CHENNAI TOUR

HomeTamil NaduChennai Tour

Best time to visit: November - March

Chennai, formerly known as Madras, is the capital of the state of Tamil Nadu and is India's fourth largest metropolitan city. It is located on the Coromandel Coast of the Bay of Bengal. With an estimated population of 6.90 million (2005), the 368-year-old city is the 31st largest metropolitan area in the world.

The city is a large commercial and industrial centre, and is known for its cultural heritage and temple architecture. Chennai is the automobile capital of India with 80 per cent of the nation's vehicles produced here. In fact, it is referred to as the Detroit of South Asia. It has also become a major centre for outsourced jobs from the West. The 12-kilometre long Marina Beach forms the city's east coast and is one of the longest beaches in the world.

By Air: Chennai is connected by Jet, Indian Airlines, Sahara, Air India and other international airlines to the rest of the country and the world. The Meenambakkam Airport is located 17 km southwest of the city centre. It has terminals for both domestic and international travel. Prepaid taxis are available at the airport. Taxi fare from the airport to the city centre approximately costs Rs 250. Alternatively, you can use the airport bus if you are staying at one of the major hotels.

By Road: The city is well linked by roads to the major destinations in South India. It is connected by National Highway Nos 4, 5 and 45. The State Express Bus Stand is on the south of George Town (same as Park Town).

By Rail: The Tamil Nadu Express from Delhi, Ganga Kaveri Express from Varanasi, Shatabdi Express from Bangalore and the Charminar Express from Hyderabad are some of the trains from the major cities to Chennai. You also have the Coromandel Express from Chennai to Calcutta.

Railway station:
Central Railway Station links north and west.
Egmore Railway Station link south.

There are separate stations for local trains. Chennai Central Railway Station is located on Periyar EVR High Road. Relatively easy to get transport to and from the Central station though lack of knowledge of the local language Tamil could be a hindrance.

Madurai, Chennai, Coimbatore, Trichy, Thanjavur, Varanasi, Kanyakumari