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Chennai

Chennai, India’s fourth largest city, and the capital of Tamil Nadu state. It is crowded as the other big cities in India. It was the site of the East India company’s first settlement – founded in 1639 on the Land given by the king of Chandangiri by English. Chennai is some thing of a nonevent compered to the real marveals elsewhere in the state. The city is divided into two parts. The older section, Known as George Town, is the west of the dock area and the north of Poonamalle High Rd.The other main part of the city is the South of the Poonamallee High Rd. It is the major gateway for the tourist coming to south India. It astonishes the tourist by the wide variety of beauty.

Tourist Attraction

Marina Beach

Marina Beach, the second largest beach in Asia wears a festive look in the evening when the city descends here for relaxation and to savor the fresh air. The beach, which extends from Fort St. George all the way to Mahabalipuram, looks spectacular at dusk when the setting sun casts iridescent glow and peddlers sell everything from ice creams to roasted peanuts to balloons.

St. George Fort

A major landmark of the city, St George Fort was built by the British East India Company. Besides being used as the state secretariat, the building also houses a variety of British and French antiques and other commemorations. The fort has a grey granite exterior unlike the Mughal forts that has lavish ornamentation and luxury. It housed barracks for the British army, a parade ground, and the oldest church of Chennai - the St. Mary's Church. A holiday in Chennai is never complete without a visit to this incredible heritage building.

Sri Parathasarthy Temple

This temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna. Built by the Pallavas in the 8th century, the temple was renovated in the 16th century by the Vijaynagar kings. Situated in Triplicane, another beach in Chennai and one of the major harbours during Pallava time, it is famed for the beauty of its gopuram (arched gateway) and its architecture. The entire locality is fashioned around the temple.

San Thome Cathedral

The cathedral is built near Marina Beach is another tourist attraction. It was originally built in neo-Gothic style in the 13th century in honor of the apostle St.Thomas and was rebuilt in1896. According to legends, St. Thomas arrived in India from Palestine in AD 52 and died after 26 year. The church was built after a millennium, probably by the Persian Christians, and his remains were moved inside. The church was refurbished in 1606 and made into a cathedral. Again, in 1806, it was rebuilt as a basilica. There is a museum in its premises with a 16th-century map of South Asia.

Kapaleshwar Temple

This temple is an example of a typical Dravidian style of architecture. It is located near the San Thome Cathedral. The oldest temple of Chennai, is dedicated to Lord Shiva However, non-Hindus are not allowed to enter into the main worshiping place of the temple. The temple is the nucleus of the local tank market and residential quarters around it. The main entrance facing east is painted in red, blue and yellow with Puranic legends sculpted on the sanctum sanctorum.

The Government Museum

The museum houses the finest collection of Chola art in the country. It also has a fascinating collection from the Chalukya, Hoysala and Vijaynagar periods in South India.

National Art Gallery

Built in 1906, the gallery is situated in a splendid Indo-Saracenic edifice. The building was initially known as Victoria Memorial Hall and was designed by Henry Irwin. There is an interesting collection of old paintings and sculptures including Tanjore paintings on glass; Rajput and Mughal miniature paintings; Deccan paintings from 17th century; and handcrafts, metalware, and ivory carvings from 11th and 12th century.

Guindy National Park and Snake Park

Situated close to each other near the Guindy station, the parks are an animal lovers' delight, being home to rare species of snakes and reptiles.

Birla Planterium

This unique planetarium is the ideal place to gaze at the stars

Elliot Beach

Another famous beach located in the city, is an ideal place for relaxation and contemplation.

National Art and Government Museum

The museum houses some of the rare art pieces of the country.

Anna Zoological Park

This park, an animal lovers' delight, aptly showcases the wildlife of India.