Chennai

Sited by the blue waters of the Bay of Bengal, Chennai is the capital of India’s state of Tamil Nadu.  Regarded as South India’s stronghold of Dravidian culture, enthusiastic efforts can be seen ongoing here to preserve its ancient traditions – e.g in temple art, classical dance forms and music.  At the same time, the city holds many reminders of the earliest Europeans in India in a fort, churches, portrait galleries, and rare original documents.   

Chennai has an international airport; and is well connected by road, rail, and air to numerous other tourist destinations in South India.  

Attractions:  17th century Fort St George & Museum built by the British East India Co; St Mary’s Church, India’s oldest British Church;  the ancient Kapaleeswarar Temple devoted to Lord Shiva; gorgeous bronzes at the Government Musuem; glowing white sands of Marina Beach. 

Art & cultural heritage:  unique Kalakshetra Arts Village where classical dance and music classes are held in a traditional ‘forest’ ambience; a re-created village at Dakshinchitra – devoted to preserving traditional Indian folk arts, crafts and architecture. 

Mamallapuram Excursion must see:  narratives in bas relief carving of Arjuna’s Pennance;  stunning 7th century Shore Temple sited on a promontory; the Five Raths dedicated to the heroes of the great Indian epic, the Mahabharata; Crocodile Bank & Snake Farm, home to a variety of reptiles.

Visit Chennai on one of our following tour packages:   Cultural Tapestry of South India;  South India Grand Tour;  Allure of South India.

Alternatively, you can ask us in the Enquiry Form to design a special tour for you.