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CHENNAI
Chennai (formerly known as Madras), the largest city in South India and the fourth largest city in the country, is located on what is popularly called the Coromandel Coast of the Bay of Bengal. Chennai is really a lot more than the Gateway to South India. The varied aspects of traditional South Indian culture existing alongside the lifestyle of a modern city complete with its plush hotels, restaurants offering a range of continental to typical South Indian cuisine, long and uncrowded stretches of beaches, modern shopping malls, cinema halls. While moving around in the city one cannot overlook the obvious British influence which is so evident in the various cathedrals, buildings in Indo-Saracenic style of architecture, wide tree lined avenues… the undeniable English legacy but Chennai has retained its traditional Tamil Hindu culture.

	The domestic terminal, Kamarajar National Terminal and the Aringar Anna International Terminal are situated in a large complex at Trisoolam in Meenambakkam, 18 km from the city centre. Chennai is well connected with all major destinations i.e. Delhi, Bangalore, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Kochi, Goa, Kolkata etc.
	Headquarters of the Southern Railways, Chennai is linked to all important places of the country. The two main railway stations - Chennai Central for broad gauge and Egmore for meter gauge - cater to a large network connecting Chennai with all other parts of the country. Distances of the two railway stations from the city centre are 5 km and 4 km respectively.
	Good motorable roads connect Chennai with Delhi, Mumbai, Mysore, Hyderabad, Coimbatore, salem, Bangalore, Madurai etc.

Some important road distances from Chennai

Kapaleeswarar, An ancient Shiva temple, is the biggest temple in Chennai. A masterpiece of Dravidian architecture, there are some fragmentary inscriptions dating back to 1250 AD. The magnificent 37 metre gopuram depicts intricate carvings of old legends.

The Sri Parthasarathy Temple, Devoted to Lord Krishna, was originally built by the Pallavas in the 8th century. It houses the five 'avatars'  of Lord Vishnu, and has a small temple shrine dedicated to Vishnu's consort, Vedavalli Ammai.

The Santhome Cathedral Church, Named after St. Thomas, was built in the 14th and 15th centuries near the beach. It is a historical and pilgrimage centre.

Little Mount Shrine, is the place where St. Thomas is said to have lived and preached in a small cave.

St. Thomas Mount, Situated near the Meenambakkam airport, is the place where the apostle is said to have been killed.

Fort St. George, was built in 1640 AD, the first bastion of British power in India. The fort is now used by the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly and the Secretariat office.

St. Mary's Church, The oldest Anglican church in the country, was consecrated in 1679.

The Fort Museum has a collection of objects from the tenure of the East India Company in Chennai including letters from Robert Clive. There are many contemporary paintings too.

The Snake Park has a wide variety of reptiles ranging from snakes to monitor lizards and turtles. The next compound is the 'Children's Park', which has a small collection of animals and birds and a big play area for children.

The Theosophical Society, is set in a tranquil spot on the banks of the Adyar river. There is a huge banyan tree, with its branches spreading over an area of 40,000 sq ft, where discourses are conducted.

Kalakshetra, Devoted to the revival of classical arts, was founded by Rukmini Devi Arundale in 1936. Classical dance, music, traditional textile designs and weaving are taught in natural surroundings. It is preferable to make an appointment before visiting.

Music Festival : Held in Chennai every year during December-January, locally known as The Season.

For further information and reservation please contact

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