Chennai, the capital
city of Tamil Nadu is the fourth largest metropolis in
India.Popularly regarded as the "Gateway to the South", Chennai
presents a culture that is distinctly different from that of
northern India. Chennai is a gracious city that has a clear
skyline, long sandy beaches, parks, historic landmarks and
tourist infrastructure facilities which make it a convenient
entry point or base to start your tour of Tamil Nadu and South
India.There are a number of churches in Chennai that are
connected with the life and times of this apostle. There are also
several ancient temples around Chennai, and, within the city
itself are two magnificent temples - a temple in Triplicane and
another in Mylapore.Fort St. George -
Fort st.George occupies pride of place and prominence in Chennai. This bastion derived its name form St. George, the patron saint of England. The State Legislature and the Secretariat are located inside this fort . The St. Mary’s Church, the oldest Anglican Church in India built in 1680 is situated here. The tombstones in its courtyard are some of the oldest British tombstones in India. The weddings of Robert Clive and Governor Elihu Yale, who later founded the famous Yale University in the U.S.A were solemnised in this ancient prayerhouse.
The Marina Beach
the pride of Chennai is the second longest beach in the world and has a wide sandy shore. Situated on the beach, are the Samadhis or memorials dedicated to C.N.Annadurai and M.G.Ramachandran, both former Chief Ministers of the state. They attract thousands of visitors everyday. Some of the most beautiful buildings in Chennai such as the University of Madras, the Senate House, Chepauk Palace, Presidency College and the Ice House are located on the beach drive.
Kapaleswarar Temple
Not far from Triplicane, in Mylapore, there is yet another 8th century Pallava temple. The temple 'Gopuram' (tower) is characteristic of Dravidian style architecture. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this temple has some beautiful sculptures, among which the bronze idols of 63 Saivite Saints (Nayanmars), which adorn the outer courtyard are rare specimens. Also in the courtyard under the old Punnai tree is a small shrine depicting Goddess Parvathi in the form of a Peacock Worshipping Lord Shiva.It is from this legend that Mylapore derived it's name -'myil' meaning peacock and 'oor' meaning town.Mylapore swarms with life during the Arupathu Moovar festival that is held in March-April every year.
