Chennai City, Tamilnadu

About Chennai City

Situated on the east coast, Chennai, is the capital of the state of Tamil Nadu. The Gateway to the South of India, Chennai was the first British major settlement in India. Though there are dominant British influences in the form of old Cathedrals, buildings in the Indo-Saracenic style of architecture and wide tree lined avenues, Chennai retains a charm characteristic of the typical South Indian heritage and way of living. Ever growing and changing, Chennai is a fascinating place, presenting an increasingly cosmopolitan exterior that contrasts sharply with a resolute and religious interior.

Today, the city has gone through a tremendous change and is developing rapidly. There are a number of industries here such as automobile, technology, hardware manufacturing, and healthcare industries. The Automobile industry in Madras is one of the leading industries in the country. It is also the second largest exporter of Information Technology, after Bangalore. Apart from this, the city is a leading player in the fields of education and sports. There are a number of reputed educational institutions and stadiums here which mark the significance of the two in Chennai.

Chennai, formerly known as Madras is the capital of the great state Tamil Nadu and is one of the four metropolitan city in India. This 350 year old city grew up under the huge influence of an English settlement of Fort Saint George and with time absorbed the surrounding towns and villages. However, despite having a British influence, Chennai has been succesful in retaining its traditional Tamil Hindu culture and have been able to provide a unique blend of foreign influence and Indian culture. The city is widely spread in about 180 Sq. Kms. and is one of the major trade centers of India, being well linked by road, rail and air to important cities besides being a sea port. Compared to the other major metros of India, it is far less congested and polluted and also boast of the 100% literacy rate. Chennai, is a journey into timeless India, a kaleidoscope of sorts. Rich in the treasures of history, from temples and shrines to forts and palaces, here past is able to live easily with the present.

It is for this reason that Chennai is also called as the ‘Gateway to South India’. The city been blessed with the wealth of arts and literature. It is famous for its various cultural events, showcasing the performing arts such as Dance, Music and Drama at its best. Tamil literature is very rich in content and preaches ancient morals and values. Chennai is also popular for the glitz and glamour of Kollywood, the ‘Tamil film industry’. Many Tamil films have won acclaim in the international film festivals and have brought fame to India.

By 1612, the Dutch established themselves in Pulicat to the north. In the seventeenth century when the British East India Company decided to build a factory on the east coast they selected Armagon (Dugarazpatnam), a village around 35 miles North of Pulicat, as the site in 1626. The calico cloth from the local area, which was in high demand, was of poor quality and not suitable for export to Europe. The British soon realized that the Armagaon was not a good port and it was unsuitable for trade purposes. Francis Day, one of the officers of the company, who was then a Member of the Masulipatam Council and the Chief of the Armagon Factory, made a voyage of exploration in 1637 down the coast as far as Pondicherry with a view to choose a site for a new settlement.

Climate/Weather

**winters:**The average temperature of Madras at this time is around 24o C and never falls below 20o C. Winters also receive moderate rainfall, making the weather pleasurable and comfortable to roam around.

**Summer:**April and May are the hottest months of the year, with mercury crossing 40o C mark. The scorching heat of the sun is nearly unbearable restricting you to your houses

History of Chennai City

Chennai, formerly called Madras, has been present since times immemorial. Whatever is known about the capital city of Tamil Nadu, presently serves as the history of the modern city. Originally Chennai was a cluster of villages, perched amidst paddy fields, bordered by palm trees. The Pallavas, the Cholas, the Pandyas and the Vijaynagar Empire, all the popular dynasties of South India, have had an influence over the city. The origin of the metropolitan city started in 1639, when Francis Day and Andrew Cogan, two merchants of the East India Company, started a factory-cum-trading post here.

A settlement was built to serve as the control centre and it was completed on 23 Apr’ 1640, St George’s Day and was named as St George’s Fort. The native town, officially called George Town, was established outside the ramparts of the Fort. George Town had several crowded lanes and each lane dealt in special trade, serving the British colonists. The Colonial decree made connections with the villages, together with the settlement at San Thome that was established by the Portuguese in the 16th century.

The 7th century Pallava Port, Kapalesvara Temple and Parthasarathi Temple are standing testimony to the fact that Chennai had been present since ages. In 1746, Chennai, along with Fort St George, came under the sway of the French, who ransacked the town and the nearby villages. The British again got command over Chennai in 1749, attributable to the Treaty of Aix-la-Chappell. They fortified the area so that this time no pirate could conquer it. By the late 18th century, they were able to overpower most of the region around Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka and founded the Madras Presidency.

Educational Institutions Chennai City

College :

Madras Sanskrit College
M.O.P. Vaishnav College for Women
Loyola College
Guru Nanak College
Ethiraj College for Women
Dwaraka Doss Goverdhan Doss Vaishnav College
Dhanalakshmi Srinivasan College of Arts and Science for Women
Anna Adarsh College for Women
Alpha Arts and Science College
Meenakshi College for Women
Bhaktavatsalam College for Women
Asan Memorial College of Arts & Science
Dr.MGR-Janaki College of Arts and Science

School:

St. Bede’s Anglo Indian Higher Secondary School
Sri Vidhya Academy International School
Good Shepherd Convent Matriculation School
Krishnamurthi Foundation India
Kendriya Vidyalaya
St. John’s International School
St. Patrick’s Anglo Indian Higher Secondary School
Sushil Hari International Residential School
RBANC Higher Secondary School
Sharanalaya Montessori School
Padma Seshadiri Bala Bhavan Secondary School
Ramakrishna Mission Higher Secondary School

Tourist Attraction of Chennai City

MGM Dizzy world:
At Muttukadu, a place, which lies on the mid way to Mamallapuram, houses one of the famous amusement parks in Chennai. It is called MGM Dizzy world. School children and kids throng it. One can enjoy thrilling rides like karnakasi ranger, water sports, Dashing Boat, Arrow Loop Roller Coaster. A special attraction is to enjoy the Dizee snake ride , almost 110 feet high.

Little Folks:
Little Folks amusement park lies almost forty-six kms away from Mahabalipuram. For the visitors the special attractions are Giant-Piano, Toy Train, Rainbow Fountain, Slide-into-pool, Cartoon show & Paddle-Pool. There is also open-air theatre, which adds more fun and frolic amongst the visitors.

Dash `N Splash:
Among the amusements parks in Chennai , Dash `N Splash deserves special mentioning. It is a significant water park of South Park. It is situated almost thirty kms away from central part for Chennai city. Spreading more than twenty-one acres of land, this park is situated exactly on the muddy banks of Telugu Ganga Project Canal, in Mevallur Kuppam Village. It provides amusements to each and every one who makes a visit to the park. It is a wonderful place with provisions of shaded sitting arrangements. Several wave sports are found here which ranges from spiral to free fall slides.

Prime Time:
Prime time is also famous amongst amusements parks in Cnennai. It is situated at the core of Annanagar, specially noted for its excessive indoor amusements. Among the children, bumper car rides; playpens are worth to note. Keeping in mind its huge popularity, the park authorities have recently introduced quite a few games so that they can attract more and more crowd on a regular basis.

Dolphin City:
One of the famous amusements parks in Chennai, Dolphin City is located the eastern coast the East Coast on New Mahabalipuram Road, almost forty-six kms from Chennai. To be specific, it is just ten kms ahead of Mahabalipuram and also four kms behind the Crocodile Bank. What is unique is that here one can catch a glimpse of American Sea Lion performance. It is found nowhere else in India. There are other amusements provided for the tourists. These include Under Water View, Leisure Boating, Slide Swimming pool, Open Air Theatre for variety entertainment, Chuck Wagon, Disco Scooter, Tea Cup, Space Ship, Dragon Ride, Chuck Chuck, and Animal Simulator etc.

Tarsha Water Sports:
Among the amusement parks in Chennai, Tarsha Water Sports Park is note worthy. It is located almost fifteen kilometer away from the district of Mammalapuram on the East Coast road.

Amir Mahal:
This palace called “ Amir Mahal“ belongs to the Royal family of Arcot. Situated on an area of approx. 14 acres, Amir Mahal was built in 1789 and came into possession of the Arcot Royal Family in 1870. Located in Triplicane entry is allowed with permission only.

Anna Nagar Tower:
This is the highest and biggest park tower in chennai, located at Anna Nagar Park. It has cyclic stairs. Full view of the city can be seen from Top of the Tower.

Anna Zoological Park:
The sprawling 1,265 acre Anna Zoological Park is the biggest in South Asia. It contains a superb collection of tropical mammals, birds and reptiles amongst others.

Birla Planetarium:
Built in memory of B.M. Birla, the well known industrialist and visionary, the Planetarium is considered to be the most modern in the country. This modern planetarium is housed in a hemispherical theatre. It is located at Kottur near Anna University.

Connemara Public Library:
One of the countries National Libraries, it has the largest collection of books and periodicals Touch screen computers have been installed recently to make operations easier. Located at Pantheon Road, Egmore, Chennai - 600 008.

Crocodile Bank:
Not far from Mamallapuram, 42 km from Madras, this crocodile breeding and research centre is run by Romulus Whittaker. It was set up in 1976. This bank was started to protect India’s dwindling crocodile population and to preserve the Irula (Snake catching), tribe’s way of life. This bank has already produced more than 6,000 crocodiles. There is also a snake farm where anti - venom is produced. Several species of Indian and African Crocodiles and Alligators bred in captivity are kept here in open pools. The snake venom extractions are a great attraction to the visitors and it help the Irulas (tribe) to maintain their way of life.

DakshinaChitra:
Not far from Mamallapuram, 42 km from Madras, this crocodile breeding and research centre is run by Romulus Whittaker. It is a unique Heritage village situated at Muttukadu on the new Mamallapuram Coastal Road, 20 Km from Chennai. It offers the visitor an unforgettable and authentic insight into the lifestyles of the diverse people of South India.

Arts and Crafts village:
The Arts and Crafts village, Dakshinachitra narrate the story of the South Indian Culture. The Tamil history, language and way of life can be experienced with a guided tour. Architecture of the past 200 years is represented in the real rural setting. Every house is typical of its own professional group. Traders, potters, weavers, and others working in the traditional way make exquisite pottery, baskets, and carved stone items, some of which are for sale. The center is now developed to include the cultural replicas from all four states of South India. The folk and classical dance performances can be seen here. For a arranged tour you can contact : The Madras craft Foundation, G3, 6 Urur Olcott Road, Besant Nagar,

Fort St. George:
It is at Kamarajar Road. It is the first British fort build around 1653 by the British East India Company. It has a 20 feet thick wall. The present structure, a fine example of 17th century British military architecture, was mostly built in 1966. The country’s tallest flagstaff is here, thought to be over 300 years old. The 24 black Charnockite pillars are those reclaimed by the British in 1762 of the original 32 which once formed the colonade of the present Secretariat building. It remains the symbol of the British Raj. Now it houses the Secretariat and the Legislative Assembly.

Fort Museum:
It is at Fort St. George. Museum has 10 rooms displaying the documents of Indian History. The old uniforms, coins, padlocks, old prints and palanquins are displayed here. The banquet hall upstairs has a collection of paintings of the governors and officials of the British regime.

Government Museum Complex:
It is situated in Pantheon road. This is not for its exquisite collection of more than 2000 Indian bronzes and Amaravathi marbles. Three great buildings of architectural value - the Museum Theatre, the extension hall and the Connemara Public Library are in this complex. The present Museum has several sections, four galleries- Hindu sculpture gallery, the Amaravathi gallery, the Bronze gallery and the National art gallery constitute the main attractions.

Guindy National Park:
This is the countries only Wildlife Sanctuary within a city’s limits. This park spread over an area of 27.6 sq. km. Raj Bhavan, the Governor’s mansion, occupies one end of the park, and at the other is the beautiful forest - girt campus of Chennai’s famous Indian Institute of Technology. The nearest rail head, airport and town is Chennai, at a distance of 5km. The park was set up in 1976.

Horticultural Gardens:
Sprawling over an area of 22 acres, with rare trees, shrubs, flower beds and bonsais, this garden is situated at the heart of the city, near St. George’s Cathedral on Cathedral Road. Seeds, seedlings and plants are on sale. The annual flower show enthuses hordes of visitors.

Muttukadu Boat House:
Situated on the edge of backwaters, this place has facilities for boating and wind-surfing. A windsurfing regatta is organised in Muttukadu, in February every year. Competitions in windsurfing and other water sports are also held. Training and demonstration programmes are held for youth.

Rippon Building:
Another pride of Chennai city, this building was named after Governor Lord Rippon, the father of Self-Government in India. The Chennai Corporation and its council are functioning in this building. Now the Mayor of Chennai Corporation is elected directly by the people. Opp. to Park Rly. station.

Theosophical Society:
It was founded by Madame H.P. Blavatsky and Col. H.S. Olcott of U.S.A. to study religion & philosophy. In 1892 the society moved to Chennai and was set amidst a vast expanse of woods on the estuary of Adyar. Above all, the largest Banyan tree several a hundred years old is found on this campus. It spreads its branches and roots covering a space over 40,000 sq.ft. giving a serene ambience. Adyar,

Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation in Chennai City

**Ramada Raj Park:**No. 180, T.T.K. Road, Alwarpet,Teynampet, Chennai, Tamil Nadu,India,Ph:044 2499 3738

**Green Park:**SH 113,Chennai, Chennai, Tamil Nadu,India,Ph:044 66515151

**ITC Hotel Park Sheraton:**TTK Rd,Chennai, Chennai, Tamil Nadu,India,Ph:044 24994101

Useful Links

http://www.chennai.org.uk/history.html

http://www.madrasi.info

How to reach Chennai City

**Nearest Railway Station:**The nearest railway station is at Chennai, which is well connected by rail with the important cities and towns within and beyond the state.

**Nearest Airport:**Chennai is the nearest airport, with both national and international terminals.

**Road Transport:**Chennai being the capital city is well connected by road with the important places within and beyond the state. From Chennai get on to the East Coast road towards Mahabalipuram, 15 kms down Pondicherry road will take you to Tarsha.

Best time to visit Chennai City

November to February when the weather is pleasant with lower humidity. Evenings are ideal for exploring markets and food streets. Mornings are best for temple visits and sightseeing.

Timings & opening hours

The city is accessible 24/7. Major attractions within the city have their own visiting hours. Markets are typically open 10:00 AM–9:00 PM. Temples and religious sites open early morning to late evening.

Entry fee & tickets

Entry to the city is free. Specific attractions (temples, museums, parks) have separate entry fees ranging from INR 10–100 depending on the site.

Duration needed

1–2 days to explore the main attractions. A longer stay allows for deeper exploration of the city’s culture, cuisine, and nearby areas.

Location info

Chennai City is a city in Tamil Nadu, South India. It is well-connected by road, rail, and air to major Indian cities. The city serves as an important commercial, cultural, or administrative centre in the region..

Safety tips

Standard city safety precautions apply. Keep valuables secure in crowded markets and public transport. Use registered taxis or app-based cab services. Avoid isolated areas after dark. Follow local customs and dress codes at religious sites.

Things to carry

Comfortable Walking Shoes: City sightseeing involves significant walking.
Water Bottle: Stay hydrated.
Sunscreen and Hat: Protect against the sun.
Camera: Document your tour.
Power Bank: Keep devices charged.
ID Proof: For hotel check-in.

Nearby visiting places

Other towns and cities in Tamil Nadu, historical sites, temples, and natural attractions within a 50–100 km radius.

Nearest airport, railway & bus

Nearest airport: the city’s own airport or the nearest regional airport. The city has a railway station with express train connectivity. Well-connected by state and private bus services to all major cities.

Mobile network coverage

Airtel, Jio, BSNL, and Vi all provide coverage across Tamil Nadu. 4G is reliable in Chennai, Coimbatore, Madurai, and along major highways. Coverage may be weaker in remote sections of the Western Ghats, deep forest reserves, and certain rural interior areas. Free Wi-Fi is widely available in hotels and cafes in urban areas.

Food & restaurants nearby

Chennai offers a magnificent culinary landscape. Must-try dishes include filter coffee, dosa-idli from iconic eateries in Mylapore and T Nagar, Chettinad chicken, seafood along Marina Beach, and Chennai-style biryani. T Nagar, Mylapore, Besant Nagar, and Anna Nagar have restaurants for every cuisine.

Things to do at Chennai City

Explore the city’s historic temples and heritage buildings that showcase Tamil architecture. Visit local markets for traditional crafts, textiles, and local produce. Sample the diverse Tamil cuisine at local restaurants and street food stalls.

Things to visit & highlights

The city’s main temple or historic landmark, its bustling market areas, local parks, and cultural institutions. The surrounding residential and commercial areas reflect the city’s character and daily life.

Helpline & emergency contacts

Tourist Helpline: 1364. Police: 112. Ambulance: 108. City has government hospitals, private clinics, and 24-hour pharmacy services.

Nearest petrol pump

Multiple petrol pumps are available throughout the city. Major fuel stations (Indian Oil, Bharat Petroleum, HPCL, Reliance) operate in all parts of the city.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best time to visit Chennai City? November to February offers the most pleasant weather. Evenings are ideal for exploring the city’s markets and food scene.

How can I get around Chennai City? Local buses, auto-rickshaws, and app-based cab services are widely available. Auto-rickshaws are the most convenient for short distances.

What are the must-try local foods in Chennai City? Traditional Tamil dishes like idli, dosa, vada, sambar, and filter coffee are must-tries. Local specialities vary by city — ask for regional specialities.