Chennai

Chennai Cricket Holidays & Tours

Sizzling, steamy Chennai, formerly known as Madras, is one of India’s most popular holiday destinations. In 2015 the BBC awarded Chennai ‘hottest city’ status and National Geographic hailed it ‘the second best food city in the world’. So what’s the recipe for Chennai success? It’s a tasty mix of culture,

Chennai is the capital city of the state of Tamil Nadu, in the southern part of India. Located on the Coromandel Coast off the Bay of Bengal, it is the biggest cultural, economic and educational centre of south India. According to the 2011 Indian census, it is the sixth-most populous city and fourth-most populous urban agglomeration in India as it is immersed in tradition. This ‘gateway to the south’, is one among the four metropolitan siblings of India, having a rich cultural history which it perfectly balances with its metropolis lifestyle. Chennai has been recently nicknamed “The Detroit of India”, with more than one-third of India’s automobile industry being based in the city. Chennai is one of the 100 Indian cities to be developed as a smart city under the Smart Cities Mission.

Chennai is known as the ‘Gateway to South India’ but the city itself is home to an array of attractions. A must-see is the distinctive Kapaleeswarar Temple which dates from the 7th century with the colourful tower at its centre. Chennai’s seaside also beckons, including the dazzling sands of the endlessly epic Marina and unspoilt Breezy Beaches. And for a little respite from the city’s bustling streets just head for the shaded seclusion of Semmozhi Poonga Park.

City Tour

Your first stop would be San Thome Basilica built in 1504, re-built in neo-Gothic style in 1893. This Roman Catholic Church is said to house remains of St. Thomas the Apostle. Later visit Kapileshwara Mylapore Temple (closes at 12 noon and reopens at 1600 hrs). The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiv, constructed in Dravidian style and displays architectural element Gopurams, Mandapams and water tank.

Proceed to Visit Government Museum located in Egmore. This houses a fine archaeological section and the Bronze Gallery with a superb collection of Chola art (Closed on Fridays & National holidays).

Lastly visit Fort St. George, (Fort Museum closed on Fridays & National holidays).  It took 15 years to build this fort and was completed in 1653.  Today it houses the Secretariat and Legislative assembly. The fort museum has a fascinating collection of memorabilia from the British, and French East India companies as well as the Raj and Muslim administrators. You will also visit the St. Mary’s Church. Built by the British in 1680, was the first church in Madras and is India’s oldest surviving British church.

Full Day Excursion to Mahabalipuram

Mahabalipuram located 58 kms, south of Chennai, is famous for its shore temple and was the second capital and sea port of the Pallava Kings. The name “Seven Pagodas” has served as a nickname for this town, since the first European explorers reached the city. The phrase “Seven Pagodas” refers to a myth that has circulated in India, Europe, and other parts of the world for over eleven centuries. The highlights of Mahabalipuram are the Shore Temple, Relief carving of Arjuna’s Penance, the Mandapams and 5 Rathas.

Drive to Mahabalipuram and visit Shore Temple – standing like a magnificent fist of rock-cut elegance overlooking the sea, the two-towered Shore Temple symbolises the heights of Pallava architecture and the maritime ambitions of the Pallava kings. Its small size belies its excellent proportion and the supreme quality of the carvings, 5 Rathas – the Five Rathas look like buildings, but they were, astonishingly, all carved from single large rocks. Each of these 7th-century temples was dedicated to a Hindu god and is now named after one or more of the Pandavas, the five hero-brothers of the epic Mahabharata , Arjuna’s Penance – The crowning masterpiece of Mamallapuram’s stonework, this giant relief carving is one of India’s greatest ancient art works. Inscribed on two huge, adjacent boulders, the Penance bursts with scenes of Hindu myth and everyday vignettes of South Indian life.

Spice it up

World-renowned for its hot and spicy sauce, Madras – now Chennai – is a food lover’s heaven. The aroma of freshly-made samosas and daals, dosas and puris wafts through the city streets. Make sure you try one of Chennai’s signature dishes – the crisp white rice disks and daal dips known as Idli Sambar. But there’s also high class cuisine at competitive prices on offer in the form of restaurants like multinational Pan Asian, starter specialists Barbeque Nation and the elegant Madras Pavilion.

Attractions near Chennai

From the Bay of Bengal coastline bathed in light to the majestic peaks of Tamil Nadu you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to Chennai day trips.  For awe-inspiring architecture head for the temples and carvings of World Heritage Site, Mamallapuram. But if nature and relaxation are your thing, try dipping your toe in to the waters at idyllic Pulicat.

Chennai