Destination in India -» Chennai Travel

Chennai is a city where the traditional and the modern blend in life everywhere. From traditional vegetarian fair to fast foods, from nine-yard sarees to the latest in fashion, from ancient temple architecture to modern high-rise - with Indo-Saracenic and Victorian as stops along the way - from classical music and dance to discos throbbing to heady beats, Chennai has them all and many more vivid contrasts that are a pleasant surprise.

Chennai offers a wealth of nature and a rich historic past to visitors in the ambience of a city with every modern facility. Popularly regarded as the "Gateway to the South", Chennai presents culture that is distinctly different from that of northern India. Music, dance and all other art forms of the South are cherished and nurtured in this city which, though industrialized, continues to be traditional and conventional in many ways.

Sightseeing at Chennai -

Marina Beach : This expansive beach is Chennai's most famous tourist attraction. In Chennai, this is one ideal place for a laid back holidays. The beach is thronged through out the year by several thousand tourists, both domestic and international.

Kapaleeshwar Temple : This ancient shrine dedicated to Shiva is centrally located and among the area’s most popular landmarks. Lord Siva once pinched off one of the heads of Brahma to arrest his pride. A crestfallen Brahma came to this place, installed a Siva Lingam and did penance.

National Art Gallery : Tenth century paintings, religious statues and relics occupy one building while the other contains mostly modern works. Located in Egmore, the National Art Gallery is housed in a building built in 1906 in the Indo-Saracenic style of architecture. The building itself is a work of art and was originally intended to be the Victoria Memorial and Technical Institute but was made the National Art Gallery in 1951.

Fort St. George : Built by the British East India Company in 1640, this walled military structure contains numerous important landmarks. This is one very striking structure of Chennai, a must visit.

Best Season to Visit : Through out the year, but best is between October and March.