Chennai, the cultural centre of South India and gateway to the state of Tamil Nadu, is a fascinating jumble dominated by glittering high-rise emporia and corporate buildings. Cinema and politics are the major beats on the streets. But look between the psychedelic flashes and you'll glimpse the sepia-toned charm of colonial history. More, you'll hear the splendid strains of classical music and sniff a heady compound of jasmines and spices, living traditions that are still savored from Chennai's ancient past.

Places to See

Kapaleeswarar
A masterpiece of Dravidian architecture, this ancient Shiva temple is the biggest in Chennai. There are some fragmentary inscriptions dating back to 1250 AD. The magnificent 37 meter 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, it was built near the beach in the 14th and the 15th century. It is a historical and pilgrimage centre.

Little Mount Shrine
Little Mounte 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
Fort St. George was built in 1640 A.D. 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
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
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
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. Visitors can look around between 8 am –11 am and 2 pm – 5 pm, on all days (Monday to Friday). Saturdays 8 am – 11 am. Sunday closed.

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.

Valluvar Kottam
Thiruvalluvar was a great Tamil poet and sage, who wrote couplets on codes of morality. The book, called Thirukkural, is considered to be an equivalent of the Bible. One thousand three hundred and thirty Kurals (couplets) are inscribed in stone around a big hall. The outer structure in stone is a replica of the temple car of Thiruvarur in Tamil Nadu.

Situated in Kotturpuram in Chennai, the B. M. Birla Planetarium houses a modern, fully computerised projector, which depicts the heavens on a hemispherical dome.

The pride of Chennai city is the Marina Beach, the second largest in the world, running for 12 km. This is a good place to watch the city at play.

The National Art Gallery and the Government Museum, situated side by side in Egmore were established in 1857. There are sections on geology, archaeology, anthropology, numismatics, botany, zoology and sculpture, besides a collection of armoury. Open from 8 a.m to 5 p.m. Closed on Fridays.

There are also several Art Galleries lining the Khader Nawaz Khan Road opposite the Taj Coromandel Hotel. Saakshi, Le Gallerie, Vimonisha are some of these.

Daily buses and hired taxis or cars (Rs. 600) from Chennai are available, or join an ITDC or TTDC bus tour group.

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