See the city's colonial heritage at 17th-century Fort St George and the
vast expanse of Marina Beach, studded with statues of famous Tamil personalities.
Step back further in time to ancient Hindu temples in Mylapore, and return to the
present in Chennai's busy shopping districts. Full-flavoured Chettiar cuisine
is bound to make your mouth water.
Background
Nestling by the Marina, Chennai's British Raj era is best seen inside Fort
St George, north of the centre. Here you can see India's oldest
church, St Mary's Church where Robert Clive (Clive of India) was married.
The 11-mile-long Marina Beach stretches from north to south, a huge urban
beach. Mylapore, south of the centre, is home to Chennai's oldest
religious relics, including Hindu temples. Around the University at
Triplicane are the best examples of Indo-Saracenic (a mix of Indian and
British Gothic style) architecture from the late 19th century.
First-time visit
In colonial George Town, check out Fort St George built by the British
East India Company, and the ornate façade of the Indo-Saracenic High
Court. Christian history is on show at San Thome Cathedral in
Mylapore, said to house the remains of Jesus' apostle Doubting
Thomas who many believe to have been killed on nearby St Thomas Mound. Close by,
admire the ornate carvings on the 130-foot-high gopuram entrance tower at the
Hindu Kapaleeshwarar Temple. Take an evening stroll along Marina
Beach, where locals gather to eat snacks and play beach cricket at sunset.
Return visit
Browse the six buildings of the Government Museum, including the Hindu
Sculpture Gallery and National Art Gallery, with rare Chola bronzes
and Mughal miniatures in a glorious colonial-era building. Inspired by cricket on
the beach? Try and get to see a regional or international match between October and
March at the world-class M. A. Chidambaram Stadium. If you have the time,
take a day trip to admire the UNESCO-protected rock-cut temples of
Mahaballipuram.
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