- Information
- Traveler Advice
- Forums
48HourVisit.com
Planning a short visit? Check out 48HourVisit.com, your online guide for short stays and weekend getaways. Ad
Chennai Travel Guide
The city once known as Madras is recognized as one of the first outposts of the British East India Company. Today, Chennai is the capital of the Indian state Tamil Nadu, straddling the coasts of the Bay of Bengal. A tasteful fusion of cultural heritage and lovely beaches, it is however mostly an afterthought on the mind of tourists who get invariably turned off by the city's polluted and congested metropolis exterior. One only needs to peel back the dirty skin to see the beauty within, however - in fact, few know that it actually possesses the second longest seashore in the world.
One of Chennai's major tourist attractions is the Fort St. George, named so because the British finished its construction on the St. George's Day of 1640. It currently serves as the seat of the state's legislative and administrative government. Not to mention that it has the first ever Anglican church in the country: the St. Mary's Church. Dating back to the end of the 16th century, it contains religious artifacts such as an altar piece, paintings, and ancient copies of the Bible. It is also claimed that one of Jesus Christ's 12 apostles, Thomas, was buried in Chennai, his grave marked by the Gothic-style San Thome Basilica. One can indulge in its impressive stained glass artwork recalling Thomas' first encounter with Jesus, or be amazed with its display of a bone fragment that supposedly belongs to the apostle.
Tourists also can't go wrong visiting the Parthasarathy Temple, which stands as the oldest of its kind in the town. Built in the 18th century by the Pallavas, it is a shrine honoring the god Vishnu, and contains images depicting five of the deity's many incarnations. Another is the Velankanni Church, dedicated to the Madonna of Velankanni, called the Our Lady of Health. Found in the Elliot Beach, it is a pilgrimage site of the believing sick, as the Madonna is said to possess the power of healing.
Of course, the highlight of a visit to Chennai is a jaunt to its numerous beaches. Foremost of these is the Marina Beach, reputed to be one of the longest in the world. Its waters offer some great swimming, diving, and water sporting activities, while its coasts nice picnicking and sun bathing opportunities. In the event that it becomes too crowded for one's comfort, more secluded option to choose from include the Breezy and Elliots Beaches.
Chennai Landmarks:
User blogs:
Pinukpok Fashion show in Legaspi Albay, Philippines
The Philippine Terno and the Barong, the graceful Filipino formal dress and male wear that has been around since the turn of the century, has never really lost its place as chic formal or evening wear as local couture houses and yound new Bicol fashion designers like Klang Arispe andDanny Clint have done much to make ethnic handloomed fabrics like abaca, have single handedly kept alive the province's ... Read full Blog post
In our Magazine
Summer Destination to Avoid: Gulf of Mexico
EPA is failing to do their job monitoring the air and reporting factual data. The people need to be made aware that their lives and long term livelihood are at stake because of the air quality in Gulf of Mexico.
How to Avoid Traveling Troubles
Traveling to a certain destination might not become memorable if there are too many troubles along the way. Remember that even the best trips are usually not trouble-free. Follow these tips that help lessen the hassles.
Unique Toys from Japan
Japan is known for its fascinating, and sometimes, eccentric culture. From anime, karaoke, to advanced technology, the Land of the Rising Sun always has something unique to offer.
