Introduction to Chennai: Capital of the south-eastern state of Tamil Nadu, Chennai is one of the four major metropolitan cities in India. Today, it is hard to believe that a place that was till 1639 just a small fishing village would become such an enormous and beautiful city. Situated on the shores of the Bay of Bengal, Chennai is perhaps the most peaceful and green metropolis in India. Chennai has a number of attractions for the tourists to see. One of them is the beautiful Marina beach, where the blue waters of the Bay of Bengal mingle with the golden sands. The city also has its share of forts and palaces reminding the tourists the glory of bygone eras. Chennai is a journey into timeless India, a kaleidoscope of moods. Rich in the treasures of history, from temples and shrines to forts and palaces, the landscape of the past lives easily with the present. Retaining much of it’s traditional charm, this city is the gateway to the south. Chennai is the cradle 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 sarees and textiles with intricate motifs.

Sightseeing: Among the places to visit is the Fort St George, 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.

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.

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.

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.

Excursions: While you are in Chennai on a planned holiday, be sure to take some time off and visit the places around. There are ancient temple towns like Mahabalipuram and Tirupati (in Andhra Pradesh), traditional townships and villages that specialise in crafts like Kanchipuram, and golden beaches like Covelong.