Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Guide To Chennai
Guide To Chennai
Chennai
The Gateway to South India
And
By
Chennai:
The Gateway to the South is turning the hub for tourists visiting Southern India. A
comprehensive Guide covering all the segments has been a long felt need to the visitors.
This Guide highlights the minute details of information of all the areas, and is designed as
one stop travel shop for all the travel related information on Chennai. First of its kind, you
will find details of the history and culture of Chennai, places to religious and tourist
interest, travel agents, tour operators, Hotels and airlines, shopping and other relevant
travel tips. The objective is very simple, to provide one with complete information to plan
their schedules and organize their trips in and around the city. Since several authors have
referred to the original texts, a certain degree of coincidence is likely to occur in my
presentation with regard to choice of words and phrases, which is not intentional.
While the inputs have been compiled from authentic sources, I take no responsibility
regarding the locations of establishments and telephone numbers, as they are subject to
change from time to time.
I am confident that this Guide will be found useful to the tourists.
I convey my sincere thanks to the Department of Tourism, Archeological Department of
Government of India and HR & CE department of the Government of Tamilnadu, and
several other institutions for their assistance in compiling the information presented
in this book, as well permitting me to borrow the texts from the records available with
them.
- T Sampath Kumaran
Index:
Climate
Cultural activities
Chennai Cuisine
Festivals
Shopping in Chennai
Medical Tourism
Annexture
Chennai, earlier known as Madras, a sleepy fishing village, was founded in 1639 by the
British East India Company, when the local ruler Damerla Venkatapathy Nayak of the
suburb of Vandavasi, granted land to build a trading settlement.
The Portuguese arrived in 1522 and built a port called San Thome (Which is now a part of
the City) after the Christian apostle, St Thomas, who is said to have preached in the area
between 52 and 70 CE. In 1612, the Dutch established themselves near Pulicat, just north
of the city. But they could not sustain to establish a rule over the land.
Present Building
Later the British built a fort, Fort St. George (which today is the legislative and
administrative seat of the state). It was named after the Patron Saint, since it was
completed on St George's day, 23rd April, 1640. The settlement which had grown up around
Fort St. George, was named Chennapatanam, in honour of Chennappa Nayak, father of
Venkatapathy Nayak, who controlled the entire coastal country from Pulicat in the north to
the Portuguese settlement of Santhome. In course of time another small village to the
south, called Madraspatnam also started developing. This small village known as
Chennapatnam later merged with Madraspatnam, and was called Madras in a shortened
form.
In 1746, Fort St.George and Madras town and its outlying villages were captured by the
French under General La Bourdonnais, the Governor of Mauritius. The British regained
control in 1749 through the Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle and by the late eighteenth century,
the British established the Madras Presidency conquering most of the regions of the
present states of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and adjoining Tamil Nadu and made Madras
as the capital. The city grew up around the English settlement of Fort St. George, (the area
is still known as George Town) and gradually absorbed the surrounding towns and
villages. The British developed the city into a major urban centre and established a naval
base. During the World War I, German light cruiser SMS Emden shelled an oil depot at
Madras, as it raided shipping lanes in the Indian Ocean, causing disruption to shipping.
Chennai, the fourth largest metropolis in India is the capital of Tamil Nadu, and is
popularly regarded as the Gateway to the South. It is, located on a 17 km stretch of the
Coromandel Coast, of the Bay of Bengal. Chennai is one of the rapidly growing and
changing cities of India. Once a conservative society, Chennai with the global spurt in
technology and communication, today boasts of a technology savvy population in the
Southern region. Chennai the most vibrant and enchanting cities of the South is also a
classic example of the peaceful coexistence of the ancient with the modern.
The city presents a strange mix of British Raj-era monuments, Portuguese churches,
Pallava architecture and Hindu temples, as well with the natural settings of one of the
longest urban beaches on earth. C
Two rivers pass through the City, the Coovam River through the centre and the Adyar
River to the south. These rivers were earlier used to navigate commercial goods, but
today they are highly polluted and are an eye sore to the public. Chennai is currently
divided into four parts: North Chennai - primarily an industrial area, Central Chennai - the
commercial heart of the city, South and Western Chennai which were residential areas and
have now grown fast with business houses, and very recently an IT Corridor has been
established.
Chennai Climate:
Since Chennai lies on the coast and closer to the thermal equator, it does not have
variations in seasonal temperature. For most of the year, the weather is hot and humid.
The hottest part of the year is during May, June, and July popularly known in Tamil as
Kathiri Veyyil, with maximum temperatures hovering around 40 C (105F). The cooler
months are December and January with an average temperature of 24 C which is the best
time for the tourists to visit the city. Chennai summers being humid and sultry; it's
advisable to move around during the day with an umbrella and bottled water. During
September, October the city gets most of its seasonal rainfall from the north-east
monsoon, and sometimes it will pour heavily for a couple of days resulting in heavy
flooding of roads and traffic disrupted.
Chennai city has a population of around 7.5 million, of which the slum dwellers form
around 20%. Migration from villages continues to swell.
Chennai's culture reflects its diverse population. The city is known for its classical dance
shows and Music programs. Each year during December, Chennai holds a month long
Music Season, conducted by various Sabhas. It features performances (kutcheries) of
traditional Carnatic music by eminent artists in and around the city. Chennai is an
important cultural centre for Bharatanatyam with its headquarters at Kalakshetra.
Chennai is the base for the large Tamil movie industry, located at Kodambakkam, named
as Kollywood after Hollywood. It's not just temple Gods who are worshipped here, much
as in California, screen gods are adored by the local population, who even paved the way
to get elected to the highest political office. In fact, the majority of Tami Nadu's leaders
had their footing of their careers on the big screen. Chennai has a vibrant theatre scene,
with a large number of Tamil plays being performed. Chennai's theatres present many
Tamil plays with political satire, comedy, history, mythology. English plays are also
popular with Chennaites.
Though Tamil is the main language of the people, English is widely spoken especially
among white collar professionals, business, and educational institutions.
Chennaites love to use their own mother tongue Tamil, and a sort of loose linguistic
amalgamation of words mixed from Tamil, English, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam and
Hindi, exhibiting the national integration called Madras bashai, is predominantly spoken
in the city. This is more popular among the slum dwellers.
There is also a sizeable Telugu speaking minority in the city. Other languages spoken
include Malayalam, Kannada, Hindi and Urdu. Being a regional hub since British times,
Chennai has a large number of Marwari traders. Other prominent communities are the
Anglo Indians, Bengali, and Punjabi as well people from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.
Accommodation and dinning facilities in Chennai offers a great variety of options and it
can accommodate people with varying choice and budget without any hassles.
.
Transport:
Chennai is well connected by Air, Rail, and Roadways.
The International Airport, named Anna International Airport and the Kamaraj Domestic
Airport combined are the third busiest airports in India. The city is connected to major
hubs in South Asia, South East Asia, the Middle East, Europe and North America through
many international carriers. The airport is also the second busiest cargo terminus in the
country.
Chennai Port, is one of the largest artificial ports, and is India's second busiest container
hub, handling automobiles and general industrial cargo. The Ennore port handles cargo
such as coal, ore and other bulk products. A smaller harbour at Royapuram is mainly
used by local fishing boats and trawlers.
Chennai is well connected to other parts of India by road and rail. The Chennai Mofussil
Bus Terminus (CMBT) is a well planned terminus for all intercity buses, and it is the
largest bus station in Asia. Government-owned transport, as well of Private operators, run
services to and from Chennai.
MRTS Train station in Chennai
The city has two main railway terminals. Chennai Central station, the city's largest,
provides access to trains to major cities like Mumbai, Kolkata, Bangaluru, Delhi,
Hyderabad, and Coimbatore. Chennai Egmore operates trains primarily within Tamil Nadu.
The Chennai suburban railway network, connects the suburban area, and the recently
commissioned elevated Mass Rapid Transit System (MRTS) which links Chennai Beach to
Velacheri provide rapid transport within the City as well interlinked with the remaining rail
network.
Buses, trains, and auto rickshaws are the most common form of public transport within
the city.
The Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC) runs an extensive city bus system
consisting of nearly 3000 buses on more than 550 routes and transports an estimated 3.85
million passengers daily. Vans, popularly known as Maxi Cabs, ply many routes in the city
providing an alternative to buses. Metered call taxis, tourist taxis and auto rickshaws are
also available on hire. Though metered one has to bargain much with the Autoriksha
drivers to fix a reasonable price to travel. Though Chennai's transportation infrastructure
provides easy coverage and connectivity, of late it has caused traffic congestion and
pollution.
Chennai Cuisine.
Tamil Nadu provides the visitor with a wide variety of delicious food both for the
vegetarians as well non-vegetarians and the staple diet for most is rice. The basic food is
prepared of grains, lentils, rice and vegetables. Spices are added to give a distinctive
taste. Many of the city's restaurants offer light meals or tiffin, which usually include ricebased dishes like pongal, dosai, idli and vadai, served with steaming hot filter coffee, as
Chennaites have contempt for instant coffee. Tiffin or Light meals are served for breakfast
or as a snack.
Lunch or meals consists of cooked rice, served with an array of vegetable dishes like
sambar, chutneys, rasam (a hot broth made with tamarind juice and pepper) and curd
(yogurt). For a non-vegetarian lunch, curries or dishes cooked with mutton, chicken or fish
is included. The meals are incomplete without crisp papads or appalam. A typical Tamil
meal (Lunch or Dinner) will be served on a banana leaf. Chewing of a few betel leaves and
nuts after the meals was popular till very recently.
Chettinad cuisine is a specialty in Chennai and is a delight for those who like hot and
spicy non-vegetarian food. Recently quite a number of restaurants have sprung up serving
North Indian delicacies in Thali, a round tray. Generally no service charge is added, but it
is customary to leave a moderate tip. It is popular to eat at Fast food restaurants located
on the street, as many maintain them clean. The price is comparatiely very cheap and the
service is fast, preferred by those in a hurry. There are many popular sweet meat shops
which cater both South Indian and North Indian items.
Festivals in Chennai
Chennai is no exception to the festivals and fairs that are celebrated throughout India.
Pongal, a four-day harvest festival is the most celebrated festival of Chennai and Tamil
Nadu. Pongal is a Dravidian festival and is independent of religion. Pongal is also known
as Tamizhar Thirunal or the festival of Tamils
The first month in the Tamil calendar is Chittirai, which generally falls on April 14 or 15 of
the English calendar and Tamil New Year is another event of major celebration. Most of the
Indian festivals like Ganesh Chathurthi, Holi, Diwali, Dussehra, Eid and Christmas are
celebrated with gaiety and fervor in Chennai city.
Shopping in Chennai
Chennai offers a wide variety of traditional and trendy merchandise, such as carvings on
brass, stone, wood and ivory. It is popular for leather bikinis, bags and shoes. Chennai is
one of the major trade centers of south India and is a fantastic place to shop for a diverse
variety of items. Traditional items from all over Tamil Nadu like Mats woven like carpets
from Pattamara and the leaf and Palmyra-fiber handicrafts from Tirunellveli, Metal works
from Tanjavur, bronze and brass castings and traditional jewellery from Kumbakonam,
stone carvings from Mamallapuram and Silks from Kanchipuram - the beautiful
Kancheepuram hand woven silk sarees - are being sold in Chennai. The most popular
shopping centers are in located in T. Nagar, Mylapore and the arterial Anna Salai. For
Handicraft items Victoria technical institute, Poompuhar and the Khadi Gramodyog
Bhavan at Anna Salai are the best.
Plastic goods, stationary items, household items and the typical textiles and fabric in
wholesale at bargain price are available at Parry's Corner, which is yet another shopping
center. Close to Parry's corner is the Burma Bazaar which is popular with imported
electronic goods, and perfumes.
Recently many Malls have sprung up for shopping in air-conditioned comfort.
Connemara Library, located in Egmore, is one of the oldest libraries with a rare
collection of books.
Government Museum, and National Art Gallery in Egmore, has interesting and
rare archaeological collections as well bronze icons. The National Art Gallery
constructed in 1906 presents a fabulous Indo-Saracenic edifice.
Fort St. George, built in 1653 by the East India Company houses the Secretariat
and the legislative Assembly. There is a museum presenting the history of the
British rule. The fort also comprises the oldest Anglican Church, the church of St
Mary.
Guindy National Park, This is the smallest national park in India and one of the
few located in a metro. Adjacent to this is a Children's Park with collections of
animals and birds.
Guindy Snake Park, housing the deadly King Cobra, pythons and vipers as well
other reptiles. Is next to the Guindy National Park,
Marina Beach, is the second longest beach in the world, lavishly spread over an
area of 13 km. Stalls put up on the beach offer local delicacies, sundal and
murukku.
Elliots Beach is in the Besant Nagar suburb of Chennai, which is popular, a
place to cool off from the citys heat. It is a nice beach, and a safe and good place
for picnicking.
Breezy Beach is located in the quiet neighbourhood of Valmiki Nagar. It is
smaller and less popular than the Elliots beach. This beach is not as
commercialized as the Elliots beach, and is hence is more quiet and peaceful.
Chenni Entertainment
Amusement Parks, Water Sports Centers, Beaches:
The East Coast Road (ECR), which was then known as the New Mahabalipuram Road, had
VGP Golden Beach and Romulus Whittaker's crocodile bank. Now one can pick and
choose from Amusement Parks, Water Sports Centers, Beaches, Eco Conservation
Cultural and Religious Centers, Restaurants or Resorts to spend a day, for a perfect
entertainment and relaxation from the daily tiring routine of life.
Cart Attack: A center that fulfills the speed maniac's desire for thrill in a safe and
secure environment. This centre has placed Chennai on the go carting map of
India.
Mayajaal: A sprawling 100,000 sq.ft of air-conditioned space, with a multitude of
activities and entertainment avenues, including movie theatres, bowling alleys,
video games, multi-cuisine food courts.
MGM Dizzy World: Spread over 27 acres, this theme park offers joy rides, food
stalls and other games. It features one of the first roller coaster rides of Chennai,
and the swimming pool with its water slides.
Little Folks & Dolphin City: Specifically aimed at providing entertainment for
the kids. The Dolphins are not currently maintained.
Muttukadu Boat House: Maintained by the Tamilnadu Tourism Development
Corporation, this backwater area is located at 23 Kms from Adayar, offers rowing
and speedboat riding.
Cholamandalam Artists Village: Set up by a group of artists, this village
offers the ambience needed for creativity to flow and is inhabited only by artists.
The village offers guesthouse facilities exclusively for artists, so that they could
also benefit from the environment provided by the place. This is a tourist attraction
to those who appreciate the finer things of life.
Crocodile Bank: Romulus Whittaker, the acknowledged specialist on reptiles,
who established the Snake Park, has set up this for the preservation and
propagation of several endangered species of Indian and African crocodiles and
alligators. The Crocodile Park is spread over 3.2 hectares of lush vegetation. The
Crocodile Bank in Chennai is the largest crocodile-breeding site in the country
Dakshinachitra: A venture of Deborah Thiagarajan and her associates from the
Madras Craft Foundation. Dakshinachitra is an amazing place to visit. Various
kinds of traditional houses have been transported to Chennai in a dismantled form
from interior parts of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Kerala and rebuilt here.
The Covelong beach, closer to Mahabalipuram, has a fort, built by the Nawab
of Carnatic, the Muslim ruler. It was at the Covelong beach that the French General
Laboudonnais landed his troops in 1746. Later it was taken over by Robert Clive,
the then British Governor in 1752 and destroyed. The Beach is separated from the
mainland by the canal running from Chennai to Mahabalipuram. Taj Group of
Hotels runs the Fisherman's Cove Resort with rooms in the main buildings and
cottages on the sandy beach.
Special attention was paid to the sanctum sanctorum where deities were placed in niches
as prescribed in the ritual treatises. Rajaraja Chola constructed the most grandiose of the
south Indian temples, 85 m in height, which is a marvel of symmetry and structural design.
5 m high dwarapalakas (guardians) stand at the entrance. From the 16th century AD, the
gopurams (entrance towers) under the Vijayanagar King Krishna Devaraya spiraled to
greater heights as much as 60 m. They came to be known as rayagopuras (royal towers)
after his name. The bases of these towers were built of stone and the entire superstructure
was of brick and mortar, painted and studded with hundreds of stucco figures. These
temples, some of which are more than 1500 years old, exhibit intricate carving and
sculptures bearing testimony to the craftsmanship and creativity of the artisans, sculptors
and artists of ancient India.
During olden days Temples acted as the place of learning, where discourses and cultural
programs were regularly held. It also provided as a meeting place for the residents for
social gathering. A trip to Chennai will never be complete unless one plans a tour to these
temples.
Ancient Temples:
As many as 63 Saivite saints or nayanmars sculpted in bronze adorn the outer courtyard.
The Nayanmars glorified Lord Shiva with enchanting hymns. A well known landmark in the
heart of Chennai, this temple is visited by thousands, especially during the famed
'Arupattu Moovar' festival in the month of Pisces in March - April when the icons of all the
Nayanmars are taken in a procession around the temple. The Teppam or float festival in
the large temple tank, and the biweekly Pradosham festival also draw huge crowds here.
The Punnai tree in the temple courtyard is considered to be one of oldest trees in Chennai
which shades a small shrine of Parvati worshipping Siva as a peacock, depicting the
legend that gave Mylapore its name
Saint Poet Sri Thiruvalluvar, the famous author of "Thiru Kural" was born in Mylapore.
Parthasarathy Temple
Located in the Triplicane (Tiruvallikkeni) area of Chennai city, Parthasarathy Temple is one
of the major South Indian temples and the well visited Divya Desams for Vaishnavaites.
Tiruvallikkeni is a well known landmark in the Chennai metropolis. This temple devoted to
Lord Krishna was built in the 8th Century by the Pallava Kings and has been renovated
since then. Legend says that Krishna after fighting the Great Kurukshetra War came to
rest here at the pond full of "alli" flowers, reason why the place is called Tiruvallikeni.
During the British rule it was shortened to Triplicane.
The face of the Utsava vigraha of Sri Parthasarathy in this temple is full of scars,
supposed to have been created by the arrows of the Great Bhishma when Krishna acted
as the charioteer for Arjuna in the Kurukshetra war.
There are shrines to Ranganathar and his consort Vedavalli, Sri Rama, as well to
Varadarajar and Narasimhar
The temples for these three sakthis are located near Chennai. The form of the Devi in all
the three temples, are identical. It is considered auspicious to get darshan of all three
sakthis one after the other on the same day, especially on a full moon day and in particular
on a full moon day which falls on a Friday.
The Sakthi to be visited first, early in the morning is Thiruvudai Amman - Ichchaa Sakthi
(the Devi who will fulfill devotees wishes). The temple is located in Meloor near Minjur.
Special prayers are offered to this Devi by offering yellow saree and mangoes for
neivaedhiyam. The Lord is Thirumanangeesar.
The Sakthi to be visited second, in the morning is Vadivudai Amman - Gnaana Sakthi (the
Devi who will bless us with Gnaanam). Special prayers are conducted to this Devi by
offering red saree and jack fruit for neivaedhiyam. The Lord is Thyaagaraaja Swaami. The
temple is located in Tiruvotriyur. In this temple there are 27 lingams in a row, one for each
of the 27 stars.
The Sakthi to be visited third, in the evening is Kodiyidai Amman - Kriyaa Sakthi (the Devi
who assists us in all our actions). Special prayers are offered to this Devi of green saree
and bananas for neivaedhiyam. The Lord is Maasilaamaneeswarar. This temple is located
in Thirumullaivaayil, outskirts of Chennai.
One can plan the visits by car or city buses, easily available.
Mallikeswarar Temple
Built around 1000 years ago, this temple located in North Chennai, houses Mallikeswara
swamy, or the lord of Jasmine blooms. Legend has it that one of the Chola kings, while
hunting in this area, came upon a bunch of Jasmine shrubs. The king orders his soldiers
to clear up the weeds and create a beautiful garden around the jasmine shrubs. While this
was being done, they discover a Shivalingam buried under sand. The king immediately
ordered a temple to be built around the lingan, and thus is born Mallikeswaran temple.
Mylapore
It is located just beside the Adi Kesava Perumal Temple. A vigraha of Sri Vedanta Desika,
who lived over 730 years ago in South India and wrote erudite commentaries on
Ramanuja's Sribhashyam, Gita Bhashyam, was brought from the adjacent Kesavaperumal
temple and installed here. Since elders felt that the Acharya should not preside alone, a
vigraha of Lakshmi Hayagriva modelled on the idol of the Mysore Parakala mutt was
brought and installed. There are shrines for Venkatachalapathi, Alarmelu manga Thayar.
Ramakrishna Temple
Ramakrishna Temple in Chennai represents three hundred years of faith and devotion.
With the guidelines laid down by Swami Vivekananda for the temple of Sri Ramakrishna at
Belur Math as its basic, the temple features various architectural features familiar to the
region along with a universal outlook.
The floor of the prayer hall of the temple is at a height of 10 feet from the ground level.
Arupadai Veedu
A newly constructed Arupadai Veedu Murugar Temple is located at Besant Nagar, on the
shores of Bay of Bengal, in Chennai. Arupadai Veedu Murugar Temple offers the devotees
Dhaanya Lakshmi (Goddess of food grains). Dhairiya Lakshmi's (the Goddess of courage
& strength) shrine is situated on the northern flank.
There are shrines for Tumbikai Aazhwar (Ganesha), Guruvaayurappan, Chakrathaazhwar &
Narasimhar (on either side of the same idol), Aanjaneyar & Dhanvantri.
Temple dedicated to Ganesha attracts a large number of devotees. Regular Homams are
being conducted in this temple. Other deities worshipped here include Lord Muruga as
Balasubramanyan, Sri Sathyanarayana Perumal, Sri Surya Narayanar, Lord
Dakshinamurthy, Gajakesari Lalithambikai and Nagaraja.This deity is also called Dollar
Pillayar, since the temple regularly receives contributions from abroad.
Gaudiya Mutt.
With Headquarters in Bengal, the followers of Chaitanya established this center, at
Royapettah, Mylapore. Dieties of Krishna, Radha and Chitanya are being installed in this
mutt.
This Siva temple is one of the oldest temples, of Siva representing the four Vedas.
ISKCON Temple
Located in Injambakkam, on the outskirts of Chennai The ISKCON Temple at Chennai like
other ISKCON centres is the axis point from where the teachings of Lord Sri Krishna
Chaitanya are spread. The deities worshipped in the temple include those of Rukmini and
Krishna. The image of deity Satyabhama, is also housed in the temple premises. Other
deities worshipped in the temple include Jagannath, Baladeva, Subhadra and Gaura-Nitai.
ISKCON Chennai also promotes and protects traditional art and craft of South India.
Jagannathan Temple:
Located on the way to Mahablipuram it is an exact replica of the Puri Jagannath Temple.
Those who have not been to Puri can take a look at this temple.
Chennai city, like the state at large, is known for some awe inspiring temples. The temples
built by the ancient dynasties behold the strangers with awe and fascination. Equally
interesting are other sacred places including popular churches and mosques. These
popular attractions in the city witness large numbers of tourists and pilgrims paying visits
throughout year.
Buddha Vihar
This is a popular centre for Buddhists and in particular to those from Srilanka on their
way to Saranath. Buddhists from abroad take part in the worship here.
This Buddha Vihar is situated in Egmore
The Jain Temple in Chennai is contrary to all other temples built in South. Most of the
temples in south are built with rocks where as the Jain Temple has been built with the
lime-and-soapstone and marble, which has given it a sparkling appearance. This is a
significant temple among the modern style of architecture. The temple also includes some
beautiful sculptures of Lord Mahavira, other tirinthkaras and Lord Shantinath to whom the
temple is dedicated. First Jain temple in South India is in Chennai, this temple is known as
Shree Gujarati Swetamber Jain Mandir. Lord Parshwanatha, the 23rd Teerthankar is the
presiding deity of this renowned shrine. The three gopurams and five doors of the Mandir
have marble carvings based on the architectural principles of the famous Dilwara temples.
Only marble has been used in the construction, and the architects, carvers and workers
were brought in from Rajasthan. The idol is made of Quartz selected from the Chellur
mines in Karnataka.
Gurudhwar
The chief among Sikh Guru is Guru Govind Singh. His preaching stress on temperance
and silence as natural methods to see God. The Sikhs holy pilgrimage is the golden
temple situated at Amirstar in Punjab. A sizable number of Sikhs worship at this
Gurudwara located at Teynampet.
Churches
The Erstwhile Madras now renamed as Chennai, it is the cultural heartland as well as the
focal point for Indias 1950 year old Christian faith.,
Anderson Church
John Anderson arrived in Madras as one of the Scottish missionaries. He started the
John Anderson General Assembly School in 1835. He founded many educational
institutions. It is indeed ironical that this zestful educationalist is now remembered not
for what he actually stood for rather his name was given to the church situated in George
Town where once the Madras Christian College stood. The church is located in
Broadway.
Christ Church
By the busy Mount Road is situated the impressive building of the Christ Church. Rev.
Henry Taylor, Chaplain in the Service of East India Company, realizing the sad plight of
the poor people in and around the Mount Road area, opened a large room for public
worship in July 1842, which of course, marked the humble beginning of the Christ
Church.
Velankanni Church
This church located in Besant Nagar, is dedicated to our lady of Health, the Madonna of
Velankanni. Though much smaller than the original church at Velankanni, this church at
Elliots Beach still attracts swarms of pilgrims who have implicit faith in the miraculous
healing of the Madonna.
Parsi Temple
There is a Parsi Temple at George Town, near Royapuram, serving a handful of Parsis in
the City.
Pulicat
Pulicat Island is located 60 kilometers north of Chennai and is surrounded by ocean and
salt-water rivers. Pulicut has a population of approximately 30,000, which is comprised
predominantly of fishermen who belong to the traditional marine fishing caste called
Pattanavan.
Mahabalipuram.
Mahabalipuram, also called Mamallapuram, is 60 kilometers south of Chennai
Mahabalipuram was the capital of the Pallava Kings around the seventh and eighth
centuries. The Pallavas were master sculptors. This town boasts of some of the finest rock
cut caves and sculptures in the world. The Shore temples of Mahabalipuram are an
architectural wonder.
Anneture
(Important information useful to the Tourist. This is not a comprehensive list)
POLICE: 100 POLICE (Traffic): 103
Airlines in Chennai
Airports Authority of India (AAI)
Chennai Airport
AIR INDIA
19, Rukmani Lakshmibathy Road,
Egmore
Chennai - 600 008
AIR DECCAN
AEROFLOT - RUSSIAN AIRLINES
Russian Cultural Centre
74, Kasturi Ranga Road, Alwarpet,
Chennai - 600 018
AIR MAURITIUS
6, Aarti Chambers,
189, Anna Salai,
Chennai - 600 006
Tel:28515641/42 Fax:28515643
AIR SEYCHELLES
43/44, Montieth Road,
Chennai - 600 008
ALITALIA
2-D, Century Plaza,
560-562, Anna Salai
Chennai - 600 018
AMERICAN AIRLINES
43/44, Montieth Road,
Egmore,
Chennai - 600 008
AIR FRANCE
43/44, Montieth Road
Egmore,
Chennai - 600 008
AUSTRIAN AIRLINES
43/44, Montieth Road, Egmore,
Chennai - 600 008
BIMAN BANGLADESH
43/44, Montieth Road,
Chennai - 600 008
BRITISH AIRWAYS
Sigma Wing,
177, Anna Salai,
Chennai - 600 002
BRITISH MIDLAND
2/96, Montiteth Road,
Egmore,
Chennai - 600 008
CONTINENTAL AIRLINES
672, Anna Salai,
Nandanam,
Chennai - 600 035
DELTA AIRLINES
144/145, Kodambakkam High Road,
Chennai - 600 034
EGYPT AIR
758, Anna Salai,
Chennai - 600 002
EMIRATES
RIAZ GARDEN,
12, K. H. Road,
Chennai - 600 034
ETHIOPIAN AIRLINES
23, Kasi Arcade
T. Nagar, Chennai - 600 017
EVA AIR
72, Marshalls Road,
Egmore
Chennai - 600 008
FINN AIR
733, Anna Salai,
Chennai - 600 002
GULF AIR
52, Montieth Road, Egmore,
Chennai - 600 008
INDIAN
General Enquiry Reservations
Arrival & Departure
19, Rukmani Lakshmibathy Road,
Egmore
Chennai - 600 008
IRAQI AIRWAYS
66, Pantheon Road, Egmore,
Chennai - 600 008
JAPAN AIRLINES
Hotel Ambasador Pallava,
Chennai - 600 008
JET AIRWAYS
43/44, Montieth Road, Egmore,
Chennai - 600 008
KENYA AIRWAYS
733, Anna Salai,
Chennai - 600 006
KOREAN AIR
733, Anna Salai,
Chennai - 600 006
KUWAIT AIRWAYS
MALAYSIA AIRLINES
Arihant Nico Park,
90, Dr. R.K.Salai,
Chennai - 600 004
OMAN AIR
Oxford 20-22, College Road,
Nungambakkam,
Chennai - Chennai - 600 006
ROYAL BRUNEI
672, Anna Salai,
Nandanam,
Chennai - 600 035
ROYAL JORDANIAN
43/44, Montieth Road,
Chennai - 600 008
SAHARA AIRLINES
Hotel Park Sheraton, 132, T.T.K. Road,
Chennai - 600 018
Tel : 52110202 Fax : 52110303
SAS
144/145, Nungambakkam High Road,
Chennai - 34.
SAUDI ARABIAN AIRLINES
7, Century Plaza, 560-562, Anna Salai,
Chennai - 600 018
SINGAPORE AIRLINES
108, Dr. Radhakrishnan Salai,
Chennai - 600 004
SWISS AIR
19, Hamid Building,
Anna Salai,
Chennai - 600 006
THAI AIRWAYS
672, Anna Salai
Nandanam
Chennai - 600 035
TURKMENISTAN AIRLINES
672, Anna Salai, Nandanam
Chennai - 600 035
UNITED AIRLINES
144, Kodambakkam High Road,
Chennai - 600 034
US AIRWAYS
Sri Kalyan Squar,
83,Pantheon Road
Chennai - 600 008
VIRGIN ATLANTIC
144/145, Malavika Centre
K.Hg Road,
Chennai - 600 034
Indian Railways
Online Railway Reservation
Railways - Telephone Enquiry Services
General Enquiry
Reservation Enquiry
Train Arrival & Dep (B.G) Central
Train Arrival & Dep (M.G) Egmore
Reservation Enquiry (Egmore)
Interactive Voice Response System Ticket Enquiry
In English
131
132
133
134
135
1361
In Hindi
In Tamil
Rail Reservation Centres in Chennai
(Reservation Hrs 08:00-14:00 & 14:15-20:00 Sun:08:00-14:00)
Avadi Rly Station
Annanagar
Airport
Besant Nagar
Central Railway Station
Egmore Railway Station
Mambalam Railway Station
Mylapore Railway Station
Perambur Railway Station
Saidapet Railway Station
Tambaram Railway Station
Tiruvotiyur Railway Station
Beach Railway Station
1362
1363
26555408
26631188
22560551
24901186
25353816
28194579
24643755
24954252
25510359
24329970
22365921
25735314
25234397
Hospitals in Chennai
Apollo Hospitals
28293333/28290200
Aysha Hospitals
26426930
Amrit Hospital
25226786
A. K. N. Nursing Home
26445015/26440665
24970876/24994957
Balaji Hospitals
22343313
Bharath Hospital
24843512
Billroth Hospital
28441777
B. R. Hospital
28259222/28235859
B. M. Orthopaedic Hospital
26570707/26571644
24359514
24936098
24936098
25955902
25952686/25952687
28281881
26424656/26426465
24341044
26421065
28472266
24970474
28211111/28212222
28255331
26454949
H. M. Hospital
24996648
28234209
22262244
Hande Hospital
26447538
22541652
26421085/26421089
28191135
J. V. Hospital
24725582
K. J. Hospital
26411513
Kumaran Hospital
26411860/26413357
Kasthuri Hospital
22263752/22263573
26411444/26411987
22362883/22362724
25362201
MIOT Hospitals
22492288/22493636
26565961/26561801
Malar Hospital
24914737
M. R. Hospitals
24755419
25212419/24832538
28200700/28200703
28311415/28204757
Mohan Hospital
24752990/24756490
26424396/26411621/26412474
24981973/24671453
Philips Hospital
22366569/22366501
24893101/24893172
25352604
R. M. Hospital
24511477/24510963
25955519
Railway Hospital
26461256
Raju Hospital
24341901
28259635
28554425/28554548
24356222
Reach T. B. Care
28418179/28525074
Rigid Hospitals
26447747/26450225
24492171/24492191
Ramiah Hospital
25953351
Stanley Hospital
25261345/25261353
24991081
24340974/24347474
24917646
Sooriya Hospital
23761750
26268844
Sugam Hospital
25733830
24980572
26266900
28442626
22343233/22343363
Sasthalaya Hospital
28170131/28171599
Trinity Hospital
24990880
22301871/22353577
24768403
Vijaya Hospital
24768403
Government Hospitals
Govt. General Hospital
25363131/25363143
Royapettah Hospital
28483051/28283056
28555281/28554338
28545001
26214844/26281563
22368450/22368427
24938311
25229362
26461336/26461337
28251982
26262136
25953157
24892530
Speciality Hospitals
CSI Kalyani Multi Speciality Hospital
28473306/28470642
26473165
1919
28553840
26258616
22541972/22542971
Sankara Nethralaya
28271616
28115050
22542829/22541692
28415959/28414949
24938311
28220494/28231911
24 Hours Pharmacy
Appollo Hospital
Balaji Hopitl
CSI Kalyani
Malar Hospitl
Mehta Medical Centre
Shanta Medicals
Sri Ramachandra Pharmacy
Swarnam Hospital
Tamilnadu Hospital
Trinity Hospital
Vijaya Hospital
28290200 / 28293333
22343863
28541101
24911728
25389190
26442517
24828027
24417905
24414003
24991488
24801598
1066
24992607
26565961 / 26565991
24911728
4847802
28554251
24828402
Shastri Bhavan
Haddows Road
Chennai 600006
Phone: 2345 4970
Fax: 2345 4971
Finland
742 (New No: 202), Anna Salai
Chennai - 600 002
Tel: 91-44-28524141, 91-44-28523622
Fax: 91-44-28521253
France
2, Rue De La Marine,
Pondicherry - 605001
Tel: 91-413-2334174/4058
Fax: 91-413-2335594
Germany
49, Ethiraj Salai, Mico Building
Chennai - 600105
Tel: 91-44-28210810, 91-44-28210824
Fax: 91-44-28273542
Greece
H3 Alsa Manor
72, Harrington Road
Chennai 600 031
Tel: 91-44-28269194
Hungary
Taim House
72, Rajaji Salai
Chennai - 600 001
Tel: 91-44-25231265
Fax: 91-44-25225205
Iceland
Bhavani Mansion, 2nd Floor 4th Lane
3, Nungambakkam High Road
Chennai - 600 034
Tel: 91-44-28331946/28333631
Fax: 91-44-28330314
Indonesia
CONSULATE OF THE REPUBLIC OF INDONESIA
2-D, El Dorado
112, Nungambakkam High Road
Chennai 600 034
Tel: 044-2825 3337 / 2820 6845 / 2820 6085
Fax: 044-2824 1411
Italy
19, Rajaji Salai
Chennai - 600 001
Tel: 91-44-24337224
Fax: 91-44-25341136
Japan
12/1Cenetoph Road
Teynampet
Chennai - 600 018
Tel: 91-44-91-44-24323860/61
Fax: 91-44-24323859
Korea
'Chaitanya'
12 Khader Nawaz Khan Road
Chennai 600 006
Telefax: 91-44-28331224
Malawi
83 (Old No:41), Armenian Street
Chennai - 600 001
Tel: 91-44-25265243,91-44-25219524
Fax: 91-44-25279009
Malaysia
252/A, T.T.K. Road
Alwarpet
Chennai - 600 018
Tel: 91-44-24982306
Fax: 91-44-24982405
Mauritius
94/95, Thiru-vi-ka Industrial Estate,
Chennai - 600 032.
Tel: 91-44-22346693/7051
Fax: 91-44-22348181
Netherlands
Catholic Centre
64, Armenian Street
Chennai - 600 001
Tel: 91-44-22510214
Newzealand
"Maithri"
32, Cathedral Road
Chennai - 600 086
Tel: 91-44-28112472
Fax: 91-44-28112449
Norway
44/45, Rajaji Salai
Chennai - 600 001
Tel: 91-44-25232981/82/83
Fax: 91-44-25233235
Philipines
Spic House, Annex Building, 4th Floor
Russian Federation
33, Santhome High Road
Mylapore, Chennai - Chennai - 600 004
Tel: 91-44-24982320/30
Fax: 91-44-24982336
Singapore
17-A, North Boag Road,
T.Nagar, Chennai - 600 017
Tel: 91-44-28158207/08
Fax: 91-44-28158209
Spain
'Lawdale'
6/8, Nimmo Road, Santhome,
Chennai - 600 004
Tel: 91-44-24942008
SriLanka
196, T.T.K Road,
Alwarpet, Chennai - 600 086
Tel: 91-44-24987896, 91-44-24987612
Fax: 91-44-24987894
Sweden
6, Cathedral Road
Chennai - 600 086
Tel: 91-44-28112232
Fax: 91-44-28110294
Switzerland
224, T.T.K Road,
Alwarpet, Chennai - 600 018
Tel: 91-44-2435886, 91-44-24332701
Fax: 91-44-24342363
Turkemenistan
3, Magesh Street,
T.Nagar, Chennai - 600 017
Tel: 91-44-24343777 / 3627
Fax: 91-44-24343627
Turkey
202, Lingi Chetty Street,
Chennai - 600 001
Tel: 91-44-2510214
United Kingdom
20, Anderson Road
Chennai 600 006
Tel: 91-44-28257422, 91-44-52142151, Fax: 91-44-52192321
United States Of America
220, Anna Salai
Gemini Circle
Chennai 600 006
Tel: 91-44-28273040
Fax: 91-44-28262538
HOTELS
There are lots of hotels in and around Chennai city to facilitate the accommodations for
visitors of the Chennai City. There is a variety of choice like Five Star Hotels, Four Star
Hotels, Three Star Hotels, Two Star Hotels, One Star Hotels, and Budget Hotels
24460607
25369219
24344440
28111664
24914213
24918274
24981736
Jewellers in Chennai
Mehta Jewellery
64, Thirumalai Pillai Road, Chennai, 600017 - 044 28158886
Vummidi Bangaru Shrihari Sons
11, Nageshwara Rao Road, Chennai, 600017 - 044 24342455
G R Thangamaligai Ltd
136, Usman Road, Opp Chennai Silks, T Nagar, Chennai, Chennai - 044 24345065
Prince Jewellery
13,Nageswara Rao Road, Panagal Park, Chennai, 600017 - 044 24363137
Vummidi Bangaru Jewellers
Rani Seethai Hall,603,Anna Salai,Parallel To Gemini Flyover, Anna Salai, Chennai, 600006
044 28291573
Murthy Jewellers
8/1, New No 36, Mathala Narayanan St, Mylapore, Chennai - 044 24957240
Ambica Pearl & Jewellers
14 Basement,Alsa Mall,Montieth Road, Egmore, Chennai, 600008 - 044 28553642
Original Kerala Jewellers
91,Usman Road, T Nagar, Chennai, 600017 - 044 24340027
Palsani Jewels
87, Dr R K Rd, Mylapore, Chennai - 044 28110585
Jnr Jewellery
10,North Mada Street, Mylapore, Chennai, 600004 - 044 24951834
Dhanalaxmi Jewellers
59/2, Opp Pothy'S Textile, Usman Rd, T Nagar, Chennai - 044 24345242
Vummidi Bangaru Jewellers
603,, Mount Road, Chennai, Tamilnadu 600006 - 044 28291574
KFJ
17,Shanthi Vihar Complex,140,Royapettah High Road, Mylapore, Chennai, 600004
044 24984617
S R K Jewellers
27,North Mada Street, Mylapore, Chennai, 600004 - 044 24640586
Sagunthala Jewellers
2, Opp Kabaleswar Temple, C P Koil St, Mylapore, Chennai - 044 24611670
Mehta Gems Co
Old No 329,New No 373, Mint Street, Chennai, 600003 - 044 25355205
Bapalal & Company Jewellers
37, Cathedral Road, Chennai, 600086 - 044 28113030
P V Thanga Maligai
32 2,East Coast Road, Thiruvanmiyur, Chennai, 600041 - 044 24483412
Lalitha Jewellery
Shopping Malls
Spencer Plaza on Mount Road
Alsa Mall,
Cisons Complex,
Fountain Plaza
Prince Plaza in Egmore.
Globus,
Westside,
Lifestyle,
24344115
24343544
24310901
28143615
28144705
28266667
24991087
24941906
24940291
24991683
28269271
24310888
24342744
Landmark
Handicrafts
Victoria Technical Institute (VTI) Anna Salai, - 28523153
The Central Cottage Industries Emporium, Temple Towers, 476 Anna Salai, Nandanam, 24330226
Poompuhar Sales and Show Room, 818 Anna Salai
Khadi Gramodyog Bhavan, #44AnnaSalai
Chennai - 600 002 Tel2858 4312 / 2858 4313
New Kashmir Arts & Crafts
Mount Road & Spencer Plaza
Chennai - 600 002 - 28546560
Gurjari
Shop No: A, Chaitanya Building, No-12,KhaderNawazKhan Road,
Nungambakkam, Chennai
Tel:22010708,22004533
Book Stores
M/sHiggin Bothams
Anna Salai, Chennai.
Phone : +91-44-28522420
Landmark
Spencer Plaza, Anna Salai, Chennai.
Phone : +91-44-28495767
Odyssey
6, First Main Road, Gandhi Nagar, Adyar, Chennai.
Phone : +91-44-24420393
The Alliance Co.
P.O. Box 617, 244, Ramakrishna Mutt Road, Mylapore, Chennai-600 004, Tamilnadu, India.
Tel: 91-44-494 1314
Vanathi Pathippakam ,
Publishers and Booksellers
13, Deenadayalu Street, Chennai-600 017, Tamil Nadu, India
Tel: 044-434 2810
Sri Ramakrishna Mutt
16, Ramakrishna Mutt Road, Mylapore, Chennai-600 004, Tamilnadu.
Tel: 044-494 1231/1589; Fax: 493 4589
The Little Flower Co (LIFCO)
43, Ranganathan St, POBox 1028, T. Nagar, Chennai-600 017, Tamilnadu.
Tel: 044-434 1538
Priest sevices:
If one can perform a pooja by himself, nothing like it. It gives the best results. However not
many know how to perform a ritualistic pooja, or the patience to do repeated mantra japa
with concentration. Those who don't know take the help of the priests to do it for
them. Chennai has a few learned scholars who are highly qualified in conducting religious
ceremonies strictly adhering to the agama sastras.
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