Chennai
Overview

The
city of Chennai, apart from being the capital of Tamil Nadu, has the
eminence of being the largest city in southern India. Standing on the
Coromandel Coast of the Bay of Bengal, it offers a blend of the old and the
new. On the one hand you have to watch some of the most ancient buildings.
On the other, there are high-rise modern day buildings reaching out to the
sky. From the traditional nine-yard sarees to the most recent in fashion and
from vegetarian fairs to a range of fast foods, the city is a stunning
contrast in itself. Beaches, parks and even sanctuaries lie just in the
midst of the city.
Climate & Best Time
Chennai has hot and humid climatic conditions. May and June record the
highest temperatures during summers. During this period, temperature can
shoot up to around 42 degrees centigrade. The northeast monsoons bring a lot
of rain from mid-September to mid-December. November to February is the
winter time, with the minimum temperature showing 15 degrees. The period
from October till March is the ideal time to make a trip here.
Places to Visit
The city is known to have a legacy of art and culture. And while on your
trip, you'll come to know of it yourself. Art connoisseurs can spend some
good time in the city.
» Fort St George

The
place gives you an opportunity to rekindle the era of the British Raj. It
was here at the Clive's Corner that Robert Clive, who founded the British
Empire, set out on his process of empire building. St Mary's Church,
Wellesely House and the State Legislature are other attractions here.
» George Town
The narrow criss-crossing streets of George Town are abuzz with activities
from sunrise to sunset. This commercial heart of Chennai has a lot to see
and experience for you.
» National Art Gallery
One of the biggest draws for tourists in Chennai is this art gallery which
is replete with old-time paintings. You will be delighted to see a
fascinating collection of Rajasthani, Mughal and Deccani paintings.
» Kalakshetra
Here, you can watch students practising the classical music and dance
forms. The world-renowned institute was founded by Rukmini Devi Arundale.
Kala Mandir Auditorium is a must-see for visitors.
Stay Options
Chennai has emerged with a number of hotels to cater to the need of the
huge influx of tourists. You may be wanting to stay at an airport hotel, a
deluxe hotel or a budget hotel, the city has it all. You can choose from Taj
Coromandel (5 Star), the Park (5 Star), Fisherman's Cove (5 Star), GRT Grand
Days (4 Star), The Residency Towers (4 Star), Radha Park Inn (3 Star) etc.
Getting There
At a distance of 20 km from the city are located the city's airport
terminals Anna International Airport and the Kamraj Domestic
Terminal. Being the headquarters of the Southern Railway, Chennai has
regular express and super-fast trains from different parts of the country.
The rod route too is quite well established and the city operates regular
inter-state buses.