Chennai Tourism

Chennai (formerly called Madras), the 'Cultural Capital of India', is the fourth largest metropolis in the country with a population of over 8 millions. At a distance of 337 km from Bangalore, 629 km from Hyderabad, 453 km from Vijayawada, 170 km from Pondicherry & 772 km from Trivandrum, Chennai is one the largest cities in India and capital of the state of Tamil Nadu. It is also one of the famous Tourist places in Tamilnadu.

The present town was founded in 1639, by Sir Francis Day, who arrived with East India Company. The British East India Company established a fort and a trading post at the small fishing village of Chennai. Today, it has emerged as a major industrial and educational center. Chennai with the Bay of Bengal on its side had been major British trading post for years.

The region around Chennai has served as an important administrative, military, and economic centre since the 1st century AD. It has been ruled by various South Indian dynasties, notably the Pallava, the Chola, the Pandya, and Vijaynagara. The area where the present city exists was awarded to British by Damerla Chennapa Nayaka who a general under Vijayanagaras ruled from Chandragiri, near Tirupathi. The name Chennai believed to be derived from Chennakesava Perumal Temple present in the city.

The city is famous for its beaches, Museums, Parks and several historical places around the city. The major tourist places in Chennai include Marina Beach, Govt Museum, Parthasarathy Temple, Kapaleeswaraar Temple, San Thome Cathedral, etc. There are several other attractions in the vicinity of Chennai like Elliot Beach, VGP Golden Beach, Mahabalipuram, Pulicat Lake, Muttukadu, etc. Kanchipuram, the famous historical & pilgrimage town is situated close to Chennai.

Chennai has great connectivity from major cities in India and countries like Dubai, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, USA & Europe. Chennai has two major railway stations - Chennai Central & Chennai Egmore. Chennai Central is a major junction which is connected with major cities in India like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Vijayawada, Kochi, etc. Chennai Egmore is primarily provides connectivity with major towns within Tamilnadu. Chennai Mofussil Bus Terminus (CMBT) is one of the largest bus terminuses in India with inter-state and inter-city connectivity.

The city is base to around 30% of India's automobile industry and 35% of its auto components industry. Chennai is highly humid area and winter is the best season to visit. It usually takes two full days to visit major attractions in Chennai.