Chennai, The Gateway of South India

Chennai, the Gateway of South India, is the fourth largest city of India and located on the east coast of the country. The city was formerly called as Madras and has recently tranformed as Chennai. It's so called as it was once ruled by Damerla Chennappa Nayaka who had been the Nayak of Chandragiri province.  The city was established by the British government around 17th century and gradually absorbed surrounding towns including Chromepet, Alandur, Kathiyavakkam, Thiruvottiyur, Tambaram Vadapazhani and has become as one of the largest metropolitan cities of India. It has a huge poulation of about 80 lacs. In and around Chennai there are many worthy places which have cultural and historic importance.

Recently this city found great development in broad spectrum of industries. In recent years it has great development in automobile industries. All the International leading car companies have their base in this city because of excellent skill of labours, executives  and government support. Chennai based automobile industries supply about 35% of Indian production. Recently launched Hyundai produces more than 6 lacs cars a year and Ford company delivers nearly 60,000 cars annually. Besides these companies other automobile industries here are TI Cycles, TVS, Ashok Leyland, Royal Enfield, Mitsubishi and so on. Chennai also boasts many petroleum and chemical industries. Chennai Petroleum Corporation, Manali Refineries are some important units here. Computer technology also has its footprnt in and around Chennai. Tidel Park, International Tech Park are some of the important IT parks of Chennai.

 Madras High Court

This is proudly standing as the world second largest judicial complex. It was built in Indo-Saracenic style in the year 1892. The towers with domes, painted ceilings and stained glass doors are giving spirit to this gaint judicial complex which is currently running with 57 judges who exercise on criminal, writ, ,civil and so on.

Senate House

This was a magnificient building buit during  British time which is another good example for Indo-saracenic architecture. It is situated near Marina Beach in Madras University complex and has many cracks and damage due to the prolonged exposure to wind and rains. There are many pillars joined together by the massive pillars of the corridors and arches. The beautiful domes are additional beauty of this historical building. Once it had been the home for vice chancellor and Regitrar of the Madras University. Now it is not used for that because of its deteriorating condition. However it is worthy place to enjoy the architecture of British period.

Ripon Building

This is a seat of Chennai Corporation and another historical building of Chennai which is located very near to Central Railway Station. It is also Indo-saracenic buiding commissioned in the year 1913. This is 85 m long and 32 m wide white rectangular building. The first three floors of the building give the space of about 2,800 sq.m and the central tower highs about 43 m. We can see a clock on the top of this tower which has a diameter of 2.5 m.

 Mahabalipuram

This is located at about 58 Km away from Chennai and it has beautiful beach spanning a distance of about 20 Km and is famous for stone cravings, caves, rock temples of the Pallava dynasty. The beautiful architect works of Mahabalipuram attract tourists from various parts of the world.

Marina Beach

Chennai has the pride of being provided with the longest and most beautiful beach called Marina. This is about 300 m wide and spanning a length of about 12 Km. Unlike other beaches in India it is primarily sandy and very enjoyable to walk along there in evening times. Many tourists and local people come here in evening times to enjoy see breeze and also for shopping. We can also find an aquarium nearby Marina Beach.

Valluvar Kottam

This is located at the corner of Numgambakkam High Road and Village Road and dedicated to the Tamil poet and saint Thiruvalluvar who wrote most popular and masterpiece Tamil literature called Thirukkural which contains 1330 verses. Here we can enjoy seeing the chariot made of stone and reading all the verses of Thirtukkural on the bas-relief of the big hall there. The place is beautifully constructed with flowering garden and fountains at front side. It will certainly give you a nice experience if you visit there.

Vandalur Zoo

This located at about 30 Km away from the city on the Trichy NH 45 GST Road. The Zoo was founded in the year 1855 and covers total area of 1260 acres. Here we can see about 170 species of animals, birds and reptiles in more than 80 enclosures. To facilitate the visitors battery run vechicles are also run inside the zoo. Elephant safari, Lion safari are other attractions of the zoo. We can also hire bicycles there.

Anna Square

This is situated on the northern side of the Marina Beach and standing as a monument for the former CM of Tamil Nadu and Dravidian Political Leader, Arignar Annadurai. There we can see the mortal remain of Dr. Annadurai and the memorial is placed in the middle of beautifully constructed garden. Adjacent to this monument there is another monument for the other political leader M.G.Ramachandiran who was the leader of leading political party of Tamil Nadu AIADMK. The park of Anna Square is spread over an area of about 500 hectares. The entrance of Anna Square looks like a converging elephant tusks. It witnesses thousands of visitors each and every day.

Guindy Snake Park

Guindy Snake Park is situated near Guindy National Park and this spreads over 22 acres. This is home for variety of serpants like Python, Cobra, Viper and King Cobra. There is a children park near snake park which may give nice entertainment for playing children. In the children park we can also find many animal species like sambar, mangoose, bonnet monkey and common langur.

Guindy National Park

This is one of the National Parks of the country which is slocated in the middle of the city. This is extension of grounds surrounded by the Raj Bhavan and we can find variety of animal species including Antelope, Black buck, Chital, Jackal, Pangolin, Spotted deer, Jungle cat, Large Indian Civet, River otter, Hyena and Fox. There are more than 300 variety of herbs, shrubs and grasses and 24 variety of trees protected here. The park is provided with dense forests and small water ponds which can be the natural habitat for variety of birds including  Buzzard, Pariah kite and Eagle  partridges, pheasants and parrots

 
Theme Parks and Beach Resorts around Chennai

Kishkinta Theme Park is located at about 5 Km west of Tambaram which attracts mass of people throughout the year with many number water rides and other features. About 120 acres of land has turned to green paradise after the transplantation 2000 of variety of tree species. They collect Rs. 380/- for adults and Rs. 250/- for children as enrtry fee.

MGM Dizzee World is located on the ECR around 40 Km away from the city. It has many attractions including gaint wheels and other water rides. They collect Rs.350/- for adults and Rs. 300/- for children as entry fee. It witnesses every year about 3 million people.

Golden Beach Resort is also located on the ECR and about 25 Km away from the heart of the city. Like other theme parks it is also provided with various water rides and entertainment features. The great plus here is that it is located on the seashore of Bay of Bengal and one can aslo enjoy the beauty of sea. The entry fee for adults is Rs. 250/- and Rs.150/- for children. We can enjoy staying there by reserving the cottages here.

Important Temples, Churches and Mosques of Chennai

Chennai boasts many famous Hindu temples like Devi Shri Karumariamman Temple in Thiruverkadu; Shri Ashtalakhsmi Temple, Besant Nagar; Shri Vadapalani Murugan Temple in Vadapalani and Lord Parthasarathi Temple in Triplicane and Kabaleeswarar Temple in Mylapore.

Santhome Basilica Church located on the southern end of Marina Beach, C.S.I Holy Cross Church in Perambur, St. Thomas Curch and St. Andrews Church are some important Churches in this city.

Makka Masjid on Anna Salai, The Grand Mosque at Triplicane, Hazrat Baba Darga on Natesan Road, Quadri Baba Darga in Triplicane are some of the important Mosques of Chennai.