Visitors to exotic Chennai will find plenty to keep them occupied in India’s fourth most populous city. As the capital of the state of Tamil Nadu, Chennai is the center of Tamil culture, arts, and cuisine. Once known as Madras, Chennai is a former British colony that has grown into a major industrial, commercial, and cultural force in India’s development into a modern nation.
Whether staying in one of the 5 star hotels Chennai or a budget hostel, travelers can easily fill their days and nights exploring all the city has to offer. Chennai is a shopper’s paradise, offering traditional arts, crafts, jewelery and clothing as well as designer labels and modern electronics available in neighbood shops and markets as well as western-style shopping malls. The food of Chennai is equally amazing, with many restaurants serving local cuisine while others feature foods from around the world.
Chennai is home to a number of beaches and resorts catering to the sunlovers and those who enjoy ocean sports such as sailing and windsurfing. It is one of only a handful of cities that has an entire national park within its borders: Guindy National Park. You’ll also find a number of zoos and wildlife centers as wel as botanical gardens and a water sports park.
Those wanting to sample the Tamil culture will find a number of attractions to add to their itinerary. These include the national Art Gallery which is part of the Government Museum complex. Cholamandal Artists’ village and the Chennai Craft Foundation provide insights into Tamil art forms, including the performing arts. And every year the Madras Music Season offers performances of Indian music, dance, and theater over a five-week period. Chennai is also home to Kollywood, which is India’s second largest film industry and the leading source and distribution center of Tamil language movies. If you visit during the Pongol Festival, an annual harvest festival, you’ll get a unique glimpse into Tamil life dating back at least 1000 years.
Tourists can take in a cricket game at one of India’s oldest stadiums, the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium. Chennai is also a center for tennis and motorsports in India. The multicultural heritage of the city is reflected in the numerous temples, mosques, and churches in Chennai representing a variety of world religions. You’ll find the world headquarters of the Theosophical Society on the Adyar River in Chennai.
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