Although the name of Chennai was declared official in 1996, the world capital of Tamil Nadu is known as Madras. It is the fourth largest city in India and most of its population belongs to the Tamil ethnic group.
Located on the southeast coast of the subcontinent, Chennai origins are rooted in the establishment of the British, who turned it into an urban center as much as a naval base. Hand in hand with the expansion and increasing prosperity of the British Empire, the city underwent a major development.
The architecture that shapes their urban landscapes and rich cultural and artistic are part of the rich heritage of this era. Considered the gateway to southern India is a source of leading figures in the field of literature and the arts. And that dance, music and theater are three protagonists of the cultural events in the city.
A peculiarity of this city is that it works most of the studios for industry Tamil cinema, which has grown remarkably in recent years. Therefore, it is dubbed Kollywood.
Moreover, the Gothic-style buildings and Dravidian are a major attraction in the city. El Fuerte de San Jorge, the Monument to Anna, the lighthouse and the Basilica de Santo Tomé are some prominent examples.
Also the beaches of the coast are a tourist attraction. The most popular of all is Marina, stretching over 12 kilometers. Sandy soil and washed by the waters of the Bay of Bengal, is the perfect place to enjoy the summer. You'll also find accommodation in hotels.
Other must see places are the Vandalur Zoo, near the city's main park, and the Madras Crocodile Bank, 40 miles away.