CHENNAI/MADRAS
International flights from UK and domestic flights to and from many cities. It has good train links to other southern cities.
Originally Chennai was a cluster of fishing villages along the Coromandel Coast but the British helped to develop it and now it is India’s 4th largest city, the state capital of Tamil Nadu and south India’s commercial and cultural capital.
It is an ancient city and was a port as far back as the 7th century. However it was the Portuguese and then British who sparked the growth. Nowadays Chennai is an interesting mix of ancient and modern. Colonial buildings blend in with modern multistoreys. A strong cultural tradition promotes Tamil literature, music and dance.
It can be very hot and humid and is best avoided from March through to October.
Places of Interest
FORT ST GEORGE
Two English merchants established a trading post and in 1640 a fortified settlement called Fort St George introduced colonial rule and a base for the East India Company was founded. It was Britain’s first bastion in India from which the empire grew. It was the East India Company’s principal settlement until 1774 when Calcutta was declared the seat of Government.
GEORGE TOWN
A teeming warren of congested streets, their names connected to the town’s mercantile history. Each area reflects different ethnic backgrounds, Scots, Armenian, Jewish and Portuguese who emigrated here to work for, and trade with, the East India Company.
MAHABALIPURAM
This World Heritage Site is a charming town with a mixture of historic rock temples, beautiful alfresco bas reliefs and a lovely sandy beach. There are 14 cave temples and 9 monolithic rathas (shrines in the shape of temple chariots) 3 stone temples and 4 relief sculptured rock panels. It can be used as a base for visiting Chennai.
MARINE BEACH
The esplanade is a magnet for keep-fit enthusiasts in the morning and promenaders at night. It is a hub of activity during festival time..but keep out of the water, it’s filthy!
ST. MARY’S CHURCH
Built around 1680, it is the first English church in India and the oldest surviving British building.
