
affiliated Jayalalitha Jayaram Transport Corporation (JJTC), also leave
from here. The state bus stand is on the other side of Prakasam Rd. The
main reason to use this stand is for buses to Mahabalipuram. Number of
private bus companies run superdeluxe video buses on a daily basis to
cities such as Bangalore, Coimbatore, Madurai and Trichy
|