Elegantly placed in the shores of coromandel coast, Chennai boast of a rich heritage, which is elaborately intertwined with the culture, traditions and living style of the people through generations. One of the prettiest metropolitan cities in India, Chennai perfectly mixes the elegance of past with the vibrancy of modernism. This contemporary city is often referred as the Gateway to the South India. Chennai was formerly called as Madras and to the rest of India,
Madrasis represents the entire south Indians.
An ancient city, which has got a rich history of long 350 years, Chennai has been able to preserve its ethnicity and charm. In between the long busy sandy beaches, parks, sculptures and historic landmarks, one can see a vivacious and lively city which is ever growing, sprouting, mounting and shifting in harmony with the modern trends.
When we think about Chennai, the first place that comes in to our mind is the Marina Beach whose long expansion of sandy beaches with its alluring charm enthralls the spectators for a long .The pious among the visitors can go for a short trip to Milapur where ancient shrines like Kapileswara temple, St. Thomas Basilica, St.Thomas Mount and a Portuguese church situate.
One can start the sight seeing from Fort St George, where a museum awaits its visitors to unfurl the richness of the past. Then the Clive House stands proudly as a true testimonial to the British legacy. Another important place to be visited is the St Mary’s Church, which is considered as the oldest Anglican Church in Asia.
An intrinsic network of so many industrial, software and automobile sectors in the 200 square kilometers expansion of Chennai shows the progressiveness of an enduring society. Without loosing its traditional vigor, this metro has been able to establish a good name as a new entrant in the field of software and sophisticated technological arena.
A genuine blend of diverse cultures, people with distinct features, varying viewpoints, beliefs, values and morality has shaped the culture of the famous city. There is combination of cultures and ideas that make the cosmopolitan nature of Chennai. With its charismatic monuments, temples, mosques and churches coupled with the deep sense of ethnicity and tradition this metropolis offers exciting activities to the visitor.
History
A playground of mighty kings of Chola, Pandya, Pallava and Vijaynagar kingdoms, Chennai embraces a vast and a long history. Due to its strategic position in the coastal area it has become a major point of Naval administration since the first century. Most of the earlier dynasties had ports in and around the city. The might and valor of the illustrious rulers of various regimes has engrossed the foreign traders like the Portuguese, the French and finally the British.
An erstwhile settlement of the colonial forces, Chennai has attained the prestigious status as one of the presidencies under the imperial power. St George Fort, which captures the attention of the onlookers, was built in the year 1640 by the British as their seat of administration. Later this was captured by the French in 1746. By the treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle, the British regained its control and they fortified the bastions to prevent any further attacks. From that date onwards till India get freedom, this city was ruled by the British under whom the city has shown dynamic development.
After Independence, the city has become the capital of Tamil Nadu and it is this city, which has changed the political equations of the whole nation. Chennai has witnessed violent agitation against imposition of Hindi as the national language in the year 1965 and after that the city has been the hub of regional politics.
Culture
Tamil culture is renowned for the warmness and generosity of the people. Daily routine starts with putting kolams on the courtyard and performing religious rites. Among the various festivals, Pongal is celebrated with great fervor in Chennai. This thanksgiving festival is celebrated in five days, each day is charaterised by special poojas dedicated to sun, nature and the cattle. Mattu Pongal is the most colourful event of all the fiestas, in which beautifully decorated cattle steal the show. Other festivals encompass the harvest festival, Christmas and Eid.
Aptly called as the cultural capital of South India, Chennai represents the richness of classical and traditional art forms. A flourishing center of the traditional dance forms, Chennai presents a perfect ambiance for the toddlers in this field to flourish. Evenings in the city are marked with enthralling performances of veteran dancers and vocalists. Overwhelming participation of the general public is a unique feature of the cultural festivals in the city.
Tinsel world influences the lifestyle of the Tamil people to a great extent. Kollywood, as the Tamil film industry is popularly called, has provided three popular chief ministers to Tamil Nadu. Tamil movies have a large number of spectators around the world, which is famed for its exquisite music and marvelous cinematography.
A five day music extravaganza, which commemorates the annual celebrations of the Madras Music Academy features performances of traditional Carnatic music by hundreds of artists in and around the city. An arts festival called the Chennai Sangamam held in each January showcases various arts of Tamil Nadu.
Food
In the culinary map of India, the gastronomy of Tamil Nadu dominates among other South Indian Dishes. One among the popular cuisines of India that is liked by the natives and foreigners alike has been able to establish its own position in the food habits of the entire nation. Idli, Dosa, Sambar, Chutney and Vada, the breakfast dishes of a typical Tamil family acquires popularity as a delicious and healthy food.
A variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian cuisine that smells delectable is the specialty of Tamil Nadu, especially Chennai. Coconut, asafetida, and tamarind, the chief ingredients of vegetarian foods make the dish yummier. All most all the food items get its flavor from the spices in a coconut base.
The Tamil lunch includes of cooked rice with so many vegetable dishes like Sambar, Rasam, chutneys, curd and pickles. Crispy Pappadams are inevitable part of a Tamil meal. Filter coffee is the favourite drink of Tamilians. All visitors in a typical Tamil family in Chennai would be treated with this refreshing drink, the taste of which would loiters for ever in your tongue if tasted once.
With out describing Pongal the briefing about Tamil cuisine would be incomplete. Make sure that the restaurant you choose would serve this luscious cuisine. It is quite sure that the mouth watering recipe of Tamil Nadu would certainly provide you with a delightful time of eating.
Nightlife
Night Life in Chennai revolves round in the trendy Bars & Pubs. Late night activities in Chennai would provide a gala time of merry making with perky music, vivacious dancers and an array of exotic hot drinks. All posh hotels in this capital city of Tamil Nadu have their own dancing floors and bars, which compete with each other in providing the best facilities to its customers.
Even if dancing is not your passion, the lively music, the perky dance numbers are definite to tempt you to do something on the dance floor. Some of the hot spots of night crawlers in the city are Pasha, Dublin, EC 41, Flame Le Club. These pubs would be crowded with youngsters who dare to dance to the tune of the fast numbers. Intriguing flaunt of illumination and wonderful display of colors amidst the full flare of live compositions makes this nightclubs a hot favourite of the modern generation
Those who prefers a cool ambiance of excellent bars can opt luxurious hotels like Ashok Residency, Hotel Connemara, Geoffrey's at Hotel Radha Park Inn, Park Sheraton and Towers. Those who want to spend their time with their family would also have lots of options. Some nice restaurants in this metro offer pleasant and quiet evenings where you can have dine with your beloved ones.
Shopping
Flooded with a large variety of world-class shops, shopping in Chennai turned to be highly rewarding and thrilling. A wide option of traditional and stylish goods such as stone, carvings on brass, leather bikinis, wood and ivory, shoes, bags etc, are offered in each shops. These items are mostly available in the shopping centers at T Nagar, Rannganatha Street and Anna Salai.
You can purchase bits and pieces with traditional and antique touch from Chennai. Palmyra-fiber handicrafts and Pattamara Mats, leaf from Tirunellveli, bronze and brass casting and conventional jewelery from Kumbakonam, Metal works from Tanjavur, stone figurines from Mamallapuram and Silks from Kanchipuram are very popular among the shopping buffs.
In Chennai you would be able to meet the traditional traders who are concentrated in the trade of a particular object for generations Traders around the fort region are doing the same business for so many years. While you shop do not hesitate to bargain with the traders.
From the cheap fabrics that are exhibited on the footpaths to the exquisitely furnished malls, Chennai presents a wide range of options to the customers. When wandering through the streets and shopping markets, one would be bewildered to choose from thee artifacts.
