Best Travel to Chennai(Madras)
One of the most sought-after travel destinations in India, Chennai (formerly Madras) is an enchanting city with a seamless blend of modern sophistication and old world charm. Capital of the south Indian state of Tamil Nadu, this throbbing metropolis has all the ingredients of captivating you with vibrant nightlife, delicious dining, and exotic shopping. Best Indian Travel provides you the complete travel guide to make your visit to this city a memorable.
Chennai was born in 1639 on a piece of land given to the English by the Raja of Chandragiri, the last representative of the mighty Hindu kingdom of Vijayanagar. The Fort St.George and the later English town of Madras were based here.
While crisscrossing the city one is bound to see the obvious British influence, evident in buildings in Indo-Saracenic style of architecture, the various cathedrals, wide tree lined avenues. But Chennai still retains its traditional Tamil culture with a fine blend with the modern.
So get ready to enjoy the frantic pace and cosmopolitan feel of Chennai. After paying a visit to the city's most prominent colonial monument, Fort St. George, and a look at the wonderful Chola paintings dating back to the 10th century A.D. in the National Art Gallery and Museum, the best way to spend time is simply to stroll down the city's atmospheric streets.Built in 1640 AD, the Fort St. George once served as the very first bastion of the British East India Company. Presently it houses the Secretariat and the Legislative Assembly. Located on Pantheon Road, the Government Museum and Art Gallery has an interesting archaeological section, and a bronze gallery. The archaeological section has an excellent collection of items from all the major South Indian periods, including the Chola, Vijayanagar, Hoysala and Chalukya periods.
Madras Harbour is certainly a feather in the city's cap. This artificial harbor is one of the finest in India. Mylapore in the south of Chennai is the site of the celebrated Kapaleeswarar Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. It has a typical Dravidian gopuram. Adjacent to the temple, is the San Thome Cathedral, which is said to contain the remains of St Thomas the Apostle (Doubting Thomas). Situated on Triplicane High Road is the famous Krishna Parathasarathy Temple. Constructed in the 8th century by the Pallavas, it was later renovated by the Vijayanagar kings in the 16th century.
Chennai revels in reputation of being home to the St. Mary's Church, the oldest Anglican Church in Asia built in 1680, while the exuberance of the city can be seen along the Marina beach, the world's second longest beach.
As a result of the opening up the Indian economy, and the consequent economic boom, which has touched the lives of certain sections of Chennai populace, the city can now boast a great party vibe and non-stop nightlife. 
How to get here
Airport
The domestic terminal, Kamaraj National Terminal and the Aringar Anna International Terminal are situated in a large complex at Trisoolam, 12 km from the city center.
Railway station
The main railway station- Chennai Central, located at a distance of 4 km from city centre, caters to a large network connecting Chennai with all other parts of the country.
