India Tour Package

Chennai was formerly know as Madras. Chennai is one of India's major port and the commercial hub of South India and thus it became a metropolitan city and emerged as fourth largest city in the country. Chennai is a coastal city with the second largest beach in the world. It is a city of courtesy, charm and culture. Temples and Forts, Churches and Beaches, Mosques, Parks and Monuments are all a part of this wonderful city.

Facts and Figures

Area	174 metres.
Population	42,16,268
State	Tamil Nadu
STD Code	044
Rainfall	254 cms (annual)
Weather	Summer Max 37 º C Min 21 º C Winter Max 30 º C Min 20 º C

Chennai History

Chennai was the site of the East India Company's first settlement-founded in 1639. The region of Chennai was called Tondaimandalm in those days and had its military headquarters at Puzhal, which is now a small and rather insignificant village on the outskirts of the city. In the 19th century the city became the seat of Madras Presidency, the southern division of British Imperial India. After independence in 1947 it became the capital of Madras State that was renamed Tamil Nadu. Very recently Madras was renamed Chennai.

Tourist Attraction In Chennai :-

Kapaleeshwarar Temple
Kapaleeswarar, an ancient Shiva temple, is the biggest temple in Chennai and is less than 1km. west of the San Throme Cathedral. A masterpiece of Dravidian style and displays the architectural elements - gopurams, mandapams and a tank.

Government Museum
It has remarkable archeological find from south India and the Deccan, stone sculptures from major temples, and an unsurpassed collection of Chola bronzes. A deep red circular structure, fronted by Italian style pillars and built in 1851, the main building stands opposite the entrance. The first gallery is devoted to archeology and geology, which tools, pots, jewellery and weapons from the stone and Iron ages and maps of principle excavaiton.

Marina Beach
One of the longest city beaches in the world, the Marina stretches 5km from the harbour at the southeastern corner of George Town to San Thom Cathedral .

With its natural sandy beauty and spacious promenade and beautiful gardens, the beach is a major attraction for tourists visiting Chennai.

St. Andrew's Kirk
Just northeast of Egmore Station, off Periyar EVR High Road, St Andrew's Kirk, consecrated in 1821 , is a fine example of Georgian architecture. Modelled on London's St Martins in the Field, it is one of just three churches in India which has a circular seating plan, laid out beneath a huge dome painted blue with gold stars and supported by sweep of Corinthian columns.

Fort St. George
Fort St. George was built in the 1640 A.D. The fort is now used by the Tamilnadu Legislative Assembly and the Secretariat office. The 46m high flagstaff at the front is actually a mast salvaged from a 17th century shipwreck.

How to Reach Chennai

Air: Chennai is an international airport with flight connections to all major parts of the world, Domestic airlines connect Chennai with all the major cities of India.

Train: Regular train services connect Chennai directly with all major cities of the country. Suburban Electric trains run from Beach station to Tambaram and from Central to Gummidipoondi and Arakonam.

Road: Chennai being gateway to the south is connected by excellent roads to all parts of the south. Taxis, Auto-rickshaws and cycle rickshaws are available. all types of tourist vehicle are easily available on hire.

Sea: There is a sea line to Andaman and Nicobar islands.

Best Season to Visit Chennai

The best time to visit this city is the winter season, November to September when the weather is pleasant.

Chennai Festivals

Pongal
January is the best time for vacations in Chennai, the exciting local festival of Pongal-the four-day Harvest Festival is celebrated all over the state in January. The festival begins on the last day of the Tamil month with Bhogi Pongal followed by Surya Pongal on the next day. It is on this day that Chakkara Pongal, a delicacy of harvested rice cooked with jaggery, ghee and cashew must is offered to the sun God. The third day, Mattu Pongal is dedicated to the Cattle when cows are bathed and adorned with colourful beads and flowers. Jallikattu, the bullfight is held on the last day known as Kannum Pongal.

Vinayaka Chathurthi
Lord Ganesha or Vinayaka, the elephant headed god is among the most worshiped deities of the State. The Ganesa Puja is performed with fervor and gaiety. The celebration ends on the ninth day when the idols of Vinayaka will be carried in procession chanting his name and submerged in water in wells, lakes, rivers or ocean.

Navarathri
Another festival that lasts for nine days as the name indicates. The goddesses of Durga, Lakshmi and Sarawathy, the consorts of Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu and Lord Brahma respectively are worshiped. The festival falls in the months of September - October and is marked with traditional displays of handmade dolls.

Diwali
This festival of lights is usually celebrated in Oct.- Nov. It generates an atmosphere of gaiety, friendliness and excitement.

Aruvathimoovar Festival
The bronze statues of 63 Shivite saints in the magnificent Kapaliswarar temple at Mylapore, who lived in devotion and penance are taken in a colorful procession, once in every year, through the streets of Mylapore, Chennai.