Chennai is India’s third most populous city, with around 6 million inhabitants and the largest in the South. It used to be called Madras and was an important centre for the British Raj, although before they arrived it was little more than a fishing village. It is also the capital of Tamil Nadu, where the characteristic South Indian Tamil culture is centred. There is much to do in this city.
Visit Chennai: Things To Do
St Thomas, Fort St George and St Mary’s : Europeans in Madras
- Visit St Thomas’ basilica. He is reputed to have taken Christianity to India and is purported to be buried here and this is one of only three churches built over the tomb of an apostle. The current construction is late 19th century.
- Fort St George represents the first British Settlement in Madras, and possibly the catalyst for the eventual British influence over India. There are several things to see there, including a museum that has a good historical overview of the British dominated years, and St Mary’s Church. Some government buildings are within this area.
Second Longest Beach in the World
- The Marina beach in Chennai is the second longest beach in the world (after Miami), and contains lots of small stalls, but is not very clean, there are other beaches also that can be visited.
Ancient Temples, Bronzes and Cities in Chennai and Surroundings
- The Government Museum in Edgmore is worth a visit, although some galleries seem in need of updating. A special treat is the gallery of bronzes, containing numerous figurines of Hindu gods. You may want to read up about some of the main gods and stories before you visit, or ask a companion or guide.
- The Kapaleeshwar Temple is dedicated to Shiva, one of the three main gods in the Hindu pantheon, sometimes (and he has several forms) depicted as a many-limbed dancing god. As most large temples, it is in fact a large complex of shrines. If you visit this temple, be aware that most temples are closed in the middle of the day for several hours, so check this.
- There are several towns around the region that were historically major centres for temples, pilgrimage and government of ancient rulers. It is easy to hire a car for the day (with a driver / guide). Visit Mahabalipuram and Kanchipuram for a plethora of monuments. Using Chennai as a centre one can plan several day trips to nearby towns.
Crocodiles and Snakes in Chennai
- There is a crocodile farm near to Chennai, and a snake park within the city.
Handcrafts and Silks from Southern India
- There are many opportunities for shopping, if you like handcrafts. There are several craft emporia. You can buy souvenirs in bronze, wood, stone, marble, sandalwood and granite, ranging from hand-painted plates to statuettes of Hindu gods. There is a fantastic choice. You may want to research beforehand on the Internet so you can target your shopping.
- Also in this part of the world there are many silks, ranging from sarees (a traditional Indian dress that most women wear) to ties and cloths.
Tamil Food
- Finally, sample Tamil food. In the most authentic restaurants you will be served this on a banana leaf. Rice is prevalent, and there are specific vegetarian and non vegetarian restaurants. Many people eat with their hands, there are always hand washing facilities, but usually you can obtain cutlery, although this may be two spoons rather than a knife and fork. Many meals consist of a large number of small dishes.
If your time is limited, plan your trip a little as Chennai is a large, busy, quite spread out, and somewhat confusing, city. You can easily hire a guide and driver who will take you to the places you wish, after discussing your needs beforehand.
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