Vanakkam! Welcome to Chennai

Chennai was established in the 17^th Century by the British, who developed it into a major urban centre and naval base. By the 20^th Century, it had become an important administrative centre, as the capital of the Madras Presidency. Its location and infrastructure make Chennai one of the growing cities in South India, increasingly drawing investments, from the country as well as abroad.

Climate
Located on the Coromandel Coast, Chennai witnesses degrees of heat and humidity; hence, goes the popular saying that Chennai just gets hot, hotter and hottest. On an average, May is the hottest month, while January is the coolest. Unlike, the rest of the country, Chennai experiences wet weather from September to December. The best time to visit the place would be from mid-December to mid-January.

Population
The population of Chennai is 4.35 million, and growing. The city is mostly inhabited by the Tamils, though Telugus, Kannadigas and Keralities share a considerable space in the demographic map of the city. Tamil, one of the oldest languages in India, is the lingua franca, though Hindi and English find wide currency as well.

Food and wear
Think Chennai and the first thing that comes to your mind is a tumbler of piping hot filter coffee. Dosas and idlis have now become a national favourite. Besides these, Chennai is also famous for hot and spicy Chettinad cuisine and Tanjore savouries. Click here for some of Chennai's popular restaurants.

The hot weather doesn’t allow to experiment too much with clothes and fabrics. Cotton garments are universal favourites though one can’t help but mention Chennai’s gorgeous silk sarees.

Shopping
Chennai offers ample opportunities to those who love to shop. From designer boutiques to hole-in-the-wall outlets, Chennai's shopping turf throws open a plethora of choices. Famed for its silk sarees, Nalli's is one shop that you simply shouldn't miss visiting. There are scores of other stand-alone shops and malls where you can do your shopping as well.

Cultural leanings
Dance and music are the lifelines of the Chennaiites. The yearly Margazhi Vizha brings visitors from all over the world to Music Academy to witness various Carnatic and Hindustani musical and dance performances. Kalakshetra, the classical dance and music school founded by Dr Rukmini Devi Arundale, is among the leading centres for art and culture in Chennai. Other than music and dance, Chennai witnesses a lot of stage performances, in Tamil as well as in English.

Chennai is also home to the vibrant Tamil film industry, popularly known as Kollywood.

Festivals
Pongal, that goes on for over five days in January, is the most popular among all the festivals celebrated in Chennai. Besides these, Tamilians celebrate the Tamil New Year that usually falls on 14 April. Festivals like Deepavali, Eid and Christmas are observed as well.

Sightseeing in Chennai
Chennai is famous for its beaches and magnificent temples. The Marina Beach, the most popular among the lot, is almost 12 km long. Each morning the beach witness scores of fitness enthusiasts jogging and walking along. Evenings find a steady rush as well, people who come to enjoy the sunset.

If you are travelling in the city, don’t miss the imposing façade of Anna University, IIT campus, Conemara Public Library, Birla Planetarium, Government Museum, Snake Park, Christ the King's Church, and Valluvar Kottam (the auditorium in memory of the poet-saint Thiruvalluvar).

What to see around Chennai
If you feel like venturing out a wee bit further you can also drive down to Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary. About 55 Km from Chennai is Mahabalipuram, a beautiful shore temple depicting world famous bass-relief sculptures from the Gupta Period.

Another city that is a must-visit is the temple town of Kancheepuram, also famous for its silk sarees. It's 75 Km away from Chennai.

Couple of hundred kilometres from Chennai is the former French colony of Pondicherry, also referred to as The French Riviera of the East. Home to Auroville, and the Aurobindo Ashram, Pondy, as it is popularly known, is a hot tourist spot for visitors from all over the world.

For sightseeing in and around the city, check out with the city's travel agents.

Transport
To get around the city, it is best to use the local bus transport service, which operates in different grades, and also the trains; then there are the autorickshaws. If you are looking to travel in style, then one of the call taxis would be best suited for your needs; pay them by the hour, and take a tour of the city.

Reaching Chennai
Chennai’s plush Domestic and Anna International Airport, apart from the Central and Egmore train stations, is well connected with the rest of the country and the world. This city is the proud owner of the world famous Koyembedu Bus Terminal, known to be the biggest of its kind.

Chennai is a city of contrasts. You could be savouring piping hot filter coffee and listening to the strains of the Suprabhatam, at the same time walking through the futuristic IT park. Enjoy this unity in diversity in its resplendent best.

Have a pleasant stay in Chennai!