Chennai is the capital of Tamil Nadu and has a total area of 423 km and an approximate population of 7 million. It is situated at the Bay of Bengal in Eastern India.
Once called Madras, it was the trading outpost for the East India Company. The rich cultural heritage can be experienced at every nook and corner of the city. The architecture of the city ranges in a wide chronology of those of the Pallavas, Cholas and the Vijayanagar empires.
Things to do in Chennai
The primary recreational areas of Chennai are beaches, wildlife parks and zoo. The Madras Crocodile Bank Trust spread over an area of 8.5 acres has many visitors as spectators of the grand animal – crocodiles and alligators. The city also houses one of the largest zoological parks in the world, the Arignar Anna Zoological Park. The Guindy National Park also has a snake park and children's park.
Tourist attractions in Chennai
Some of the most popular tourist destinations in Chennai are Marina Beach, Vellankini Shrine, Mylapore, Elliot's Beach, Mahabalipuram, Royapuram Fishing Harbour, San Thome Church, Birla Pnaeterium, Thousand Lights Mosque, Fort St. George, Nettukuppam and Guindy National Park and Snake Park.
Places to shop in Chennai
Some of the famous markets are T. Nagar, Nungambakkam, Phoenix Market City, Express Avenue, Spencer Plaza, Chennai Citi Centre, Fountain Plaza, Alsa Mall, Ampa Skywalk, VR Chennai, The Marina Mall and the Abirami Mega Mall.
Best time to visit Chennai
Winters in Chennai are pleasant. The best time to visit the city is between October and December and from March to May.
Modes of transport
The city offers user-friendly, eco-friendly and easy connectivity through buses, rickshaws and taxis. Metropolitan Transport Corporation caters to the whole of the city and outer reaches as well.
Weather in Chennai
Chennai faces heavy rainfall and sometimes is susceptible to many cyclones. Summers are scorching, and winters are relatively cold. The lowest recorded temperature was 13.9 °C, and the highest recorded temperature was 45 °C.
Airport in Chennai
The Chennai International Airport (IATA: MAA) has two terminals and caters to well-connected flights globally. It is 15 km away from the city and is spread over an area of 5,665,599 sq. m. Chennai Airport is equipped with Wi-Fi to help you stay connected.