Chennai

Location Of Chennai
Chennai, formerly Madras has the Bay of Bengal bordering its east, while the state of Andhra Pradesh is on its northwest. It has the famous district of Tamilnadu, Kanchipuram, on its south and the states of Kerala and Karnataka on its western side. Rich in the treasures of history, from temples and shrines to forts and palaces, the landscape of the past lives easily with the present. Chennai is the fourth largest city in India, and the capital of the state of Tamil Nadu.

Its Climate
Being situated at the tropical zone, Chennai normally has a very hot and humid climate. The best time to visit Chennai city is the winter season from the months of November to February. Winter and summer temperature does not vary much as it rains frequently through the year.

Chennai Arts n Crafts
Chennai is the epicenter of Bharata Natyam, the Indian Classical dance that is the embodiment of grace and beauty. Also famous are the weavers of Kancheepuram, who create magic with their silken threads and produce lustrous silk saris and textiles with intricate motifs.

Places Of Interest

Churches
These are the places where most of the history of Chennai was written. The St Mary's Church, which is one of the oldest Anglican churches in the east, and the San Thome Cathedral, said to be the last resting place of St Thomas the Apostle, are also worth a visit.

Kapaleeshwar Temple
Of architectural interest is the Kapaleeshwar Temple, with it's massive and intricately carved gopuram towering into the sky. This 8th century Pallava temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is situated in Mylapore. The Parthasarthy Temple, with it's 8th century Krishna shrine, is also a Pallava conception.

Marina beach
The Marina beach is the city's seafront, and is the pride of Chennai. On the sea front are memorials dedicated to freedom fighters and political leaders.

Guindy National Park & Snake Park
For a day of wildlife, the deer sanctuary at Guindy provides rare species of the black buck and Indian antelope, along with spotted deer, mongoose, jackals and a variety of monkeys.

Valluvar Kottam
The Valluvar Kottam, on the corner of Kodambakkam High Rd and Village Rd, honours the acclaimed Tamil Poet, Thiruvalluvar, whose classic work, the Kural, is reputed to be about 2000 years old. Established in 1976, Valluvar Kottam replicates ancient Tamil architecture with the 1330 verse Kural inscribed on panels.