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Chennai, formerly known as Madras, is the capital of the Indian state Tamil Nadu. The nearly 400-year-old city is India's fourth largest metropolitan city and has an estimated population of 7.6 million.
Chennai is known for its cultural heritage and temple architecture, especially the Kapaleeshwarar temple in Mylapore, which was built by the Pallava kings in the 7th century. The region around Chennai has served as an important administrative, military, and economic centre dating back to the 1st century. Chennai has played host to a number of foreign occupations including the Portuguese, Dutch, French and most notably the British. In the late 18th century, under British rule, the city grew into a major urban centre and naval base. Today, the city remains an important commercial and economic center. Chennai's main industries are automobile, software services, hardware manufacturing and financial services.
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Marina Beach
Chennai is located along the 12-kilometer long Marina Beach, which forms the city's east coast. Marina Beach is one of the longest beaches in the world. A day spent walking the vast sandy stretch is a wonderful experience, and outdoors lovers may want to enjoy the local swimming and boating opportunities on offer. In 2004, a tsunami sweeping in from the Indian Ocean crashed over the shores of Chennai, killing many residents and altering the coastline forever.
Temples of Chennai: Shri Parathasarathy Temple
The Sri Prthasarathy Temple is an historic Hindu Temple, devoted to Lord Krishna. Built in the 8th Century by Pallava King, over the years the temple has been carefully and ornately renovated. It is one of the oldest surviving temples in Chennai and well worth an afternoon visit.
Kapaleeswarar Temple
Kapaleeswarar Temple is considered by Hindus to be one of the most sacred sites in Southern India. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this temple is over 350 years old. Temples of Kanchipuram:
Kamakshi Amman Temple
Kamakshi Amman Temple is famous for its ornate gold-plated gopuram. Dating back to the 14th century, the temple was built by the Chola Kings. Dedicated to the goddess Parvati, it is one of the three holy places of worship in India.
Kailasanatha Temple
Kailasanatha Temple was constructed from sand stone in the 8th century by King Rajasimha. The King died before it was finished, so the temple was completed by his son. The temple is known for its intricate sculptures and the fifty-eight smaller shrines surrounding the main shrine.
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