Chennai is known as the Gateway of Southern India. The East India Company developed Madras as it was called earlier, as one of the major trading centres in India. Chennai has a blend of Dravidian and Gothic architecture in its buildings. The city might have grown but it has never lost its traditional grace and charm. The Tamil society might have incorporated English culture but the Dravidian roots are as strong as ever. Chennai is the epitome of tradition, culture and life-style of Southern India. But like the rest of India, Chennai has over the years, developed its share of urban style and modernity. It is very likely that the temples that you will visit in Chennai are unlike any other that you have seen before. Visit the 4.5-km long Golden Marina beach - one of the longest beaches in the world. Today Chennai is the fourth largest city in India and commands a major share in the trade from the South.

Made in 1880's, the Marina Beach is well sprawled over 13 kms of area is the longest beach in Asia and turns quite picturesque in the evenings. Marina beach adjoins the Bay of Bengal and is ideal for watching the dawn and dusk.

Another most frequently visited temple in Madras, the Kapaleeswarar Temple, the oldest temple of Madras dedicated to Lord Shiva, was built in the 13th century. This temple is dedicated to Kapaleeswarar and Karpagambal (Shiva and Parvati). This 300 years old temple attracts huge crowds of tourists during the festival season in the temple.

The British people built the St George Forte, another principal landmark in Madras, in 1653. The fort also houses a museum with a vast collection of British and French antiques and other artifacts. Presently the fort turned museum is used as the state secretariat. Within the precincts of the fort stands the St. Mary's Church, the first church in India.

Visiting Time:
Chennai can be visited throughout the year, but one must avoid the extreme hot summers (April-June). The most suitable time to visit Agra is in winters.

How to Reach:

By Air: Indian Airlines connect Mumbai, Delhi and other major cities. Chennai also serves as a international gateway and a number of international airline.

By Bus: The city also has a good road network with good network of National and State Highways.

By Train: Chennai is the most important city in Southern India on the Indian Railways. Chennai is well connected by Super fast trains to almost all parts of North, East and Western India.