Chennai, India Travel Guide

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Travel Guide

Places to Visit in Tamil Nadu

Chennai

, Tamil Nadu

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Charming Chennai - Chennai

Chennai is the capital city of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. The present day Chennai portrays the rich historical background along with modern infrastructure. It has been the fortress of many dynasties of South India in the past. The history of Chennai is filled with the stories of colonial times, and it has served as a battle ground for the colonial forces of the French and the British as well as the Mysore kingdom. The city of Chennai served as a major naval port during the 18th century and became the capital of the presidency of Madras post-independence.

It is a fast paced metropolitan city in South India and is situated in South east of the Coromandal coast of the Bay of Bengal. Being a major center of culture, administration and trade in South India, the city has a rich cultural heritage. The aesthetics for art can be seen in the classical dances, Carnatic music and other art forms of the state. It is the main centre of Tamil culture. The architecture, culture, crafts, drama and art of the city gives a glimpse of South Indian heritage. Chennai is the center stage of Kollywood which is the name given to the Tamil film industry.

Chennai has witnessed fast paced development in terms of infrastructure and business. It is home to diverse industries such as automobile, pharmaceutical and healthcare, Information Technology and hardware manufacturing. To know more about the place, one can refer to Chennai travel guide.

Attractions

: Fort St George

The secretariat and the legislative assembly of Tamil Nadu state are placed here. This is located at the shores of the Bay of ............. more »

: Vivekananda House

Vivekananda house is an important pilgrimage and shrine amongst the followers of Swami Vivekananda. It is also famously known as ........... more »

: Marina Beach

The Marina Beach is considered to be the second longest beach in the whole world and is a good Chennai attraction. The beach has statues and .............. more »

Accommodation

Tourists can easily get rooms and guest houses for their stay in Chennai. Decent accommodations are available at reasonable prices all throughout the city. These offer good quality services and restaurant facilities.

Events / Festivals

Pongal- This three day festival in Chennai, is celebrated to mark harvest. It is celebrated in the month of January, for the purpose of giving thanks to Earth, Sun god and cow. The paddy sheaves, turmeric, pulses, vegetables and freshly prepared jiggery are served to the earth, sun god and cow. The family members of various families gather near an earthen pot in the early morning time. The milk in the pot boils over and signifies the prosperity, which is then followed by shouts of "Pongalo Pongal".

Arubathimoovar- The festival is celebrated at the Kapileshwar temple in Mylapore in Chennai. This festival marks the worship of 63 saints of Shiva, known as Nayanmars. These 63 saints devoted their whole lives in the worship of lord Shiva. There are bronze idols of these 63 saints in the Kapileshwar temple. This temple is built in beautiful Dravidian architecture, and has a gopuram which is finely designed. The festival celebrated in the months of April and May has huge procession of the idols of these saints on the streets at Mylapore.

The Tourist Fair- The Travel and Tourism fair is held in the month of January when the people of Chennai get respite from the hot weather. The festival is celebrated at Island grounds in Chennai, and is organized by the Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation. The fair offers a great opportunity for amusement and leisure to the people. The stalls and counters at the fair are the centre of attraction as one can get great bargains at these stalls. This festival gives the visitors an insight into the culture of the state of Tamil Nadu. The fair has the aim to promote the rural products and items of the state of Tamil Nadu.

Chennai Music and Dance Festival- This festival is celebrated at various locations in Chennai. Held in the months of December and January, the festival is meant to showcase and preserve the South Indian classical dance and music. Several temples, auditoriums, and heritage Bungalows serve as the venue. Different organizations and Sabhas organise these festivals at different locations.

Top 5 Honeymoon Hotels in Chennai

The gateway to the southernmost tip of India, Chennai, which is the capital city of the Indian state Tamil Nadu, is exquisitely known for its unique blend of modernity with tradition. As a honeymoon destination in India, Chennai brings forth the clench of idealism, romanticism and secrecy along its golden sand beaches. The modern trend still dilates the era of the Vijayanagara Empire followed by the the invasion of Portuguese and the British. Holding their hand, walking down the shore aimlessly and listening to the confluence of the sea breeze and human exhalation, the couple may come across the broken bricks of the ancient temples and colonial walls. Thus honeymoon in Chennai doesn't speak only about lure and love but it also airs the aroma of ancient Indian rituals and traditions. The quixotic moment slowly disappears once stepping out from the off ramp and hitting the bustling techie boulevards. Read more...