Chennai formerly known as Madras is the capital city of Tamil Nadu state and is the fourth largest metro city in India. The city grew up around the English settlement of Fort Saint George and gradually absorbed the surrounding towns and villages. However, despite the strong British influence, Chennai has retained its traditional Tamil Hindu culture and effectively blended it with the foreign influence. The city is widely spread in about 180 Sq. Kms. It is a major trade center, being well linked by road, rail and air to important cities besides being a sea port. Compared to the other major metros of India, it is far less congested and polluted.

Excursion
Fort ST. Geroge
Fort ST. Geroge was built in 1640 AD, by the British East India Company under the direct supervision of Francis Day and Andrew Cogon. This place achieved its name from Saint George, the patron saint of England. The fort houses Saint Mary's Church and fort museum. Saint Mary's Church the oldest Anglican Church built in 1680 and the tombstones in its courtyard are the oldest British tombstones in India.

Marina Beach
its the second longest beach in the world with a strech of 4.5 kms (2.5 miles). This strech is filled with statues of rememberence from our Tamil culture to our great leaders. A walk along the Marina in the evening creates elated feelings. The old buildings on side of Kamarajar Salai, a main road along the Marina, would remind you of the good old British days. People from all over the city gather here in the evenings to cool off and eat crispy "sundal and murukku"!

Anna Memorial
The memorial for Arinzar Annadurai- leader of the Dravidian movement, affectionately called Anna. His speech in Tamil has enchanted millions. Adjoining to this memorial lays another for leader Dr. M.G. Ramachandran leader of AIADMK movement, commonly know as Puractchi Thalaivar MGR. Both of them are situated at the northern end of the Marina Beach. Both these leaders are still living in the hearts of Tamil Nadu people.

Light House a massive tall structure situated at south end of the Marina Beach beckons the visitors in the evening and adds glory to the golden sands. All India Radio (AIR) radio broadcast station is located opposite to the light house.

San Thome Basilica
At at the south end of Marina Beach was named after Saint Thomas "doubting apostle of Jesus Christ". It is belived he has come to Madras in 52 AD and kill at St. Thomas Mount just outside the city in 78 AD. Built in 16th Century by the Portuguese, in 1896 it was made a basilica. The beautiful stained glass window at the basilica portrays the story of St Thomas and the central hall has 14 wooden plaques depicting scenes from the last days of Christ.. In the cathedral is a 3ft. high statue of Virgin Mary which is believed to have been brought from Portugal in 1543

Theosophical Society
Theosophical Society formed to facilitate and encourage the study of comparative religion, philosophy and science is situated in beautiful sylvan settings in Adyar. The society was founded by Madame Blavatsky and Col. Olott in USA, and later moved to Adyar in 1882. Apart from shrines of all faiths and the peaceful Garden of Remembrance, there is a 95-year old library which has a very good collection of rare Oriental manuscripts written on palm leaves and parchment.

Elliots Beach
Elliots Beach along the coast down south from Marina. It is also the night beachs for Chennai youth. At the end of this beach are the Velankanni church and the Ashtalakshmi temple. Though the church is much smaller than the original one at Velankanni it attracts its own share of pilgrims. The Ashtalakshmi temple dedicated to goddess Lakshmi looks quite different from the usual South Indian temples as it is a modern granite tier construction, not even 20 years old.

Birla Planiorium
Birla Planiorium is located near Adyar and Guindy. This modern planetarium is housed in a hemi-spherical theatre. Here a fully computerized projector brings the heavenly bodies to life. The latest astronomical phenomena are brought back to life in simulated environment. Periyar Science & Technology Centre situated near enables the visiting public to understand scientific and technological inventions through working models Kalakshetra:is located eyond Elliot's beach, is Kalakshetra or 'Temple of Art'. It was founded in 1936 by Rukmini Devi Arundale to train, encourage and revive interest in bharatanatyam, which is the classical dance form of the state. This institution is among the finest of its kind in the country and is run on the ancient gurukulam system. Throughout the year Kalakshetra conducts music recital and dance performances in different parts of Chennai. Details about venue and timings can be obtained from the daily newspapers or from the information desk of the Government of India Tourist Office.

Adyar Banyan Tree
Is one of the largest tree in the world. It measures 238ft from north to south and 250ft from east to west. The total area exceed 59,500 sq ft. This tree is a unique specimen. It has been the centre of many notable gatherings of the Theosophical Society and thousands of visistors have rested in its shade

Valluvar Kottam
The memorial to the poet-saint Tiruvalluvar is shaped like a temple chariot and is, in fact, the replica of the temple chariot in Thiruvarur. A life-size statue of the saint has been installed in the chariot which is 33m. tall. The 133 chapters of his famous work Thirukkural have been depicted in bas-relief in the front hall corridors of the chariot. The auditorium at Valluvar Kottam is said to be the largest in Asia and can accommodate about 4000 people. It stands as a modern memorial to the great poet who represents the glorious culture of the Tamils

Government Museum
Previously known as Pantheon Complex in British period, today houses the Government Museum, Connemara Public Library and the National Art Gallery. The museum contains exhibits ranging from contemporary artifacts to prehistorical findings. Sculptures and bronzes of various periods, sections for zoology, anthropology and geology impress every visitor. Buddhist sculptures found in the Amaravathi section depict the events recorded in the life of the Buddha.

Mahabalipuram
Mahabalipuram a seventh century centre for Pallava Kings culture and arts situated on the Bay of Bengal coastline. There are 9 rock cut temples and 5 monolithic temple each Pancha Pandava Rathas and four out of five ratahas are supposed to have been carved out of a single rock. Some World's largest and unique bass relief from the 8th century of the Dravidian style. Located at 50 kilometer drive from Chennai the metropolitan capital of TAMILNADU and the cultural gate way of SOUTH INDIA.

Crocodile Bank
located close to Mamallapuram and 44 kms drive from Chennai. It is the Crocodile breeding and research center run by Romulus Whittaker. This farm breeds several species from India and Africa in captivity to augment the crocodile population. There is also a small snake farm which conducts demonstrations of venom extraction from poisonous snakes.

Covelong
The ancient fort at the place has now been converted into a beach resort. The old catholic church, a mosque and ruins of the fort make viewing very interesting from the resort. The resort is equipped with facilities like wind surfing and swimming. It is 48 kms from Chennai.

Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary
located at about 86km from Chennai, it can be reached by bus from the little town of Chengalpet which is a couple of hours bus journey from Tambaram. This spread of around 72 acres of marshy land with trees ideal for nesting are home to many species of water birds. They nest mainly from December to March. Winter brings migratory visitors. Vedanthangal is great place for photographers. Around 24 species of birds flock here.

Lake Pulicat
Lake Pulicat is a large backwater lake a few tens of kilometers to the north of Madras. Ponneri is the closest town that can be reached by local train from the Central Station in a couple of hours. A rickety bus takes you forward thence. The little fishing village of Annamalai Cheri is a good point of approach, where fishermen can be persuaded to take you out onto the lake and to its far side.

Thirukkalukundram
Thirukkalukundram located at 70 kms drive from Chennai. The Shiva temple here is located on top a hill which is 160 m high. Every afternoon two white kites come to the temple and are fed by the priest. It is said that these kites are saints who stop at the temple on their journey to Varanasi from Rameshwaram. Below the hill temple is larger Shiva temple with a tank which is said to have healing powers. Every 12 years a conch is found in the tank. A large collection of such conches are kept in the temple.

Kanchipuram
Kanchipuram the Golden City of a thousand temples, and one of the seven sacred cities of India, is 71 km from Madras. It was, successively, the capital of the Pallavas, the Cholas and the Rayas of Vijayanagar. During the 6th and 7th centuries, some of the best temples in the city were built by the Pallavas. The city was also a great seat of learning. Sri Sankaracharya, Appar, Siruthonder and the great Buddhist Bhikku lived, and worked here. Today, it is known not only for its temples, but also for its handwoven silk fabrics.

Vandalur Zoo
located at 28kms from Central Chennai is known as Anna Zoological Park which is the biggest in South Asia. It is spread over 1265 acres is building up a collection of tropical mammals, birds and reptiles amongst others. The enclosures for the animals are located in natural surroundings with the vast areas for the animals to move freely. Those who wish to see the zoo on wheels can hire bicycles.

Weather
Temperature
Summer in Max- 37 C and Min-21 C
Winter in Max-32C and Min-20C
Rainfall : 1,272 Mm ( June to Sept )
Best Season : Throughout the Year.
Clothing : Summer-cottons, Winter- Woolen.