The Dravidians founded the beautiful
State of Tamil Nadu 5,000 years ago. Today it is home to some of the most
magnificent sculptures and architectural wonders of the world.
About 350 years ago, Tamil Nadu's capital city Chennai was created by the
East India Company. The last king of the vanishing Vijayanagar Empire, Rajah
of Chandragiri offered Francis Day, an East India Company trader, a
three-mile long strip of land. In july 1639 Francis Day and his superior
built a factory, which was named Fort St. George.
When the
British were in complete control of the city, after a decade's feud with the
French, they expanded the city by encompassing the neighbouring villages of
Triplicane, Egmore, Purasawalkam and Chetput to form the city of
Chennapatnam, as it was known then.
Besides being Britain's first
bastion from which flourished an empire, Chennai, formely known as Madras
retains a harmonious blend of the old and the new. Elaborate pujas are part
of every home. Women still wear flowers in their hair and young girl pratice
the age-old Bharatanatayam Dance everyday. In this charming city
modernization has not dampened the rich heritage handed down from generation
to generation.
City Sights: Fort
St. George Museum: The perfect place to begin discovering Chennai is
Fort St. George, the oldest surviving British construction in India. At the
northern end of Marina, the fort was once the headquarters of the East India
Company. Today it houses the Secretariat of the Tamil Nadu Government and
the Legislative Assembly. Much of this fort looks almost as it did when
Robert Clive, Pitt, Hasting and Wellesley resided and worked here.
St. Mary's Church: Within the fort is the oldest protestant
church in Asia and the second oldest British building in India, St. Mary's
Church. The inside of the church has many paintaings, records and registers,
each with a story to tell-Elihu Yale, after whom the Yale University, USA is
anmed was married here. Robert Clive and Margaret Maskelyne tied the nuptial
knot at this church. The imperial Clive House was where Robert Clive, one of
the Carnatic War heroes resided with his beautiful wife.
High
Court: 4.8 km Parru's Corner. Built in the Indo-Saracenic style, the
buildings comprise, besides the High Court, the small causes court and city
civil court.
Kapaleeswarar Temple: 4.8 km An ancient
Shiva temple with a beautiful gopuram , typical of Dravidian typical of
Dravidian architecture.
Marina Beach and Aquarium: 3.2
km one of loveliest beaches in the world. Aquarium timings : Daily 08.00 hrs
to 20.00 hrs
Parthasarathy Temple: 3.2 km Dedicated to
Parthasarathy or Lord Krishna, the temple is said to have been built by a
Pallava king during the eighth century and was subsequently renovated by the
Vijayanagar kings in the sixteenth century.
San Thome
Cathedral: 5.6 km St Thomas the Apostle is said to be buried here.
Government Museum: It is on Pantheon Road once belonged to the
Pantheon Committee formed by important British citizens, responsible for
improving the English social life in Chennai. The archeological section has
beautiful antiques from the Chola, Vijayanagar, Chalukya and Hoysala periods
and a rare collection of Buddhist sculptures from Amravati. Part of the
fascinating bronze collection, are cosmic dance of Lord Shiva-Natraja,
Goddess Durga and the Elephant God-Ganesha, all from the Chola period.
Ardhanariswara, an incarnation of Lord Shiva with one child bearing hip and
breast is the show stealer. This museum complex includes an Art Gallery,
Department of Natural History, a Museum Theatre and the Connemara Public
Library.
Festivals: While all
Indian festivals are celebrated with equal aplomb in Chennai, the exciting
local festival of Pongal-the four-day Harvest Festival is celebrated all
over the state in January. The festival begins on the last day of the Tamil
month with Bhogi Pongal followed by Surya Pongal on the next day. It is on
this day that Chakkara Pongal, a delicacy of harvested rice cooked with
jaggery, ghee and cashew nuts is offered to the Sun God.The third day, Mattu
Pongal is dedicated to the Cattle when cows are bathed and adorned with
colorful beds and flowers. Jallikattu, the bullfight is held on the last day
known as Kannum Pongal.
If you are Chennai between mid-December
and mid-January don't miss the Festival of Carnatic Music and Dance.
Experience the evocative raagas and haunting melodies, or the captivating
Indian classic dancers moving gracefully to the rhythm of music. At this
prestigious event the most renowned classical dancers and musicians from all
over the country come together to perform at various music academies.
Shopping: The beautiful Kancheepuram
hand woven silk sarees are famous for their pretty temple borders and rich
zari (gold thread) pallavs. Detailed traditional motifs and bright colours
with constrasting borders make these sarees absolutely delightful. Take home
exquisite souvenirs for your loved ones in silver, copper, bronze and wood,
available in various government emporia and private stores or irresistible
jewellery made from uncut precious stones.
Access: By Air : The nearest airport is 7 kms from south of the city. By Rail : Chennai is well connected by train to all major cities.
By Road : Chennai is well connected by road to all major
cities,
Day 01: Madras (Chennai)-Covelong (43 km): Arrive Chennai.
Proceed to Covelong by car and stay at Fisherman's cove. Day 02:
Covelong: Full day at leisure. Day 03: Covelong: Full day
at leisure. Day 04: Covelong-Chennai: Depart for Chennai by
car.
AA
Recreation Tours & Travels Pvt. Ltd.