Chennai
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Chennai, also known as Madras, is the capital of the southern state of Tamil Nadu in India, and is the country's fourth-largest city. It is located on the Coromandel coast of the Bay of Bengal. With an estimated population of 7.45 million (2005), the 367 year old city is the 41st largest metropolitan area in the world. Madras was one of the first outposts of British East India Company. Colonel William Lambton, superintendent of the great Trigonometrical Survey of India, started his journey of triangulating India from St. Thomas Mount. The city was founded in 1639 when the company was granted land to build a trading settlement by the local Indian administrators. The British built Fort St. George (today the legislative and administrative seat of the state). George Town then developed becoming the modern city of Madras, absorbing several nearby boroughs. Thomas, one of the twelve apostles is associated with Chennai. He is said to have come to India as an evangelist and died in what is now Chennai. Two suburbs, Santhome and St. Thomas Mount, are named in his memory. A unique experience awaits you in Chennai. The diverse mix of cultures and celebrations makes this a great destination year-round. From ancient temples and parks to sandy beaches and gardens, there is plenty to experience in this eclectic Indian city.
Culture
Chennai's culture reflects its diverse population. The city is known for its classical dance shows and Hindu temples. Every December, Chennai holds a five week-long Music Season, which has been described as one of the world's largest cultural events. The Music Season encompasses performances (kutcheries) of traditional Carnatic music by hundreds of artists in and around the city. Chennai is also known for the classical Indian dance, Bharatanatyam, which is also the official dance of Tamil Nadu. An important cultural centre for Bharatanatyam is Kalakshetra (Sanskrit for "place of the arts"), located on the beach in the south of the city.
Getting There & Away – 
By Air -- Jet Airways has daily flights to Chennai's international Meenambakkam Airport (tel. 044/2256-1818) from all major destinations in India; and both Madurai and Tiruchirappalli can be reached by flights from here. Anna International Terminal and Kamaraj Domestic Terminal are situated about 12km (7 1/2 miles) from the center. The 30-minute taxi ride from the airport to downtown (Mount Rd.)
By Train -- Chennai has two major railway stations. Chennai Central (Georgetown) connects Chennai with most major destinations around India, while Egmore is the point of arrival and departure for trains within Tamil Nadu or Kerala.
By Road -- You may not realize it by glancing at a map, but Tamil Nadu is a fairly massive chunk of India, and it will take over 15 hours to drive from Chennai to Kanyakumari in the far southwest of the state. Nevertheless, getting around is best done from the relative comfort of a rented car, with a driver who knows the way to the best temples, and who knows when and how to avoid peak traffic.
Chennai Reservation Form
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