The History
Chennai or Madras as it was previously known was built by the British by merging the two small towns of Chennapatnam and Madraspatnam. The British called the city Madras while the locals still preferred the name Chennapatnam. Very recently the name Chennai has been adopted. Chennai however existed as an important port town and administrative, economic and cultural centre even in the 1st century. Later, the Pallava rulers treated Chennai as an important port in their kingdom and built temples in and around the city. The British arrived and built their first fort in India in 1644. Madras was an important naval base for the British, and their prime administrative centre of South India. Today, as the capital of Tamil Nadu (land of the Tamils) Chennai has become the automobile capital of India and the IT and manufacturing industries flourish here. More tourist information on Chennai can be sent on demand.
How to get there?
Chennai is very well connected with the rest of the country by air, rail and road services and also by the sea.
The international and domestic airports are located at Meenambakkam. Chennai is connected by the South Eastern Railways to the rest of the country and convenient busses ply to cities such as Bangalore, Cochin and Madurai and a lot many places in south India. The bus services are extremely convenient and luxurious. Chennai is also connected internationally by ship services and cruises.
The Attraction
Chennai is one of the most attractive tourist destinations in India owing to its rich cultural scenario. A 5 week long Music Season is held for about 5 weeks every year in December. Numerous kutcheris (performances) are held. It is also the scene of art, dance and theatric development.
To visit this culturally rich city and appreciate the temple architecture of the Pallavas, do sign up for Tourist Places In India's tour of Chennai.
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