Chennai City |
About: |
Chennai is the largest city in Tamil Nadu and is located on the southeastern coast of India. The city was formerly known as Madras and was established by the British. They developed it into a significant urban center and naval base. Around 20th century, Chennai became an important administrative headquarter and the capital of Madras Presidency. The growth and expansion of British Empire led to development of the city. It has been endowed with the rich heritage of art and culture. 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. |
Location info: |
Chennai city.,Tamil Nadu,India |
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. 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 School: |
Langauge |
Tamil and English, with loanwords from Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam and Hindi-Urdu. |
Culture: |
Chennai is a major centre for music, art and culture in India. The city is known for its classical dance shows and Hindu temples. Every December, Chennai holds a five-week long Music Season celebrating the 1927 opening of the Madras Music Academy.[78] It features performances (kutcheries) of traditional Carnatic music by hundreds of artists in and around the city. An arts festival called the Chennai Sangamam, which showcases various arts of Tamil Nadu is held in January every year. Chennai is also known for Bharatanatyam, a classical dance form that originated in Tamil Nadu. An important cultural centre for Bharatanatyam is Kalakshetra, on the beach in the south of the city.[79] Chennai is also home to some of the best choirs in India, who during the Christmas season stage various carol performances across the city in Tamil and English.[80][81] The Madras Musical Association is one of the oldest and prestigious choirs in India and has staged performances across the world |
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. |
Tourist Attraction of Chennai City: |
MGM Dizzy world: Little Folks: Dash `N Splash: Prime Time: Dolphin City: Tarsha Water Sports: Amir Mahal: Anna Nagar Tower: Anna Zoological Park: Birla Planetarium: Connemara Public Library: Crocodile Bank: DakshinaChitra: Arts and Crafts village: Fort St. George: Fort Museum: Government Museum Complex: Guindy National Park: Horticultural Gardens: Muttukadu Boat House: Rippon Building: Theosophical Society: |
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 |
Chennai City |
Kalainathaswamy Temple : |
Kalainathaswamy Temple is one of the major temples of Virudhunagar district, located at Pallimadam and Vira Pandya had built this somber shrine (Pallipadai) at Pallimadam for his brother Sundara Pandya, a famous Pandya ruler. Earlier known as Pallippadai Sundara Pandya Isvaramudayar Kovil, this shrine is now called Kalainathaswamy Kovil. It is a unique funereal temple of its kind during the era of Pandya Nadu. Srivilliputtur temple, located in Srivilliputtur town in Tamil Nadu is believed to be the birthplace of Andal, the wife of Lord Vishnu. Andal, also the author of Tiruppaavai, is known to celebrate the collection of 30 poems. This temple is one among the holiest of the 108 Divya Desam temples of Virudhunagar district dedicated to Lord Vishnu.The temples of Virudhunagar district are all situated in higher elevation, similarly the temple tower of Kalainathaswamy Temple one among the tallest towers in TamilNadu, is twelve-storeyed and rises to a height of 192 ft. Features delicate carvings. In the north eastern segment of the temple complex is the Vatapatrasayee temple, this temple boasts shrines dedicated to each of the ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu.........................more |
Tirumeninathar Temple: |
Tirumeninathar Temple, one of the best-known temples of Virudhunagar district is located at Tiruchuzhiyal and spans an area of about 45000 square feet. The temple deity is Tirumeninathar. The Sthala teertham is Pralaya teertham. Saint Sundarar is said to have composed pathigams in praise of the lord. Main festivals celebrated here are the grand Brahmotsavam in Panguni (mid March - mid April), Palani Andavar festival in Thai (mid January - mid February), and the Amman Tapas festival in the month of Aadi (mid July - mid August). The temples of Virudhunagar district are visited by thousands of pilgrims every year..............................more |
Bhuminathaswamy temple: |
Tiruchuli is located on the southern bank of the Gundar. The Bhuminathaswamy temple at Tiruchuli is counted among the 14 famous Shaiva centres in Pandya nadu. Its located 40 Kms. East from Virhdunagar, 45 Kms South from Madurai. Name of God is Bhuminathar, Godess is Thunaimalai Amman. Its deity has been venerated in the hymns sung by Shaivite Nayanar Sundaramoorthy and Sekkilar. The temple has undergone extensive renovations and the present complex accommodates a number of shrines built over time within the high boundary walls constructed during the reign of Muthuramalinga Setupati.Swami Vivekananda was stayed three days in this temple due to the flood of Gundar river in his yatras....................................more |
Pallimadam: |
Pallimadam is situated on the outskirts of Tiruchuli on the eastern bank of the river Gundar. Sundara Pandya, a 10th century AD Pandya ruler, famous for his erudition, died while visiting Pallimadam. He was buried there and his younger brother Vira Pandya (AD 946-966) erected a sepulchral shrine (pallipadai) over his grave. The temple was known as Pallippadai Sundara Pandya Isvaramudayar koil. It is now called Kalainathaswamy koil. The name Pallippadai has over the years been corrupted to Pallimadam. This sepulchral temple is the only one of its kind in Pandya nadu......................more |
Ramana Maharishi Ashram: |
Sri Ramana Maharishi was born in 30.12.1879 at Thiruchuli. His mother is Thirumathi. Azhagammal, father is Thiru. Sundaram Iyer. He was lived in the house of 'Sundara Mandhiram".Arul Migu Thirumeni Nadha Swamy temple is situated on the State Highways of Srivilliputur to Parthipanur. this temple is ten of the Pandiya's Thalam out of fourteen in Tamil Nadu. This temple has 9 kinds of Theerthas and 8 kinds of lingas.Bhagwan Sri Ramana Maharishi was born at Tiruchuli. An ashram was established in 1988 on the banks of the river Gundar to propagate his teachings.....................more |
Aruppukkottai town: |
Aruppukkottai is a renowned weaving centre. Both handloom and powerloom weaving are undertaken. In the handloom sector both silk and cotton sarees are woven. The powerloom units weave towels, sarees, lungis, bedsheets and bedcovers. Units for spinning yarn as well as units for dyeing yarn have been established here.....................more |
Kullursandai reservoir: |
The Kullursandai reservoir on the Kowsiga mahanadi, a tributary of the Arjuna nadi. Is being developed into a picnic spot. Boasting facilities are offered at the reservoir which also attracts numerous water birds in the months of August to February.....................more |
Guhanparai: |
Guhanparai is located on the road to Kalugumalai from Vembakkottai. A small hillock to the west of the village is called Guhanparai and the village takes on the same nomenclature. There is a small natural cavern at the foot of the hillock, which is believed to have been used as a shelter by Jain monks. A 10th century AD Vatteluttu inscription on a rock of the hillock states that a monastery Munnurruvarperumpalli was established in the name of Munnurruvar kovilpillaigal (servants of the palace).....................more |
Irukkangudi: |
Irukkangudi is located to the east of Sattur, at the confluence of the Arjuna nadi and the Vaippar. The Mariamman koil, located close to the confluence, is a popular spot for devotees. The Panguni Uttiram is an important festival celebrated in the month of Panguni for 21 days....................more |
Mariamman Koil: |
The Mariamman temple in the town was constructed in 1923. The Panguni Uttiram, celebrated in the month of Panguni for 21 days at this temple, is the main festival of the town and its surroundings.....................more |
Kamaraj's House: |
The house where the great leader Kamaraj was born has been converted into a memorial. The rooms are adorned with photographs of the leader at every stage of his life. A few of his clothes, his watch as well as articles used by him are displayed.....................more |
Sivakasi town: |
Sivakasi is famous for its match and fireworks units as well as for printing. Some of the most advanced printing units in the country are located here offering state of the art, world class facilities. 70% of the total production of matches and fire works in India are manufactured mainly in the towns of Sivakasi and Sattur.....................more |
Tiruthangal: |
Tiruthangal is located on the road from Virudhunagar to Sivakasi. The area around the town has been under almost continuous occupation since 4000 BC. Three Sangam age poets - Mudakkorranar, Porkollan Vennahanar and Athireyan Sengannanar were said to have lived at Tiruthangal. The ancient name of the town was Thangal. The town is mentioned in the Silappadikaram On top of a low hillock in the town there is a structural temple Ninranarayanaperumal koil originally constructed during the Early Pandya period. The temple is considered one of the 108 sacred sites of the Vaishnava faith. Bhuthathalvar and Tirumangaialvar have sung hymns in praise of the temple. A bronze image of Tirumangaialvar was installed in the temple in the 10th century AD. The Ninranarayanaperumal koil was renovated in the 13th century AD and completely rebuilt in the Nayak period.....................more |
Vembakottai: |
The Vembakottai Reservoir System receives water from 7 distributaries of the Vaippar. These streams originate in the eastern slopes of the Western ghats. The reservoir is a scenic spot ideal for picnics. It is being developed into a tourist spot with landscaped gardens and boating facilities.....................more |
Andal , Vadabadrasayi koil: |
Godha, or Naachiyaar or Andal was born in Srivilliputur - Thiruvilliputur - a beautiful village slowly turning into a town. Srivilliputur is on the Virudhunagar - Thenkasi train route, about 65 km. south of Madurai, very well-connected by road with Madurai, Tenkasi, Tirunelveil, Sivakasi and Sattur The Lord of Srivilliputtur is known as Vatapatrasayi or Rangamannar. The banyan tree leaf - which is known as Vatapatram, on which the Lord rests in the form of a baby during deluge.Srivilliputur is one of the 108 sacred Vaishnavite kshetras. The town is famous for the Vadapadrasayi temple, Which houses the Andal temple. The Nayak Kings constructed the Vatapatrasayi temple. But its story goes a long way back to Pandiya times, when moved by her devotion, Lord Krishna married the poetess-devotee Andal.. The Vadapadrasayi temple consists of three major portions. The northern portion hasthe Pallikonda Perumal shrine (Vishnu in reclining posture). The Andal shrine occupies the southern portion......................more |
Shenbagathope Grizelled Squirrel Sanctuary: |
The forests are found on the eastern slopes of the Western Ghats. Only 6.3% of the total geographical area is under forests. Many rare and endemic varieties of flora and fauna are found along the mountain slopes. A wildlife sanctuary, spread over 480 sq. kms. was established in 1989 at Shenbagathopu in Srivilliputtur taluk.. This sanctuary is contiguous with the Periyar tiger reserve on the south-western side and the Megamalai reserve forest on the north-western side. The altitude varies from 100m to 2010 m above sea level. The sanctuary is home to the endangered, arboreal grizzled giant squirrel Ratufa macrora. This greyish brown squirrel weighs 1 to 1.8 kg. and is the size of a small cat. It measures about 73.5 cms. from nose to tail with the tail being 36 - 40 cm. long. They construct drays at forked branches where the crowns of neighbouring trees meet. This enables the squirrel to move away from the site by jumping from tree to tree when threatened. The home range of an individual is between 0.197 hectare....................more |
Pilavakkal Dam: |
The Pilavakkal dam on the river has two sections- the Periyar dam and the Kovilar dam. The areas surrounding the dam sites have been landscaped into beautiful gardens. Facilities like boating are offered to tourists. This is an ideal picnic spot.....................more |
Ayyanar falls: |
Ayyanar falls is located on the eastern slopes of the western ghats. The falls located in the midst of scenic green vegetation is a popular location for picnics. The best season to visit the falls is from September to January.....................more |